The Wild Times Podcast is a popular audio and video series hosted by wildlife biologist and television personality Forrest Galante, alongside his co-hosts, Patrick DeLuca and Peter Fitzer. Known for its engaging blend of expert insights, thrilling adventure stories, and comedic banter, the podcast delves into the fascinating world of wildlife, conservation, and natural phenomena. Forrest Galante, renowned for his work on Discovery and Animal Planet shows like "Extinct or Alive" and "Shark Week," brings a wealth of real-world experience from daring expeditions and encounters with rare animals across the globe. Patrick DeLuca serves as a key co-host and producer, contributing to the show's structure and narrative flow, while Peter Fitzer, sometimes affectionately referred to as "the professor" or "Retep," adds another dynamic layer to the discussions.
The podcast covers a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from breaking animal news and bizarre biological facts to deep dives into conservation efforts, the ethics of wildlife interaction, and the cutting edge of de-extinction science, often featuring updates from companies like Colossal Biosciences with whom Galante has an advisory role. They also recount thrilling personal stories from Forrest's expeditions, behind-the-scenes anecdotes from his television work, and participate in fun segments like "Bizarre Animal of the Week." While grounded in their genuine passion for the natural world and a commitment to conservation awareness, the hosts maintain a lively, humorous, and down-to-earth tone that resonates with a wide audience, affectionately dubbed "Brostners" and "Sistners."
The Wild Times Podcast maintains a strong multi-platform presence to distribute its content. Full episodes are available on major podcast listening platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Podbean, as well as visually on their popular YouTube channel, which also features clips and live streams. Engaging shorter clips and highlights are shared across social media, including Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, driving discovery and discussion. This strategic distribution allows them to reach a diverse audience interested in both educational content and entertaining discussions about animals and adventure.
Monetization involves various streams, including partnerships with brands like Rocket Money, Leatherman, and Magic Mind, featured as sponsorships within the episodes. They also offer exclusive bonus content and ad-free listening options through a Patreon membership. Beyond the podcast, Forrest Galante is involved in other ventures, including his wildlife media company, Phantasticus Pictures, and is the author of the book "Still Alive: A Wild Life of Rediscovery." Their participation in events like AnimalCon further extends their reach and engagement with the community and industry.
Overall, The Wild Times Podcast serves as a dynamic platform that leverages Forrest Galante's prominent background in wildlife media and the engaging chemistry of its hosts to educate and entertain audiences about the wonders and challenges facing the natural world, fostering appreciation for biodiversity and conservation through compelling storytelling and humor.