
Sean's Wild Life
Sean McCormack
Sean's Wild Life podcast project explores biodiversity, conservation, environment and our connections with nature.
Join as we showcase the importance of wildlife and nature in our lives, and talk with the extraordinary people dedicating their lives to protecting it, educating others about our impacts on the planet or just seeing the benefits of nature therapy for themselves.
Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced by Sean McCormack, co-produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose.
All costs of production have been self funded. If you've enjoyed this episode and would like to tip me by buying me a coffee you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seanswildlife.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 Sean's Wild Life Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Sean's Wild Life episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Sean's Wild Life for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Sean's Wild Life episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Nature therapy & mental health
Sean's Wild Life
03/07/20 • 44 min
I met up with wonderful wildlife photographer Rob Fleming, better know as @robswildlondon on his stunning Instagram account (check it out!). Rob kindly and bravely agreed to chat about his mental health journey and how picking up a camera and rediscovering nature and wildlife that he enjoyed as a child has helped him switch off, be mindful and ultimately heal.
Male mental health is rarely discussed so openly, and as someone with a similar experience of using my camera and nature as therapy during a period of depression in my life, I found Rob's candid discussion really inspiring.
We get a teeny bit technical about wildlife photography and the species we find along our walk, but mostly we enjoyed sharing our stories and bringing an online friendship into real life for the first time.
Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced by Sean McCormack, co-produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose.
All costs of production have been self funded. If you've enjoyed this episode and would like to tip me by buying me a coffee you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seanswildlife.
If you would like to sponsor a future episode of Sean's Wild Life please email [email protected] and visit www.drseanmccormack.com to learn more about Sean's work.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The badger cull debate!
Sean's Wild Life
10/02/20 • 97 min
I sat down to chat about this controversial and often emotive topic with the President of the British Veterinary Association, James Russell and CEO of the Badger Trust, Dominic Dyer. We explored the issues surrounding the eradication of bovine TB, a disease of cattle which also affects wildlife species, most notably the badger. And we tackle the logic, pros and cons of the government's badger cull strategy as part of the plan to eradicate this disease.
It's illuminating and at times a little heated, but Dominic and James do a sterling job of setting out the issues, respectfully debating the finer points and making a very complex topic more clear. As we all agree at the end, it's vital to talk and come together from both sides of the debate. The all too common 'them Vs us' attitude that often crops up where difficult conservation or animal welfare issues arise can do more harm than good.
I'm very grateful to have had them both on as guests, coming together to bring clarity and explore the middle ground in such a divisive topic.
Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced by Sean McCormack, co-produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose.
All costs of production have been self funded. If you've enjoyed this episode and would like to tip me by buying me a coffee you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seanswildlife.
If you would like to sponsor a future episode of Sean's Wild Life please email [email protected] and visit www.drseanmccormack.com to learn more about Sean's work.
Cover photo by Billy Heaney.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Koala Conservation Conundrums
Sean's Wild Life
04/24/20 • 57 min
On my recent trip to Australia, I travelled the Great Ocean Road and ended my journey in Koroit in Western Victoria at the Mosswood Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. I talked to the founder Tracey Wilson about why she set up the sanctuary and what challenges they faced with recent bush fires, and more recently again, the bulldozing of large gum plantations.
Much of Mosswood's work is focused on Koalas, which to many are the most endearing and sweet little creatures ever. And I must admit I was won over by just how cute and sweet they were too.
But there are controversies and very real ethical conservation dilemmas surrounding Koala populations, timber plantations and managing Australian biodiversity. Tracey, a pragmatic conservationist, gives a fascinating insight into the competing priorities of government, private timber plantations, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Perhaps surprisingly, the cuddly 'Koala bear' divides opinion in this part of the world, and it has led to much conflict.
I'm lucky enough to have had a private tour of the sanctuary as I chat to Tracey, so come join as I meet Koalas, Kookaburras, Penguins and much more!
Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced by Sean McCormack, co-produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose.
All costs of production have been self funded. If you've enjoyed this episode and would like to tip me by buying me a coffee you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seanswildlife.
If you would like to sponsor a future episode of Sean's Wild Life please email [email protected] and visit www.drseanmccormack.com to learn more about Sean's work.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Derek Gow: Rewilding Revolutionary!
Sean's Wild Life
12/18/20 • 61 min
A fascinating, hilarious and inspiring conversation with Derek Gow, an ecologist, reintroduction specialist, farmer and author of 'Bringing Back the Beaver'. Derek is well known for speaking out on the frustrations of our current systems and organisations in place to protect our natural landscapes and biodiversity. Or should that be to regulate our natural landscapes and attempts to restore biodiversity?
In this episode he packs no punches in critiquing the bureaucracy and inertia of our conservation organisations. He suggests that perhaps we need to be bolder and get cracking right now on restoring nature on a larger scale and restore lost species as a matter of urgency.
