Wilder Insights with Mike Bryden

Wilder Insights

From the deepest seas to the tallest trees, our planet is overflowing with wild stories to tell. But like all good stories, these ones are filled with conflict. Wilder Insights explores wild spaces, the fascinating creatures that inhabit them, and the dedicated people working toward the resolution of their stories.

Interested in being a guest? Or maybe you've got a question—email wilderinsightspodcast@gmail.com to reach out.

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18 episodes
Avg 28 min
English

Episodes 18

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S2 · E13
June 19 · 44 min
The Night Shift: Talking Bats in BC with Tina Watters | Ep 13
In this episode, I sit down with Tina Watters, the Ominica Regional Program Coordinator for the BC Community Bat Program. We talk about which bat species call BC their home, a little about their biology, and what threatens their populations. We also touch on volunteering for bat conservation in BC and what you can do to get involved in protecting the bats of your backyard. If you want to learn more about how to help bats, learn more about Bat Friendly Communities https://bcbats.ca/get-involved/bat-friendly-communities/ Links: Community Bat Programs of BC Website: https://bcbats.ca/ Info on WNS: https://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/ Small correction from the episode: PD was first detected in New York in 2006, not 2001. Want to become a guest on the show? Do you know somebody who you think would make a great guest? Or want to share a conservation story of your own? Email wilderinsightspodcast@gmail.com or dm me ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wilderinsightspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram and Facebook.
S2 · E8
April 24 · 35 min
Thunder in the Underbrush: The Importance of Grouse Conservation with Skye Irwin | Ep 12
In this episode, I sit down with Skye Irwin, an undergraduate student at the University of Northern British Columbia, partnered with the Ruffed Grouse Society. We talk about her undergraduate thesis, how she got started with this project, what grouse are eating in Northern BC, and what her data means for habitat management. We touch on hunting, conservation, a love for nature, and the overlap between all three. Links: Ruffed Grouse Society Website: https://ruffedgrousesociety.org/ Ruffed Grouse Society Canada Website: https://www.rgs.ca/ Grouse Hunters BC Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587189544069# Grouse Hunters BC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grousehuntersbc?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Want to become a guest on the show? Do you know somebody who you think would make a great guest? Or want to share a conservation story of your own? Email wilderinsightspodcast@gmail.com or dm me ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wilderinsightspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram and Facebook.
S2 · E4
March 27 · 30 min
Out of Place: When Invasive Species Invade with NWIPC | Ep 11
In this episode, I sit down with North West Invasive Plant Council board members Michelle Miller and Katie Cunningham to talk about invasive species in the North West. We touch on what defines a species as invasive, the impacts of these invaders, and what it means in terms of biodiversity loss. Are some of your favorite wild species actually invasive? Tune in to find out. Links: NWIPC Website: https://www.nwipc.org/ How to identify invasive plants in Canada: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/plant-health/invasive-pests-and-plants/invasive-plants Want to become a guest on the show? Do you know somebody who you think would make agreat guest? Or want to share a conservation story of your own? Email wilderinsightspodcast@gmail.com or dm me ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wilderinsightspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram and Facebook.
March 13 · 5 min
EE - Biodiversity
Welcome to the Environmental Encyclopedia. This series aims to bridge the gap between scientific jargon and everyday language, so that we can all be part of the conservation conversation. In this episode, we cover Biodiversity
S2 · E3
March 3 · 40 min
A Journey of Rewilding and Resilience with Katie Stacey | Ep 10
In this episode, I sit down with author Katie Stacey to talk about her new book, No Paradise with Wolves. We touch on the public's opinion of Iberian wolves in Northern Spain, letting nature manage itself, and the rewilding of their little farmland known as Wild Finca. What challenges come with letting the land take the reins? Tune in to find out. Book Bio: In 2018, Katie and Luke, moved to Asturias, Northern Spain, in search of a home. As conservation storytellers, they were drawn to the story of the Iberian wolf - a much-maligned creature facing relentless persecution right on their doorstep. But as they delved deeper, they discovered that the story was far more complex than they had imagined. While searching, they found a dilapidated old dairy farm, which they purchased with a vision to rewild its surrounding land. They named their new home Wild Finca and soon realized that promoting coexistence with wolves - and all wildlife - wasn’t about exposing the darker aspects of the relationship but about proving that living alongside wildlife was truly possible by doing it themselves. Links: Get No Paradise with Wolves here: https://www.wildfinca.com/no-paradise-with-wolves Learn more about The Wild Shift here: https://thewildshift.com/homepage Learn more about Wild Finca here: https://www.wildfinca.com/ Follow Wild Finca on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildfinca Want to become a guest on the show? Do you know somebody who you think would make a great guest? Or want to share a conservation story of your own? Email wilderinsightspodcast@gmail.com or dm me ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wilderinsightspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram and Facebook.
