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In this unforgettable first episode of a special three-part Talons of Hope trilogy, host Dr Munir Virani sits down with one of the most extraordinary figures in the world of raptor conservation: Simon Thomsett.

Falconer, eagle man, artist, mentor, rescuer, rehabilitator, adventurer, and master craftsman of the wild, Simon is the kind of person scriptwriters would struggle to invent. His life has been shaped by birds of prey, by danger, by beauty, by grit, and by an unshakable devotion to the natural world.

For more than three decades, Munir has known Simon not just as a conservation icon, but as a personal mentor and friend. Some of his most treasured memories are of time spent with Simon in the field, listening to unforgettable stories around a campfire, tales of eagles, impossible rescues, near misses with lions, and a life lived far beyond the ordinary.

In this deeply personal and richly layered conversation, Simon reflects on the pursuits and experiences that made him a legend. From breeding and successfully releasing Crowned Eagles, to conducting surgery and fitting prosthetics to injured raptors, to mentoring hundreds of people around the world, Simon’s life has been one of rare skill, compassion, originality, and purpose.

This episode explores the man behind the myth: his achievements, artistry, adventures, hard-earned philosophy, and the fierce belief that every bird matters. It also asks deeper questions about how conservation has changed over the decades, what has been lost, what still matters, and whether there is still hope for raptors and the wild places they inhabit.

This is more than a podcast. It is a tribute to a singular life, and to a man who has inspired generations to care more deeply, act more courageously, and look at birds of prey with awe, respect, and responsibility.