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Global Guardians

Global Guardians

By: Brave Wilderness
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About this listen

Global Guardians is a new podcast hosted by Wildlife Biologist Mario Aldecoa and Nature Cinematographer Trent Underwood. Produced by Brave Wilderness, this series explores the people and ideas shaping the future of wildlife through conservation and innovation. Join Mario and Trent as they interview scientists, ecologists, filmmakers, and tech pioneers in incredible outdoor locations like jungles, deserts, and swamps. They also host studio sessions, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, travel reflections, and insights on the evolving world of wildlife storytelling and conservation. If you’re passionate about nature and the power of individuals to create change, subscribe to Global Guardians today!2024 by Brave Wilderness. All Rights Reserved Biological Sciences Science
Episodes
  • Science of Survival: Sea Turtles, Habitat Loss, and Human Impact - Marine Conservationist Laura Exley - Ep. 8
    Jul 2 2025
    In this Global Guardians episode, Sea turtle specialist Laura Exley joins Mario to share the story of how a research trip studying monkeys in South America unexpectedly led her to the shores of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. There, she launched COPROT—a grassroots conservation initiative focused on protecting critical sea turtle nesting beaches. Laura dives into the daily realities of monitoring turtles, building community involvement, and navigating the growing threats these animals face, including habitat loss and climate change. Together, she and Mario explore what it takes to safeguard one of nature’s most ancient mariners in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Learn how you can get involved by visiting: www.tortugasdeosa.org FOLLOW Tortugas de Osa on Instagram - / https://www.instagram.com/tortugasdeosa/ FOLLOW Lauran on Instagram - / https://www.instagram.com/laurita_pacita/ FOLLOW Global Guardians on Instagram - / https://www.instagram.com/global_guardians_pod/ FOLLOW Global Guardians on TikTok - / https://www.tiktok.com/@global.guardians CREDITS: HOST - Mario Aldecoa HOST - Trent Underwood DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - Trent Underwood CAMERA OPERATOR & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST - Mario Aldecoa EDITOR - Trent Underwood MARKETING - Matt Fujita GRAPHIC DESIGN - Chance Ross PRODUCER - Suzanne Zonner PRODUCER - Beau Sedivy EP - Coyote Peterson PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REENACT OR RECREATE ANY EVENTS OR SCENES  FROM OUR VIDEOS. THE ANIMALS, INSECTS, PLANT LIFE, AND TERRAIN FEATURED IN  OUR VIDEOS CAN BE DANGEROUS AND CAN POSE A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF INJURY OR  DEATH. The Global Guardians hosts and crew are professionally trained and routinely  receive assistance from wildlife experts, guides, and safety personnel when filming to  ensure the safety of our crew and all wildlife. No animals were harmed or removed from  their natural habitat while making this video. Global Guardians has obtained permission  to film in each location featured in this video. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • Hidden Dangers in South Africa: Ticks, Rhinos, Snakes & More - Ep. 8
    Jun 18 2025
    In this Global Guardians studio session, Mario and Trent take a look back at their unforgettable adventures filming in South Africa, where wildlife, conservation, and chaos often went hand in hand. From unexpected encounters with venomous snakes to heartwarming moments with orphaned rhinos in rehabilitation, they share behind-the-scenes stories that reveal what it truly takes to produce meaningful wildlife content in the field. The highlight of the trip was a powerful rhino conservation collaboration with Kariega Game Reserve and the anti-poaching organization Global Conservation Force. Along the way, Mario recalls relocating a forest cobra found in a hotel bathroom—and returning home with an unexpected souvenir: a bacterial infection from a tick bite. Visit Kaiega Game Reserve ! Interested in helping protect rhinos and other threatened species? Support Global Conservation Force Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro to S. Africa, Covid delay 00:05:25 - Production partners! 00:14:20 - Filming locations in S. Africa 00:18:21 - Small car, lots of gear 00:24:40 - Venomous Snake Encounter 00:29:27 - Rhino Veterinary Procedures 00:43:01 - Mambas & Chameleons & Cobras, oh my! 00:59:07 - St. Lucia Cobra Rescue 01:07:45 - Tick bite fever; conclusion PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REENACT OR RECREATE ANY EVENTS OR SCENES  FROM OUR VIDEOS. THE ANIMALS, INSECTS, PLANT LIFE, AND TERRAIN FEATURED IN  OUR VIDEOS CAN BE DANGEROUS AND CAN POSE A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF INJURY OR  DEATH. The Global Guardians hosts and crew are professionally trained and routinely  receive assistance from wildlife experts, guides, and safety personnel when filming to  ensure the safety of our crew and all wildlife. No animals were harmed or removed from  their natural habitat while making this video. Global Guardians has obtained permission  to film in each location featured in this video. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • The Price of Paradise with Florida Keys Biologist Christina Wilson - Ep. 7
    Jun 4 2025
    This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/globalguardians and get on your way to being your best self. Florida Keys biologist, Christina Wilson, joins Mario Aldecoa for a conversation about the growing challenges of conservation in one of the most visited island chains in the US. As tourism surges, Christina shares how she works to protect fragile habitats and wildlife while also using her platform to inspire young girls to pursue careers in science. With years of collaboration alongside the Brave Wilderness team, Christina offers a unique perspective on the power of fieldwork, education, and how social media is reshaping the way science and conservation reach the public. FOLLOW Christina on Instagram - / https://www.instagram.com/christinawildwilson/?hl=en FOLLOW Global Guardians on Instagram - / https://www.instagram.com/global_guardians_pod/ FOLLOW Global Guardians on TikTok - / https://www.tiktok.com/@global.guardians Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro to how we met Christina 00:08:50 - Mermaids 00:13:40 - Christina's first time in Costa Rica 00:19:09 - Christina's origin story, California to Florida 00:26:37 - Christina's role in the Keys 00:39:58 - Facts about the Florida Keys 00:52:50 - Threats to the Florida Keys 01:13:16 - Role of social media in conservation CREDITS: HOST - Mario Aldecoa HOST - Trent Underwood DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - Trent Underwood CAMERA OPERATOR & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST - Mario Aldecoa EDITOR - Trent Underwood MARKETING - Matt Fujita GRAPHIC DESIGN - Chance Ross PRODUCER - Suzanne Zonner PRODUCER - Beau Sedivy EP - Coyote Peterson PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REENACT OR RECREATE ANY EVENTS OR SCENES  FROM OUR VIDEOS. THE ANIMALS, INSECTS, PLANT LIFE, AND TERRAIN FEATURED IN  OUR VIDEOS CAN BE DANGEROUS AND CAN POSE A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF INJURY OR  DEATH. The Global Guardians hosts and crew are professionally trained and routinely  receive assistance from wildlife experts, guides, and safety personnel when filming to  ensure the safety of our crew and all wildlife. No animals were harmed or removed from  their natural habitat while making this video. Global Guardians has obtained permission  to film in each location featured in this video. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 36 mins
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