GrizzCast Grizzly Bear Foundation

Near Grizzly Bear Foundation headquarters on the Pacific coast of British Columbia, we connect with veterinarian, former Zoo Director, and scientist Ken Macquisten. Nicholas and Ken meld the past with the present in a “through the lens” approach to wildlife conservation. With a shared hope for flourishing biodiversity, the two acknowledge controversy in the battle to protect the iconic grizzly bear. Listen in for creative ideas to help build a healthy future alongside grizzlies and hear special stories about unique characteristics learned from the bears at Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge and Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife.

The GrizzCast series returns in 2021 to help save grizzly bears. Join us as we adventure into an ancient temperate old-growth forest with Julius Strauss, a former war correspondent, wilderness guide and activist. In a new world where grizzly bears are no longer hunted for their hide, paws, teeth or head, we discuss a monumental policy that could be overturned at any time. A new way of life that has emerged in the last few years for both bears and humans weave throughout the conversation, as hunters, fishers and foragers find a common ground.

This is a story of a young grizzly bear during COVID-19 in the Broughton Archipelago, British Columbia’s largest marine park. During one of the most impactful global events in recent history, a physically-distanced world saw a joint effort by First Nations, the Grizzly Bear Foundation and the provincial government to save a wayward male grizzly: Mali. Mike Willie of the Kwikwasutinuxw/Haxwa’mis First Nation and owner/lead guide of Sea Wolf Adventures considers how Indigenous governance can lead to more effective conservation and help strengthen our connection to each other and to the natural world.

It’s time to travel to the northern boundary of the Arctic Circle to meet with bear specialist Phil Timpany. A trophy hunting guide turned bear-viewing guide, Phil has redefined his relationship with grizzly bears, honouring their forgiveness and dedicating his life to their well-being. Dubbed the “bear whisperer of North Yukon”, Phil shares how his work as a bear guide is connected to helping preserve an entire ecosystem - from the rivers and spawning salmon to Indigenous communities and beyond.

Join Grizzly Bear Foundation’s Executive Director, Nicholas Scapillati, on a journey through some of the most famous grizzly country in the world with naturalist, author and Vietnam veteran Doug Peacock. Much as the flow of the current pulls a canoe down the river, we hear how the call of the wilderness pulled this icon of conservation toward the grizzly bear, restoring the soul of a war-ravaged soldier. Now a grandfather, Doug explores the future of the grizzly and the importance of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem for these soul-saving bears.

GrizzCast is a journey of discovery of what connects us to the natural world through one of North America’s most iconic species — the grizzly bear. Podcast host and Executive Director of the Grizzly Bear Foundation, Nicholas Scapillati, explores how conservation brings us all together in a shared fight to protect wildlife and wild places through voices and stories of people working on the frontlines.