The Rhino Man Podcast

John Jurko II
  • 5.0 (12)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED DAILY
The Rhino Man Podcast

A conservation podcast hosted by filmmaker John Jurko II about rangers, rhinos, and what we can do to stop the poaching crisis. Recorded in support of the Global Conservation Corps' feature-length documentary, RHINO MAN. A film about the courageous field rangers who risk their lives every day to protect South Africa's rhinos from being poached to extinction.

  1. Ep 56: Kurt Steiner - Conservation Law Enforcement and Creating the Ranger Rifle.

    OCT 4

    Ep 56: Kurt Steiner - Conservation Law Enforcement and Creating the Ranger Rifle.

    Our guest in this episode is Kurt Steiner. Kurt is a long-time conservation law enforcement innovator and the creator of the Ranger Rifle. Among his many roles over the years, he was the Head of Law Enforcement at African Parks Network from 2025-2017. While there he was responsible for the development and implementation of a law enforcement strategy for increasing from 600 to 1,100 counter poaching rangers, across multiple regions in 12 countries. In this conversation, we dive deep into Kurt's path into conservation law enforcement. We dig into what it means to be a ranger, aspects of ranger training, what he learned during his time in the Congo, and what rangers need to be effective and well-supported. Kurt takes us through the process of developing and testing the Ranger Rifle, and why there is such a need for this specialized firearm. Kurt is full of wisdom and great stories. His passion for rangers shines through in everything he does. I can't wait for you to jump into this conversation. - - - - - - - Subscribe, Like, and Review The Rhino Man Podcast on #YouTube, #Spotify, and #ApplePodcasts today! Listen here: https://rhinomanthemovie.org/podcast/ - - - - - - - Sponsored by Wildlife & Co. They're on a mission to protect Earth's ecosystems and wildlife. Buy amazing apparel and support conservation. Visit: https://wildlifeandco.com/ - - - - - - - CREDITS Produced by @theglobalconservationcorps Music by @simon.wilson.music Host @johnjurko - - - - - - - Thank you for listening to The Rhino Man Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and you're excited to see the film succeed, please subscribe and review our podcast on #Spotify and #iTunes. Then follow us on Instagram and Facebook @rhinomanthemovie. More details about Rhino Man, the social impact campaign, and future screenings are at https://rhinomanthemovie.org. To learn more about the Global Conservation Corps and their work visit globalconservationcorps.org, sign up for the newsletter, and follow GCC on all of the social platforms. If you liked this podcast, make sure to subscribe to and catch up on GCC's Voices of Nature Podcast, where Bob Ludke interviews a wide range of people who have dedicated their lives to making a difference in conservation. A special thanks goes out to Simón Wilson for the music for this podcast. He is the brilliant composer for Rhino Man the movie. Learn more about his work at https://www.simonwilsonmusic.com/.

    1h 38m
  2. Ep 55: Nick Smith - RHINO MAN’s DP on filmmaking, photography and a life of travel.

    MAR 19

    Ep 55: Nick Smith - RHINO MAN’s DP on filmmaking, photography and a life of travel.

    Our guest in this episode is my friend, Nick Smith. Nick is an experienced DP and photographer based in Atlanta, Georgia. He's shot all over the world for amazing brands and nonprofits. Nick is also the Director of Photography of RHINO MAN, and he lead the project with his work for 3 years before my involvement. In this conversation, we talk about Nick's journey in the world of RHINO MAN, along with his love of photography and travel. Nick is a humble guy, and one of the most inspiring people I know. - - - - - - - - Subscribe, Like, and Review The Rhino Man Podcast on #YouTube, #Spotify, and #ApplePodcasts today! Listen here: https://rhinomanthemovie.org/podcast/ - - - - - - - - Sponsored by Wildlife & Co. They're on a mission to protect Earth's ecosystems and wildlife. Buy amazing apparel and support conservation. Visit: https://wildlifeandco.com/ - - - - - - - - CREDITS Produced by @theglobalconservationcorps Music by @simon.wilson.music Host @johnjurko - - - - - - - - Thank you for listening to The Rhino Man Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and you're excited to see the film succeed, please subscribe and review our podcast on #Spotify and #iTunes. Then follow us on Instagram and Facebook @rhinomanthemovie. More details about Rhino Man, the social impact campaign, and future screenings are at https://rhinomanthemovie.org. To learn more about the Global Conservation Corps and their work visit globalconservationcorps.org, sign up for the newsletter, and follow GCC on all of the social platforms. If you liked this podcast, make sure to subscribe to and catch up on GCC's Voices of Nature Podcast, where Bob Ludke interviews a wide range of people who have dedicated their lives to making a difference in conservation. A special thanks goes out to Simón Wilson for the music for this podcast. He is the brilliant composer for Rhino Man the movie. Learn more about his work at https://www.simonwilsonmusic.com/.