February 13 · 4 min
EE - Symbiosis
Welcome to the Environmental Encyclopedia. This series aims to bridge the gap between scientific jargon and everyday language, so that we can all be part of the conservation conversation. In this episode, we cover Symbiosis
S2 · E2
February 4 · 52 min
Fatal Light and Window Strikes: How Our Buildings are Killing Birds with Michael Mesure | Ep 09
In this episode, I sit down with FLAP Co-founder and Executive Director Michael Mesure. We discuss bird collisions caused by invisible windows and light in the night, the value of birds in our economy, and why you should care about birds dying. The vast number of bird deaths caused by human architecture will shock you. What can we do to change this? Tune in to find out. FLAP Canada website: https://flap.org/ Report a collision - Global Bird Collision Mapper: https://www.birdmapper.org/ Want to become a guest on the show? Do you know somebody who you think would make a great guest? Or want to share a conservation story of your own? Email wilderinsightspodcast@gmail.com or dm me ⁠⁠⁠⁠@wilderinsightspod⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram and Facebook.
January 16 · 3 min
EE - Animal Activity Patterns
Welcome to the first episode of my new mini-series, Environmental Encyclopedia. This series aims to bridge the gap between scientific jargon and everyday language, so that we can all be part of the conservation conversation. In this episode, we cover Animal Activity Patterns
S2 · E1
Dec 26, 2025 · 46 min
Caribou Cafeteria: Can Supplemental Feeding Save Declining Populations with Doug Heard | Ep 08
In this episode, I sit down with Biologist Doug Heard, to discuss a population of Woodland Caribou found in North-Central BC. We touch on supplemental feeding, predation by wolves, and how it's possible to track the growth of the Kennedy Siding Caribou herd. With all this covered, there is only one question left to ask. Does he give them silly names? Tune in to find out. Kennedy Siding Supplimental Feeding Station Live Cam (most active from October - January): https://mlibwildlife.ca/live-cam/ More information on the McLeod Lake Indian Band: https://mlibwildlife.ca/ Want to become a guest on the show? Do you know somebody who you think would make a great guest? Or want to share a conservation story of your own? Email wilderinsightspodcast@gmail.com or dm me ⁠⁠⁠@wilderinsightspod⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram and Facebook.
Sep 8, 2025 · 1 min
What's next for Wilder Insights | End of Season 01
This marks the end of season 01 of Wilder Insights with me, Mike Bryden. Stay tuned for season 02! Coming soon to a podcast platform near you. Want to be a guest in season 2? Do you know somebody you think SHOULD be a guest in season 2? Or do you have a conservation story of your own you'd like to share? DM me @wilderinsightspod on Instagram or shoot me an email at wilderinsightspodcast@gmail.com.
S1 · E7
Aug 29, 2025 · 53 min
Conservation Social Science with Dr. Lauren Harding | Ep 07
In this episode, I sit down with anthropologist and UNBC professor, Dr. Lauren Harding. We discuss culture, its effects on perspective, and how that influences how people see the natural world. How does one's culture change how they feel about wildlife conservation? Tune in to find out. Angry Inuk Film: https://www.nfb.ca/film/angry_inuk/ Want to become a guest on the show? Do you know somebody who you think would make a great guest? Or want to share a conservation story of your own? Email wilderinsightspodcast@gmail.com or dm me ⁠⁠@wilderinsightspod⁠⁠ on Instagram.
S1 · E6
Jul 25, 2025 · 37 min
Becoming Bear Smart: Safety, Science & Coexistence with Urban Bears - Part 2 | Ep 06
Welcome to part 2. In this episode, we learn what it means for a community to be bear smart. I continue my conversation with Nicole Botten, and we learn about ways you can volunteer with the Northern Bear Awareness Society if you're a local to the Prince George, BC area. I also sit down with Vanessa Uschenko, a researcher from the College of New Caledonia, to discuss a research project that analyzes poop to determine bear health. Find out how picking up both fruit and poop can assist in bear conservation. Want to become a guest on the show? Know somebody who you think would make a great guest? Or want to share a conservation story of your own? Email wilderinsightspodcast@gmail.com or dm me ⁠@wilderinsightspod⁠ on Instagram. NorthernBear Awareness Society's Website: ⁠www.northernbearawareness.com⁠⁠ Poop Hotline: (778) 349-4813 Volunteer: Tourism PG Fall FruitFest CNCUrban Bear Poop Project Lets Eat Local PG Sources: Bearwise -Fall is Power Eating Time for Bears SevenGrandfather Teachings
S1 · E5
Jun 27, 2025 · 45 min
Becoming Bear Smart: Safety, Science & Coexistence with Urban Bears - Part 1 | Ep 05 Bears
