My university days feel like eons ago. Having spent the last 5 years working in wildlife conservation, I am starting to feel weathered. Perhaps even slightly cynical. The reality of the threats we are up against to save our natural world can feel overwhelming.

Listening to the podcast ‘Coffee with Conservationists’ is like a breath of fresh air. Even the introductory music puts you in a calm and positive mindset. The host (George Steedmon Jones) is a university student himself. George’s untarnished positive attitude is a timely reminder for myself, and all of us, that there is still hope.

This podcast has a mission to tell stories about the people who ‘dedicate their lives to protecting, researching and documenting the natural world’. This is quite the brief. Now in its second series, this podcast has managed to feature interviews with an impressive range of conservationists, wildlife filmmakers and activists. This variety of guests feels very intentional. Far from being one-dimensional, this podcast features guests from all over the world, all with very different backgrounds. This lends itself to some really interesting perspectives that fully enrich these discussions.

A stand out episode for myself was the interview with Isaias Hernandez, an intersectional environmental scientist and educator. The lack of diversity within the conservation sector is being discussed more than ever over the last year. I was impressed that this topic was tackled head-on and with the host’s humility as he recognises that he is perhaps in a position of privilege as a ‘cisgender white male’.

Isaias himself is a remarkable individual. Creator of ‘Queer Brown Vegan’, Isaias uses his various online platforms to raise awareness about environmental racism, which is a term used to describe ‘environmental injustice that occurs within a racialized context both in practice and policy.’ During his time at university, Isaias was confronted with the fact that there is very little diversity within the wildlife conservation sector. With a passion for education, a primary mission for Isaias’s work is to make environmental information accessible to everyone, not just those who are able to attend higher education. An applaudable mission.

Intersectionality is a theme that feeds into different episodes within this podcast, and rightly so. Another favourite episode of mine was the interview with Tori Tsui, a climate activist, educator and mental health advocate. She provides a wonderful description of intersectionality as a ‘cool pair of sunglasses that you can put on and see the world in different lights.’ Tori uses her own social media as a platform to raise other deserving voices that can struggle to be heard. Although social media can have its downsides, this is an example of how it can be used as a powerful tool for change. The pandemic has meant that this way of connecting is more important than ever.

Tori went on to provide an account of how working as a climate activist has led to real challenges for her mental health. ‘Eco-anxiety’ is a condition that I am all too familiar with. Defined as ‘persistent worries about the future of Earth and the life it shelters'. Symptoms can include feelings of anger, dread, guilt/shame, grief and panic. Once again, this podcast does not shy away from featuring more difficult topics. The challenge of maintaining a positive mindset within this sector, or this world in general, is frankly discussed and listeners are able to take practical advice that they can implement to protect their own mental health. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this honest discussion.

So, where does coffee come into the mix? Another interesting element to this podcast is that each episode features a sustainable and ethical coffee that George is able to sample and review. An innovative idea that allows this podcast to champion independent businesses that are leading the way in sustainable coffee production. A great way to get some new coffee recommendations!

What I most enjoy about this podcast is its accessibility. You do not need a background in science to enjoy these interviews. Anyone with an interest in nature will be able to find value in this podcast. George manages to create a cosy vibe, similar to that which we experience in our own favourite coffee haunts. His honesty is charming and it promotes real connections with his guests.

The interconnection of human and nature is cleverly weaved throughout these episodes. Making it clear that the threats to our natural world is an issue that affects all of us. I am full of admiration for these guests, working on the frontline of this cause. I personally feel reinvigorated in my own work as I know I am not alone in this fight. I would highly recommend this podcast to all nature enthusiasts. A fabulous way to enjoy a cup of coffee.

You can listen to Coffee with Conservationists on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. You can also find it on Instagram @coffee_with_conservationists.

Molly Doubleday

Molly works as a wildlife conservationist and blogger in the Scottish Highlands. Her blog, Hippy Highland Living, features articles on sustainable & simple living, tiny home living, nature and wildlife conservation.

You can find her at:

Hippy Highland Living Blog - https://www.hippyhighlandliving.com/

Instagram - @hippyhighlandliving

Twitter - @HippyHighLiving

Podcast Review: Coffee with Conservationists

Molly Doubleday