Moving Forests with Keshav Sharma

Keshav Sharma
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Moving Forests with Keshav Sharma is a wildlife podcast, where I focus on sharing interesting things about different species and fascinating places for wildlife content creators and wild life enthusiasts. The show is for people who are struggling with lack of information and sources and I want to help them through my interviews with prominent wild lifers on knowledge about the wild, some cool hacks that these people have developed through their experience and intrigue the curiosity of more and more people and sensitise them about our beautiful natural world.

  1. Jul 7

    How Reptiles Get Smuggled Through Airports | Trishala Ashok | Moving Forests | EP-26

    Trishala walked away from an award-winning jewellery-design career to become a purpose-driven conservation filmmaker. In this episode, she traces the path from her first tiger sighting in Jim Corbett to rescuing owls, monkeys and snakes on the streets of Bangalore and to a filmmaking practice built entirely around one question: what real-world impact does a film create?We get into the science and reality of the exotic pet and reptile trade (reptiles are among the most trafficked animals on earth), the airport seizure cases that changed her, filming gharials on the Girwa River, busting deep-rooted snake myths through her debut film DEFANG, and why she believes "impact strategy" matters more than the footage itself. We also talk about ego and collaboration in conservation, imposter syndrome as a woman and an outsider in the field, and how competitive bodybuilding keeps her grounded. Do let me know how you found the episode and I share it with other who might find it of value.

    How Reptiles Get Smuggled Through Airports | Trishala Ashok | Moving Forests | EP-26

  2. Jun 26

    He Left Coporate Life to Save India's Most Hated Animal. Rajesh Puttaswamaiah. Moving Forests EP-25

    Do bats really suck blood? Do they get tangled in people's hair? Are they responsible for spreading diseases?For most people, bats are surrounded by fear and myths. But what if these misunderstood mammals are actually some of the most important animals for our forests, farms, and food systems?In Episode 25 of Moving Forests, I sit down with Rajesh Puttaswamaiah, a citizen scientist, entrepreneur, and bat conservationist, who has spent more than 15 years studying bats across India.Rajesh shares his fascinating journey from being a corporate professional and birdwatcher to dedicating his life to bat conservation. We explore the incredible ecological role bats play through pollination, seed dispersal, and natural pest control, making them silent allies of both forests and farmers.We also discuss his experiences in Nagaland, where thousands of bats are harvested every year, the conservation challenges facing these remarkable mammals, and why citizen science is one of the most powerful ways ordinary people can contribute to protecting biodiversity.Whether you're passionate about wildlife, conservation, science, or simply curious about one of nature's most misunderstood creatures, this episode will change the way you think about bats.In this episode, we explore; • Bat myths vs. facts• Why bats are essential for healthy ecosystems• Pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control• Bat harvesting in Nagaland• Citizen science and wildlife research in India• Conservation challenges and solutions• Building startups while protecting biodiversity• How anyone can contribute to scienceIf you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to Like, Comment, Share, and Subscribe. Every share helps bring more attention to the show and the incredible people working to protect our natural world. Thank you :)

    He Left Coporate Life to Save India's Most Hated Animal. Rajesh Puttaswamaiah. Moving Forests EP-25

  3. Jun 17

    India's Snake Man: Snakebites, Tigers & Saving the Western Ghats | Nirmal Kulkarni | EP-24

    Today, I am talking to Nirmal Kulkarni who at 12 years old, carried a snake to school in a steel compass box.That childhood fascination grew into a lifetime dedicated to understanding and protecting the wildlife of the Western Ghats.Nirmal is one of India's most respected herpetologists and conservationists, the Director of the Mhadei Research Centre.Nirmal shares incredible stories from more than two decades in the field including the snakebite that nearly killed him, the tiger that charged him during his first forest census, and the countless lessons he's learned from studying snakes, forests, rivers, and wildlife across Goa and the Western Ghats.We discuss:• The snakebite that changed his life forever• What to do and what NOT to do, if a snake bites you• Why thousands of Indians still die from snakebites every year• His first encounter with the tiger• The importance of the Mhadei River and Goa's forests• Dams, development, and the future of the Western Ghats• Why conservation gives him hopeWhether you're passionate about wildlife, conservation, nature, or simply love extraordinary stories from the field, this conversation is packed with insights and unforgettable experiences.If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who cares about India's natural heritage.

    India's Snake Man: Snakebites, Tigers & Saving the Western Ghats | Nirmal Kulkarni | EP-24

  4. Jun 6

    Can India Become Rich And Green At The Same Time? | Chandra Bhushan-iFOREST | Moving Forests | EP-23

    Today I am talking to Mr. Chandra Bhushan, founder of iFOREST, and we discuss: What does “environment” really mean? Most people think it’s only about forests, wildlife, and conservation. But in this conversation, environmental policy expert Chandra Bhushan expands the definition far beyond nature alone. We explore how the real environmental challenge is deeply connected to: How we build our economy How jobs are created in a changing world How we manage natural resources How prepared we are for the futureWe talk about climate change, air pollution, governance, renewable energy, AI, mining, agriculture, and sustainable development. With over two decades of experience, Chandra Bhushan shares deep insights from shaping national environmental policies, influencing sustainability frameworks, and working on food safety and development systems in India. If we want to understand where India and the world are heading, we need to rethink what “environment” actually means. If you like what you hear, please follow the podcast, leave a rating, and share this episode with someone who will find value in it.

