Rewildology

Brooke Mitchell
Rewildology

Conservation, sustainability, wild travel stories. Host Brooke Mitchell, conservation biologist and adventure traveler, chats with experts from across the globe to discuss nature’s biggest questions: How do we save and rewild our natural spaces? How can we restore wildlife populations? How do we overcome adversity and bring communities together? Where are the best places to experience nature? Pour yourself a glass of something tasty (coffee, tea, wine, whiskey?) and join the conversation. Together we’ll rewild the planet.

  1. JUN 10

    Where Hope Flourishes: The Promise of Patagonia's Route of Parks

    In this powerful finale, I reveal the five revolutionary conservation principles that make Chile's Route of Parks a global blueprint for planetary healing. From tracking pumas with scientist Nicolás Lagos in Torres del Paine to discovering endangered huemul deer in a Patagonian snowstorm, this 1,700-mile conservation corridor spanning 17 national parks is transforming wildlife conservation and climate action. Learn why temperate rainforests store three times more carbon than the Amazon, explore groundbreaking puma coexistence research, and discover Darwin's rhea restoration programs across 28 million acres of protected wilderness. I announce Project Patagonia's three pillars: Listen (this podcast), Protect (supporting $20,000 for puma research), and Experience (my exclusive April 2026 Torres del Paine expedition). From ancient Alerce trees to innovative wetland protection, discover how corridor connectivity, indigenous co-management, and ecosystem restoration offer hope for addressing climate change and biodiversity loss worldwide. This conservation revolution proves that landscape-scale thinking, community partnerships, and sustainable tourism can heal damaged ecosystems while supporting local livelihoods. What conservation lesson resonated most with you? Drop me a note in the comments! Thanks for listening! SERIES TITLE Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks EPISODE TITLE Episode 8: Where Hope Flourishes: The Promise of Patagonia's Route of Parks TIMESTAMPS 00:00 A Snowy Encounter in Patagonia 01:21 Introduction to the Journey 02:02 Close Encounters with Pumas 03:48 Darwin's Rhea Breeding Program 05:08 The Melting Glaciers 07:05 Interconnected Ecosystems 08:19 Conservation in Working Landscapes 09:05 A Blueprint for Planetary Healing 12:26 The Five Pillars of Conservation 16:21 Project Patagonia: How You Can Help 19:19 Conclusion and Acknowledgements LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/ REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/ JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE! May / June Path of the Puma by Jim Williams: https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/ SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/ SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY

    21 min
  2. JUN 3

    Where Ice Meets Sky: Patagonia's Vanishing Glaciers

    Experience the stunning yet sobering reality of Patagonia's vanishing glaciers as I soar over Chile's massive ice fields and uncover groundbreaking climate research with Chilean glaciologist Dr. Ines Dussaillant. In this urgent episode, I explore the Northern and Southern Patagonian Ice Fields - covering over 16,500 square kilometers and representing the largest temperate ice masses in the Southern Hemisphere. Discover the alarming reality that five of the last six years have broken records for glacial mass loss, with some Patagonian glaciers retreating over 15 kilometers in just one century. Learn why these ancient ice formations serve as "sentinels of climate change," functioning as crucial water towers that sustain river systems across Chile and Argentina while storing massive amounts of fresh water. I was amazed to discover that Patagonia contains both the world's fastest-retreating glacier and fastest-growing glacier within the same ice field. From understanding why glacial ice appears that stunning blue color to exploring how satellite technology tracks ice loss across decades, this episode reveals the critical role glaciers play in global sea level rise and local water security. Dr. Dussaillant's recent Nature publication documents the accelerating pace of glacial retreat, while offering hope through Chile's emerging glacier protection laws and the Route of Parks conservation corridor. What spoke to you the most? Drop me a note in the comments! Thanks for listening! SERIES TITLE Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks EPISODE TITLE Episode 7: Where Ice Meets Sky: Patagonia's Vanishing Glaciers TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Awe-Inspiring Aerial Views of Patagonia 01:49 Introduction to Patagonia's Glaciers 02:54 Meeting Dr. Ines Dussaillant: A Glaciologist's Journey 05:59 Understanding Glaciers: Formation and Function 09:13 The Crucial Roles of Glaciers 11:18 Fieldwork and Satellite Observations 13:07 The Unique Glaciers of Patagonia 19:31 The Impact of Climate Change on Glaciers 23:08 Hope and Conservation Efforts 29:54 Join Project Patagonia LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/ REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/ JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE! May / June Path of the Puma by Jim Williams: https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/ SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/ SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/ LISTEN TO THE REWILDOLOGY PODCAST Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YXWSsF Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oW6artLcvxX0QoW1TCcrq?si=ff3b5e2ec90542a2 FOLLOW REWILDOLOGY YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rewildology Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewildology/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology X: https://x.com/rewildology CONTACTS Brooke Mitchell, hello@rewildolgy.co...

