All Creatures Podcast

Chris welcomes author Robert Moore to the All Creatures Podcast to discuss his book "In Trees: An Exploration" and how trees shape ecosystems, human wellbeing, and environmental solutions.

Moore explains “tree thinking” as a non-linear, relational way of understanding life inspired by Darwin’s evolutionary tree, and discusses debates around plant intelligence while cautioning against projecting human consciousness onto trees. They cover evidence that forest exposure (and even images of trees) can reduce stress and boost creativity, and explore humans’ ancient, arboreal connection to climbing and revering trees.

The discussion also dives into some of the most pressing environmental issues facing our planet today, including old-growth logging, forest conservation, climate change, and the importance of preserving ancient ecosystems that have stood for thousands of years.

00:00 Welcome and Why Trees
02:34 Tree Thinking Explained
05:48 Do Trees Have Intelligence
09:16 Empathy and Open Minds
12:40 Collective Intelligence Networks
13:39 Humans as Tree Climbers
17:43 Forest Bathing Science
20:19 Forests as Healing Places
20:56 Old Growth Activism Fairy Creek
24:08 Why Clearcuts Worsen Climate
27:07 Anger Greed and Forest Elephants
30:44 Ancient Trees and Pando
32:05 Oldest Tree Mistake
32:47 Which Forest Stunned You
33:09 Climbing Giant Sequoias
34:00 Sequoias Spark Conservation
36:31 Forests and Climate Tipping
38:10 Beyond Tree Planting
41:28 Denial and Capitalism
44:43 Rootedness as Remedy
48:42 Where Hope Comes From
53:42 Attenborough and Curiosity
54:52 If Trees Could Speak
58:26 Closing and Where to Follow

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Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris and Angie first recorded this in 2020 and it is worth a relisten!

Red pandas may look like a cross between a fox, a raccoon, and a teddy bear, but they are actually one of the most unique mammals on Earth. Found in the temperate forests of the Himalayas and southwestern China, these remarkable animals spend much of their lives high in the trees, feeding primarily on bamboo and navigating some of the world's most rugged landscapes.

Despite their popularity, red pandas face an uncertain future. The species is currently listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with populations declining across much of their range. Habitat loss, forest fragmentation, climate change, and human disturbance continue to shrink and isolate the mountain forests they depend upon.

==

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris explores the heartbreaking story of the northern white rhinoceros, now reduced to the last two surviving females, Najin and Fatu, living under armed protection in Kenya.

The episode traces how poaching, habitat loss, political instability, and human demand drove a once widespread animal to the edge of extinction, while contrasting their fate with the recovery of southern white rhinos. Chris also examines the extraordinary scientific efforts underway to create northern white rhino embryos using advanced reproductive technology, raising profound questions about extinction, conservation, human responsibility, and whether science can truly save what humanity nearly destroyed.

Timeline

00:00 Welcome and premise
00:28 Last two rhinos
01:47 North vs south
04:38 Najin and Fatu
08:16 Quiet extinction
13:21 Why they vanished
19:38 Horn trade pressures
23:22 Hope runs out
24:55 Lab rescue plan
30:37 Making embryos
36:56 Frozen zoo ethics
44:35 Tech vs prevention
51:24 Final reflections

==

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

Image from Amy Vitale National Geographic Creative

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris and Angie revisit one of Africa’s most recognizable — and misunderstood — animals: the warthog.

Famous for inspiring Pumbaa in Disney’s The Lion King, warthogs are far more than comic relief. These resilient wild pigs are perfectly adapted for survival on the African savannah, using speed, intelligence, powerful tusks, and even reverse-running into burrows to avoid predators.

In this classic episode from 2020, they explore the biology, behavior, and ecology of warthogs, including why they kneel while feeding, how they survive lions, hyenas, and drought, and the important role they play in African ecosystems. Warthogs help shape grasslands, recycle nutrients, and provide prey for many of Africa’s top predators.

Unlike many African mammals, warthogs are currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, but they still face threats from habitat loss, fencing, drought, and disease outbreaks such as African swine fever. Their success story also highlights how adaptable wildlife can persist when ecosystems remain connected and healthy.

Fast, tough, oddly adorable, and full of personality, warthogs continue to win people over once they look beyond the tusks and warts. This episode is a celebration of one of Africa’s most entertaining survivors.

==

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Angie interviews wildlife conservationist Leif Cocks, founder of the International Tiger Project, about saving wild tigers through large-scale rainforest protection in Indonesia and Laos. They discuss why tiger conservation matters for biodiversity and climate resilience, the extinction of Bali and Javan tigers, and the urgent reality that fewer than 300 Sumatran tigers remain in fragmented habitats.

Leif explains the major threats facing tigers (including habitat loss, poaching, prey decline, and human conflict) and how ranger teams, camera traps, rescue programs, and local community support are helping protect remaining populations. He also shares how listeners can help through rainforest sponsorships, recurring donations, and ethical eco-tourism initiatives.

International Tiger Project HERE

==

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices