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.

Wilderness
Sports
Natural Sciences
1
Flashback: Michel Mantheakis | Tanzania Hunters...
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 a listen to the other 4 in the series that covers the professional hunter involved in some of the hunts, the community manager of the Enduimet WMA, Dr Kohi, talking about Tanzanian elephant and habitat conservation efforts, as well as Richard Bonham, the co-founder of Big Life Foundation from the Kenyan perspective.
67 min
2
Episode 680 - What Does Animal Wellbeing Actual...
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 more.
42 min
3
Roundup 180 | Sweeping Senate bill would amend ...
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.
45 min
4
Flashback: The Dark Numbers Of Poaching In The ...
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 of poaching in the U.S. today, what motivates it, and what steps can be taken to combat its staggering scale. This is the kind of podcast you’ll definitely be talking about with your colleagues around the water cooler—or the coffee pot—in the morning.
56 min
5
Episode 679 | 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.
62 min
6
Roundup 179 | Robbie visits Parliament, Alaska ...
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.
45 min
7
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.
59 min
8
Roundup 178 | Behind the scenes at Splitting Im...
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.
31 min
9
Episode 678 - Iron Age Hunting in The Kruger Na...
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.
48 min
10
Flashback - Is it Time to Amend The Endangered ...
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!
71 min
11
Episode 677 - Biosynthetic Rhino Horn | Juliett...
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 concerns about conservation strategies, demand-reduction campaigns, and whether organizations are truly measuring their impact.
80 min
12
Roundup 177 || Robbie's Cape Buffalo (With His ...
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
43 min
13
Field Experiences 01 - Sand Forest Journey | Ma...
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 drive through the Sand Forest ecosystem in Coutada 11 in search of a Suni (a small antelope endemic to this part of Mozambique). This field experience embeds you in the place with Robbie and team experiencing it with them through an audio medium.
55 min
14
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 couple weeks!
70 min
15
Episode 676 - Rob Kern || Hunting Narratives Ar...
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. 
76 min
16
Episode 675 - Gareth Crouch || The Green Frog O...
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!
43 min
17
Flashback: Cullen Kelly || A Family Tradition O...
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?
45 min
18
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. 
39 min
19
Episode 673 - George Warthen | Florida Fish & W...
Ashlee is joined by George Warthen, CCO 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.
64 min
20
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?
50 min
21
Episode 672 - Kody Bidwell | Florida’s 2nd Blac...
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 ground in Florida.
45 min
22
Episode 671 - Mpho Tjianel | South African CITE...
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.
40 min
23
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 Governor’s Tag for $1 MILLION. Robbie and John Mark are joined by outfitters/guides Jim Breck and GT, John brings us through the failed bids, setbacks, surgeries, and determination that finally led him to an extraordinary 200-plus-inch ram in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico. There is so much more to this story than this podcast, but this is the beginning. 
42 min
24
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.
43 min
25
Episode 669 - Kristie Gill | From Anti-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. 
43 min