We discuss the psychology of humankind in historically conquering nature, obliterating species deemed harmful or indeed valuable to us, and reshaping the landscape in ways that have been immensely harmful to the natural world. We also explore Derek's varied career in farming, into global wildlife conservation, back to British wildlife conservation and most recently his pioneering role within the UK rewilding movement. Specifically his work from his Devon farm and collaborating with several other organisations in reintroducing threatened or extinct species, from water voles and harvest mice to beavers and white storks.
If you're offended by crude language and straight talk, be warned. Personally I found Derek's refreshingly honest and bold approach truly inspiring. It's a compelling and humorous chat from a non-traditional nature conservationist not afraid to take risks or rock the boat!
Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced by Sean McCormack, co-produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose.
All costs of production have been self funded. If you've enjoyed this episode and would like to tip me by buying me a coffee you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seanswildlife.
If you would like to sponsor a future episode of Sean's Wild Life please email [email protected] and visit www.drseanmccormack.com to learn more about Sean's work.
Cover photo credit: Magzter.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unwelcome wildlife!
Sean's Wild Life
08/07/20 • 74 min
In this episode I talk about unwanted wildlife, the vilified and unwelcome guests to these shores with Jack Baddams, naturalist, ornithologist and wildlife researcher at the BBC Natural History Unit. We discuss the narratives that dominate talk of non native and invasive species, and the discrepancies and at times hypocrisy of how we view certain species against others.
Jack share his recent thoughts having read a book that challenged all his strongly held beliefs on native Vs non-native debate, and whether we should celebrate all biodiversity in this day and age, no matter where it originated. Can it be that introduced species actually help us build more diverse ecosystems? Although many conservationists and naturalists are strongly opposed to introduced species – some of our most loved species are introduced – rabbits, hares, little owls (which we're now concerned are decreasing!), mandarin ducks, poppies, sweet chestnuts to name a few.
It's a controversial topic, and one which prompts passionate debate. It was certainly a thought provoking chat with Jack and challenged some of my preconceptions too. I hope you too will enjoy it!
Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced by Sean McCormack, co-produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose.
All costs of production have been self funded. If you've enjoyed this episode and would like to tip me by buying me a coffee you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seanswildlife.
If you would like to sponsor a future episode of Sean's Wild Life please email [email protected] and visit www.drseanmccormack.com to learn more about Sean's work.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Brilliance of Bats!
Sean's Wild Life
01/15/21 • 50 min
I was delighted to speak with Kit Stoner, CEO of the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) about one of my favourite groups of animals, bats! Often misunderstood and vilified, bats are a fascinating and extremely important group of animals globally. And in a year where bats have received somewhat of a bad rep and perhaps unwarranted blame for the Covid-19 pandemic, we settle the score on this and many other misconceptions about these incredible creature, the only mammals capable of true flight.
From what they eat to where they live, practical advice if you find a bat or have them living in your home, how bat research is benefiting us in terms of medical science and technology right through to the conservation status of bats in Britain, Kit is a mine of information. And surprisingly when it comes to the depressing trend of biodiversity in crisis, some of our bat species appear to be bouncing back. An all too rare good news story in nature conservation that we need right now.
Have a listen and I guarantee you'll learn some amazing bat facts that you didn't know before.
Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced by Sean McCormack, co-produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose.
All costs of production have been self funded. If you've enjoyed this episode and would like to tip me by buying me a coffee you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seanswildlife.
If you would like to sponsor a future episode of Sean's Wild Life please email [email protected] and visit www.drseanmccormack.com to learn more about Sean's work.
Cover photo credit: Common Pipistrelle by Hugh Clark, purchased via donation to BCT.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Life Less Ordinary
Sean's Wild Life
01/29/21 • 85 min
I speak with Matthew and Charis Watkinson about their off grid life in the Welsh countryside, and what prompted them to turn their back on the trappings of modern life for as remote and self sufficient an existence as they could. Having recently featured on Ben Fogle's 'New Lives in the Wild' on Channel 5, the pair have been overwhelmed with the interest in the life and enterprise they have created at Beeview Farm.
Both ex-veterinarians, I chat to Matthew and Charis about the challenges of the profession which I know all too well myself, having left clinical practice for an industry consultancy role back in 2016. The struggles of the job and emotional demands saw Matthew make a rather controversial departure from the profession 11 years ago. Something which he is still being criticised for to this day, and which flared up again on certain veterinary online forums following the screening of the documentary.
I hope that this podcast gives listeners a chance to hear the Watkinson's points of view and reflect on the issues within the vet profession, as well as the impact it can have on those who have dedicated their lives to it but find themselves at odds with the day to day realities of what it expects of them.
Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced by Sean McCormack, co-produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose.