    1h 15m
  3. Ep 54: Fedrick Ndlovu - Life lessons from a ranger at the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.

    FEB 28

    Ep 54: Fedrick Ndlovu - Life lessons from a ranger at the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.

    Our guest today is my friend, Fedrick Ndlovu. Fedrick is a long-time ranger at the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. In this episode, we dive into Fedrick’s path into becoming a ranger, and how it almost didn’t happen because of a government mixup. We talk about his early days on the reserve facing the new threat of rhino poaching, and his rise up through the ranger ranks. We cover the effects of COVID on the team in 2020, leadership advice, what it was like working with the RHINO MAN team, and the loss of Anton Mzimba. - - - - - - - - Subscribe, Like, and Review The Rhino Man Podcast on #YouTube, #Spotify, and #ApplePodcasts today! Listen here: https://rhinomanthemovie.org/podcast/ - - - - - - - - Sponsored by Wildlife & Co. They're on a mission to protect Earth's ecosystems and wildlife. Buy amazing apparel and support conservation. Visit: https://wildlifeandco.com/ - - - - - - - - CREDITS Sponsored by @wildlifeandcompany Produced by @theglobalconservationcorps Music by @simon.wilson.music Host @johnjurko - - - - - - - - Thank you for listening to The Rhino Man Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and you're excited to see the film succeed, please subscribe and review our podcast on #Spotify and #iTunes. Then follow us on Instagram and Facebook @rhinomanthemovie. More details about Rhino Man, the social impact campaign, and future screenings are at https://rhinomanthemovie.org. To learn more about the Global Conservation Corps and their work visit globalconservationcorps.org, sign up for the newsletter, and follow GCC on all of the social platforms. If you liked this podcast, make sure to subscribe to and catch up on GCC's Voices of Nature Podcast, where Bob Ludke interviews a wide range of people who have dedicated their lives to making a difference in conservation. A special thanks goes out to Simón Wilson for the music for this podcast. He is the brilliant composer for Rhino Man the movie. Learn more about his work at https://www.simonwilsonmusic.com/.

    1h 28m
  4. Ep 53: Don Scott - Tanda Tula: Education, ownership, and hyper-local safari industry supply chains.

    FEB 13

    Ep 53: Don Scott - Tanda Tula: Education, ownership, and hyper-local safari industry supply chains.

    Our guest in this episode is Don Scott. Don along with his wife, Nina, are owners and operators of Tanda Tula, a beautiful Safari Camp in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve in South Africa. In this conversation, we dive into Don's early career in aerospace engineering, and how he and Nina found their way into conservation. We talk about the risks and challenges of owning and operating a business in the bush. We go into the positive impact they seek to have through education and literacy efforts, creating pathways for growth and ownership within their company, and developing the local wildlife economy to grow and connect with more locally owned businesses in the Kruger area. We also talk about the importance of rangers, and what you should look for in the companies and lodges you're supporting when you're traveling to wildlife areas. Don was thoughtful, passionate, and generous with his time. I can't wait for you to dive into this conversation. - - - - - - - - Subscribe, Like, and Review The Rhino Man Podcast on #YouTube, #Spotify, and #ApplePodcasts today! Listen here: https://rhinomanthemovie.org/podcast/ - - - - - - - - Sponsored by Wildlife & Co. They're on a mission to protect Earth's ecosystems and wildlife. Buy amazing apparel and support conservation. Visit: https://wildlifeandco.com/ - - - - - - - - CREDITS Sponsored by @wildlifeandcompany Produced by @theglobalconservationcorps Music by @simon.wilson.music Host @johnjurko - - - - - - - - Thank you for listening to The Rhino Man Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and you're excited to see the film succeed, please subscribe and review our podcast on #Spotify and #iTunes. Then follow us on Instagram and Facebook @rhinomanthemovie. More details about Rhino Man, the social impact campaign, and future screenings are at https://rhinomanthemovie.org. To learn more about the Global Conservation Corps and their work visit globalconservationcorps.org, sign up for the newsletter, and follow GCC on all of the social platforms. If you liked this podcast, make sure to subscribe to and catch up on GCC's Voices of Nature Podcast, where Bob Ludke interviews a wide range of people who have dedicated their lives to making a difference in conservation. A special thanks goes out to Simón Wilson for the music for this podcast. He is the brilliant composer for Rhino Man the movie. Learn more about his work at https://www.simonwilsonmusic.com/.

    2h 5m
  5. Ep 52: Timothy Santel - Focused Conservation and Criminal Investigations with the USFWS.

    09/11/2023

    Ep 52: Timothy Santel - Focused Conservation and Criminal Investigations with the USFWS.