    Can India Become Rich And Green At The Same Time? | Chandra Bhushan-iFOREST | Moving Forests | EP-23

  5. May 30

    A Conversation About Wildlife, Communities & Storytelling W/ Munmun Dhalaria | Moving Forests, EP-22

    Munmun Dhalaria is a wildlife filmmaker and storyteller from Himachal Pradesh, India. She shares how she went from studying Coyotes in the United States to filming rare wildlife and human stories across Asia.We talk about:• Wildlife filmmaking in India• Her first big project which was also her entry to National Geographic Explorers' Grants program• Conservation storytelling• Filming rare wild life species and challenges associated with it• The ethical dilemmas she faces in documentary filmmaking• AI and the future of factual storytelling• Working with indigenous communities• How wildlife films are really made and much much more.Munmun also explains why many nature documentaries ignore local people, why conservation is deeply connected to communities, and why truth matters more than viral content. The conversation with Munmun just flowed and the fact is, after watching the edit, I have so many more questions; for example, she very briefly mentions being on the neurodivergent spectrum, I don't know how I missed to further ask her more about it, but I guess some questions must remain unanswered for the conversation to continue..This episode is for filmmakers, wildlife lovers, photographers, conservationists, and anyone curious about storytelling and nature. If you like what you see, please share it with someone who will find value. and leave your reviews. Thank you :)Also, use the comments section to tell me ways in which I can make the show better, do share your recommendations of future quests with links to their work. Looking forward..

    A Conversation About Wildlife, Communities & Storytelling W/ Munmun Dhalaria | Moving Forests, EP-22

  6. May 16

    The Dark Side of Wildlife Conservation | Dr. Kartik Shanker | Moving Forests | EP- 21

    Founder Trustee, Dakshin Foundation, Evolutionary Ecologist, Indian Institute of Science, Marine biologist and writer Dr. Kartik Shanker has spent decades studying sea turtles, coral reefs, coastal ecosystems, and the communities that depend on them. Today, he explains why conservation is far more complicated than simply protecting charismatic animals like tigers and turtles. We discuss: • How one sea turtle changed his life • Why conservation efforts can sometimes harm local communities • What scientists got wrong about turtle populations • Why ecosystems matter more than individual species • How coastal communities can lead conservation • His journey as a scientist, writer, and teacher. This conversation goes beyond wildlife photography and social media narratives to explore the deeper realities of ecology, science, and conservation in India. If you care about wildlife, marine ecosystems, indigenous knowledge, climate, or the future of conservation, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more long-form conversations on wildlife, ecology, conservation, movement, and storytelling. If you like what you see, please follow the journey, review us and share the episode with someone who will find value in the same.

    The Dark Side of Wildlife Conservation | Dr. Kartik Shanker | Moving Forests | EP- 21

  7. May 9

    The Hidden World of Tiger Conservation Nobody Sees | Amy Van Gelder | Moving Forests | EP-20

    Most people think wildlife conservation is only about scientists and animals in the forest. But behind every rescued animal, protected tiger, and conservation success story, there are people working tirelessly to make it happen. Today, I am speaking with Amy van Gelder, Communications Specialist at WildCats Conservation Alliance. Amy shares how storytelling, local communities, conservation teams, and digital communication all play a huge role in protecting wild Tigers and Amur leopards. In this episode, you will learn: • How wildlife conservation really works • Why local communities are essential for protecting animals • How storytelling can inspire real-world action and funding • What happens behind the scenes in tiger conservation • Why communication is just as important as fieldwork Amy also shares a powerful story about rescuing a slow loris and how one small act changed her life's trajectory. This episode is for anyone who loves wildlife, conservation, storytelling, and understanding how real change happens in nature. If you like what you see, please subscribe, follow, like, review and share it with someone who will find value.

    The Hidden World of Tiger Conservation Nobody Sees | Amy Van Gelder | Moving Forests | EP-20

  8. May 2

    She Came to India for Work & Ended Up Changing an Entire Ecosystem | Janie O’Connor- ARC GOA | EP-19

    This is the story of a woman who came to India for work… and ended up transforming an entire ecosystem.It began with one injured puppy on the beach and today, her work has helped reduce rabies and manage stray dog populations through one simple, powerful approach: sterilisation and vaccination.In the coming episode we explore the deeper truth behind stray dogs, fear, and what actually works on the ground.We talk about many things:• How and where Janie began her journey and how real change often starts without a plan.• How misinformation fuels fear• What truly works (and what doesn’t)• The reality of running an NGO for 20+ years Today, we go beyond rescue; into fear, misinformation, and what actually works to change an entire system.This is the story of how ecosystems change when someone decides to act.

    She Came to India for Work & Ended Up Changing an Entire Ecosystem | Janie O’Connor- ARC GOA | EP-19
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About

Moving Forests with Keshav Sharma is a wildlife podcast, where I focus on sharing interesting things about different species and fascinating places for wildlife content creators and wild life enthusiasts. The show is for people who are struggling with lack of information and sources and I want to help them through my interviews with prominent wild lifers on knowledge about the wild, some cool hacks that these people have developed through their experience and intrigue the curiosity of more and more people and sensitise them about our beautiful natural world.

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