• Tracking Giants: The Resilient Work Behind Whale Shark Conservation
    Aug 8 2025

    What can a gentle ocean giant teach us about leadership, adaptability, and resilience in the face of uncertainty?

    In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, marine conservationist Stella Diamant shares her journey from Belgium to the turquoise waters of Madagascar, where she founded the Madagascar Whale Shark Project.

    Through her lens, we explore Resilience Through Nature, the Win-Win-Win Mindset, and the art of Purpose-Driven Leadership that bridges community needs with environmental stewardship.

    What You’ll Learn:

    • Why whale sharks are living symbols of Resilient Leadership from the Animal Kingdom
    • How Stella navigated rejection and resource scarcity with a Regenerative Thinking approach
    • The science, mystery, and global collaboration behind tracking whale shark migration
    • Practical ways individuals and teams can support conservation without a science background
    • How conservation leadership mirrors challenges in business, teams, and systemic change

    Episode Highlights:

    03:14 – The moment Stella realized veterinary work wasn’t her calling

    09:28 – How a remote village in Madagascar reshaped her view of conservation

    16:45 – Lessons from whale sharks’ “thick skin” and adaptability

    24:02 – Building trust with local communities for lasting environmental impact

    31:20 – The role of mentorship and global networks in marine research

    38:47 – Why whale shark migration remains one of nature’s greatest mysteries

    44:55 – Confronting the threats: microplastics, vessel strikes, and climate change

    51:33 – Action steps anyone can take to help protect whale sharks

    Meet the Guest:

    Stella Diamant is the founder of the Madagascar Whale Shark Project, dedicated to researching and protecting whale sharks through science, community engagement, and eco-tourism best practices. Her work blends rigorous research with nature-inspired coaching principles that resonate beyond marine conservation.

    Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:

    • Resilience Through Nature approach
    • Win-Win-Win Mindset for conservation and community development
    • Global whale shark photo-ID database (SharkBook)
    • Tagging technology for long-term marine research

    Closing Insight:

    “Conservation is about adapting, pivoting, and staying solid in the face of uncertainty.”

    Discover how nature’s largest fish can inspire a more conscious, connected way of leading and living. Listen now and explore more episodes of Resilience Gone Wild to fuel your journey toward purpose-driven impact.

    Learn more about the Madagascar Whale Shark Project: https://www.madawhalesharks.org/

    Website: https://resiliencegonewild.com

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565572327566

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/104957749/admin/dashboard/

    Subscribe to our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/resiliencegonewild/resilience-gone-wild-newsletter

