Rewildology

• #214 | Illuminating Coexistence: The Blink+A Story with Nicolás Lagos and Javiera de la Fuente

  Join host Brooke Mitchell as she speaks with puma researcher Nicolas Lagos and conservation technologist Javiera de la Fuente about revolutionizing human-wildlife coexistence with Blink+A, an innovative deterrent device combining flashing lights, sounds, and IoT connectivity to protect livestock and carnivores. From selling a wildlife photography book to fund their idea to testing weatherproof devices across ranches from the US to Saudi Arabia, this unlikely collaboration between a Patagonian field biologist and Santiago digital designer shows how conservation technology can address predator-livestock conflict. Named after a one-eyed puma from Torres del Paine, Blink+A demonstrates open-source innovation in wildlife management, promoting peaceful coexistence between ranching communities and endangered carnivores like pumas, jaguars, and bears. Support the $25,000 fundraiser to expand Blink+A testing globally at givebutter.com/projectpatagonia. TIMESTAMPS0:00 Introduction & Project Overview1:45 Meet Nico & Javi2:25 Nico's Background - From Santiago to Patagonia Pumas4:40 Javi's Story - From Nintendo to Conservation Tech7:35 The Problem: Century-Old Human-Wildlife Conflict12:45 Designing Blink+A: Deterrent 2.016:25 15 Prototypes and Counting19:30 Learning to Prototype on a Budget22:55 Funding Through Puma Photography Book26:15 Why This Device Works: Predator Biology30:50 The Human Element: Working with Ranchers36:35 Rancher Feedback: Virtual Fences Concept38:25 Technical Details: Lights, Sounds & Sensors42:10 PIR Sensors & Customizable Components45:10 Current Status & Next Phase47:50 What Success Means to Each of Them51:30 How Blink+A Got Its Name53:25 The One-Eyed Puma: Blinka's Story54:35 Final Thoughts & Advice57:10 Call to Action & Fundraiser58:25 Outro & Expedition Information LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIAhttps://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/ REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONSWhere The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/ JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!September/October Book - Crossings by Ben Goldfarb https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/ SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTERShow notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/ SUPPORT REWILDOLOGYhttps://rewildology.com/support-the-show/ FOLLOW REWILDOLOGYYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RewildologyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewildology/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyX: https://x.com/rewildology SPONSORSHIPS & BRAND PARTNERSHIPSSend your ideas to Brooke at [email protected]

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• #213 | How Indigenous Wisdom and Modern Science Are Revolutionizing Amazon Rainforest Conservation with Rosa Espinoza, PhD (Inbetweenersode #2)

  Join host Brooke Mitchell for an incredible conversation with Dr. Rosa Espinoza, PhD scientist and author of "The Spirit of the Rainforest: How Indigenous Wisdom and Scientific Curiosity Reconnects Us to the Natural World." Rosa shares her groundbreaking Amazon rainforest research, including her discovery of stingless bees as Earth's oldest pollinators (80 million years old) and their medicinal honey properties used in COVID-19 treatment by indigenous communities. Learn how traditional indigenous knowledge bridges with modern conservation science, from animal self-medication research inspired by ayahuasca experiences to new Peruvian legislation protecting native bee species. Rosa explains why everyone on Earth is connected to the Amazon ecosystem through weather patterns, food systems, and natural medicines, while exploring zoopharmacognosy (animal self-medication), ethnobotany, and the beautiful indigenous concept of "living beautifully" as environmental stewardship. This episode reveals how traditional ecological knowledge from Amazonian communities guides cutting-edge scientific discoveries in biodiversity conservation, pollinator research, and sustainable environmental practices. Perfect for listeners interested in conservation biology, indigenous rights, traditional medicine, Amazon biodiversity, climate science, and innovative approaches to environmental research and cultural preservation. TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome00:55 Rosa's Unique Upbringing in the Amazon03:27 Journey to Pursuing Science06:33 Cultural Shock and Adaptation10:22 The Spirit of the Rainforest: Book Discussion14:22 Global Connection to the Amazon19:27 Indigenous Wisdom and Modern Science27:26 The Importance of Preserving Indigenous Knowledge42:24 Cultural Pride and Social Media Influence43:40 Indigenous Voices in Science46:17 Introduction to Stingless Bees48:08 The Medicinal Power of Stingless Bee Honey54:55 Biodiversity and Conservation Efforts01:00:21 Writing and Storytelling Process01:05:21 Reconnecting with Nature and Self01:18:57 Book Release and Final Thoughts LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIAhttps://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/ REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONSWhere The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/ JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!July / August Book - The Spirit of the Rainforest by Dr. Rosa Espinoza https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/ SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTERShow notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/ SUPPORT REWILDOLOGYhttps://rewildology.com/support-the-show/ FOLLOW REWILDOLOGYYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RewildologyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewildology/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyX: https://x.com/rewildology SPONSORSHIPS & BRAND PARTNERSHIPSSend your ideas to Brooke at [email protected]

