Global Guardians is a new podcast hosted by Wildlife Biologist Mario Aldecoa and Nature Cinematographer Trent Underwood. Produced by Brave Wilderness, this series explores the people and ideas shaping the future of wildlife through conservation and innovation.
Join Mario and Trent as they interview scientists, ecologists, filmmakers, and tech pioneers in incredible outdoor locations like jungles, deserts, and swamps. They also host studio sessions, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, travel reflections, and insights on the evolving world of wildlife storytelling and conservation.
If you’re passionate about nature and the power of individuals to create change, subscribe to Global Guardians today!
Big Cat Conservation: Saving Costa Rica's Jaguars - Tico Haroutiounian - Ep. 12
Jaguar conservationist Tico Haroutiounian interviews host Mario Aldecoa about protecting Costa Rica's jaguars and discovering rare black jaguars.
13 Aug 2025
Field Notes from Australia: Crocs, Cameras, and Chaos - Ep. 12
Global Guardians hosts Mario Aldecoa and Trent Underwood share Australian filming adventures, wildlife encounters, and production challenges with wildlife guides Max and Lockie.
30 Jul 2025
World's Most Dangerous Apex Predators - Casey Anderson - Ep. 11
Wildlife filmmaker Casey Anderson discusses animal intelligence and human-wildlife bonds with Mario Aldecoa, sharing insights from raising a grizzly bear and coexisting safely with wild animals in this interview.
16 Jul 2025
Boots, Bags, & Belts - Croc Conservation with Dr. Chris Murray - Ep. 10
Crocodile biologist Dr. Chris Murray discusses his long-term research project catching American crocodiles in Costa Rica with hosts Mario Aldecoa and Trent Underwood, reflecting on shared journeys into science in this interview episode.
2 Jul 2025
Science of Survival: Sea Turtles, Habitat Loss, and Human Impact - Marine Conservationist Laura Exley - Ep. 8
Marine conservationist Laura Exley discusses her unexpected journey to protecting sea turtle nesting beaches in Costa Rica with host Mario Aldecoa, highlighting community involvement and threats like habitat loss in this interview.
18 Jun 2025
Hidden Dangers in South Africa: Ticks, Rhinos, Snakes & More - Ep. 8
Hosts Mario Aldecoa and Trent Underwood recount their South African filming expedition, detailing wildlife encounters, rhino conservation efforts with Kariega Game Reserve, and the challenges of producing content in the field.
4 Jun 2025
The Price of Paradise with Florida Keys Biologist Christina Wilson - Ep. 7
Florida Keys biologist Christina Wilson discusses with Mario Aldecoa the escalating conservation challenges amidst surging tourism, highlighting fieldwork's impact and social media's role in science—an insightful interview.
21 May 2025
Ultimate Predator Battle: Filming Wildlife in Brazil – Ep. 6
In this episode , Mario and Trent reflect on one of their most ambitious productions—filming jaguars hunting caiman in Brazil’s Pantanal, the best place on Earth to witness these elusive big cats in action. From months of pre-production and engineering a custom camera gimbal for boat-based filming, to navigating the highs and lows of fieldwork, they share the bts stories of what it takes to capture nature at its wildest. Along the way, Mario dives into fascinating facts about jaguars, and the unforgettable people who helped make the expedition possible.
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7 May 2025
Roars, Howls, Noise, & Silence with Production Sound Mixer Ryan LaVergne - Ep. 5
Audio recording for wildlife – sounds niche, right? Join Trent this episode as he chats with the brilliant Sound Supervisor and friend, Ryan Lavergne. Raised by a wildlife biologist, Ryan's got a unique ear for the wild, honed by his adventures capturing sound in places like the bustling jungles of Costa Rica and the remote bear territories of Alaska. Get ready for some fascinating insights into the often-overlooked world of capturing nature's perfect sounds.
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In this episode, Mario sits down with cryptozoologist and marine biologist Pat Spain for a fascinating dive into the world of legendary creatures like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. Pat brings a grounded yet open-minded approach to cryptozoology—balancing scientific inquiry with cultural respect. Together, they explore how stories of mysterious creatures hold deep meaning for indigenous communities and why the field, often dismissed as pseudoscience, deserves both serious attention and a sense of wonder.
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9 Apr 2025
Monkeys Eat Lizard Alive! - Global Guardians Ep. 3
Mario and Trent share their gear insights and the importance of being "dialed in" for filming wild moments, using their Costa Rica experiences—including capuchin monkeys eating a live iguana—as a prime example. This episode offers a raw, behind-the-scenes look at documenting critical ecosystems in real-time.
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/globalguardians and get on your way to being your best self.
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26 Mar 2025
Fire Nearly Wiped Out His Life’s Work - Entomologist Jim Cordoba - Ep. 2
Mario interviews entomologist and conservationist Jim Cordoba! They explore the role of insects in the ecosystem, stunning biodiversity stats from Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, the controversial practice of shark finning, the impact of conservation on local communities, and how annual agricultural fires threaten Jim’s jungle reserve.
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19 Mar 2025
Crocs Found at Nuclear Site?! - Global Guardians Episode 1
Join Mario Aldecoa and Trent Underwood as they launch Global Guardians! This first episode dives into their personal origin stories, exploring the paths that led them to wildlife filmmaking. They'll also give you a sneak peek at future guests and topics, and Mario recounts his experience working with crocs at a nuclear facility.
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17 Mar 2025
Introducing: Global Guardians
Global Guardians is a new podcast hosted by Wildlife Biologist Mario Aldecoa and Nature Cinematographer Trent Underwood. Produced by Brave Wilderness, this series explores the people and ideas shaping the future of wildlife through conservation and innovation.
Join Mario and Trent as they interview scientists, ecologists, filmmakers, and tech pioneers in incredible outdoor locations like jungles, deserts, and swamps. They also host studio sessions, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, travel reflections, and insights on the evolving world of wildlife storytelling and conservation.
If you’re passionate about nature and the power of individuals to create change, subscribe to Global Guardians today!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Who has been a guest on Global Guardians
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Tico Haroutiounian
Max
Lockie
Casey Anderson
Dr Chris Murray
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
501,775,335
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
4.6 / 5
11 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 60 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
70
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
32
Contact Global Guardians
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Global Guardians
Who hosts Global Guardians?
Mario Aldecoa and Trent Underwood host the show. Published by Brave Wilderness.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes daily, based on its RSS feed.
Does Global Guardians take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
Host of Global Guardians?
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