All costs of production have been self funded. If you've enjoyed this episode and would like to tip me by buying me a coffee you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seanswildlife.
If you would like to sponsor a future episode of Sean's Wild Life please email [email protected] and visit www.drseanmccormack.com to learn more about Sean's work.
Cover photo credit: Matthew and Charis Watkinson, Beeview Farm Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wildlife film maker par excellence!
Sean's Wild Life
04/09/21 • 63 min
I catch up with Nina Constable to chat about her wildlife film making career and qualifications, what inspires her, some of her previous projects and what she's working on next. Nina's work is both visually beautiful and inspiring in its storytelling style. Of course we chat about beavers, a favourite topic of this podcast, hence the release of this episode in the same week as International Beaver Day. If you haven't already checked out her film Beavers Without Borders, please do, it's a wonderful exploration of why these ecosystem engineers need to be brought back to Britain. I first met Nina when she asked me to contribute to her web series, Wild World Doorstep Discoveries, at the beginning of the first Covid-19 lockdown. A truly uplifting showcase of the power of nature to heal and inspire us.
Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced by Sean McCormack, co-produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose.
All costs of production have been self funded. If you've enjoyed this episode and would like to tip me by buying me a coffee you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seanswildlife.
If you would like to sponsor a future episode of Sean's Wild Life please email [email protected] and visit www.drseanmccormack.com to learn more about Sean's work.
Cover photo credit: Nina Constable.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Megan McCubbin's Wild Life
Sean's Wild Life
09/10/21 • 49 min
I had a long overdue chat with zoologist, wildlife TV presenter and conservationist Megan McCubbin to talk about her career journey and how the pandemic impacted not only her path but that of many others when it comes to nature appreciation. We discuss the role of social media in bringing like minded young conservationists and environmentalists together, but also the downsides of social media and how best to manage them.
We explore topics that Megan and co-author Chris Packham delve into in their book, 'Back to Nature: How to love life - and save it'. Topics such as eco-activism, lobbying and extinction rebellion, to rewilding and reintroduction of top predators into our landscapes, how to engage people with nature and of course climate change. We also hear all about Megan's summer filming a brand new BBC TV series 'Chris and Meg's Wild Summer' out now on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced by Sean McCormack, co-produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose.
All costs of production have been self funded. If you've enjoyed this episode and would like to tip me by buying me a coffee you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seanswildlife.
If you would like to sponsor a future episode of Sean's Wild Life please email [email protected] and visit www.drseanmccormack.com to learn more about Sean's work.
Cover photo credit: Megan McCubbin.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We need to talk about meat!
Sean's Wild Life
06/26/20 • 53 min
A thought provoking conversation with Jeff Korsmit (@MangalitzaFarmerNL on Instagram) about his regenerative, organic, permaculture-led farming practices. Meat is hot topic of conversation right now, with many claiming meat is murder, meat production is inherently cruel, and damages the climate. It's a fascinating topic and Jeff has a pretty interesting view. He doesn't shy away from the fact the pigs, chickens, rabbits and lambs he produces are ultimately food! But have an important role to play in the health of the planet too.
We discuss the flaws in simplistic vegan anti-meat arguments, the ecological benefits of mixed, regenerative agriculture, the animal rights Vs animal welfare point of view. We explore permaculture principles, and the difference between small, local, sustainable food production and large scale, intensive monoculture systems.
We also get into a more personal topics talking about social media and mental health, and Jeff addresses the challenges and social isolation of being gay and a farmer in a rural setting. Jeff even breaks out of rugged farmer mode into a Ru Paul's Drag Race song rendition. We even talk about WWOOFing, but not the gay slang type. Don't miss it, it's a great conversation!
Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced by Sean McCormack, co-produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose.
All costs of production have been self funded. If you've enjoyed this episode and would like to tip me by buying me a coffee you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seanswildlife.
If you would like to sponsor a future episode of Sean's Wild Life please email [email protected] and visit www.drseanmccormack.com to learn more about Sean's work.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Show more best episodes

Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does Sean's Wild Life have?
Sean's Wild Life currently has 45 episodes available.
What topics does Sean's Wild Life cover?
The podcast is about Animals, Leisure, Conservation, London, Mental Health, Environment, Nature, Wildlife, Podcasts, Science, Birds and Sustainability.
What is the most popular episode on Sean's Wild Life?
The episode title 'Nature Ambassador Chantelle Naturelle' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Sean's Wild Life?
The average episode length on Sean's Wild Life is 60 minutes.
How often are episodes of Sean's Wild Life released?
Episodes of Sean's Wild Life are typically released every 13 days, 23 hours.
When was the first episode of Sean's Wild Life?
The first episode of Sean's Wild Life was released on Mar 7, 2020.
Show more FAQ

Show more FAQ