#1297 - Phil Demers
NaN minutesEpisode #1297
Phil Demers is a former professional marine mammal trainer and employee at Marineland in Canada.
Episodes with Phil Demers
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Episode Timestamps
Phil's Fight for Smushi at Marine Land
- Phil worked as an orca trainer and cared for a walrus named Smushi at Marine Land
- After speaking out against the animals' living conditions, Phil faced a lawsuit from Marine Land
- Phil discovered Smushi in horrible shape when he returned unannounced to check on her
Emotional Intelligence of Dolphins and Orcas
- Discussion on the exceptional emotional intelligence of dolphins and orcas
- Signs of trauma and emotional bond disruption in captive male orcas
- Highlight on the detrimental effects of captivity on marine mammals' emotional well-being
John Lilly's Experiments with Dolphins and LSD
- A scientist attempted to communicate with dolphins through unconventional means.
- John Lilly, a pioneer in interspecies communication, conducted experiments with dolphins and LSD.
- The scientist resorted to pleasuring the dolphin to calm it down for work.
Ethical Concerns in Animal Captivity: The Case of Whales
- Discussion on the ethical implications of keeping dolphins and orcas in captivity.
- Recent events in China and Russia raising conservation concerns for captive belugas and orcas.
- Debate over the future of captive whales and potential decisions to release them.
Advocating for Bill S203 against Whale and Dolphin Captivity
- Advocacy for Bill S203 for over five years aiming to ban whale, dolphin, and porpoise captivity
- Challenges faced due to opposition, particularly from Senator Don Plett who tried to block the bill
- Pressure campaigns, including crashing Senate servers to save the bill from being killed quietly
Last-Minute Political Maneuvers to Save Bill S203
- Intense pressure campaign, including a tweet storm and direct interactions with members of Parliament to save the bill
- Conservative and liberal members proposing and withdrawing amendments last minute
- Successful efforts to save the bill from being killed, with implications at the top levels of Canadian politics
Marine Land's Legal Battle with Angelo
- Marine Land's lawyer Andrew Burns attentive to lawsuits against activist Angelo
- Exporting belugas causing controversy, Marine Land seeking permit for export
- Marine Land's efforts to suppress and silence Angelo intensifies
Escalating Legal Conflict and Unexpected Negotiations
- Marine Land builds 'Phil's Fence' to block Angelo's event, increasing conflict
- Legal negotiation attempts between Angelo and Marine Land fail
- Litigation escalates, revealing Marine Land's avoidance of examinations and breaching court orders
Legal Battles and Negotiations with Don Platt's Widow
- Good faith negotiations led by the lawyer representing the family
- Threats and harassment faced by the speaker, including sending goons
- Desire for a trial to expose the truth and end the legal battle
Legal Pressure and Advocacy against Marine Land's Activities
- Constant financial and legal threats faced by the speaker
- Firm stance against compromise and pursuit of a trial for justice
- Advocacy for transparency and exposing unethical practices of Marine Land
The Dropout - Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos Controversy
- Details the story of Elizabeth Holmes and the Theranos scandal
- Describes the phony blood testing technology and the financial fallout
- Mentions the production by ABC news nightline
Legal Battles and Future of Marine Land
- Discusses the looming litigation and fears of being sued
- Highlights the push for Marine Mamo captivity legislation
- Speculates on the transition and selling of Marine Land by the owner's lawyer
Insights on Tyson Ranch Box and Speedweed
- Received a Tyson ranch box, hooked up by Mike Tyson himself
- Acknowledged Speedweed's help and a big box from ABXXtracks
- Excited about being on Tyson's podcast tomorrow and mentioned Whitney as a hero
Controversy Surrounding Dan Bilzerian and Animal Exploitation
- Whitney's criticism of Dan Bilzerian for keeping a grizzly bear at a party
- Discussion on the risks of animal exploitation and abuse in entertainment
- Sharing opinions on training practices and ethical treatment of wild animals
Marine Land Legacy and Animal Captivity
- Marine Land in the 70s was a bustling place where orcas were kept in poor conditions
- People were oblivious to the suffering of these majestic animals
- Realization dawning upon society about the ethics of keeping animals in captivity
Southern Resident Killer Whales and Emotional Intelligence
- Issue of Southern resident killer whales facing food scarcity due to human actions
- Emphasis on the emotional intelligence and social bonds of animals like orcas
- Importance of understanding and respecting the natural habitats of animals
Whale Sanctuary Project: The Future of Marine Animals
- Discussions on plans for a whale sanctuary project, focusing on reintroduction to the wild
- Considerations for potential sites such as Washington state, Vancouver, and Nova Scotia
- Implications for Marine Land and rescue efforts for animals in Russia
Intelligence and Predatory Behavior of Orcas
- Details on resident and transient orca populations and their feeding habits
- Insights into orca behavior, including interactions with marine mammals
- Experience sharing on encounters with orcas and their predatory nature
Senator Wilfred Moore and Murray Sinclair - Key Figures in Legislation
- Senator Wilfred Moore tabled a crucial piece of legislation
- Murray Sinclair played a significant role in the process
- Appreciation extended to Elizabeth May for her leadership in the matter
Urgent Call to Action to Protect Marine Animals
- Highlighting the plight of intelligent marine animals in captivity
- Emphasizing the need to stop the inhumane treatment
- Encouraging individuals to advocate for the well-being of these animals