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Artwork for Defender Radio and The Switch

Defender Radio and The Switch

Michael Howie / The Fur-Bearers
Animal Welfare
Wildlife Conservation
Climate Change
Science Denial
Rain Barrels
Beavers
Trust
Fur Farming
Food Waste
Sustainable Living
Animal Law
Biodiversity
Meal Planning
Environmental Impact
Flat Earth
Wildlife Advocacy
Green Travel
Exposed Wildlife Conservancy
Water Conservation
Wildlife Extinction

Defender Radio and The Switch bring experts and solutions to wildlife advocates and animal lovers around the world. Hosted by award-winning journalist Michael Howie, Defender Radio and The Switch are produced by The Fur-Bearers (TheFurBearers.com) and released weekly. Learn more at DefenderRadio.com

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes409Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NatureScience

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Artwork for Defender Radio and The Switch

Latest Episodes

It feels like yesterday – and a lifetime ago – that the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world. I don't know about you, but I'm still dealing with that experience, and I see the impact of it around me regularly. What's most upsetting, perhaps, is t... more

This time of year is glorious for all of us – and for the wild neighbours with whom we share our communities. From black bears and coyotes to skunks and squirrels, wildlife is out and about, finding new den sites, food sources, and introducing their ... more

YouTube

Defender Radio host Michael Howie is joined by colleagues Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin and Tijana Selak (Wildlife Campaigns and Advocacy Manager at The Fur-Bearers) to talk about The Fur-Bearers' recent time at the Humane Canada Summit for Wildlife, two st... more

YouTube

We want to look into the future for Defender Radio and The Switch – and that means hearing from you! We've put together a short (really) survey that will take fewer than 5 minutes and can help us know in which direction to go. It includes episode len... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Neil Vora
MD, former CDC epidemiologist; executive director of the Preventing Pandemics at the Source Coalition
Preventing Pandemics at the Source Coalition; Integral
Episode: Fur Farming and the Next Pandemic featuring Dr. Neil Vora
Nathalie Karvonen
Executive Director and Founder of the Toronto Wildlife Centre
Toronto Wildlife Centre
Episode: Spring in the Wild City featuring Nathalie Karvonen
Tijana Selak
Fur-Bearers Wildlife Campaigns and Advocacy Manager
The Fur-Bearers
Episode: Communicating Coexistence feat. Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin + Tijana Selak
Angela Fernandez
Director of the Animal Law Program at the University of Toronto
University of Toronto
Episode: Animal Law at University of Toronto featuring Dr. Angela Fernandez
PJ Smith
Director of Fashion Policy for Humane World for Animals
Humane World for Animals
Episode: Fashion's Future is Fur-Free featuring PJ Smith
John Marriott
Award-winning wildlife photographer and co-founder of Exposed Wildlife Conservancy
Exposed Wildlife Conservancy
Episode: Canmore Cougar Tragedy Update feat. John Marriott and Maggie Spizziri
Maggie Spizziri
New executive director of Exposed Wildlife Conservancy, previously executive director of Revelstoke Bear Aware Society
Exposed Wildlife Conservancy
Episode: Canmore Cougar Tragedy Update feat. John Marriott and Maggie Spizziri
Dr. Shawna Weaver
Climate grief expert and author
Author of Climate Grief
Episode: Navigating Climate Grief featuring Dr. Shawna Weaver
Devan Schowe
Campaigns Associate for BornFree USA
BornFree USA
Episode: The Mink VIRUS Act featuring Devan Schowe

Host

Michael Howie
Host of Defender Radio and The Switch, an award-winning journalist focused on wildlife advocacy and related policy.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 60 ratings
  • A Commute Favourite

    A great inclusion of experts in their field that is informative and easy to listen to. Consideration and sensitivity for people is woven into stories and discussions about animals that are imperative and appreciated. A favourite to listen to on my way to work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nadia X.
    Canada5 years ago
  • The review below is garbage

    None of the claims are based any scientific research, just some dude is trying to make himself feel better by ignoring all the facts...

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SageMert
    Canada6 years ago
  • Spreads misinformation

    As someone living in Newfoundland, I found this podcast to be a disgusting misrepresentation of what is really going on. I partake in the recreational seal hunt and what was said on this podcast about the seal hunt are pure lies.

