The Wolf Connection

Taylor Rabe has spent over four years as a Wildlife Technician in Yellowstone National Park, working with the Wolf, Cougar, and Elk Projects. She is also an Education & Engagement Facilitator for Conservation Nation, an organization dedicated to diversifying the conservation movement by supporting conservationists from underrepresented communities and inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders.

In this bite-sized episode, Taylor joins us from the International Wolf Symposium in Minnesota to reflect on her experiences and relationships in Yellowstone, both human and wolf. She also shares what's next in her educational journey as she pursues her master's degree in Colorado, focusing on habituation and the effects of aversive conditioning.

Conservation Nation

@taylorlrabe

@thewolfconnectionpod

A Handful Of Dirt

The Languages Of Life

David Ian Howe is an anthropologist, archaeologist, and host of Ethnocynology and The David Ian Howe Show. He is known for popularizing ethnocynology, the study of the relationship between humans and dogs. His work explores the history and archaeology of dogs, as well as the roles they play in modern culture.

In this episode of The Wolf Connection Podcast, we explore the human-wolf relationship before domestication, how our two species evolved alongside one another, and how that shared history continues to shape the way we perceive wolves and their relationship to our domesticated dogs.

David Ian Howe Website

@ethnocynology

@davidianhowe

@thewolfconnectionpod

The Languages of Life (YouTube)

Matt Barnes, a research associate with the Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative, is a range scientist, wildlife conservationist, and former ranch manager whose work focuses on reintegrating wildness into working landscapes.

Matt works with land managers to improve rangeland stewardship and has worked alongside ranchers to help prevent conflicts with large carnivores, including wolves and grizzly bears, throughout the Northern Rocky Mountains of Montana and Wyoming.

In this episode of The Wolf Connection Podcast, Matt joins us following his recent visit to Wolf Connection to talk about his experience at the sanctuary and share the latest updates from the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project, including the work being done around wolves and wolf conservation in the Rocky Mountain region.

@mattk.barnes

@rockymtnwolf

Rocky Mountain Wolf Project

Shining Horizons Land Management

@thewolfconnectionpod

The Languages Of Life

Climate change is not just shifting temperatures, it is rewriting the rules of survival for wolves, moose, and entire ecosystems. In this episode, research ecologist Toni Lyn Morelli explains what wildlife experiences as winters warm, snow disappears, parasites spread, and habitats become increasingly fragmented. Drawing from her work at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, Toni explores how animals respond to rapid environmental change and why species that seem adaptable may still be pushed beyond their limits.

We discuss the concept of umwelt, which helps us understand how animals experience the world differently from humans, as well as the effects of snow drought on cold-adapted species like wolves and moose. We examine the impact of winter ticks on moose, the importance of climate refugia, the role of habitat connectivity, and the shifting relationships between deer, moose, lynx, bobcats, and other wildlife. The conversation also explores whether species can move, adapt, or survive in landscapes divided by roads, cities, and human development.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at resilience, interdependence, and what wildlife can teach us about living through a rapidly changing world.

Morelli Lab

Climate Refugia

2026 Western Snow Drought Was About Four Times More Likely Caused by Climate Change

@thewolfconnectionpod

The Languages of Life

What if the real problem is not the world around us, but the way we’ve been taught to see it? Ecologist and philosopher Matthijs Schouten explores how Western thinking shaped our separation from nature, and why that mindset still affects the way we live today. He makes the case for seeing ourselves not above the natural world, but as part of a larger community of life.

In this episode, Matthijs traces the roots of this worldview through philosophy, religion, and science, while also pointing to other traditions that offer a more connected way of understanding the world. He shares why language matters, how we can reframe our relationship with nature, and what it means to move from control to participation. This conversation is a thoughtful invitation to rediscover wonder, belonging, and reciprocity.

Homepage for Matthijs Schouten

Matthijs Schouten Portfolio

@thewolfconnectionpod

The Languages of Life

Jason Wise is a Certified California Naturalist, environmental educator, conservationist, trail guide, and LBGTQ activist with a Master's Degree in Environmental Policy.

His passion is fostering a deeper connection between people and nature, and belief that access to and education about the natural world are essential for cultivating strong environmental advocates.

