Vistas & Voices

Getting my Hands Dirty with Cam Ogilvie

Today, I sat down with Cam Ogilvie, who I've been fortunate enough to spend the day at work with, in the field, and learned from him and what he does. Now, I get to sit down and discuss it with him in my living room. And so we had a great conversation about soil health and what that means to us as a society.  
We got to talk about so many interesting things and did it all in a new timeframe of 30 minutes. I hope the 30 minutes is a great time for you. It's a nice little time for me, it makes editing a lot shorter. We got a lot in there in 30 minutes. I think you'll enjoy it.  
Some of the topics we covered are: Soil health monitoring, What is soil health?, How do you teach about soil health?  Not letting perfect be the enemy of good, What's soil health going to look like in the not-so-distant future, and of course the definition of dirt versus soil.  What does it mean?  
Thank you so much for tuning in and I'll let you jump into the episode!
 
00:25 - What is Soil Health Monitoring? 
2:47 - How do you get people to care about soil?
5:04 - How did Cam get interested in Soil work?
8:40 - Is our relationship with soil based on reciprocity?
11:35 - Teaching to rejuvenate the soil
13:12 - Grower’s moment of discovery
17:25 - Favorite part of the job
19:11 - Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good
21:24 - Soil Health in the Not-so-distant future
25:50 - Soil Efficiency
28:30 - Definition of Dirt vs Soil
29:35 - Take Away
 
Mentioned Resources
5:44 - Cry, The Beloved Country - Allan Paton
19:22 - Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life - Anne Lamott
20:29 - The Effectiveness Equation
30:35 - SoilHealthInstitute.org
30:47 - Soilsatguelph.ca

Cycling for Nature: Leanna and Timm's Journey Across Canada and Beyond

On this episode of Vistas & Voices, I speak with Canada’s first female decathalete Leanna Carriere and ecologist Dr. Timm Döbert, the founders of Wings of Survival who have recently finished cycling 7,000 km across Canada in 30 days, overnighting at Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) along the way. The ride across Canada is a preparation ride for their epic adventure starting next year, where they plan to ride from Alaska to Patagonia, mimicking the migratory path of the Whimbrel. 
 
In our discussion we cover topics related to endurance athletes and nutrition, the highlights and challenges of riding 7,000km in 30 days, Key Biodiversity Areas and their significance to Canada, the role of grasslands in Canada’s ability to sequester carbon, science communication, Canada and the 30x30 conservation initiative and much more. 
 
If you liked this month’s episode, please consider sharing it with a friend or someone who would enjoy it! Sharing the episode will help our community grow and spread the message of the wonderful conservation work being done around the country. 
03:10 The Mission: Wings of Survival
03:55 Endurance and Nutrition: Crossing Canada
07:00 Cycling Across Canada: Highlights and Challenges
11:22 Key Biodiversity Areas: Importance and Impact
14:37 Conservation Goals: 30x30 Initiative
18:27 The Role of Grasslands in Climate Change
22:59 Personal Reflections and Future Goals
26:27 Challenges in Environmental Awareness
27:15 Adapting Strategies for Conservation
28:21 Filming and Outreach Efforts
30:40 Engaging the Public with Science Communication
32:30 Tracking Birds and Expedition Plans
36:03 Preparation and Logistics for the Journey
41:19 Final Thoughts and Future Goals
 
Wings of Survival Documentary Demo
CBC interview

Paul Schmidt on the Craft of Delivering a Successful Message

In this episode, I engage in a fascinating conversation with Paul Schmidt, a lecturer in management communications at the Ivey School of Business and manager of the Writing Support Center at the University of Western Ontario.
Paul shares insights on making impactful changes to how we use language to communicate effectively about sustainability and conservation efforts. We discuss the importance of emotional connection, factual storytelling, positive messaging, and empathy in crafting messages that resonate with diverse audiences and encourage behavioral change. This episode highlights the challenges and necessary strategies for delivering successful sustainability messages to inspire action.
 