    33 min
  3. MAY 27

    Where Ranches Rewild: From Estancia to Patagonia National Park

    Venture into Chile's Patagonia National Park, where I witnessed one of conservation's most inspiring comeback stories—the Darwin's rhea (Rhea pennata) rescued from the brink of local extinction. In this captivating episode, I explore the remote Aysén region and meet Alejandra Saavedra, who has dedicated eight years to bringing these remarkable flightless birds back from just 22 individuals to over 70 and counting. Journey with me through the ethereal marble caves of General Carrera Lake, across the dramatic spires of Cerro Castillo National Park, and into the golden grasslands of this 640,000-acre conservation success story that was once degraded ranch land. Discover how this revolutionary rewilding project began with an unexpected discovery by border police in 2014, leading to an innovative breeding program that has released 130 rheas into the wild. Learn about the critical ecological role these "nature's gardeners" play in the Patagonian steppe ecosystem, dispersing seeds and maintaining grassland health while serving as prey for apex predators like pumas. From the challenges of genetic diversity management to community engagement and ecosystem-wide restoration, this episode reveals the complex science behind modern conservation work. Witness how the transformation of Estancia Valle Chacabuco represents one of Earth's most ambitious habitat restoration projects, proving that with patience, dedication, and scientific rigor, we can repair damage to wild ecosystems one bird, one guanaco, one removed fence at a time. What did you think of this episode? Drop me a note in the comments! Thanks for listening! SERIES TITLE Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks TIMESTAMPS 00:00 An Encounter with Birds Brought Back from the Brink 01:37 Welcome to Aysén: The Wild Heart of Patagonia 03:15 A Homestay at Cerro Castillo National Park 04:38 The Marvel of Marble Caves 06:01 Arrival at Patagonia National Park 07:22 How Patagonia National Park Came to be 09:56 The Darwin's Rhea: A Conservation Success Story 19:44 Challenges and Triumphs in Rhea Conservation 22:59 Reflections and Looking Ahead 24:26 A Call to Action: Join Project Patagonia LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/ REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/ JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE! May / June Path of the Puma by Jim Williams: https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/ SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/ SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/ LISTEN TO THE REWILDOLOGY PODCAST Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YXWSsF Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oW6artLcvxX0QoW1TCcrq?si=ff3b5e2ec90542a2 FOLLOW REWILDOLOGY YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rewildology Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewildology/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology X: https://x.com/...

    27 min
  4. MAY 20

    Where Ancient Trees Stand: The Forests of Pumalín

    Journey with me deep into Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, the ecological crown jewel of Chile's Route of Parks, where I stood in awe before ancient Alerce trees (Fitzroya cupressoides) that have thrived for over 3,000 years. In this immersive episode, I explore one of Earth's most pristine temperate rainforests, spanning nearly one million acres and storing an estimated 229.3 million metric tonnes of carbon. Witness the remarkable conservation legacy of Douglas Tompkins, founder of The North Face, who transformed controversial land purchases into a revolutionary approach to ecosystem preservation. I was stunned to discover how this biodiversity hotspot receives a staggering 6,000mm of annual rainfall, creating one of the planet's wettest temperate forests where coastal fog-swept valleys meet Andean peaks. Learn why these forests store three times more carbon per hectare than the Amazon and how they protect 25% of the world's remaining Alerce trees - cousins to California's giant sequoias. From the eruption-scarred town of Chaitén to breathtaking "Jurassic Park" landscapes, this episode reveals how Pumalín represents the future of conservation: not just protecting wilderness, but creating corridors that maintain ecological connections across an entire region. What spoke to you the most? Drop me a note! Thanks for listening! SERIES TITLE Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Ancient Giants of Patagonia 01:48 Welcome to Puma Douglas Tompkins National Park 02:48 Journey to the Heart of the Park 05:58 Chaiten Volcano Eruption 07:18 The Visionary Behind the Park 10:09 Pumalin’s Unique Geography 11:27  Patagonian Jurassic Park 17:08 Exploring the Alerce Trail 24:04 Reflecting on Conservation and Legacy 26:02 Join the Conservation Adventure LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/ REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/ JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE! May / June Path of the Puma by Jim Williams: https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/ SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/ SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/ LISTEN TO THE REWILDOLOGY PODCAST Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YXWSsF Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oW6artLcvxX0QoW1TCcrq?si=ff3b5e2ec90542a2 FOLLOW REWILDOLOGY YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rewildology Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewildology/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology X: https://x.com/rewildology CONTACTS Brooke Mitchell, hello@rewildolgy.com SPONSORSHIPS & BRAND PARTNERSHIPS Send your ideas to Brooke at hello@rewildolgy.com

