The Origins Foundation Podcast
The Origins Foundation podcast has hard hitting conversations about wildlife, hunting, and sticky topics in our sustainable use space. Its a rare podcast that isn't afraid to have the hard conversations with people inside and outside our community.
Flashback: Michel Mantheakis | Tanzania Hunters and Operators Association
Continuing our miniseries on the cross-border discussion of elephant hunting out of Tanzania and Kenya, 3rd generation Tanzanian, hunting professional and current chairman of the Tanzania Hunters and Operators Association, Robbie and Michel explore the the viewpoint of the Michel and TAHOA on the elephant debate. As we have noted in previous podcasts, as typical to issues, there are two sides to every discussion, and especially with something so controversial like elephant hunting those sides can be quite polarizing. If this is the first in the podcast series that you are listenting to we would encourage you to go...
Episode 680 - What Does Animal Wellbeing Actually Mean? | Lizanne Nel
Lizanne Nel from SA Hunters and Game Conservation discusses the recent legal and legislative developments in South Africa related to animal well-being and welfare, the implications for conservation, hunting, and wildlife management, and the challenges of defining and implementing these concepts. NEMBA is the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act. It is the legal framework for conservation and sustainable use in South Africa, and it gives the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment its mandate. This podcast provides great insight as Robbie and Lizanne dive into what comes next with regulations and possible future cases. Tune in to learn mor...
Roundup 180 | Sweeping Senate bill would amend NEPA & ESA, SLOTHS legislation, BLM offers landowners money for public access, and more.
Robbie and Ashlee discuss the news, including a sweeping Senate permitting bill that would amend NEPA, the ESA, the Clean Water Act & the National Historic Preservation Act; screwworm confirmed in hunter harvested elk in TX; the BLM offering funding to private landowners for public access; the new Great Koala National Park in Australia and more.
Outcomes of Trophy Hunting for People and Nature in
Sub-Saharan Africa: https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/con4.70080
New World Screwworm Detected in Hunter-Harvested Elk in Pecos County: https://tpwd.texas...
Flashback: The Dark Numbers Of Poaching In The U.S.
When one thinks of poaching, the mind often turns to Africa—snares, and people involved in the illegal bushmeat trade. Few would think of poaching occurring in the United States of America. Boone and Crockett Club President Tony Schoonen and researcher Jon Gassett join Robbie to talk about the Club’s new Poach and Pay program. This enormous undertaking to understand poaching in the U.S. revealed a massive “dark number” of poachers—and what that means for the landscapes and lifestyles we love. It’s an incredibly fascinating episode where you’ll learn the data and science behind the true impact...
Eat More Horse | Jamila Jaxaliyeva
A Kazakh horse expert living in Wyoming argues that America’s wild horse debate needs more honest, practical conversation—even when the answers are uncomfortable. Jamila shares her unique perspective on Kazakhstan's horse culture, the management of wild horses in the US, and innovative ideas for sustainable livestock practices. Discover how her background influences her advocacy and what solutions she proposes for wild horse management.
Robbie talks with Jamila about her journey from Kazakhstan and Germany to Yale and Wyoming, where she became involved in livestock, conservation, and the wild horse issue. Their conversation ranges f...
Roundup 179 | Robbie visits Parliament, Alaska hunting rules update, $80m in new wildlife crossings and more!
Ashlee and Robbie discuss the weekly roundup of news, including Robbie’s visit to Parliament for the premier of an Origins wildfowling film, restored federal hunting rules in Alaska, bipartisan Senate legislation to improve endangered species recovery, an $80 million new wildlife crossing grant program, 3 California laws expanding hunting & wildlife opportunities, and concerns over Louisiana’s proposed $100 billion SpaceX site and its impacts on coastal wildlife habitat and local access.
Do you have questions we can answer? Send it via DM on IG or through email at [email protected]
Text u...
Flashback - Carlo & Hugo Engelbrecht | Rhino Wars
Carlo & Hugo Engelbrecht are 6th generation farmers and game owners in South Africa. They currently reside in Kwazulu Natal and they came onto Robbie's radar due to a film about a significant rhino poaching incident that occurred on their farm. Robbie invited Carlo and Hugo to join the podcast to kick off our Rhino Wars podcast series. This special series is aiming to educate people about the reality of rhino conservation on the ground in Southern Africa. From the poaching crisis to the reality on the ground, Robbie and the Engelbrechts dive deep into this important conservation issue.