04:12 Challenges in Sustainability Communication
05:34 Defining Sustainability
07:56 Tailoring Messages to Different Audiences
09:07 Pragmatic Approaches to Sustainability
13:20 Building Trust in Sustainability Efforts
17:06 Behavioral Change and Positive Messaging
26:45 Reaching Younger Audiences
28:58 Making Sustainability Fun
30:07 Reframing Sustainability Messaging
31:21 Shifts in Sustainable Practices
32:49 Transparent Communication and Empathy
35:44 The Power of Storytelling
38:27 Crafting Relatable Stories
44:27 Collaborative Efforts in Storytelling
45:52 Final Thoughts and Reflections
51:56 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Chris Kornacki: Discovering Relationships in Silvopasture

In today’s conversation I chat with Chris Kornacki, a small-scale regenerative agriculturist from South West Ontario. I first learned about Chris’s work through his presentation at Forest Ontario’s annual conference, where he presented on silvopasture, something I’d never heard of before. Needless to say, Chris’s presentation was captivating, he unpacked so much knowledge in a short period of time. I knew getting him on the podcast would be a great show. 
 
Chris is from Toronto and grew up in the city, but after having some health complications as a young man, he turned towards nutrition and fitness to remedy his health. Through his journey as a successful trainer and gym manager, he studied regenerative agriculture books and learned of the connecitons between food production and food quality, especially related to nutrients. Chris took the dive into his own farming adventures just about 10 years ago and has been growing his practice ever since. 
 
Chris now runs a successful and extremely healthy farm that produces some of the finest pork, beef and chicken you can find anywhere in Ontario thanks to his dedication and care for his animals and land. 
 
Chris’s passion and drive to learn is contagious, he shares some of his most valuable resources and many wise words along the way. I really hope that you enjoy today’s conversation. I learned a lot, editing the show and listening through again because there are so many tidbits of information that apply to more than practices on the farm. There are a lot of good life lessons in here.
 
So I hope that you have some time to sit down and enjoy the conversation and what Chris has to say.
 
Show Notes:
4:24 - Alan Savory: Holistic Management
11:01 - Systems Thinking
14:32 - competency epiphany
16:21 - Starting property
20:00 - Cultivation Opportunity
23:34 - Challenges of starting a Farm
31:45 - Relationships and Mentors
36:11 - Silvopasture
51:54 - Key Principles of Chris’ Farming
 
Alan Savory - Holistic Management
Chris Trump - Korean Natural Farming
Elaine Ingham
Jean Martin Fortier
Joel Salatin - You Can Farm
Richard Perkins

Chelsea Greer: Wolves, Caribou, and Conservation

Welcome back to Vistas and Voices, where we explore compelling conversations with experts and enthusiasts passionate about conservation, sustainability, and the natural world with your host, Tyler Garwood. 
 
Today’s episode blends science, ethics, and heartfelt dedication to the natural world. My guest today is Chelsea Greer, the Wolf Conservation Manager at Raincoast Conservation Foundation. Chelsea is dedicated to safeguarding the lands, waters, and wildlife of coastal British Columbia through scientific research, public education, and wildlife management reform.
 
In this episode, we discuss the complex world of wolf management, political challenges, and the ecological significance of wolves. We dive into the historical persecution of wolves, controversial wolf culling programs, and the critical need for habitat protection.
 
Chelsea shares her journey and why she pursued a career with wild animals, the ethical considerations in wildlife management, and the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge and practices into conservation efforts. 
 
We had a genuinely fantastic conversation that could’ve gone on much longer. Chelsea will be back in for another episode in the future. 
 
Thank you for tuning into Vistas & Voices and enjoy the show. 
 
 
Show Notes
02:59 Chelsea's Journey into Wolf Conservation
07:06 Raincoast Conservation Foundation
09:28 Provincial Wolf Management Practices
19:37  Habitat Destruction and Its Effects
21:15 Clayton Lamb Scientific Paper
23:39 Ethical Considerations in Wildlife Management
26:36 Species at Risk Act (SARA)
32:25 Spotted Owl
43:29 Indigenous Knowledge and Conservation
46:49 Conclusion and Closing Questions
 
Raincoast Conservation Foundation: Wolves
Chelsea Greer on X (Twitter)
 
Additional resources from after the show:
Wolf’s perspective of the 3 little pigs
4th wing - fantasy novel
Never cry wolf - farley mowat
The stories from the magic canoe - cecil paul
Webinar Wolf School - Rick Mcintyre

Summits, Soil, and Sustainability with Chris Rubens

Today I speak with professional skier and organic farmer, Chris Rubens. In our conversation, he shares his journey from chasing powder around the globe to realizing he needed to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. Growing up with a passion for skiing, Chris's perspective took a dramatic turn following a climate change focused trip to Greenland. Realizing the environmental impact of his professional pursuits, he began to adopt more eco-friendly habits, including reducing travel and transitioning to a vegetarian diet.
 
