Episode 38 - SHELBY GRANT - 15 Year Old Wildlife Sensation!

In this episode we have the absolute pleasure of chatting with the amazing young photographer and social media giant, Shelby Grant! We chat about recent wildlife encounters, mental health awareness, and the importance of social media in wildlife conservation. Our conversation explores the impact of social media on wildlife awareness and the community it fosters among photographers, Shelby shares his journey into wildlife photography, discussing the inspiration he found in nature and the impact of social media on his growth. We discuss the importance of taking inspiration, the responsibilities of content creators, and the emotional connection Shelby (and we!) feels towards wildlife. Shelby also reflects on overcoming personal challenges, such as his stammer, and how it has shaped his confidence. The discussion touches on the significance of fieldcraft, the role of family support, and future his aspirations.We also want to mention Chloe Dalton and her incredibly important petition to try and get a close season on the shooting of Hares, it needs 100,000 signatures! The link is below, sign it please!!!!!.....https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/724795So sit back and enjoy a brilliant episode of The WildX Podcast.Sponsored by:Cotton Carrier - To see their incredible range of Camera carrying equipment visit www.cottoncarrier.comCode ANDYGREEN10 for 10% discountGet involved with WildX at www.instagram.com/wildxphoto

Today we are privileged to be chatting with the amazing Dave Sexton, who has played a massive role in the reintroduction & conservation of the magnificent White Tailed Eagle. With the release of the moving RSPB film 'RETURN' it was perfect timing to discuss with Dave his decades of experience with the UK's biggest bird of prey, his time on the BBC 'Watches' and even featuring on the first ever episode of The One Show. Our conversation also touches on ethical photography practices and the impact of supplementary feeding on wildlife with a focus on Mull Charters and their boat the Lady Jane. The chat delves into the intricate relationship between wildlife conservation, particularly the reintroduction of white-tailed eagles, and the role of wildlife tourism. We discuss the challenges of protecting wildlife in deforested areas, the importance of community involvement, and the impact of media on public perception. An important and facinating conversation with Dave not to be missed! And also make sure you watch the 'RETURN'! It's powerful and beautifully made. Link below.https://youtu.be/uInFdcL876I?si=iu-GK4q2w4s6NxGgSo sit back and enjoy a brilliant episode of The WildX Podcast.Sponsored by:Chubby Mealworms - To find out more about their amazing bird and wildlife food visit www.chubbymealworms.co.ukCode WILDX5 for 5% discount&Cotton Carrier - To see their incredible range of Camera carrying equipment visit www.cottoncarrier.comCode ANDYGREEN10 for 10% discountGet involved with WildX at www.instagram.com/wildxphoto

In this episode of the Wild X podcast, we have a long awaited catch up in person, recording in the same room for the first time in a year!We discuss our recent adventures and experiences in wildlife photography. Adam updates us on his amazing tour with T across the UK, we delve into the importance of wildlife hides, share emotional encounters with animals, and highlight conservation success stories. We talk about the value of patience, creativity, and storytelling in photography, while also exploring the unique behaviours and diets of various animals in Andy's Weird World and reflect on our journeys as wildlife photographers and the lessons learned along the way, encouraging you to appreciate the beauty of nature and the effort behind capturing it.So sit back and enjoy a brilliant episode of The WildX Podcast.Sponsored by:Chubby Mealworms - To find out more about their amazing bird and wildlife food visit www.chubbymealworms.co.ukCode WILDX5 for 5% discount&Cotton Carrier - To see their incredible range of Camera carrying equipment visit www.cottoncarrier.comCode ANDYGREEN10 for 10% discountGet involved with WildX at www.instagram.com/wildxphoto

In this episode, we have the joy of discussing the journey of Jack Lodge, an award-winning landscape genius, wildlife photographer and all round great guy, who transitioned from a career in architecture to pursue his passion for photography full-time. We explore the importance of building a community, diversifying income streams, and the role of personality and positivity in attracting clients, essentially what you need to become pro! We talk on the realities of wildlife photography and the significance of networking within the photography community and of authenticity in personal branding, the sacrifices made in pursuing a career in photography, and the accidental journey that led to a passion for capturing landscapes and wildlife for Jack. We talk reptiles in this week's Weird World and end the show with an hilarious Snapshot Shenanigans! So sit back and enjoy a brilliant episode of The WildX Podcast.Sponsored by:Chubby Mealworms - To find out more about their amazing bird and wildlife food visit www.chubbymealworms.co.ukCode WILDX5 for 5% discount&Cotton Carrier - To see their incredible range of Camera carrying equipment visit www.cottoncarrier.comCode ANDYGREEN10 for 10% discountGet involved with WildX at www.instagram.com/wildxphoto