In this episode, I dive into the dramatic rise in black bear encounters in Prince George, BC, during the summer of 2023—a season that saw over 2,000 sightings and the destruction of dozens of bears. I speak with Kayla Wiens from the BC Conservation Foundation/WildSafeBC about staying safe in bear country, and with Nicole Botten, President of the Northern Bear Awareness Society, about what's attracting bears into our neighborhoods and what we can do to reduce conflicts. Together, we explore the science, the stories, and the steps we can all take to help people and bears coexist more peacefully. The episode is part 1 of 2 in our urban bear series. Tune in next month to find out how you can get involved, and why you should get your hands on some bear poo. Want to become a guest on the show? Know somebody who you think would make a great guest? Or want to share a conservation story of your own? Email wilderinsightspodcast@gmail.com or dm me @wilderinsightspod on Instagram. Northern Bear Awareness Society's Website: www.northernbearawareness.com⁠ Videos and Resources: Staying Safe in Bear Country - video WildSafeBC coursesand training How to use bear spray Black bear colourmorphs Recycle BC
S1 · E4
May 9, 2025 · 44 min
Stop the Spray and the Natural Regrowth of Aspen in BC's Cut Blocks with James Steidle and Hengda Liu| Ep 04
In this episode, I sit down with forester Hengda Liu and James Steidle of Stop The Spray BC to discuss the effects of glyphosate spraying in BC's forestry. We touch on its effects on wildlife, vegetation, and, more specifically, Aspen trees. Tune in to discover why we may benefit from letting Aspen grow, and the results of natural regrowth in cut blocks. Want to become aguest on the show? Know somebody who you think should be a guest? Or want toshare a conservation story of your own? Emailwilderinsightspodcast@gmail.com or dm me @wilderinsightspod onInstagram. Read more about Stop The Spray BC: Stop the Spray BC UNBC ForestryPodcast Episodes Mentioned: Ep 14 | Dennis Loxton - From Tree Planter to Shepherd & Sheep Vegetation Management in BC's Forestry Ep 4 | Liam Parfitt from Freya Logging on Selective Logging and Biodiversity in British Columbia Sources: https://thenarwhal.ca/bc-glyphosate-forestry-map/ https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/14_2004 Intro/Outro Song: Sea - Funeral Culture
S1 · E3
Apr 25, 2025 · 9 min
Rehabilitation and Connection: Boomer's Story | Ep 03
Sometimes, saving a species doesn’t start in the forest, but with one bird, its connection to people, and the story it shares. In today's episode, I recount a story shared with us by Korinne Bengert of Regina, Saskatchewan. Through her experience at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Korinne shares the moving story of a great horned owl in recovery. Do you want to be a guest on the show? Do you know somebody who should be a guest? Or do you want to share a conservation story of your own? Emailwilderinsightspodcast@gmail.com or dm me @wilderinsightspod on Instagram. If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving a rating and sharing it with your friends. Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Mentioned: Prince Rupert Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Sources: Great Horned Owl - All about birds
S1 · E2
Apr 8, 2025 · 29 min
Making Change and Western Toad Conservation with Ashley Sutherland | Ep 02
In this episode, Ashley Sutherland and I talk about the project she's created to help protect Western toads around Shane Lake in Prince George, BC. We discuss how she's gotten to where she is now and what it takes to make the change you want to see in the world. Read up on the Western Toad: https://bcreptilesandamphibians.ca/western-toad/ Check out Ashley's iNaturalist project: iNaturalist - Shane Lake Amphibian Migration Project Want to become a guest on the show? Maybe you know somebody you think should be a guest, or want to share a conservation story of your own? Email wilderinsightspodcast@gmail.com or DM me @wilderinsightpod on Instagram. Thanks for your support! Message from Ashley Sutherland: The Aleza Lake Research Forest staff would like to extend a massive “thank you” to all our major partners (so far) on the Shane Lake Amphibian Migration Project! These partners include: Society for Ecosystem Restoration in Northern BC (SERNbc) College of New Caledonia Research Forest Spruce City Wildlife Association University of Northern BC (UNBC) The Wildlife Society, UNBC Matt Robinson RPBio, Mark Thompson RPBio, Sara Sparks RPBio, And countless other individuals who have contributed to the project in small ways to help maintain the momentum. Sounds Effects: Frog Sound Effect Western Toad Call
S1 · E1
Mar 30, 2025 · 30 min
Anglers and Citizen Science with Sean Simmons | Ep 01
In this episode,Sean Simmons and I discuss Anglers Atlas and the role anglers play inconservation. Check out theAnglers Atlas Website: https://www.anglersatlas.com/ Want to participatein citizen science while fishing? Upload your catches to the MyCatch app: https://mycatch.ca/ Want to become a guest on the show? Maybe you know somebody you think should be a guest, orwant to share a conservation story of your own? Emailwilderinsightspodcast@gmail.com or dm me @wilderinsightpod on Instagram. Thanks for your support!
Feb 19, 2025 · 2 min
Welcome!
Welcome to Wilder Insights! Thanks for stopping by. Song: Sea - Funeral Culture

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