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Artwork for Defender Radio and The Switch

Defender Radio and The Switch

Michael Howie / The Fur-Bearers
Science Denial
Animal Welfare
Rain Barrels
Trust
Climate Change
Flat Earth
Water Conservation
Conspiracy Theories
Trauma
Drought Resilience
Green Venture
Disinformation
Veganism
Plant-Based Diet
Beavers
Urban Stormwater Management
Late Winter Planting
Environmental Initiatives
Depaving
Ag-Gag Laws

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes405Founded12 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NatureScience

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Artwork for Defender Radio and The Switch

Latest Episodes

Animal law is a topic of growing interest to Canadians, advocates, and legal experts. While there are some great people doing great work related to animal law in Canada, there haven’t been any university-associated programs on it – until now.

Angel... more

YouTube

September is fashion month, with massive week-long events in major cities worldwide, including New York, London, Milan and Paris. And the question on many peoples’ minds is: will we be seeing fur, or will more designers choose to go fur-free?

PJ Sm... more

YouTube

The tragic story of a locally beloved cougar being killed near Canmore, Alberta, earlier this year was heartbreaking. John Marriott, an award-winning wildlife photographer and co-founder of Exposed Wildlife Conservancy shared his harrowing experience... more

YouTube

From streetlights to skyscrapers and everything in between, lighting up the night can help keep people safe. But, this often excessive lighting has a consequence: light pollution. Native wildlife across Canada gets impacted by light pollution in many... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

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
Tijana Selak
Expert discussing light pollution and its effects on wildlife
The Fur-Bearers
Episode: Bring Back the Night: Light Pollution featuring Tijana Selak
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
John E. Marriott
Award-winning wildlife photographer and founder of Exposed Wildlife Conservancy
Exposed Wildlife Conservancy
Episode: The Canmore cougar tragedy featuring John E. Marriott
Exposed Wildlife Conservancy
An organization focused on wildlife advocacy and conservation efforts
Exposed Wildlife Conservancy
Episode: The Canmore cougar tragedy featuring John E. Marriott

Host

Michael Howie
Award-winning journalist and host, known for compassionate storytelling and a commitment to wildlife advocacy.

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.
    Canada4 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
    Canada5 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
    Canada5 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
    Canada6 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
    Canada6 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the compassionate and informative discussions, highlighting expert opinions that make complex topics accessible.
The podcast is recognized for promoting actionable steps for individuals interested in sustainability and wildlife advocacy.
Reviews indicate a strong appreciation for the diverse topics covered, although some criticisms note differing perspectives on controversial issues.
The host's ability to balance humor with serious advocacy is often praised, contributing to an engaging listening experience.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#111
Canada/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#222
United Kingdom/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#15
New Zealand/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#124
New Zealand/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
Animal Law at University of Toronto featuring Dr. Angela Fernandez
Q: What are some glaring gaps in Canadian animal law today?
There are clear gaps in laws protecting animals from unnecessary cruelties, such as in entertainment and agriculture.
Animal Law at University of Toronto featuring Dr. Angela Fernandez
Q: How did you get University of Toronto to accept animal law as a curriculum?
It was positively received because the dean and the university recognize the importance of animal law as a growing field.
Animal Law at University of Toronto featuring Dr. Angela Fernandez
Q: What first inspired you to pursue animal law?
I was inspired by my work on a legal case involving a hunted fox, which led me to question the property status of animals and the law's role in protecting them.
Canmore Cougar Tragedy Update feat. John Marriott and Maggie Spizziri
Q: For those frustrated with wildlife policy in Alberta, are there clear steps they can take?
Contacting local MLAs and participating in petitions are effective ways to influence wildlife management.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

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?

This podcast focuses on wildlife advocacy and conservation, featuring discussions that highlight the pressing issues faced by animals and ecosystems. The conversations often include expert guests who provide insights on topics such as animal rights, sustainability, and the impacts of human activity on wildlife. Notably, episodes vary between serious conservation topics and lighter discussions around responsible pet ownership and eco-friendly practices. This blend of informative content and emotional storytelling helps listeners stay engaged and informed about key environmental challenges.

Listeners can expect a range of discussions that not only delve into animal welfare but also promote actionable steps for individuals to contribute to the... more

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How many listeners does Defender Radio and The Switch get?

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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. What On Earth
2. BirdNote Daily
3. Front Burner
4. The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens
5. The Daily

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

Defender Radio and The Switch launched 12 years ago and published 405 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.

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What guests have appeared on Defender Radio and The Switch?

Recent guests on Defender Radio and The Switch include:

1. Angela Fernandez
2. PJ Smith
3. John Marriott
4. Maggie Spizziri
5. Tijana Selak
6. Dr. Shawna Weaver
7. Devan Schowe
8. John E. Marriott

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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