Jason and I discussed how people can connect with nature in urban settings, the impact of environmental storytelling, what nature can teach us about coming together as a society, and the effects of big conservation efforts like the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing.

Jason Journey Man

@jasonjourneyman

@thewolfconnectionpod

The Languages of Life

At WildEarth Guardians, Lizzy Pennock works as the Carnivore Coexistence Attorney alongside Joanna Zhang, the Endangered Species Advocate.

In this episode Lizzy and Joanna came on to discuss three major issues: rollbacks affecting the Endangered Species Act, the state of Montana admitting its tracking models severely overestimated the actual wolf population, and The Department of the Interior introducing a revised proposal altering ESA Rule 4(d) guidelines for grizzly bears.

WildEarth Guardians

Rally For the Grizzly Webinar

U.S. Department of Interior Rescinds 'Harm' Definition

@wildearthguardians

@thewolfconnectionpod

The Languages of Life

Cassi Camara is a Conservation Communications Consultant who recently completed her PhD in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources.

She is also an Environmental Education Specialist for the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Collectively, her work integrates research and practice across governance, policy, education, and communication, with the aim of cultivating environmentally literate citizens, across the globe.

Cassi spoke about her experience at Wolf Connection, some of the barriers in achieving environmental policy, and the positive impacts environmental education can have not only for students, but facilitators and teachers as well.

Cassiopeia Consulting

Cassiopeiacamara.com

@thewolfconnectionpod

Rick LoBello is one of the founders and Treasurer of the Texas Lobo Coalition, while Phillip Sozansky serves as the organization's Secretary. The Texas Lobo Coalition is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the natural restoration of the Mexican wolf to its native and historic habitats in Texas.

In this conversation, Rick and Phillip explore Texas's ecological and cultural history, the mission of the Texas Lobo Coalition, and the science, challenges, and opportunities surrounding the return of Mexican wolves. They also share why they believe the time is right for this iconic species to reclaim its historic place in the Texas landscape.

Texas Lobo Coalition (Website)

@texaslobocoalition

@thewolfconnectionpod

A Handful of Dirt - Watch on YouTube

Carolyn Johnson is the Founder/CEO/Mechanical Engineer of GuardUs Innovations. Their mission is to save animals, both domestic and wild. GuardUs Innovations strives to create a world where livestock are protected and our natural predators thrive. We plan to achieve this through novel and effective non-lethal predator deterrent innovations.

Carolyn spoke about her background as a mechanical engineer, the livestock collar which aims to protect cattle & sheep in a non-lethal way, and promoting coexistence with wild predators.

GuardUs Innovations Website

@thewolfconnectionpod

A Handful of Dirt - Watch on YouTube

Sami Godlove is the is the Central Oregon Field Coordinator at Oregon Wild, which works to protect and restore Oregon’s wild lands, wildlife, and waters as an enduring legacy for future generations.

Sami spoke about his early influential moments in nature, the importance of the Roadless Rule, potential large environmental rollbacks, and the effects these policies have on large ecosystems, old growth forests and other natural places that they protect.

Oregon Wild

@oregonwild

@thewolfconnectionpod

A Handful of Dirt - Watch on YouTube

Marc Bekoff is a professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Marc has published over 30 books and has won many awards for his research on animal behavior, animal emotions (cognitive ethology), compassionate conservation, and animal protection. He worked closely with Jane Goodall as co-chair of the ethics committee of the Jane Goodall Institute, and is a former Guggenheim Fellow.

Marc discussed his book Rewinding Our Hearts: Building Pathways of Compassion and Coexistence, describing ways to bring compassion back into conservation work, understanding the human impacts on rewilding, how we can shape future generations to become passionate, compassionate conservationists, and his admiration for the late Jane Goodall.

Marc Bekoff Website

Rewilding Our Hearts

Love In Their Hearts (Pre-Order)

A Handful of Dirt - Watch on YouTube

Naïma has been a professional artist for over 6 years, after her work as a graphic designer for a decade. She describes her connection through art in this way: "Each work is conceived as an intimate space, where anyone can project their own story, emotions, and memories. Over time, I’ve come to understand that this silent connection between a painting and the viewer lies at the heart of my work. It is in this resonance, often hard to explain, that the artwork truly finds its place."