<...Roundup 178 | Behind the scenes at Splitting Image Taxidermy in South Africa: The Art, People, and Human Impact of Hunting.
In this episode, we go behind the scenes at Splitting Image Taxidermy in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, to uncover the people, craftsmanship, and livelihoods behind the taxidermy industry. Through conversations with the team, we explore the artistry involved, the opportunities created for local communities, and the family-like culture built around hard work and mentorship. More importantly, we challenge perceptions surrounding hunting and conservation, highlighting the human impact of the industry and the importance of understanding the full story before forming an opinion. Because championing the truth around hunting starts with the people and communities whose lives depend on it.<...
Episode 678 - Iron Age Hunting in The Kruger National Park | Dr. Annie Antonites
Kruger Park is hiding a 1,000-year-old trade story—and the clues are in the bones. Archaeozoologist Dr. Annie Antonites reveals how animal remains, rare Persian Gulf ceramics, and isotope analysis are rewriting what we thought we knew about the people who lived along the Letaba River. From her office at the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, Annie explains how archaeozoology works, why South Africa is an archaeological goldmine, and what bones can tell us about hunting, herd movement, seasonality, and ancient human-animal relationships.
Check out Zambeze Delta Safaris: https://www.zambezedeltasafaris.com/
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Flashback - Is it Time to Amend The Endangered Species Act? | David Wilmms
The Endangered Species Act has been helping bring species back from the brink of extinction for more than 50 years now… and depending on what you read, it’s either under attack, or being reauthorized with improvements. Ashlee is joined by David Willms, a law professor, author, hunter, & notable expert on all things ESA to breakdown the existing law and the new bill that was introduced 2 weeks ago in the House to reauthorize and Amend the ESA. Note: a full hearing on the ESA Amendments Act is set for this Tuesday 3/25 so you won’t want to miss this podcast!
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Episode 677 - Biosynthetic Rhino Horn | Juliette Marquis
In this Podcast, Robbie speaks with filmmaker Juliette Marquis about ‘Hornmaker', her documentary exploring biosynthetic Rhino horn and the systems shaping wildlife conservation. They unpack the economics behind the illegal trade, the controversy around proposed solutions, and the difficult question of how conservation efforts can be held accountable.The conversation also looks at what gives rhino horn its value, why carved objects—not just medicinal uses—are central to the market, and why the artisans and traders who handle the material may be important to understanding how it works. Juliette shares what surprised her during years of research, including concern...
Roundup 177 || Robbie's Cape Buffalo (With His Grandfather's Rifle!), ESA Regulatory Changes, Prairies Pothole Wetland Easement Policy Changes, and More!
Robbie and Ashlee are back to discuss the news in September, including Robbie’s harvest of a Cape Buffalo with his grandfather’s rifle, Trump’s Hunting Heritage Executive Order 14429, the Senate Farm Bill Advancing with Major Conservation Provisions, House Natural Resources Wildlife & Fisheries Legislation, Endangered Species Act Regulatory Changes & Litigation including wolves, Prairie Pothole Wetland Easement Policy Change & More
Do you have questions we can answer? Send it via DM on IG or through email at [email protected]
Text us at 601-790-0607 with thoughts, comments and ideas f...
Field Experiences 01 - Sand Forest Journey | Mark Haldane
Robbie sits down with Mark Haldane, owner of Zambeze Delta Safaris in Coutada 11, Mozambique, one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the world. Mark has been part of one of the greatest wildlife success stories on the planet. From the 24 Lions project to the reintroduction of Cheetah, this is one of many examples of what hunters do for conservation in Africa and this conversation gives you a little bit more insight to what happens on the ground in Africa. This podcast is a very unique podcast - you will essentially virtually travel with Robbie and Mark as they...
Flashback: Is A Rhino Hunt Conservation? Part 1.
In this first of a two part series on rhino conservation (one of the most delicate, complex and nuanced areas of conservation) Robbie sits down with the fan favorite Slots Media boys (and newbie Freddie) to discuss Rhino conservation on the ground. This podcast was recorded right after a rhino hunt, and just before a lot of fieldwork around Rhino conservation. Robbie wanted to gain their perception and perspective of how they feel about the hunt, generally about Rhino Conservation, BEFORE they spent several weeks learning all about it. Be sure to tune in for part two in a co...
Episode 676 - Rob Kern || Hunting Narratives Around The World
Rob Kern, Managing Director of The Hunting Consortium, shares his unique insight from where he sits at the intersection of hunting and conservation. Rob discusses what happens around the world in hunting and conservation. From ethics to professionalism and beyond, you’ll take something away from this conversation.
