CheloniaCast

SEE Turtles and Ecotourism

CheloniaCast is joined by Brad Nahill, cofounder and president of SEE Turtles, a unique conservation group pairing ecotourism with turtle conservation and focusing on the legacy of J Nichols. Brad has authored book chapters, blog posts, scientific abstracts, and case studies all with a focus on sea turtles and their plight. The conversation covers Brad’s experience founding SEE Turtles, and all the early chalenges involved in forming an ecotourism project that supports wildlife. The interesting component of this episode is the uniqueness of the conservation approach SEE Turtles champions. Uniting profit and conservation rather than the typical negative dynamic of profit and vulnerable fauna, and serving as a way to unite communities with their local sea turtle populations. There is also heavy emphasis on the legacy and impact of the late J Nichols, and his integral role in developing SEE Turtles and the Billion Baby Turtles initiative.
 
For more information about SEE Turtles and their initiatives conserving turtles as well as aiding coastal communities, visit: https://www.seeturtles.org/
 
Contact Brad here: Brad@seeturtles.org
 
Learn more about J Nichols here: https://www.seeturtles.org/jnichols
 
Book a sea turtle conservation tour with SEE Turtles here: https://www.seeturtles.org/upcoming-tours
 
Visit Brad Nahill’s website here: http://www.bradnahill.com/
 
Find SEE Turtles on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/see_turtles/?hl=en
 
Find SEE Turtles on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SEEturtles/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
 
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
 
Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

Ecological Theory, Fieldwork, and Asking Turtle Questions

CheloniaCast sits down with renowned turtle ecologist Dr. Justin Congdon, Professor Emeritus at University of Georgia. From a comparison of life history between the shortest lived and long-lived turtles, to analysis of the ‘bigger is better’ hypothesis in reference to snapping turtles, Dr. Congdon has done intimate, long-term work with fascinating aspects of chelonian ecology. It is difficult to study long-term shifts in turtle ecology due to long lifespans of individuals, however Dr. Congdon boasts vast data sets spanning multiple decades. The conversation sheds light on some of the deeper findings in prolonged study of the life history of turtles, as well as interesting discussion about turtle lifespans, reproductive strategy, and many other topics.
 
To see some of Dr. Congdon’s research, visit https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin-Congdon-2
 
To learn more about Dr. Congdon's long-term, ongoing, turtle ecology project at the E.S. George Reserve visit: https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/esgr/research-projects/turtles-of-the-esgr/
 
To learn more about the Congdon-Dickson Research Fund named in his honor visit: https://chelonian.org/cdrf/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
 
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
 
Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

Pursuing and Protecting Turtles and Primates

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Craig Stanford, professor of Biological Sciences and Anthropology at the University of Southern California and Chair of the IUCN-SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. Dr. Stanford is renowned for study of the behavior, ecology, and conservation biology of great apes. He has published over 140 scientific papers and over 17 books. Dr. Stanford also specializes in turtles and tortoises. The conversation blends Dr. Stanford’s vast knowledge of both behavioral and social ecology with conservation biology in relation to Testudines. There is exchange of views on the greater implications of conserving turtles in relation to the strategy behind IUCN listing. There is also dialogue on the intelligence of chelonians from an empirical perspective.
To purchase one or multiple of Dr. Stanford’s books, click here: https://craigstanford.wordpress.com/other-books/
To learn more about Dr. Stanford check out his website at: https://craigstanford.wordpress.com/
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

Sea Turtle Stories

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Jeff Seminoff, Program Lead of Marine Turtle Ecology and Assessment in the Marine Mammal and Turtle Division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Southwest Fisheries Science Center. The conversation focuses on Dr. Seminoff’s upbringing into the world of turtles and thesis work focused on prolonged study of Green Sea Turtles. Whether it’s satellite tracking, trans-oceanic movement of individual turtles, or trophic ecology of eastern Pacific Green Sea Turtles, Dr. Seminoff has unique experiences and perspectives in every aspect of these turtles. There is also valuable discussion of the culture surrounding the harvest of sea turtles and the evolution of their public perspective.
To view some of Dr. Seminoff’s publications, check out: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=CaOhZJAAAAAJ&hl=en
To purchase Dr. Seminoff's book "Sea Turtles of the Eastern Pacific: Advances in Research and Conservation" visit: https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Turtles-Eastern-Pacific-Arizona-Sonora/dp/0816511586
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

Protecting the Turtles of Belize

CheloniaCast is on location at the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE), located on a 1,153 acre preserve in Belize. BFREE serves as a space for wildlife conservation, study, and education. This episode is comprised of two conversations, the first being with Jacob Marlin: founder and Executive Director of BFREE. Jacob is renowned in the world of herpetology and conservation holistically. We focus on his upbringing into the world of wildlife conservation, the origins of BFREE, and insight into the work BFREE is doing to preserve the critically endangered Hicatee. The second part of the episode is a conversation with Heather Barrett, Deputy Director of BFREE, along with Tom Pop, Jonathan Dubon, and Barney Hall. This part of the conversation focuses on their indvidual experiences at BFREE, working with the Hicatees, freshwater turtles, and experiencing the wildlife that is present.
 