    In this episode, I'm talking with Timothy Santel. Tim is currently the Senior Advisor on International Wildlife Trafficking programs for Focused Conservation, which is a nonprofit changing the game in the battle against wildlife crime through investigations, government support, and information sharing. Tim spent over 33 years working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and retired as a Special Agent in Charge of their Special Investigations Unit. Tim developed and oversaw a team of elite covert federal agents tasked with investigating transnational criminal organizations that were illegally trafficking wildlife. In recognition of his efforts, Tim received numerous awards throughout his career including the prestigious Guy Bradley Award, Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal, and North American Wildlife Officer of the Year. In this conversation, we go deep into the work being done at Focused Conservation, why what they are doing is important to the cause, and how you can support. We dive into Tim's progression from growing up in a rural Midwestern town in the US, to becoming a law enforcement agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We go into many of his experiences on the job and investigations including Operation Crash, which resulted in nearly 50 prosecutions globally for trafficking in rhino horns and elephant ivory. Tim is generous with his stories and his wisdom. Subscribe, Like, and Review The Rhino Man Podcast on #Spotify, #SoundCloud, and #Amazon today! Listen here: https://rhinomanthemovie.org/podcast/ - - - - - - - - CREDITS Produced by @theglobalconservationcorps Music by @simon.wilson.music Edited by @karaborej Host @johnjurko Thank you for listening to The Rhino Man Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and you're excited to see the film succeed, please subscribe and review our podcast on #Spotify and #iTunes. Then follow us on Instagram and Facebook @rhinomanthemovie. More details about Rhino Man, the social impact campaign, and future screenings are at https://rhinomanthemovie.org. To learn more about the Global Conservation Corps and their work visit globalconservationcorps.org, sign up for the newsletter, and follow GCC on all of the social platforms. If you liked this podcast, make sure to subscribe to and catch up on GCC's Voices of Nature Podcast, where Bob Ludke interviews a wide range of people who have dedicated their lives to making a difference in conservation. A special thanks goes out to Simón Wilson for the music for this podcast. He is the brilliant composer for Rhino Man the movie. Learn more about his work at https://www.simonwilsonmusic.com/.

    2h 8m
  6. Ep 51: Chris Galliers - The future of rangers and the International Ranger Federation.

    07/30/2023

    Ep 51: Chris Galliers - The future of rangers and the International Ranger Federation.

    In this episode I'm talking with Chris Galliers. Chris is the current President of the International Ranger Federation and we go deep on everything rangers, on this World Ranger Day. He is also the manager of Conservation Outcomes, which was created to provide support to land that is being developed and managed for biodiversity conservation outside of traditional state protected areas. Chris has been on the executive committee for the Game Rangers Association of Africa, and was the Senior Manager of Wildlife and Conservation Initiatives at WESSA. In this conversation, we dive into Chris's youth growing up on a dairy farm in rural KwaZulu-Natal and the curiosity that led him into the conservation field. We talk about the importance of rangers, the balance of conserving spaces while supporting growth, staying optimistic in work that can feel like a constant battle, and we go deep on the International Ranger Federation. Chris talks about the next World Ranger Congress, the Chitwan Declaration and the Universal Ranger Support Alliance, and the International Ranger Awards. Chris is deeply passionate about rangers, conservation, and his work. You won't want to miss this wide ranging conversation. Subscribe, Like, and Review The Rhino Man Podcast on #Spotify, #ApplePodcasts, and #YouTube today! Listen here: rhinomanthemovie.org/podcast/ - - - - - - - - CREDITS Produced by @theglobalconservationcorps Music by @simon.wilson.music Edited by @karaborej Host @johnjurko Thank you for listening to The Rhino Man Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and you're excited to see the film succeed, please subscribe and review our podcast on #Spotify and #iTunes. Then follow us on Instagram and Facebook @rhinomanthemovie. More details about Rhino Man, the social impact campaign, and future screenings are at rhinomanthemovie.org. To learn more about the Global Conservation Corps and their work visit globalconservationcorps.org, sign up for the newsletter, and follow GCC on all of the social platforms. If you liked this podcast, make sure to subscribe to and catch up on GCC's Voices of Nature Podcast, where Bob Ludke interviews a wide range of people who have dedicated their lives to making a difference in conservation. A special thanks goes out to Simón Wilson for the music for this podcast. He is the brilliant composer for Rhino Man the movie. Learn more about his work at simonwilsonmusic.com.

    1h 42m
  7. Ep 50: John Jurko II - Directing RHINO MAN the movie and living the better story.

    06/13/2023

    Ep 50: John Jurko II - Directing RHINO MAN the movie and living the better story.