Check out The Hunting Consortium: https://huntingconsortium.com
Do you have questions we can answer? Send it via DM on IG or through email at [email protected]
Text us at 601-790-0607 with thoughts, comments and id...
Episode 675 - Gareth Crouch || The Green Frog Of Boots
Gareth Crouch of Jim Green Footwear in South Africa - all sourced locally - joins Robbie to talk about the impact of this local, family-owned business from creating a workforce of 100+ individuals and giving back to game rangers in South Africa. Learn more about the brand and check them out online!
Check out Jim Green Footwear: https://jimgreenfootwear.co.za/
Do you have questions we can answer? Send it via DM on IG or through email at [email protected]
Text us at 601-790-0...
Flashback: Cullen Kelly || A Family Tradition Of Conservation
Rich Froning, the man synonymous with the CrossFit Games, and Cross Fit as a lifestyle, has switched his entire mindset as a member of The Origins Foundation Family. Raw, authentic, we explore Rich’s transition into a hunter and the intricate details of our heart as hunters during this short and sharp conversation. This conversation specifically dives into the why behind why hunters hunt, especially Rich - asking the question - why do you hunt?
Do you have questions we can answer? Send it via DM on IG or through email at [email protected]...
Episode 674 - Jo King | Investing In The Future
Robbie joins Jo King, wife of Ashley King (one of the most storied families in the South African hunting industry), on location at Braeside Safaris. Robbie talks with Jo about her founding of the Winterburg school, the well known school which she transformed from a ramshackle government house into the incredible thing it is today, and all funded by hunters.
Do you have questions we can answer? Send it via DM on IG or through email at [email protected]
Text us at 601-790-0607 with thoughts, comments and id...
Episode 673 - George Warthen | Florida Fish & Wildlife on Bear Harvest Science, Data & How the Anti’s Have Helped
Ashlee is joined by George Warthen, Chief Conservation Officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, to discuss their 2025 black bear season, how it differed so drastically from the 2015 season, the science surrounding the tag numbers issued, the harvest reporting data and the changes on the horizon for the 2026 season.
Do you have questions we can answer? Send it via DM on IG or through email at [email protected]
Text us at 601-790-0607 with thoughts, comments and ideas for guests and episodes
Flashback: Rich Froning || Mr. CrossFit Himself
Rich Froning, the man synonymous with the CrossFit Games, and Cross Fit as a lifestyle, has switched his entire mindset as a member of The Origins Foundation Family. Raw, authentic, we explore Rich’s transition into a hunter and the intricate details of our heart as hunters during this short and sharp conversation. This conversation specifically dives into the why behind why hunters hunt, especially Rich - asking the question - why do you hunt?
Do you have questions we can answer? Send it via DM on IG or through email at [email protected]...
Episode 672 - Kody Bidwell | Florida’s 2nd Black Bear Season
Kody Bidwell, who replaced Travis Thompson at All Florida, joins Robbie to talk about the new black bear harvest season out of Florida. This will be the second year of the Florida Black Bear Season and the politics are already at play. Last year, after a crazy controversy where anti hunters bought up a bunch of tags, backfiring into the quota actually going UP this year because of science (a 25% increase!), Robbie and Kody get into the nuances of this second season, with Kody telling us the lay of the land and what things are looking like on the...
Episode 671 - Mpho Tjianel | South African CITES Quota Explained
Safari Club International Liaison (and South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment alum) Mpho Tjiane, based out of Jo-Burg, South Africa, joins Robbie to talk about recent news in CITES quotas for South Africa. South Africa released their 2026-2027 export quota this week, and Mpho dove into what that means for hunting and conservation. Mpho is the perfect person to explain this, including the context of how we got here because he was in the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment, as the CITES lead when the quotas were pulled and the litigation occurred.
Episode 670 - Million Dollar Sheep
There is a thing called the "Governor's Tag" in our wildlife management system. It’s an often expensive tag that is accused to be antithetical to the North American Wildlife Model - because only the rich get to play in that proverbial sand-box. This is why Robbie went to New Mexico to start a documentary around this "Governor's Tag" - there is no better place to do this than in New Mexico. Robbie sits down live with John Mark Matkin, following his three-year journey to hunt New Mexico’s coveted Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep after ultimately winning the state’s Gove...
