In this episode of Coffee & Conservation, host Mike Veale sits down with Global Conservation Force instructor Amanda Smith — whose decades-long career in UK law enforcement took an unexpected turn after hearing the powerful story of Thandi the rhino and the lifesaving work of Dr. William Fowlds. Inspired, Amanda made the bold decision to leave everything familiar behind and work her way into wildlife conservation.

Mike and Amanda talk about how her law enforcement background shaped her approach to ranger training, integrity in the field, and leadership under pressure — and how everyday people can chart their own path into meaningful conservation work. It’s an inspiring look at courage, purpose, and the ripple effect one story can have.

This week on Coffee & Conservation, we sit down with BAFTA-nominated wildlife filmmaker and GCF Conservation Ambassador Anna Dimitriadis. With credits on major series such as Big Cats 24/7 for BBC2 and PBS, and field experience spanning Antarctic ice dives, Patagonian mountains, and the Okavango Delta, Anna has built a career telling powerful wildlife stories through camera, drone, and underwater work. In this episode, she shares the moments that shaped her path, how storytelling drives real conservation impact, and why she chose to partner with GCF. A thoughtful, inspiring conversation about action, representation, and showing up for our planet.

Sophie Bland, is a wildlife conservationist, photographer, former zookeeper, and part of the Global Conservation Force Team. Recently, she joined us for her first team deployment as a GCF Field Journalist working in the field as part of snare patrols, community based ranger selection and the annual anti-poaching ranger bootcamp. Tune in for part 1! In part 2, we will pick up where we abruptly, not planned, left off!