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• #212 | Patagonia Update: Helicopter Discoveries and Conservation Breakthroughs with Cristian Saucedo (Inbetweenersode #1)

  Join me, Brooke Mitchell, for an exciting conservation update from Chile's Route of Parks of Patagonia with Rewilding Chile's Wildlife Director Cristian Saucedo. Discover the dramatic helicopter discovery of 10 endangered huemul deer at Cape Froward, southern river otter (huillín) sightings in coastal areas, the first international Darwin's rhea translocation between Argentina and Chile, Andean condor rehabilitation successes, and groundbreaking puma coexistence research. This Inbetweenersode provides exclusive access to conservation breakthroughs across 1,700 miles of protected Patagonian wilderness, showcasing cutting-edge rewilding efforts, endangered species recovery, and sustainable wildlife tourism initiatives. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, adventure travelers, and anyone passionate about wildlife conservation success stories from one of the world's most ambitious conservation projects.TIMESTAMPS0:00 Welcome to Rewildology: Exciting Updates from Patagonia00:44 Conservation Stories from Patagonia's Route of Parks01:11 Meet Cristian Saucedo: Wildlife Director for Rewilding Chile02:48 The Journey of Rewilding Chile08:54 Breakthrough Discoveries in Cape Forward28:40 The Importance of Baseline Data for Conservation34:43 Translocation Success: Moving Darwin's Rhea from Argentina to Chile37:08 Monitoring and Releasing Darwin's Rhea in Patagonia38:23 Challenges and Successes in Rhea Conservation42:29 Andean Condor Rehabilitation and Release Program50:18 Puma Conservation Efforts in Patagonia57:56 Wildlife Conservation in Pumalin National Park01:04:02 Closing Remarks and Future Plans LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIAhttps://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/ REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONSWhere The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/ JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!July / August Book - The Spirit of the Rainforest by Dr. Rosa Espinozahttps://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/ SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTERShow notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/ SUPPORT REWILDOLOGYhttps://rewildology.com/support-the-show/ FOLLOW REWILDOLOGYYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RewildologyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewildology/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyX: https://x.com/rewildology CONTACTSBrooke Mitchell, [email protected] SPONSORSHIPS & BRAND PARTNERSHIPSSend your ideas to Brooke at [email protected]

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• Where Hope Flourishes: The Promise of Patagonia's Route of Parks

