Painting Conservation: Rory McCann on Using Art to Connect People and Wildlife

When was the last time a piece of art changed how you thought or felt about the natural world? Today’s guest is Rory McCann — a conservation artist and muralist who uses large-scale, community-driven art to inspire awareness, connection, and action for nature.In this conversation, Rory shares what it’s like to create wildlife-inspired murals, and how involving schools and communities in the creative process can help people fall in love with wildlife.We explore the power of art in conservation, education and behaviour change — and how Rory’s own journey, shaped by childhood arthritis and a deep love of nature, led him to forge a creative career outside the traditional path.Whether you’re a career switcher, student, artist or conservationist, this is a beautiful reminder that there’s no one way to make a difference.It’s a bold, personal, and inspiring episode.Enjoy.Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-mccann-artist/https://www.instagram.com/rorymccannart/https://www.facebook.com/RoryMcCannMuralshttps://rorymccannmurals.com/about/

Scotland is a land of breathtaking beauty — from its rugged coasts and misty glens to its rich biodiversity and wild spaces. But like all places we love, it needs care, commitment and community to keep it that way.In this episode, we’re joined by Barry Fisher, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, the environmental charity on a mission to inspire action for a clean, green, sustainable Scotland.Together we explore what makes Scotland so special — especially for wildlife — and why it can’t be taken for granted. Barry shares the charity’s current strategy, how they work with partners across government, schools, businesses and communities, and how they’re tackling issues like biodiversity loss, climate change, and waste.We also explore Barry’s personal journey — from youth development to leading a national charity — and what it’s really like to be a CEO in the conservation space. He reflects on the challenges and rewards of leadership, what success looks like for him, and the pivotal career moments that shaped his path.Whether you’re based in Scotland or just love the idea of community-powered environmental action, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and real-world examples of conservation in action.It’s a reflective, practical, and optimistic episode. Enjoy.www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org

Have you ever felt stuck, burnt out, or unsure of your next move in your career?In this episode we’re joined by Kristi Foster, Head of Programmes at Conservation Careers and an experienced careers coach. Kristi has been a guiding force for hundreds of conservationists — helping them overcome internal barriers like imposter syndrome, burnout, and decision paralysis.Together, we explore what coaching actually is — and what it isn’t — clarifying how it differs from mentoring, consulting or therapy, and what makes it such a powerful tool for growth. We discuss the unique challenges conservationists face today, from burnout to imposter syndrome to uncertainty, and how coaching can bring you clarity, confidence and direction. Kristi also walks us through what happens in a typical coaching session, including some of the tools and exercises she uses to help people unlock breakthroughs. And finally, we explore how to know if coaching is right for you — and what it takes to get the most from the process.Whether you're a student, switcher, seasoned professional or someone in-between, this conversation will help you understand the power of coaching to support your growth and success in the sector.It’s an open, honest, and practical conversation — and if you’d like to explore whether coaching could be right for you, there’s a link in the description to find out more.EnjoyWant to learn more or book a coaching session? Visit -> https://www.conservation-careers.com/support/clarity-coaching/

How rewilding is helping nature and people thrive in Portugal and beyond, with Pedro Ribeiro.If you’ve ever wondered what rewilding really means – or what it takes to make it happen on the ground – this episode is for you.We’re joined by Pedro Ribeiro, our Expert in Residence here at Conservation Careers, for a practical and inspiring look at rewilding in action.Pedro shares what rewilding looks like across the Portuguese landscape – from restoring large grazers like horses, to supporting vultures and other scavengers, tackling invasive species, and rebuilding healthier ecosystems.We also discuss Pedro’s career journey into rewilding, his work with communities and landowners, the kinds of jobs emerging in the field – and how you can get involved through our new Certificate in Rewilding training programme.It’s a grounded, hopeful, and insight-packed conversation – and a “boots-on-the-ground” look at rewilding.Enjoy.

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.

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.

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

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/

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!

What can three decades in one wild place teach us about conservation?In this episode, we sit down with Craig Ralston - Natural England Senior Reserve Manager at Yorkshire’s Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve - to explore his remarkable 30-year journey of restoring landscapes, inspiring communities, and navigating change.Craig shares his reflections on the importance of long-term thinking in conservation, and why reconnecting people with place is at the heart of his work. Whether you’re just starting out or decades in, this episode offers powerful insights into what it means to hold the line for nature.It’s a reflective, real-world, and deeply inspiring conversation.Enjoy.🟢 Subscribe to the Conservation Careers Podcast for more inspiring interviews: https://www.conservation-careers.com/podcast/📌 Learn more about careers in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/🔖 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 02:10 – Craig’s journey into conservation 08:30 – Three decades in the Lower Derwent Valley 18:15 – Career lessons and managing teams 35:00 – Hope, people, and place 42:10 – Craig’s advice for conservationists🔗 Useful Links: • Lower Derwent Valley NNR – Natural England • Conservation Careers Courses🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms. 👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more inspiring conservation stories.🎯 Tags: #ConservationCareers #CraigRalston #NatureRecovery #WildlifeConservation #Burnout #Rewilding #NatureRestoration #ConservationPodcast #Wetlands #ConservationJobs #ConservationSuccess #CareerSwitchers #EnvironmentPodcast