These days Chris operates a three-acre organic farm with his partner in Revelstoke and has switched to more sustainable practices in skiing by partnering with environmentally conscious sponsors. He discusses the need of individual actions towards sustainability, the challenges of implementing sustainability in the ski industry, and the power of community in supporting local agriculture. This interview explores Chris's efforts to lead by example, illustrating how personal changes can contribute to a larger environmental impact.
 
 
00:24 Journey from Professional Skier to Sustainability Advocate
02:17 Making Personal Changes for Sustainability
04:17 Influence and Changes in the Ski Industry
09:26 Designing Sustainable Ski Gear
19:10 The Future of Sustainability in Skiing
23:07 Transitioning to Farming and Local Food Production
29:05 The Joy of Farming and Community Engagement
29:37 Discovering Work-Life Balance in Farming
30:16 The Unique Revelstoke Farming Community
33:08 Supporting Local Food and Community Initiatives
40:50 The Challenges and Rewards of Starting a Farm
44:22 Sustainability and Individual Impact
50:46 Hopeful Perspectives and Community Trust
55:17 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Brendon Samuels: Powering Grassroots Movements Through Creativity and Empathy

In today’s conversation, I sit down on campus with Brendon Samuels, a passionate grassroots conservationist, PhD student, and empathetic thinker. Brendon has been making grassroots changes in the city of London, Ontario by garnering support from a variety of groups, transcending boundaries through an empathetic and creative approach.
 
Our conversation covers how his backyard project has expanded to a global scale, how to approach people and spark change, how change is made not only through grassroots approaches, but from a top-down approach and the overall importance of positive community engagement and small-scale actions in driving larger environmental conservation efforts.
 
Brendon’s approach to promoting change in the local community is a refreshing perspective in today’s media climate. His ability to promote cooperation through critically thinking and empathizing among groups holding different perspectives is tactful and genuine.
 
I was very happy to sit down with Brendan and discuss all that he had to say.  I'm still thinking about it. I hope that you are able to take something away from this conversation as well. I think there's a lot of meaning within it. 
 
Thanks for tuning into today's episode, and as always, enjoy the conversation.
 
01:23 The Backyard Project: A Global Conservation Initiative
03:28 Innovative Solutions for Local Wildlife Conservation
08:43 Expanding the Impact: From Personal Project to Global Movement
10:41 Navigating the Complexities of Environmental Conservation
17:40 Empathy and Engagement: Keys to Effective Conservation
22:40 Challenging Tribalism and Promoting Unity in Conservation Efforts
27:59 Rethinking Our Relationship with Nature
28:21 Exploring Alternative Terms for 'Natural Resources'
28:40 The Economic Implications of Natural Wealth
29:37 Political and Social Dimensions of Biodiversity
31:26 Urban Biodiversity: Challenges and Strategies
36:02 The Importance of Green Spaces in Urban Areas
39:21 Engaging Communities in Environmental Conservation
45:34 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations
51:03 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

A Conversation on Indigenous Sciences and Environmental Conservation with Andie Albert

In today’s interview, Andie Albert and I sit down in person for a great conversation. Andie an Indigenous scientist with a passion for environmental science and species at risk conservation, she shares her journey from being the first in her family to pursue post-secondary education to embarking on a PhD. She discusses the importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge and languages into academic research and conservation practices, aiming to decolonize academia and promote a holistic, two-eyed seeing approach.
Andie also discusses her work with endangered species such as the spiny softshell turtle, emphasizing the importance of increasing awareness and understanding of Indigenous perspectives and practices in conservation and environmental sciences. 
My conversation with Andie was very uplifting and navigated challenging topics which I knew little about before our conversation. I genuinely enjoyed our conversation as Andie is a peer and fellow MES program graduate. Her success in academia and indigenous advocacy is inspiring, especially since she is so young. I am looking forward to seeing what other wonderful things Andie will do in the future. 
 
