Dr Marisa Tellez knew from a young age that she was destined to work with the world’s apex predators—particularly crocodiles. While her peers played with dolls, she immersed herself in books, documentaries, and wildlife centres, determined to one day turn her fascination into action.In this episode, we sit down with Dr Tellez, Executive Director of the Crocodile Research Coalition, to explore her remarkable journey from the suburbs of Los Angeles to the lagoons of Belize. Along the way, we uncover how her early love for reptiles led her into parasitology, science communication, and community-led conservation.Marisa shares how local attitudes toward crocodiles in Belize have transformed through education and engagement, and we dive into what it’s really like to live and work among these often-misunderstood creatures. We also talk about threats facing crocodilians and what it takes to build a career in conservation as a woman, a leader, and a lifelong learner.This is a podcast about passion, persistence, and predators—and why building empathy for crocodiles might just help save them.
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Diving Deeper: Cristina Zenato on Sharks, Conservation & Purpose
What happens when you stop fearing sharks — and start listening to them?In this inspiring episode, we dive into the extraordinary world of Cristina Zenato – a trailblazing shark behaviorist, cave explorer, and professional diver who has spent over three decades in the Bahamas.As Director of Training for the Underwater Explorer Society and Founder of the non-profit People of the Water, Cristina has dedicated her life to understanding and protecting the ocean's most misunderstood creatures.Join us as we explore her fascinating journey from her roots in Italy and the Congo to the depths of underwater caves and the intimate world of sharks. Cristina shares powerful stories of connection, resilience, and redefining success, while offering rich advice for anyone dreaming of a career in marine conservation.Whether you're intrigued by the emotional intelligence of sharks, curious about cave diving, or navigating your own conservation career path, this episode is packed with insight, heart, and raw inspiration.Enjoy.
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Why Conservation Needs Educators | Dr Dave Johnston, Wildlife Conservation Society
Dr Dave Johnston, Director of Professional Development at the Wildlife Conservation Society, shares why education is essential to conservation. In this episode, we explore how zoos and aquariums scale conservation impact, how Dave built a fulfilling career through teaching, and what effective conservation education really looks like.We explore:Why zoos and aquariums are ideal hubs for conservation learningHow Dave pivoted from animal care to conservation educationWhat makes professional development effectiveWhy empathy, storytelling and respect are critical in engaging learnersAnd how you can start or grow your career in conservation educationIt’s an energising, thoughtful and hopeful conversation.🔗 Learn more about WCS: https://www.wcs.org 🎓 Explore Conservation Careers: https://www.conservation-careers.com
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Designing Your Conservation Career: MSc Conservation Project Management
In this episode, Dr Stephen Green joins Nick Askew to share the story behind the MSc Conservation Project Management – a skills-based master’s programme co-created by Newquay University Centre and Conservation Careers.Together, they reflect on the first year of delivery, the importance of employer-aligned training, and the transformative impact of the Conservation Careers Kickstarter course. It’s a practical, personal and inspiring look at how to build careers – and courses – that make a difference.Find out more here - https://www.cornwall.ac.uk/courses/msc-conservation-project-management/
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Building a Brand for Nature with Sara Kenny | Communications and Marketing Manager at Biodiversify
Today we’re joined by Sara Kenny – Communications and Marketing Manager at Biodiversify – for a rich conversation on the power of messaging, the art of communications strategy, and why brand matters in conservation.We dig into Sara’s journey from zoology and human rights into charity communications, and now, leading communications and marketing for one of the UK’s most distinctive biodiversity consultancies. She reflects on brand-building, crafting effective messages, collaborating with corporates, and the role of hope in tackling environmental issues.We also explore careers advice for people wanting to work in conservation communications—what skills matter most, how AI is reshaping the landscape, and why it’s okay to have a squiggly career.It’s a practical, honest, and empowering episode about the human side of making nature recovery happen. Enjoy!
Nick Askew from Conservation Careers uncovers what it's like to work in wildlife conservation. He explores how to get a conservation job, and discusses the latest industry news, by speaking to professional conservationists who share their career stories and advice.
So if you want the inside scoop on the life of a professional conservationist and their industry, are feeling lost in your conservation job hunt and need some direction, or wanting to switch careers into conservation but don't know where to start - this is the podcast for you!
Conservation jobs, conservation volunteering, conservation internships, conservation careers, conservation news, conservation stories.
Check us out at conservation-careers.com to find the most conservation jobs and the best conservation careers advice.
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