    29 min
  5. MAY 13

    Where Waters Gather: The Hidden Wetlands of Northern Patagonia

    In this episode of Rewildology, I explore the overlooked wetlands and sunken forests that form the northern gateway to Chile's Route of Parks in the rainy Maullín River Basin. Alongside Fernando, Andres, and David from Fundación Legado Chile, I track the elusive southern river otter (huillín) - an endangered species with only 15 individuals remaining in the entire 85-kilometer watershed. Through camera traps and conservation strategies, we discover how invasive American mink threaten this fragile ecosystem by competing for the same food sources. The Valdivian temperate rainforest here represents one of Earth's rarest forest types, with biodiversity found at similar latitudes only in New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. Learn how Legado Chile's holistic conservation approach combines wildlife monitoring, environmental education, community engagement, and waste management to protect these vital wetlands. Despite challenges from rapid population growth and agricultural runoff, their work shows how protecting overlooked ecosystems is just as crucial as preserving Patagonia's famous landscapes. What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Thanks for listening! SERIES TITLE Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Patagonia's Hidden Wetlands: Gateway to Chile's Route of Parks 01:55 - Fundación Legado Chile: Heroes Saving Endangered Ecosystems 04:00 - Endangered Huillín Otter: Conservation in Chilean Wetlands 06:25 - Invasive Mink Crisis: Threats to Native Patagonian Wildlife 10:20 - Valdivian Rainforest: Chile's Last Remaining Sunken Forest 14:10 - Maullín River: Vital Corridor from Andes to Pacific Ocean 16:15 - Environmental Threats: Development & Climate Change Impacts 19:05 - Integrated Conservation: Protecting Biodiversity in Chile 22:00 - Environmental Education: Community Wetland Conservation 24:15 - Ecological Restoration: Planning for Future Generations 25:05 - Route of Parks: Connecting Puerto Varas to Tierra del Fuego 27:25 - Project Patagonia: Supporting South American Conservation LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/ REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/ JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE! May / June Path of the Puma by Jim Williams: https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/ SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/ SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/ LISTEN TO THE REWILDOLOGY PODCAST Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YXWSsF Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oW6artLcvxX0QoW1TCcrq?si=ff3b5e2ec90542a2 FOLLOW REWILDOLOGY YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rewildology Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewildology/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology X: https://x.com/rewildology CONTACTS Brooke Mitchell, hel...

    30 min
  6. MAY 6

    Where Two Oceans Meet: The Birth of Cape Froward National Park

    In this episode of Rewildology, journey to the southernmost point of continental America, where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans collide at Cape Froward. I explore Chile's newest national park-in-the-making, where Gabriela Garrido of Rewilding Chile shares how this groundbreaking conservation project protects the crucial intersection between marine and terrestrial ecosystems. From zodiac adventures with playful dolphins to discussions about indigenous co-management with Kawésqar communities, discover how Cape Froward represents a revolutionary approach to conservation that bridges land and sea. Learn how Rewilding Chile recently acquired an additional 34,000 hectares of wilderness at the time of this recording, expanding their vision for a protected corridor that benefits both wildlife and local communities. The creation of this park demonstrates a fundamental shift in conservation thinking, extending protection from mountaintop to seafloor in one continuous system. What do you think about this integrated approach to conservation? Share your thoughts in the comments on YouTube, Spotify, or on Instagram! SERIES TITLE Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks EPISODE TITLE Episode 3: Where Two Oceans Meet: The Birth of Cape Froward National Park TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction - A Wild Dolphin Encounter 01:39 Welcome to Episode 3 of Where the Wild Calls 02:08 Early Morning to Punta Arenas 02:17 Meet Gabriela Garrido, Marine Biologist and Project Coordinator for Rewilding Chile 07:10 How Cape Froward came to be 08:16  Cape Forward's relationship with indigenous communities 11:22 Beach walk 13:57 Challenges of creating a national park 22:49 Exploring the park’s lighthouse and viewing museum art about the whaling era 24:17 Chile’s dedication to marine conservation 28:08 Cape Froward - A new way to establish national parks 29:37 Invitation to next episode - Wetlands of northern Patagonia 30:28 Join the Adventure: Project Patagonia LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/ REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/ JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE! May / June Path of the Puma by Jim Williams: https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/ SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology....

