What does it take to protect some of Canada's most iconic—and at risk—animals? In this episode, Carol and Jeevan sit down with Mateen Hessami (MSc’22), wildlife biologist and UBC Okanagan master's graduate, to find out. From collaring moose out of helicopters to rediscovering a caribou herd believed to be extinct since 2014, Mateen's work is as thrilling as it is meaningful. He breaks down why caribou are disappearing, why hunters might be conservation's greatest allies, and why the most important voice in wildlife management often belongs to the communities who've lived on the land for generations. Whether you're a nature lover or someone who's never left the city, this conversation will change the way you think about the wild world around you.

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Contact Carol
• Contact Jeevan
• From Here Forward
• From Here Forward is on LinkedIn
• Podium Podcast Company
• Mateen Hessami
• UBC Okanagan Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Club
• The Indigenous Guardians Program

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (01:33) - Meet Mateen Hessami
• (04:46) - What does a community-based wildlife ecologist do day-to-day?
• (05:53) - Why hunting matters for conservation
• (09:27) - Moose vs. caribou
• (15:02) - Career highlights
• (16:58) - Why centering Indigenous knowledge changes wildlife work
• (20:30) - Building trust with communities vs. extractive science
• (22:52) - What impact do you hope your work has moving forward?
• (24:42) - What listeners should consider
• (26:41) - Are you more like a caribou or a moose?
• (28:07) - Conclusion

In this Valentine’s Day-themed episode, From Here Forward goes beyond conventional ideas of romance to explore love, cooperation, and connection in the marine world. Hosts Carol Eugene Park and Jeevan Sangha are joined by UBC professor Dr. Andrew Trites, Director of the Marine Mammal Research Unit, to discuss groundbreaking research revealing a surprisingly collaborative relationship between orcas and dolphins. From dolphin “scouts” and killer whale teamwork to physical touch as a love language, this episode reimagines companionship through the eyes—and sonar—of our marine mammal cousins.

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Contact Carol
• Contact Jeevan
• From Here Forward
• From Here Forward is on LinkedIn
• The Truth About Love - From Here Forward's Valentine's 2025 Episode
• Podium Podcast Company
• Dr. Andrew Trites
• Marine Mammal Research Unit
• Orca and Dolphin Cooperative Foraging Research
• UBC Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (01:44) - Meet Dr. Andrew Trites
• (03:13) - Romantic Facts From the Marine World
• (03:51) - The Orca–Dolphin Foraging Study and How It Began
• (06:38) - Discovering Cooperation Underwater
• (10:07) - What the Data Revealed About Communication and Teamwork
• (12:28) - The Team Behind the Research Project
• (15:48) - Watching the Footage and Seeing Through a Whale’s Eyes
• (19:27) - Physical Touch, Bonding, and Social Life in Orcas
• (20:42) - Andrew Trites’ Journey into Marine Science
• (22:55) - Climate Anxiety, Optimism, and Ocean Ambassadors
• (24:31) - Lessons on Communication, Perspective, and Love
• (25:40) - Conclusion

In this episode, hosts Carol and Jeevan sit down with Jonathon Braun (JD’15), Allard Law alum, Legal Director of the Migrant Workers Centre, and winner of Season 11 of The Amazing Race Canada. Jonathon shares the realities facing migrant workers in Canada today—from closed work permits and systemic vulnerability to the human cost of shifting immigration policy—and challenges the myths that continue to fuel anti-immigrant sentiment.

Later, Jonathon pulls back the curtain on his The Amazing Race Canada experience. He shares how the pressure, strategy, and surprising authenticity of reality TV, as well as his lifelong love of games, performance, and community, helped carry him through both law school and the race itself.

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Contact Carol
• Contact Jeevan
• From Here Forward
• From Here Forward is on LinkedIn
• Podium Podcast Company
• Jonathon Braun
• The Migrant Workers Centre
• Amazing Race Canada
• The Greatest Survivor Scene

• (00:00) - Welcome and Intro
• (02:34) - From UBC Law to Migrant Justice
• (07:56) - The Reality Facing Migrant Workers
• (13:54) - Correcting Misconceptions
• (15:30) - Winning Amazing Race Canada
• (17:36) - The Fun & Games That Make a Better Lawyer
• (20:48) - What the Amazing Race Is Really Like
• (24:35) - Community, Purpose, and Why This Work Matters
• (26:34) - How Survivor Prepped Jonathon for the Amazing Race
• (28:28) - Reflections and Wrap-Up