S7, Ep 105: Changing the Narrative: Robbie Kroger’s Mission with The Origins Foundation
In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash welcomes Robbie Kroger, founder and Executive Director of The Origins Foundation, for an in-depth conversation about hunting advocacy, wildlife conservation and the sustainable use model that's shaping the future of global conservation efforts.Guest Expertise: From Wetland Scientist to Conservation AdvocateRobbie Kroger brings an unconventional background to hunting advocacy. With a PhD in wetland ecology and aquatic biogeochemistry from the University of Mississippi, six years as a professor in the Wildlife Fisheries Department at Mississippi State and over 100 peer-reviewed publications, Robbie served as chief scientist for the BP oil spill restoration framework. His science-based, measured approach to communication sets The Origins Foundation apart in the hunting advocacy space.What You'll Learn: Reframing the Conservation ConversationDiscover how The Origins Foundation communicates with non-hunters (not anti-hunters) using honesty, respect and scientific reasoning rather than emotional arguments. Robbie explains why sustainable use of wildlife isn't a silver bullet but rather one of only seven critical tools in the limited conservation toolbox. Learn why value-based wildlife management - whether protecting elephant habitat in Africa or managing wolf populations in the American West - creates incentives for local communities to coexist with wildlife rather than eliminate it.Featured Conservation Projects: Global Impact Through ActionRobbie details the world's largest cheetah relocation project, having moved 17 cheetahs into 500,000 acres of Mozambique habitat buffered by 10 million acres of protected land, with three more relocations planned for 2026. Hear about upcoming documentaries including "Sauvons Bambi" (debuting June 2026 in Paris) about European hunters using thermal drones to save roe deer fawns from farm equipment and "In My Footsteps" profiling the first scholarship recipient from a South African hunting charity who became a successful architect. The Foundation is also building schools and clinics in South Africa and Zambia while working on rhino and lion conservation initiatives.Public Lands and Management Philosophy InsightsDrawing on his experience growing up under South Africa's private wildlife ownership model, Robbie contrasts it with America's revolutionary public trust doctrine where wildlife belongs to everyone. He discusses the chronic underfunding of agencies like USFS, USFWS and BLM, arguing that public-private partnerships, biodiversity credits and creative funding models could dramatically improve stewardship. The conversation explores complex topics like fair chase ethics, social media responsibility for hunters and anglers, wolf management controversies and why both sides being upset with you often means you've found the right position.Join the ConversationThe Origins Foundation actively engages with supporters across all social media platforms, typically with Robbie responding personally to messages. Whether attending major hunting shows from Wild Sheep Foundation to Safari Club International or meeting supporters for roadside coffee in Australia, the Foundation maintains an accessible, ego-free approach focused on lifting up the entire conservation community rather than self-promotion.SponsorsThanks to TroutRoutes for sponsoring this episode. Use artfly20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership.Related ContentS7, Ep 98 - The Fight for Our Future: Land Tawney on Grassroots Advocacy and Public LandsS6, Ep 97 - Fly Fishing Wisdom and Industry Pet Peeves with Greg SenyoS7, Ep 2 - Nomadic Waters and the Allure of Amazonian Peacock BassAll Things Social MediaFollow The Origins Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.Support the Show Shop on AmazonBecome a Patreon PatronSubscribe to the PodcastSubscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice.Advertise on the PodcastIs our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.In the Industry and Need Help Getting Unstuck?Check out our consulting options!Helpful Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction04:50 A Non-Conventional Advocate08:33 Understanding the Public Land Model12:10 The Birth of Blood Origins19:14 Engaging Non-Hunters21:40 Management Philosophy Explained25:16 Reaching the Persuadable Middle33:48 Balancing Perspectives on Wildlife38:08 Upholding Ethical Standards43:40 Upcoming Documentaries and Projects51:41 Managing Public Lands59:07 Engaging with The Origins Foundation