Roundup 176 || Ducks, Elk, Leopards and More
Ashlee and Robbie are back after a long stretch of travel to break down the most recent news, including the new Rule released changing the method by which USFWS will establish migratory bird hunting season and limits, the new quotas released for elephants, rhinos and leopards in South Africa, the latest on the Roadless Rule proposed rescission and debate, a new Elk Habitat Plan for WY, no new grizzlies for California, and whether or not Trump is selling part of Yosemite.
Do you have questions we can answer? Send it via DM on IG...
Episode 669 - Kristie Gill | From Anti-Hunting To Pro-Hunting
Robbie sits down with Kristie Gill, a PhD student out of the College of Natural Resources at the University of Georgia, doing her field work in South Africa. Kristie has an incredible journey from an anti hunter to actually becoming PRO hunting and the evolution of her preconceived notions to opening her eyes to the realities of wildlife conservation. This all started with her first visit to South Africa and someone taking the time to explain to her the value of sustainable use of wildlife.
Do you have questions we can answer? Send it v...
Flashback: Jenny Lesieutre | Ground Zero For The Wild Horse Debate
Flashback Podcast to March 2025 (Episode 543):
There are certain topics in this world that are likely the most controversial - wolves, feral cats, and wild horses. Wild Horses for some reason evoke such emotions that there has been little work done on exposing what is actually going on.
We are starting to delve into this topic more and more and there is not greater place to talk about this topic than Nevada. Former Federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) employee Jenny Lesieutre is now speaking out around the management of w...
Episode 668 - Dale Lewis || From Poachers To Farmers
Robbie sits down with Dale Lewis, founder of COMACO (Community Markets for Conservation). Based in Zambia, Dale used the free market tit tackle a problem at the intersection of snaring, conservation and community upliftment. Dale’s pipeline allows community agricultural products to make their way in to market in exchange for conservation pledges, essentially buying their help in exchange for helping them get their products to market. It’s a genius maneuver that’s working well for everyone, including both the people and the wildlife on their landscape.
Do you have questions we can answer...
Short Truths 25 || What’s the deal with the Australian trophy ban?
Robbie goes off the cuff about an “election promise” by the federal Labor government suggesting a ban on trophies from 20 different animals, ranging from black bears to giraffes. Australia has already banned the importation of elephant, rhino, and lion trophies, so the basic question one has to ask oneself is: Why? Let’s call it what it is—a cynical and damaging push by the anti-hunter, anti–sustainable-use sector of Australia’s political wing. Learn all about the benefits of hunting and the amazing work hunters are truly doing on the ground in these “trophy destinations” right here in this episode of...
Are We Managing Elephants Wrong? || The Deep Dive #1
In today’s media there are a lot of scientific reports, peer-reviewed science articles, and government gazettes that are long, cumbersome, and frankly difficult to understand. Let’s be honest too, nobody today has time to read those long articles and reports either. So we have decided to help you understand them. We have a new podcast series called The Deep Dive - where we’re taking a really dense scientific document and boiling it down for you so that you can understand it and share it at the bar, around the dinner table, on the golf course or wherev...
Episode 667 - The Toll of Owning Rhinos
After a 3 week long documentary expedition visiting multiple owners and understanding their plights as it relates to rhino conservation, Robbie sits down with all three of the largest private rhino owners, outside the South African government itself, the first time the three have ever been in the same room. The conversation that ensues covers rhinos, which these three love more than anything, rhino conservation, and what it truly takes from budgets to land to medical, security and beyond to be stewards of these animals. It’s the epitome of rhino conservation.
Do you have que...
Episode 666 - Mike McLane || Inside Oregon’s IP28
After hearing Oregon State Senator Mike McLane discussing the controversial IP28 ballot measure on his podcast, The Oregon Discussion, Robbie invited him on to discuss these critical thought processes around IP28, the ramifications of this if it becomes law (not only for conservation but the economy as well), and where we go from here. IP28 has failed and did not pass the Secretary of State Ballot Process, but this is an important podcast as IP28 is not about this ballot initiative but rather the long game of the anti-use community looking to abolish hunting, fishing, and all use of...
Episode 665 - Jacques Hartzenberg || Black Rhino Ownership
We’ve had a lot of conversations with owners of rhinos in South Africa, and believe it or not, private owners are one of the most important cogs in the wheel of rhino conservation. Today, Robbie catches up on location with Jacques Hartzenberg, owner of Kalahari Oryx, an 86,000 hectare area in the northern part of South Africa - the equivalent of about 186,000 acres. As they are driving across this massive property in Jacques own Land Cruiser, they discuss what it takes to conserve these animals, what it’s like to be the third largest black rhino owner in the coun...