Show notes
 01:40 The Importance of Simplicity in Communication
02:53 Andy's Personal and Educational Journey
03:20 The Balance of Traditional and Scientific Knowledge
05:06 The Intersection of Faith and Indigenous Culture
05:06 Andy's PhD Journey and Research Focus
06:33 The Concept of Two-Eyed Seeing
09:33 The Challenges and Opportunities in Indigenous Conservation
13:28 Andy's Future Research Plans
29:05 Learning About Different Species
29:53 Indigenous-led Conservation Initiatives
30:13 Discovering Environmental Science Careers
31:30 The Indigenous Guardians Program
33:38 The Role of Indigenous Guardians in Education
39:23 The Impact of Indigenous Perspectives in Science
40:00 Celilo Falls
48:30 The Journey to a PhD
51:27 The Hope for Increasing Species Populations
52:35 Prothonotary Warbler
53:03 The Future of Indigenous Education

At the Confluence of Marine Conservation and Art With Rosie Poirier

Today’s podcast interview features Rosie Poirier, an ocean conservationist, artist, and facilitator of positivity. We discuss Rosie's journey from Ontario to studying marine biology and her unique interdisciplinary approach combining science and arts. Rosie passionately talks about her belief in humans' potential to impact the environment positively and emphasizes the importance of recognizing ourselves as part of the ecosystem. We also dive into the importance of collaboration, creativity, and storytelling in fostering sustainable practices. Finally, the upcoming expedition to Antarctica where she has been invited as the official expedition artist! 
My conversation with Rosie was a refreshing dose of optimism and doing good in the world. I look forward to learning what tasks Rosie will tackle in the future of marine conservation.
Thanks for taking the time to listen to today’s episode, enjoy the conversation..
 
01:42 Discussing the Impact Sustainable Tourism Summit
04:27 Exploring Ocean Conservation Projects
07:46 Understanding the Challenges of Ocean Conservation
13:37 The Importance of Collaboration in Conservation
17:42 Rosie's Journey to Becoming an Ocean Conservationist
25:53 The Role of Art in Environmental Appreciation
26:12 The Connection Between Art and Ocean Conservation
28:38 The Artistic Process and Creative Space
30:29 The Journey to Antarctica and the Role of Art
33:32 The Impact of Historical Expeditions and Modern Discoveries
42:59 The Power of Storytelling and Positive Environmental Impact
46:30 The Vision of a Successful Future and the Role of Communities
50:49 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Regenerative Ranching With Ross MacDonald

In this episode, Ross shares his experiences in regenerative agriculture, focusing specifically on cattle, discussing topics including conservation easements and how his work is changing public perception of raising cattle. He touches on the humble balance between his personal life and professional career. He discusses his journey, from starting his ranch 23 years ago to getting involved in multiple projects from working with A&W to his partnership with Ducks Unlimited. Ross also discusses the importance of a systems-thinking approach and the intricacies behind regenerative agriculture, his relationships within the conservation community, the influence of his parents in strategic thinking, and the significance of naivety and pushing ahead. This episode also explores Ross's optimism for the future of regenerative agriculture, driven by increasing recognition and interest from large food production companies, indigenous perspectives, and more.
 
Ross is a deep thinker and has a broad perspective, I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation. I wanted to cover many more topics but we ran out of time, so I’ll have to get him back on the show in the future. I appreciate you listening to Vistas and Voices and, as always, enjoy the conversation...
 
 
02:39 Balancing Competing Practices in Ranching
07:19 The Role of Conservation Easements in Ranching
08:25 The Benefits of Conservation Easements
15:20 Impacts of Relationships and Community in Ranching
24:44 Influences of Large Food Producers on Regenerative Agriculture
32:30 The Importance of Systems Thinking in Decision Making
40:24 Reflections on Success and Hope for the Future
49:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts