JRE #1240 – Forrest Galante

by

6-Feb-19






Podcast Topics – #1240 – Forrest Galante

This podcast takes listeners on a thrilling journey into the world of wildlife adventurer and conservationist Forrest Galante. Galante, known for his work on “Extinct or Alive,” shares captivating stories of his expeditions to remote corners of the globe, encountering incredible creatures and isolated indigenous communities. Provocative topics include encounters with dangerous animals, the impact of humans on ecosystems, the ethics of intervention, and the mysteries of cryptozoology. Underlying themes explore the fascination with the unknown, the respect for diverse cultures, and the ongoing struggle to protect endangered species.

Podcast Topics:

  1. Forrest Galante’s Wildlife Adventures

    1. Galante’s upbringing in Zimbabwe, his mother’s career as a bush pilot, and his early experiences with wildlife.
    2. His adventurous expeditions to remote locations, including the Amazon rainforest, Papua New Guinea, and Australia.
    3. His encounters with dangerous animals such as crocodiles, hippos, jaguars, and venomous snakes.
    4. His use of specialized equipment and techniques for tracking and interacting with wildlife, including trail cameras, thermal imaging, and snake hooks.

  2. Isolated Indigenous Communities

    1. Galante’s encounter with a remote tribe in the Colombian Amazon, who had never seen Westerners before.
    2. The tribe’s unique culture, language, and traditional practices, including the use of jungle medicine by a shaman.
    3. The moral dilemma of intervening with Western medicine to treat health issues in the tribe.
    4. The fascinating adaptation of the tribe’s bodies to their environment, particularly the splayed-out feet common among those who walk barefoot for extended periods.

  3. The Search for Extinct Animals

    1. Galante’s expeditions in search of the Tasmanian Tiger, including his encounters with credible sources who claim to have seen the animal.
    2. The ongoing efforts by researchers and institutions to find evidence of the Tasmanian Tiger, including the use of extensive trail camera surveys.
    3. The challenges of proving the existence of extinct animals, particularly in the absence of definitive genetic or photographic evidence.
    4. The ethical implications of searching for extinct animals, particularly the potential for attracting amateur hunters and disrupting fragile ecosystems.

  4. Cryptozoology and the Unknown

    1. Galante’s focus on true wildlife biology, but his openness to the possibility of undiscovered creatures, such as the Bondo Ape.
    2. The fascination with cryptids, like Bigfoot, and the cultural significance of these creatures in various societies.
    3. The discovery of the Asian Unicorn, a previously unconfirmed antelope, highlighting the potential for new species to be found in unexplored regions.
    4. Galante’s belief that unexplored pockets of the world could still contain undiscovered megafauna, challenging conventional scientific views.

  5. The Ethics of De-Extinction

    1. Galante’s perspective on de-extinction, while acknowledging its potential for ecological benefit, he expresses concerns about its ethical implications and the allocation of resources.
    2. The scientific advancements in gene editing and cloning, which have enabled the creation of animals that resemble extinct species, but are not identical.
    3. The potential risks of introducing de-extinct animals into an ecosystem that has evolved in their absence.
    4. The arguments for and against de-extinction, including its potential to restore ecological balance and the concern that it represents a form of playing God.

  6. The Impact of Humans on Ecosystems

    1. Galante’s observations of the depleted state of marine ecosystems, a stark contrast to untouched areas where life is abundant.
    2. The story of the California Channel Islands, where efforts to remove invasive species led to a restoration of ecological balance.
    3. The devastating example of Easter Island, where the depletion of resources led to the collapse of the island’s civilization.
    4. The ethical considerations of managing invasive species, particularly in areas where they have cultural significance.

  7. The Power of Plant Medicines

    1. Galante’s experience with a shaman’s blessing in the Amazon, where he received a snuff containing cocolaty, tobacco, and roots.
    2. The shaman’s belief that the snuff expelled a bad spirit from Galante, leading to his safety on the expedition.
    3. The potential of plant medicines to affect human perception, consciousness, and behavior, including the placebo effect.
    4. Galante’s respect for indigenous cultures and their traditional practices, even when they challenge his scientific perspective.

  8. The Fascination with the Animal Kingdom

    1. Galante’s passion for studying and understanding animal adaptations, particularly their camouflage, hunting strategies, and physical capabilities.
    2. The incredible diversity of animal life on Earth, from the majestic wolves to the bizarre spider-tailed viper.
    3. The mystery of how animals evolve over time, including the role of random genetic mutations and natural selection.
    4. The continuing discovery of new species, highlighting the vastness and complexity of the natural world.

5 Memorable Quotes:

  • “Does it make you think of what the ocean must have been like before people fucked it up?” – Joe Rogan’s poignant question underscores the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems.
  • “They literally never seen white people before.” – Galante’s description of his encounter with a remote tribe captures the significance of their isolation and the unique perspective it provides.
  • “I’ve never had to put an animal down, but I know people that have.” – Galante’s statement reflects the delicate balance of interacting with wildlife and the ethical considerations involved.
  • “Malaria has killed half the people that have ever died.” – This startling statistic highlights the devastating impact of this disease, underscoring the importance of prevention and research.
  • “I’m a hardcore academic. I’ve never considered spirituality, religion, anything. And I had this just fucking 10 days ago, this crazy experience that is like change my mindset on crazy jungle medicine and drugs and catching animals everything because this 1 guy blew crap up my nose and I peaked everywhere.” – Galante’s confession reveals the transformative power of his experience with traditional medicine, challenging his scientific worldview.