Episode 664 - Rhino Conservation Roundtable, Part 2
If you missed the first Roundtable between Robbie the cinematography team (SLOTS media), then go back and watch Episode 650. In that first Roundtable the team discussed their raw thoughts around rhino conservation and rhino hunting. In this second part of the Rhino Conservation Roundtable, Robbie explores with the team their feelings, thoughts and how their viewpoints have changed or not changed three weeks into being on the ground, learning all about the security measures, the land owners and everything else embroiled around rhino conservation.
Do you have questions we can answer? Send it via...
Episode 663 - Sean Outram || The Good Ol’ Days Of Africa
Sean Outram returns to the The Origins Foundation podcast, sitting with Robbie in his home of Lakipia County Kenya to rehash stories of his Great Grandfather and the good old days of Africa. George (his Great Grandpa) lived quite the life - from being documented, trampled by elephants, to pictures of him with Frederick Courtney Selous, to his eventual death by a lioness - it truly was a lesson in old school Africa at its finest. Enjoy.
Do you have questions we can answer? Send it via DM on IG or through email at...
Episode 662 - Ducks Unlimited on the US Fish & Wildlife Proposed Wetland Drainage Rule Change
Ashlee is joined by Ducks Unlimited Senior Waterfowl Scientist and DU Podcast Co-Host Dr. Mike Brasher and Senior Director of Conservation Strategy Dr. Scott Stephens as they discuss the current proposal by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service to potentially withdrawal the current wetland drainage rule in the Prairie Pothole region, which is the primary breeding ground for nearly 75% of the ducks in North America, the implications of this proposed change, the timeline of the request for proposed comments, and suggestions for any alternatives to the current rule, and how exactly permanent wetland easements operate in practice. This is...
Episode 661 - Wiaan Van Der Linde || Being A Rhino Custodian
Join Robbie in sitting down with Wiaan Van Der Linde of Wintershoek Safaris out of South Africa’s Northern Cape - an incredible outfitter and human being who loves Africa, hunting, conservation and his large privately owned White Rhino population. His unique model even takes in Rhinos from other concessions that has hit it’s carrying capacity with their populations, offering a new habitat for Rhinos that are hitting overpopulation status in other areas.
Get to know the guest: https://rockwoodconservation.com
Do you have questions we can answer? Send...
Episode 660 - Clayton And Kristy || Why Hunt A Rhino?
Kristy and Clayton Williams, a hunting couple out of West Texas, love hunting buffalo, Africa and all around the world. While in camp in Inkulu Adventures in the Northwest Province of South Africa, Clayton and Kristy embarked on a controversial hunt - the White Rhino. If that bothers you, don’t just write it off, listen to this and the rest of our series of Rhino conservation podcasts to learn the TRUTH about hunting and conservation of White Rhinos.
Get to know the guest: https://www.instagram.com/clayton_w_williams/
Episode 659 - Murray Grant || The Mad Sculptor
When Murray “The Mad Sculptor” Grant takes off his hat and gets excited, his mane of exuberant white hair comes out and he looks a little like Albert Einstein. Murray is essentally a mad scientist built into a sculptor. Murrray invited Robbie to his studio on the family conservancy in Lakipia County, Kenya, where he creates his world famous bronzes, to talk about wildlife conservation from the eyes of an artist obsessed with recreating the beauty he sees in the world.
Get to know the guest: https://murraygrantbronzes.com/
Do yo...
Episode 657 - Johann Fanzoj || 8 Generations Of Gun Makers
Daniela and Patrick Fanzoj are multi-generational family gun makers of fabled Johan Fanzoj, that has been making guns for 500 years in the Rosental valley of Austria since the Ottoman Empire. Their ‘fine art’ guns are leading their family into the next generation, building on a legacy that stems from the very name of the valley they live in.
Get to know the guest: https://rockwoodconservation.com
Do you have questions we can answer? Send it via DM on IG or through email at [email protected]
S...
Episode 658 - Mark Haldane || The Pinnacle Of Conservation
Mark Haldane, owner of Zambezi Delta Safaris, now Conservation, discusses his 50 year building the epitome of hunter led conservation in Africa. All the elements from people to jobs to communities to hunting and anti-poaching that culminate in one of the densest wildlife populations in all of Africa in the flood plain of the Zambezi Delta. Learn more about Mark’s success story here.
Do you have questions we can answer? Send it via DM on IG or through email at [email protected]
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