  In this powerful finale, I reveal the five revolutionary conservation principles that make Chile's Route of Parks a global blueprint for planetary healing. From tracking pumas with scientist Nicolás Lagos in Torres del Paine to discovering endangered huemul deer in a Patagonian snowstorm, this 1,700-mile conservation corridor spanning 17 national parks is transforming wildlife conservation and climate action. Learn why temperate rainforests store three times more carbon than the Amazon, explore groundbreaking puma coexistence research, and discover Darwin's rhea restoration programs across 28 million acres of protected wilderness. I announce Project Patagonia's three pillars: Listen (this podcast), Protect (supporting $20,000 for puma research), and Experience (my exclusive April 2026 Torres del Paine expedition). From ancient Alerce trees to innovative wetland protection, discover how corridor connectivity, indigenous co-management, and ecosystem restoration offer hope for addressing climate change and biodiversity loss worldwide. This conservation revolution proves that landscape-scale thinking, community partnerships, and sustainable tourism can heal damaged ecosystems while supporting local livelihoods. What conservation lesson resonated most with you? Drop me a note in the comments! Thanks for listening! SERIES TITLEWhere the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks EPISODE TITLEEpisode 8: Where Hope Flourishes: The Promise of Patagonia's Route of Parks TIMESTAMPS 00:00 A Snowy Encounter in Patagonia01:21 Introduction to the Journey02:02 Close Encounters with Pumas03:48 Darwin's Rhea Breeding Program05:08 The Melting Glaciers07:05 Interconnected Ecosystems08:19 Conservation in Working Landscapes09:05 A Blueprint for Planetary Healing12:26 The Five Pillars of Conservation16:21 Project Patagonia: How You Can Help19:19 Conclusion and Acknowledgements LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIAhttps://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/ REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/ JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!May / June Path of the Puma by Jim Williams: https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/ SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTERShow notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/ SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY

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• Where Ice Meets Sky: Patagonia's Vanishing Glaciers

  Experience the stunning yet sobering reality of Patagonia's vanishing glaciers as I soar over Chile's massive ice fields and uncover groundbreaking climate research with Chilean glaciologist Dr. Ines Dussaillant. In this urgent episode, I explore the Northern and Southern Patagonian Ice Fields - covering over 16,500 square kilometers and representing the largest temperate ice masses in the Southern Hemisphere. Discover the alarming reality that five of the last six years have broken records for glacial mass loss, with some Patagonian glaciers retreating over 15 kilometers in just one century. Learn why these ancient ice formations serve as "sentinels of climate change," functioning as crucial water towers that sustain river systems across Chile and Argentina while storing massive amounts of fresh water. I was amazed to discover that Patagonia contains both the world's fastest-retreating glacier and fastest-growing glacier within the same ice field. From understanding why glacial ice appears that stunning blue color to exploring how satellite technology tracks ice loss across decades, this episode reveals the critical role glaciers play in global sea level rise and local water security. Dr. Dussaillant's recent Nature publication documents the accelerating pace of glacial retreat, while offering hope through Chile's emerging glacier protection laws and the Route of Parks conservation corridor. What spoke to you the most? Drop me a note in the comments! Thanks for listening! SERIES TITLEWhere the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks EPISODE TITLEEpisode 7: Where Ice Meets Sky: Patagonia's Vanishing GlaciersTIMESTAMPS00:00 Awe-Inspiring Aerial Views of Patagonia01:49 Introduction to Patagonia's Glaciers02:54 Meeting Dr. Ines Dussaillant: A Glaciologist's Journey05:59 Understanding Glaciers: Formation and Function09:13 The Crucial Roles of Glaciers11:18 Fieldwork and Satellite Observations13:07 The Unique Glaciers of Patagonia19:31 The Impact of Climate Change on Glaciers23:08 Hope and Conservation Efforts29:54 Join Project Patagonia LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIAhttps://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/ REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONSWhere The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/ JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!May / June Path of the Puma by Jim Williams: https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/ SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTERShow notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/ SUPPORT REWILDOLOGYhttps://rewildology.com/support-the-show/ LISTEN TO THE REWILDOLOGY PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YXWSsFSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oW6artLcvxX0QoW1TCcrq?si=ff3b5e2ec90542a2 FOLLOW REWILDOLOGYYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RewildologyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewildology/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyX: https://x.com/rewildology CONTACTSBrooke Mitchell, [email protected]...

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