Hey, listener! Welcome back to Rewildology.
If you’ve listened to this show before then you’re well aware that we’re not scared to talk about taboo or uncomfortable topics. If this is your first time tuning in, welcome, love that you’re here, and you’ll soon hear why this show is different than most nature podcasts.
Today, I’m chatting with Anneliese Schenk who studies a rather dark, but important topic – genocide. We, humans, are a violent species, although one could argue not near as violent as we used to be. If you question that at all, just go listen to an episode of Hardcore History by Dan Carlin. Humans have done some pretty f’ed up things in the past and as a woman, I am so glad we’ve evolved from Genghis Khan times.
Anyways, in today’s show, Anne and I chat in-depth about the 1994 Rwanda genocide. She discovered her passion for the topic when she joined a study abroad trip in undergrad to learn more about the event. She was hooked. It combined her curiosity in human psychology, her love of history, and how to help communities avoid similar atrocities in the future. Don’t worry, there’s a strong conservation undertone throughout the episode. We talk about how human violence affects local wildlife, especially during genocides, and how Rwanda has become a leader in conservation, famous for its local superstar, mountain gorillas.
As always, if you’re digging the show, be sure to subscribe so that you can be notified when a new episode drops. I’d also love to hear what you think by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or commenting on the episode on Rewildology’s YouTube channel. Of course, you can DM on Instagram @rewildology or email at hello@rewildology.com.
And now, onto my chat with Anne.