Saving the Wild: Sports, Urbanization, and the Fight for Conservation

As cities expand, natural habitats shrink. Wildlife is being pushed out of its territory, and the balance of nature is threatened. But is there a way to protect wild spaces while accommodating urban growth?

In this powerful episode#16, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Jason Crighton, conservationist, educator, and host of Conservation Unfiltered, to explore the critical relationship between sports, hunting, urbanization, and conservation. They also examine how legendary conservationists like Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir shaped modern environmental policies.

Together, they discuss:

• The misunderstood role of hunting and fishing in conservation
• How urbanization is threatening wildlife and what we can do about it
• The healing power of nature and why we need to stay connected to the wild
• How individuals and communities can contribute to protecting natural spaces

Whether you are a passionate outdoors enthusiast, an environmental advocate, or simply someone who cares about the future of our planet, this episode will challenge what you know about conservation.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction – The fight for conservation
(00:56) How conservation started in the U.S. and why it matters today
(02:10) Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir’s legacy in protecting wild spaces
(03:30) How hunting and fishing help conservation efforts
(06:10) Debunking the myths around hunting and ethical wildlife management
(08:06) The importance of conservation education in schools
(11:04) How urbanization threatens wildlife and biodiversity
(15:05) Practical steps to get started with ethical hunting and fishing
(20:07) The mental and emotional benefits of spending time in nature
(24:17) Why conservation should matter to everyone—not just outdoor enthusiasts
(30:44) Lightning Round Q&A with Jason Crighton

- You can watch the full episode now: YouTube - Spotify

Support the show

☞ Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk!

Join Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for honest conversations on sports, leadership, community, sustainability, and progress. Follow, watch, and engage — your voice matters.

📲 Follow & Engage with Us:

🔹 Spotify (Video Channel) → Watch Episodes on Spotify
🔹 YouTube (Video Channel) → Subscribe & Watch Full Interviews
🔹 Twitter/X → @PreZeroST
🔹 Instagram → @PreZeroSportsTalk
🔹 LinkedIn → Join the Conversation
🔹 TikTok → @PreZeroSportsTalk
🔹 Substack → Exclusive Content & Updates

Your Voice Matters!

🎤 Got feedback or a topic request?

We’d love to hear from you! 📩 Send your thoughts here

💡 Support the Podcast
Fuel our mission of honest storytelling and real impact. Contribute ...