    For starters you cannot hunt pups. That is completely false, despite how many times the host and his guest talk about it. Hunting for whitecoats (pups) has been illegal for many years. Secondly the hunt on the east coast is not just for pelts as was said. Go to any hom... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    eastcoastreview
    Canada6 years ago
  • Good for the mind and heart

    Covering a wide range of topics, all sorts of wildlife advocates and animal lovers will find episodes for their interests. Michael Howie is a compassionate and respectful host, keen to learn from his guest speakers while being honest about his own views. Your mind and heart are both provided for by the podcast’s mix of well-researched information and emotional well-being considerations.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Meowy Marnel
    Canada7 years ago
  • My favourite podcast!

    This is my favaourite podcast because Michael Howie is a true advocate for all animals - wild, domestic and farmed - without risking anyone feeling like they're having anything shoved down their throat. It's educational and informative enough for listeners to gain the facts, so they can make their own decisions to make changes in their every day lives. Michael Howie is funny and knowledgeable and a great host, and all the guest speakers bring their own greatness to the show. This podcast helps ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Phantastical
    Canada7 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Fresh perspectives on wildlife issues resonate with listeners.
Some reviews note disagreements about specific topics but still praise the show's integrity.
Experts are well-curated and the host asks thoughtful questions.
Listeners appreciate the balance of science, policy, and humane advocacy.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#81
Canada/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#50
Russia/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#61
Norway/Science/Nature

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Fur Farming and the Next Pandemic featuring Dr. Neil Vora
Q: To start, can we talk a little bit about you and how you ended up at this intersection of public health and conservation?
Dr. Vora describes a lifelong interest in public health sparked by personal experiences, a background in international relations and biology, and a pivot from the CDC to a broader, holistic health view that includes the health of ecosystems and animals.
Spring in the Wild City featuring Nathalie Karvonen
Q: What practical steps can city residents take to help wildlife without causing harm?
Keep cats indoors or in outdoor enclosures, avoid feeding wildlife in ways that alter behavior, use native plants to support ecosystems, and engage with local wildlife rehabilitation groups to learn proper, trained methods.
Spring in the Wild City featuring Nathalie Karvonen
Q: What is the risk of using 'humane traps' to relocate wildlife with babies present?
Relocating animals with dependent young often leads to death of the babies or disruption of family units, which is why it's discouraged in favor of non-lethal, humane, and species-aware methods.
Spring in the Wild City featuring Nathalie Karvonen
Q: Why is it important to have certified wildlife rehabilitators handling care for wild animals in urban areas?
Certified rehabilitators have training on correct diets, pre-release conditioning, emergency medical care, and humane handling, reducing the risk of harming animals and increasing successful releases back into the wild.
Fashion's Future is Fur-Free featuring PJ Smith
Q: What does the future of truly ethical fashion look like?
The future of ethical fashion is dependent on brands taking responsibility and making changes towards sustainability, with a focus on using existing production facilities to transition from fur to innovative materials.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Defender Radio and The Switch

What is Defender Radio and The Switch about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful program focused on wildlife advocacy, animal welfare, and environmental ethics, featuring expert guests from law, conservation, fashion policy, and climate science. Episodes frequently center on policy developments, conservation challenges, and practical solutions for advocates, with occasional updates on current events affecting wildlife governance and habitat protection. Noteworthy is the blend of rigorous expert discussion with accessible storytelling, and a recurrent emphasis on transparency, practical action, and audience engagement.

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How many listeners does Defender Radio and The Switch get?

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What are the audience demographics for Defender Radio and The Switch?

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Which podcasts are similar to Defender Radio and The Switch?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Defender Radio and The Switch:

1. Our Hen House: Vegan & Animal Rights Movement | Stories from the Frontlines of Animal Liberation
2. Ideas
3. Ologies with Alie Ward
4. Park Predators
5. Laugh Out Loud

How many episodes of Defender Radio and The Switch are there?

Defender Radio and The Switch launched 13 years ago and published 409 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Defender Radio and The Switch?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Defender Radio and The Switch?

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What guests have appeared on Defender Radio and The Switch?

Recent guests on Defender Radio and The Switch include:

1. Neil Vora
2. Nathalie Karvonen
3. Tijana Selak
4. Angela Fernandez
5. PJ Smith
6. John Marriott
7. Maggie Spizziri
8. Dr. Shawna Weaver

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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