    In this episode, we turn the microphone on our host, John Jurko II. John is the lead director and producer who has overseen the completion of our documentary film, RHINO MAN, since 2018. After receiving a BA in Film Production and Philosophy at Bowling Green State University, he lived in Los Angeles, where he worked in the camera department of many indie films. He then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he was drawn to RHINO MAN for its story and potential as a social impact project. He created and hosts The Rhino Man Podcast to further build awareness of the importance of rangers, the rhino poaching crisis, and community engagement. John has presented to audiences such as His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, government, international financial crime delegates, law enforcement, and conservation NGOs. In this conversation, we dive into the ups and downs along John's winding journey into filmmaking. We go deep into his philosophy on life, how he came to RHINO MAN, and the endless obstacles he had to overcome to complete the film. We also talk about the devastating loss of his good friend and ranger, Anton Mzimba. Matt Lindenberg, the Executive Director of the Global Conservation Corps takes the reins and hosts an intimate conversation with John. This episode shows how we can all contribute to the greater cause in our own way. Subscribe, Like, and Review The Rhino Man Podcast on #Spotify, #SoundCloud, and #Amazon today! Listen here: rhinomanthemovie.org/podcast/ - - - - - - - - CREDITS Produced by @theglobalconservationcorps Music by @simon.wilson.music Edited by @karaborej Host @johnjurko Thank you for listening to The Rhino Man Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and you're excited to see the film succeed, please subscribe and review our podcast on #Spotify and #iTunes. Then follow us on Instagram and Facebook @rhinomanthemovie. More details about Rhino Man, the social impact campaign, and future screenings are at rhinomanthemovie.org. To learn more about the Global Conservation Corps and their work visit globalconservationcorps.org, sign up for the newsletter, and follow GCC on all of the social platforms. If you liked this podcast, make sure to subscribe to and catch up on GCC's Voices of Nature Podcast, where Bob Ludke interviews a wide range of people who have dedicated their lives to making a difference in conservation. A special thanks goes out to Simón Wilson for the music for this podcast. He is the brilliant composer for Rhino Man the movie. Learn more about his work at simonwilsonmusic.com.

    2h 14m
  8. Ep 49: Orlat Ndlovu - Head of Ranger Services at the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.

    06/05/2023

    Ep 49: Orlat Ndlovu - Head of Ranger Services at the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.

    In this episode, I'm talking with my good friend, Orlat Ndlovu. Orlat is the Head of Ranger Services at the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which borders the Kruger National Park in South Africa. He's been a dedicated ranger for over 14 years, and he was a close friend and colleague of the late Anton Mzimba. In this conversation, we talk about Orlat's early love of birds and how that passion for nature led to a career as a field ranger. We dive into the challenges he faced during ranger selection and training, the day-to-day work of a ranger in the Timbavati, and the many dangers of the job. We spend time unpacking the rhino poaching crisis, and how it changed the nature of his work. We go deep into what makes a good ranger, the nature of corruption within the ranger corps and how his team works to eliminate it, and the importance of educating and inspiring the youth. We even have a heartfelt discussion about the loss of Anton Mzimba, and the difficult task Orlat had in stepping up and taking leadership of his team during such a devastating time. Orlat is full of sage advice and love for the work he does. Subscribe, Like, and Review The Rhino Man Podcast on #Spotify, #ApplePodcasts, and #YouTube today! Listen here: rhinomanthemovie.org/podcast/ - - - - - - - - CREDITS Produced by @theglobalconservationcorps Music by @simon.wilson.music Edited by @karaborej Host @johnjurko Thank you for listening to The Rhino Man Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and you're excited to see the film succeed, please subscribe and review our podcast on #Spotify and #iTunes. Then follow us on Instagram and Facebook @rhinomanthemovie. More details about Rhino Man, the social impact campaign, and future screenings are at rhinomanthemovie.org. To learn more about the Global Conservation Corps and their work visit globalconservationcorps.org, sign up for the newsletter, and follow GCC on all of the social platforms. If you liked this podcast, make sure to subscribe to and catch up on GCC's Voices of Nature Podcast, where Bob Ludke interviews a wide range of people who have dedicated their lives to making a difference in conservation. A special thanks goes out to Simón Wilson for the music for this podcast. He is the brilliant composer for Rhino Man the movie. Learn more about his work at simonwilsonmusic.com.

    1h 47m
See All (56)

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

A conservation podcast hosted by filmmaker John Jurko II about rangers, rhinos, and what we can do to stop the poaching crisis. Recorded in support of the Global Conservation Corps' feature-length documentary, RHINO MAN. A film about the courageous field rangers who risk their lives every day to protect South Africa's rhinos from being poached to extinction.

Information

  • Creator
    John Jurko II
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Rhino Man Podcast

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