Naïma reflects on how her connection with wolves has shaped her path into art, sharing insight into her creative process and the deeper themes woven through her work. She explores the presence of the feminine, the wild, and the natural world in her paintings, and the lasting impact she hopes they leave with those who experience them.

Naïma Fine Art

@naimanamaste

@thewolfconnectionpod

Cadence Truchot has been the Tribal Community Engagement Fellow with Grand Teton National Park for over a year and a half. Her work within the park helps underserved Indigenous communities reconnect with their ancestral lands in week long programmatic settings.

Cadence shares her deep connection to the natural world and how those values shape the programs she leads in Grand Teton. She speaks to the vital role of tribal partners in guiding storytelling, leadership, and mentorship, and reflects on the ongoing repair and relationship-building between tribal nations and the National Park Service.

@cadence_truchot

Grand Teton National Park (website)

Rebuilding Burned Bridges

Eric Washburn is a fifth-generation Coloradan who is a big game hunter, who is a Senior Policy Advisor for Pioneer Public Affairs. PPA works on clean energy technologies and advocacy movements to combat the climate crisis, protect natural wonders, and empower marginalized communities across America.

Eric discussed many issues from affecting winter, water and wildlife in Colorado, including the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease within elk and deer herds, pushing for the reintroduction of more beavers and wolves in the state, generational knowledge and traditions within the hunting communities, and climate change.

@thewolfconnectionpod

Colorado Politics Article

The Future of Winter, Water and Wildlife in Colorado

@rockymtnwolf

Brianna Godberson is the host of the Find Your Wild podcast, an artist, and business owner of Femme Sauvage based in Long Island, NY.

Brianna reflected on her transformative visits to three wolf sanctuaries in California alongside Candace Dyar, sharing the lessons, and teachings she's taking with her from the wolves and wolf dogs that she experienced on this trip. She spoke about taking a step back to recharge from her podcast and business, while being reinvigorated with new energy through these visits.

@findyourwildpodcast

@shopfemmesauvage

Femme Sauvage Store

Find Your Wild Podcast YouTube

Candace Dyar is a nature and conservation photographer, educator, wildlife & wolf advocate based in Washington State for two decades. She has used her platform to collaborate on environmental issues with organizations including Wildlife for All and Team Wolf.

Candace reflected on her transformative visits to three wolf sanctuaries in California alongside Brianna Godberson, sharing the profound growth and expansion she experienced along the way. Through this journey, she offers a powerful message to women, rooted in the wisdom of wolves, about intuition, resilience, and reconnecting with one’s true nature.

@candacedyar

Candace Dyar Website

@thewolfconnectionpod

Eleri Lopp is a photographer, videographer, and nature guide in Estonia. She has been tracking wolves for over a decade and observing ecological changes happening within her country.

Eleri described wolf populations and movements within Estonia, the difference between EU protections and Baltic countries enforcing them for wolves, and the underfunding of science and research to conduct research on carnivores within Estonia.

Eleri Lopp Photography

@elerilopp_fromestonia

@thewolfconnectionpod

Eleanor Keisman is an American writer living in Vienna, Austria. She holds a BA from The New School and an MFA in creative writing from Drexel University. Her short stories, poetry, and essays have appeared in Litro Magazine, The Bangalore Review, Tough Crime, Last Stanza Poetry Journal, and The Wild Umbrella, as well as adapted for "The Other Stories" podcast. New Animal is her first novella.

Eleanor described her path to writing, the influences that guided her in writing New Animal, and the overall themes that present themselves within the novella.

Eleanor Keisman Website

Purchase New Animal from Broken Tribe Press

@e_keisman

@thewolfconnectionpod

Paul Koberstein cofounded Cascadia Times in 1995 and has been its editor ever since. Paul, a journalist for forty years, was a staff writer for The Oregonian and Willamette Week in the 1980s and 1990s. He is the co-author of Canopy of Titans examining the global importance of the Pacific Coastal Temperate Rainforest that stretches from Northern California to Alaska.

Paul discussed the book Canopy of Titans which details the threats facing this vital environmental resource, and celebrates the beauty and complexity of one of the world's great forests.

Cascadia Times

OR Books (Order Canopy of Titans)

@cascadiatimes

@thewolfconnectionpod