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    58 Min.
  • Shark Week Part 3 - The Myth of Thick Skin: Resilience Lessons from Whale Sharks (Ep 49)
    Jul 25 2025
    Welcome back to Shark Week! This is Part 3 in the series which follows insightful guest episodes with Rare Shark Guy David Ebert and Marine Life and Shark Artivist Francesca Page. In this episode, host Jessica Morgenthal explores the fascinating world of whale sharks and the surprising lessons their thick skin offers for building resilience and emotional health. Jessica dives into their unique beauty, life, behavior, anatomy, and migration patterns and how these massive the gentle giants of the ocean thrive by filtering in what nourishes them and letting go of what doesn’t serve them. This episode highlights how we, too, can develop emotional resilience by cultivating discernment, practicing mindfulness, and embracing our natural boundaries. Listeners will learn why conservation efforts to protect whale sharks and their ocean habitats matter for the health of our entire planet and how our emotional wellbeing is deeply connected to nature’s wisdom
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    27 Min.
  • Shark Week Part 2 - The Art of Saving the Oceans and Marine Life with Francesca Page (Episode 48)
    Jul 16 2025
    This episode is Part 2 of our special Shark Week celebration on Resilience Gone Wild. Host Jessica Morgenthal talks with Francesca Page — marine conservationist, underwater photographer, and visual storyteller — about her inspiring journey from fearing the ocean to becoming one of its most passionate defenders. Francesca explores how art and storytelling can shift public perceptions about sharks, highlight the impact of bycatch, and drive community action for healthier oceans. She also shares her groundbreaking 200 Sharks initiative and the importance of finding your unique way to contribute to our planet’s wellbeing.
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    1 Std. und 21 Min.
  • Shark Week Part 1 - Beyond Jaws! Marine Biology, Conservation, and the Truth About Sharks with Dave Ebert (Ep 47)
    Jul 9 2025
    In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal dives deep with renowned shark scientist David Ebert, exploring how sharks have been misunderstood for decades, especially since the blockbuster impact of Jaws. Dave shares his fascinating journey from childhood curiosity to becoming an internationally recognized marine biologist studying sharks and rays. Together, they discuss the evolution of shark research, how the cultural fear sparked by Jaws paradoxically boosted funding for shark studies, and why lesser-known shark species are vital for healthy marine ecosystems. The conversation emphasizes the power of education to debunk shark myths, the importance of connecting with local fishing communities for conservation success, and the thrill of exploration that keeps marine biology fresh and impactful. If you’ve ever wondered what sharks are really like—or how you can help protect them—this episode is for you.
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    1 Std. und 3 Min.
  • The Power and Potential of Fungi with Marc Violo (Ep 46)
    Jul 2 2025
    In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal speaks with fungi enthusiast and circular economy advocate Mark Violo about the hidden potential of fungi across multiple sectors. From agriculture and pest control to sustainable materials and healthcare, Mark unpacks the extraordinary power of fungi and the vital role of mycelium networks in plant communication. He shares his personal journey into mycology in China, India and across the globe and emphasizes how storytelling can shift cultural attitudes and drive innovation in fungal science. This conversation explores the circular economy as a blueprint for sustainable living, the need for greater conservation efforts, and how policy must evolve to support fungal research. If you’ve ever been curious about the future of mushrooms beyond the dinner plate, this episode is for you.
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    59 Min.
  • Tails of Resilience Part 2: Saving the Tasmanian Devil with Dean Reid of Aussie Ark (Ep 45)
    Jun 25 2025
    This is Part 2 of our deep dive into the world of Tasmanian devils with Aussie Ark’s Dean Reid. In this follow-up conversation, Dean shares even more insight into breeding programs, marsupial behavior, and the critical role community involvement plays in preserving Australia's unique wildlife. We explore the impact of introduced predators, the power of celebrity influence in raising awareness, and the sustainable management strategies that keep Aussie Ark running. Dean also discusses how understanding animal behavior can foster deeper human-wildlife connections and emphasizes that conservation is a collective responsibility. Whether you're passionate about protecting biodiversity or just curious about Taz, Tasmanian devils or marsupials, this episode is filled with practical wisdom, inspiring stories, and hopeful solutions.
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    57 Min.
  • Tails of Resilience: How Tasmanian Devils Store Strength for Hard Times (Ep 44)
    Jun 18 2025
    In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal explores the extraordinary resilience of the Tasmanian devil, one of Australia’s most iconic and misunderstood marsupials. Known for their fierce vocalizations and scavenging habits, Tasmanian devils are also masters of survival. One of their most fascinating adaptations is how they store fat in their thick, muscular tails, an evolutionary strategy that allows them to survive long periods without food by relying on these reserves. Jessica dives into this natural design and what it teaches us about preparing for life’s lean times and the many types of resilience we would benefit from building up. The episode also sheds light on the devastating impact of devil facial tumor disease (DFTD), the power of conservation, and how organizations like Aussie Ark are fighting to protect this resilient species. This is a powerful reflection on what we can learn from wildlife about adaptability, endurance, and the quiet strength of preparing for uncertainty.
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    23 Min.
  • Resilient Healthy Bodies Begin with Gut Biodiversity with Elisa Bremner - RD, Green Bites (Ep 43)
    Jun 11 2025
    In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal sits down with registered dietician Elisa to unpack the powerful connection between gut health, biodiversity, and resilience. They explore how the gut biome plays a critical role in immunity, mental health, and overall well-being. The conversation covers everything from the benefits of a fiber-rich, plant-forward diet to the dangers of monocrops, processed foods, and environmental toxins. They also highlight how regenerative farming and mindful nutrition choices contribute to a healthier planet and body. With a practical, compassionate lens, Jessica and Elisa guide listeners toward nutritional diversity, emphasizing progress over perfection and the importance of aligning eating habits with personal purpose and values.
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    58 Min.