For more information about BFREE, check out their website: https://www.bfreebz.org/
 
Be sure to follow BFREE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bfreebz/?hl=en
 
Be sure to follow BFREE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BFREEBZ/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
 
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
 
Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

Voice of the Turtle

CheloniaCast is joined by Jordan Gray, External Relations Manager of the Turtle Survival Alliance. Jordan has extensive experience in the study of many chelonians. The conversation dives into Jordan’s experiences with all corners of North American turtles as well as ventures abroad, be it related to terrapins, Macrochelys, or Batagur, Jordan has been involved in it all.
 
To learn more about Turtle Survival Alliance check out: https://turtlesurvival.org/
 
To learn more about how you can volunteer with the Turtle Survival Alliance and their North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group (NAFTRG) visit: https://turtlesurvival.org/programs/naftrg/?srsltid=AfmBOorP2tNW8KjFtDl7wUjBoAA0AWJlF7WyuqjMciagp6GS1d18NWW6
 
Be sure to follow Jordan and the Turtle Survival Alliance on social media at: Jordan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanturtleman/
Jordan's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1LVs73XGxK/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The Turtle Survival Alliance's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turtlesurvival/?hl=en
The Turtle Survival Alliance's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TurtleSurvival/
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
 
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
 
Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

The Turtle Lovers' Guidebook

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Tony Monahan, both an educator and turtle enthusiast. Dr. Monahan is an author and artist with a love and passion for turtles. He recently authored the “Turtle Lovers’ Guidebook”, which is a worthy addition to any turtle or natural history library. The conversation ranges from Dr. Monahan’s firsthand experiences in his travels across countries to experience the world’s turtle diversity as well as his experiences witnessing the captive breeding of rare species.
Be sure to purchase Dr. Monahan’s book, available here: https://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Lovers-Guidebook-Tony-Monahan/dp/B0DC8Z88DK
You can also enjoy his turtle art here: https://carapacedesigns.com/
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

A Special Turtle

CheloniaCast is joined by Mike Knoerr, who is a wildlife biologist in the Southeastern United States. Mike has contributed to the conservation and study of the Bog Turtle in a very large capacity. The discussion covers multiple angles of Bog Turtle conservation, be it camera traps, water samples, or nest tracking, Mike has used it all in pursuit of preserving a truly unique chelonian.
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
 
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
 
Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

Giving Back for Turtles

CheloniaCast is joined by Ty Park, founder of IguanaLand Incorporated, an amazing facility housing a wide array of reptile species, roughly 140 of which being chelonians. Ty has vast experience in many aspects of the reptile world including in keeping rare and endangered species, funding important research, and providing an educational space for all levels of interest in reptiles. The conversation covers the upbringing of Ty and IguanaLand as well as insights into what’s most important for captive reptiles and the value of in-situ research. There is also emphasis on the IguanaLand Conservation Fund, which is allocating $500,000 to research and conservation in herpetology in 2025.
 
The 2025 International Herpetological Symposium (IHS) will be held at IguanaLand from June 18th-21st: https://www.iherpsymp.org/
 
Those doing research in herpetological conservation or biology should look into the IguanaLand Conservation Fund, you can learn more about it here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1240218894258287&set=a.217079206572266
 
Be sure to visit IguanaLand if you get the chance: https://www.iguanaland.com/
 
Visit IguanaLand's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iguanalandzoo/?hl=en
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
 
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
 
Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

The Sea Turtles of Oceania

CheloniaCast is joined by George Balazs, a Global Independent Sea Turtle Scientist and former leader of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine Turtle Research Program, a position that he held for over 30 years. George is, and has been, a massive force for sea turtles and ocean conservation. Over the course of his career George has authored or contributed to over 400 scientific papers and articles, and has played a major part in providing both federal agencies and NGO's with information guiding the conservation of sea turtles. The conversation covers multiple angles of the conservation struggle of Green Sea Turtles, their unique ecology, and stories from George's career.
 
To learn more about George's work check out his website at (it is a treasure trove of information): https://georgehbalazs.com/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
 
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
 
Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e