In today's episode we have the absolute pleasure of chatting to the brilliant zoologist and TV presenter Megan McCubbin, who shares powerful insights on nature’s interconnectedness and how the urgency of action, politics, and youth engagement all shape conservation today.Megan also opens up about her personal journey, overcoming dyslexia, finding her voice in science communication, and the adrenaline of live TV on shows like BBC's Springwatch. From the comeback of seagrass to the mental health benefits of reconnecting with the wild, this episode is packed with inspiration, authenticity, and a call to rediscover and protect the natural world.So sit back and enjoy a brilliant episode of The WildX Podcast.Sponsored by:Chubby Mealworms - To find out more about their amazing bird and wildlife food visit www.chubbymealworms.co.ukCode WILDX5 for 5% discount&Cotton Carrier - To see their incredible range of Camera carrying equipment visit www.cottoncarrier.comCode ANDYGREEN10 for 10% discountGet involved with WildX at www.instagram.com/wildxphoto

Today we are delighted to chat with the absolutely amazing Megan James, a wildlife photography and social media sensation who has wowed us all sharing her incredible experiences with Puffins, Pelicans and so much more, all via her incredible photos and unique Insta360 setup!We talk WWT Welney, Arboriculture and Forestry, GoPro Awards and the Weird World of Dalmatian Pelicans. We have a great Topic of the Week discussing Content Creation vs Photography vs Videography- the pros, cons and strong opinions and finish with some uplifting news.So sit back and enjoy a brilliant episode of The WildX Podcast.Sponsored by:Chubby Mealworms - To find out more about their amazing bird and wildlife food visit www.chubbymealworms.co.ukCode WILDX5 for 5% discount&Cotton Carrier - To see their incredible range of Camera carrying equipment visit www.cottoncarrier.comCode ANDYGREEN10 for 10% discountGet involved with WildX at www.instagram.com/wildxphoto

Today's episode is a special one not to be missed...Global Birdfair was a massive success and this year we are extremely proud to say we were there live!We talk about Andy's disappointment in missing the fair due to illness, but in contrast the positivity and community spirit that was evident across the whole weekend for those that attended.In our intro all three of us discuss this positivity and how important it is, particularly in a world where social media can be a hard thing to navigate.There's a very special interactive live Weird World, Topic of the Week and Snapshot Shenanigans!So sit back and enjoy a brilliant episode of The WildX Podcast.Sponsored by:Chubby Mealworms - To find out more about their amazing bird and wildlife food visit www.chubbymealworms.co.uk&Cotton Carrier - To see their incredible range of Camera carrying equipment visit www.cottoncarrier.comGet involved with WildX at www.instagram.com/wildxphoto

Today we are joined by the fantastic wildlife cameraman and filmmaker Richard Hopkins whose footage is featured in an extensive list of TV series and documentaries, including Springwatch, Winterwatch, Wales, Land of the Wild and also the highly acclaimed BBC documentary, The Earthshot Prize, Repairing Our Planet.We talk about badgers and pumas, kingfishers and otters, not to mention the Bone Collector Caterpillar in this weeks gruesome Weird World, whilst researching and understanding a species before you try to photograph it in Topic of the Week!So sit back and enjoy a brilliant episode of The WildX Podcast.Sponsored by:Chubby Mealworms - To find out more about their amazing bird and wildlife food visit www.chubbymealworms.co.uk&Cotton Carrier - To see their incredible range of Camera carrying equipment visit www.cottoncarrier.comGet involved with WildX at www.instagram.com/wildxphoto

Our schedules sometimes get super hectic so instead of missing a week, we have been delving into the archives to bring you the most heart warming and interesting moments over the last 29 episodes from our stars of shows like Spring Watch, Wild Isles, BBC Mammals, Nat Geo's Billy and Molly as well as  Emmy award winning Amazon Original documentary 'WildCat'.We’ll be back with an amazing guest next time but for now, sit back, relax and listen to the WildX Podcast TV & Documentary special! Sponsored by:Chubby Mealworms - To find out more about their amazing bird and wildlife food visit www.chubbymealworms.co.uk&Cotton Carrier - To see their incredible range of Camera carrying equipment visit www.cottoncarrier.comGet involved with WildX at www.instagram.com/wildxphoto

Today's episode is very special and the absolutely brilliant Sean Jones is here to share it with us.We are so excited to announce the launch of "Friends of WildX", a series of special episodes where a friend of ours, and the show, joins as a co-host.Sean is not only a close friend but a massive supporter of WildX and all we stand for. A brilliant guy and awesome wildlife photographer who sends positive vibes out into the world as well as producing beautiful work and most recently alongside Yorkshire Wildlife Trust!We talk pro golfing in the US, what happens when illness knocks you back, the power of self development and campervans!!!!!On top of all of that we have a super special Weird World you won't want to miss!Sit back and enjoy an emotional and brilliant episode of The WildX Podcast.Sponsored by:Chubby Mealworms - To find out more about their amazing bird and wildlife food visit www.chubbymealworms.co.uk&Cotton Carrier - To see their incredible range of Camera carrying equipment visit www.cottoncarrier.comGet involved with WildX at www.instagram.com/wildxphoto