    33 min
  7. APR 29

    Where Pumas Roam: The Keepers of Torres del Paine

    In this episode of Rewildology, I take you into the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, where I had my breathtaking first encounter with Rupestre, a "queen of the Andes." Join me as I explore how these magnificent apex predators have become a conservation success story in Chilean Patagonia, thriving where they're often persecuted elsewhere. I sit down with Nicolás Lagos from Panthera to uncover groundbreaking discoveries about puma social behavior that challenge everything we thought we knew about these "solitary" cats. Then I visit Estancia Cerro Guido, where innovative solutions like livestock guardian dogs are transforming traditional ranching practices and proving that conservation and human livelihoods can flourish together. This episode reveals how Torres del Paine is pioneering the coexistence model that could reshape predator conservation worldwide. Discover how you can support Project Patagonia and be part of our conservation efforts in this remarkable landscape. What was your main takeaway from the episode? Let me know on YouTube or through Rewildology’s social channels! Thanks for listening! SERIES TITLE Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction: A Puma Encounter 02:09 Welcome to Episode 2 of Where the Wild Calls 02:26 Exploring Torres del Paine National Park 06:31 Interview with Nicolas Lagos from Panthera 09:07 Revolutionary Puma Behavior Discoveries 13:55  Puma-rancher conflict 15:29 Panthera’s Puma Coexistence Program 18:43 Fostering pride for pumas 21:26 Visit to Cerro Guido 29:00 Conclusion: The Future of Puma Coexistence in Patagonia 30:46 Join the Adventure: Project Patagonia LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/ REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/ JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE! May / June Path of the Puma by Jim Williams: https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/ SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/ SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/ FOLLOW REWILDOLOGY YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rewildology Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/

    33 min
  8. APR 22

    Where Dreams Connect Wildernesses: Chile's Route of Parks of Patagonia

    I'm Brooke Mitchell, and this marks the beginning of Rewildology's new series exploring Chilean Patagonia's magnificent Route of Parks: an epic conservation corridor spanning 1,700 miles, protecting 28 million acres across 17 (soon to be 18) national parks from Puerto Montt to Cape Horn. In this episode, I set the stage for our journey by diving into the region's fascinating natural and human history, from indigenous stewardship spanning 12,000 years to the groundbreaking Tompkins Conservation project that transformed private lands into public parks. Join me as we explore towering granite peaks, ancient Alerce forests, windswept pampas, and vital wetlands—discovering how this visionary conservation model is reshaping our understanding of what's possible when we give nature room to heal. I can't wait to hear what spoke to you most, so drop me a note in the comments! Thanks for listening! SERIES TITLE Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction: A Breathtaking Morning in Patagonia 02:07 The Journey Begins: Exploring Chile's Route of Parks 03:16 Understanding Patagonia's Unique Geography 04:40 The Ancient Forces Shaping Patagonia 07:38 Indigenous Stewardship and European Impact 10:48 The Birth of Chile's National Parks 14:38 The Visionary Tompkins and Their Legacy 18:27 The Global Significance of Patagonia's Conservation 20:26 Conclusion: The Future of Conservation in Patagonia 22:16 Join the Adventure: Project Patagonia LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/ REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/ JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE! March / April - The Wolverine Way by Douglas Chadwick: https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/ SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, www.rewildology.com SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/ FOLLOW REWILDOLOGY YouTube:

    24 min

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5
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About

Conservation, sustainability, wild travel stories. Host Brooke Mitchell, conservation biologist and adventure traveler, chats with experts from across the globe to discuss nature’s biggest questions: How do we save and rewild our natural spaces? How can we restore wildlife populations? How do we overcome adversity and bring communities together? Where are the best places to experience nature? Pour yourself a glass of something tasty (coffee, tea, wine, whiskey?) and join the conversation. Together we’ll rewild the planet.

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