The Birding Life Youth Podcast

In today's episode Josh has a chat with the Youth Photographer of the Year - Jaime Freeman! Jaime tells us about the troubles that occurred with his winning image and he illustrates some of his favourite birding spots in the country! And if anyone is still looking for a cabin for Flock to Marion, Jaime has a space available!

In the penultimate episode of Season 6, Josh talks to Zach Simpson! They discuss their upcoming holidays, their dream destinations in Africa and how faith is intertwined with their birding. This is an incredibly wholesome episode and certainly not one to be missed!

While growing up in the bush presents its own set of challenges, it also provides a rich tapestry of experiences that can shape a person's character and worldview in meaningful ways. Life in the bush often involves a close connection with nature and a strong sense of community. In this episode, Gabby chats to Cathan Moore, who has had the privilege to have grown up in the Timbavati in the Greater Kruger National Park.

In this episode Josh chats to one of his class mates, Nic Human! Nic illustrates stories from his time guiding at Madikwe Safari Lodge and explains his decision to leave the guiding world to pursue a degree in veterinary science - the hardest, and most prestigious degree to get into. Nic's incredible storytelling and journey through life make this an episode not to be missed!

Join Gabby and John Kinghorn as they delve deeper into the world of birding. From discussing Birding Big Year achievements to the perpetual challenge of spotting Flufftails, their conversation remains captivating. John shares valuable insights into obtaining the FGASA qualification and offers invaluable advice to those considering a career in the Avi-faunal field. Don't miss the concluding part of Gabby's enlightening chat with John.

In this episode, Gabby engages in a lively conversation with John Kinghorn, renowned as one of South Africa's most exceptional youth birders. Discover John's profound passion for birds and birding, which has driven his ambition to forge a career in this field. Tune in as they delve into John's favorite birding spots, exploring the experiences close to his heart and the thrill of adding special bird species to his list.

Many people share a common fear of snakes, and in this episode, Gabby courageously faces her own fears while chatting with the fearless Leo Du Toit. When he's not busy in the real estate industry, Leo is out chasing and safely relocating snakes that have found their way into people's homes and businesses. Join us in this 'Special Serpent Showstopper' to learn more about snakes and the art of handling them with expertise and care.

In today's episode Josh speaks to Freddie Emms - who is all the way in England! Freddie is a member of the RSPB youth council and he played a role in David Attenborough's hit tv series "Wild Isles". Freddie is passionate about spreading awareness about the downfall of the wildlife in the UK. This is truly an episode not to be missed!

It's not every day that you encounter someone so deeply passionate about their work that their enthusiasm becomes contagious. Samantha Patrick, a true legend in the field of cyber tracking, shares her remarkable journey in becoming the youngest female to attain evaluator status in this profession. Join Gabby in her first episode of this season, as she delves into the intricacies of tracking, ranging from utilizing K9s for tracking to the fascinating world of man tracking—an area Gabby was particularly eager to learn more.

Welcome to season 6! In the first episode of this season Josh has a conversation with the founder and executive director of Fledglink - Katie Chang. Katie tells us where the idea for Fledglink originated, how Pokemon Go has inspired birders and she provides a perspective on the recent news that multiple bird names will changed. This is truly not an episode to be missed!

In this final episode of Season 5, Gabby chats to Kayleigh. Author of the wonderful children's books Wild Kids Books SA, Mom of three incredible bush children, all making waves in conservation in South Africa, meaning there is never a dull moment in Kayleigh's life. She tells us all about the various book series' she's currently writing and shares insight in finding balance between so many different aspects of her hectic life in conservation, which includes her love for studying and the possibility of, after getting her masters degree, going on to do a Phd.

In today's episode Josh has a chat with Hannes Burlin! Hannes is from Stockholm, Sweden. Hannes describes his adventures around Sweden and informs us as to what wildlife one can expect to see in Sweden. Josh and Hannes also have a chuckle as to how they won the same photography awards. The episode ends with a strange story about a Beluga and a description of how reindeer meat tastes!

The larger than life Wade Lee touches base with Gabby while back in South Africa, after a very successful trip to Ecuador. Wade tells of his experiences in places like the Amazon and gives us a bit of insight on his future with Rockjumper Birding Tours. Join Gabby for this entertaining chat with Wade about birds, birds, birds...

In this episode Josh has a chat with Eon Grobler! Eon discusses the many great birding sites around Cape Town and he provides an insight into what he hopes the future holds for himself. All around it is a very wholesome and enjoyable podcast to listen to!

This incredible young man is making waves in Conservation in Southern Africa. Gabby catches up with Adarsh Nagda during his off time from his very busy schedule. If Adarsh is not busy with school, he is onset presenting for Nat Geo and Disney's show, Team Sayari in the heart of Kenya. With places like Nairobi National Park, Masai Mara and many other conservancies on his doorstep, he really is living the teenage dream.

In this episode Josh has a conversation with Robyn Phipps! Robyn has been to the country with the most species of birds - Colombia! She details her birding experiences around Bogota and the Amazon. This is truly not an episode to be missed!

Being the daughter of 2 Veterinary Doctors, Robyn Smith has had a very 'hands-on' upbringing, often experiencing things that most animal lovers never will in their lives. Gabby and Robyn chat about life in the operating theatres and how this has shaped the future for Robyn within nature and conservation. Featuring a special tale of mosquitos and frogs...

Today we have a chat to Shaun Thomas who is a fantastic swimmer and a really good birder! He tells us how he got into birding, he details some of his birding stories and he explains how he got over 300 species during the 2022 Birding Big Day! This is truly not an episode to be missed!

In this podcast Gabby has a chat to Shane Ngwenya who is not only passionate about snakes and other reptiles but also works hard to educate those from his native community who have a very real fear for them. Shane works tirelessly to dispel the myths and misconceptions that plague the rural communities and the African culture in general. A great chat not to be missed.

The first episode of season 5! Today we say a sad goodbye to an old friend, while saying hello to four new ones. Our new friends just happen to be the future veterinarians of this country, and they currently run the Onderstepoort Bird Club. They inform us about what got them into birding, they share some personal stories from their adventures, and at the end we all have a good laugh about a puff adder!