National Geographic Explorer and wildlife filmmaker Malaika Vaz is blazing her own trail

This week, I chat with the adventurous National Geographic Explorer, TV host, and wildlife filmmaker MALAIKA VAZ, the co-founder and CEO of Untamed Planet, a production company dedicated to making incredible environmental documentary films and nonfiction series that will impact and educate the public. Malaika was named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list and won Best On-Screen Talent at the 2024 Wildscreen Awards. Malaika's amazing work has taken her across some of the most hostile terrain on all seven continents - including hiking across glaciers in the Antarctic, filming undercover with criminal syndicates and diving with tiger sharks. Listen as we discuss how she got started making films at such a young age, why she has chosen to focus on wildlife and the environment with her films, what it means to be a National Geographic Explorer, and how she goes about telling environmental stories differently than celebrities like Al Gore and Leo DiCaprio. You can also watch the show on YouTube.

Below are some links to GoFundMe pages for folks who have lost their homes as well as some other ways to donate to people or groups in need due to the wildfires. I've also included a link to a GoFundMe for a camera operator I worked with named Brent Freeburg. A few weeks ago he suffered two strokes. If you are able, please give these folks a few bucks. Thanks!

Brent Freeburg's GoFundMe for his recovery after a stroke

State of Create Report

GoFundMe for documentary filmmaker Tracy Droz Tragos

GoFundMe for producer Laura Korkoian

GoFundMe for editor and producer Buzz Chatman

GoFundMe producers Dustin and Erin Rubin

GoFundMe for producer/director CJ Russo

for Black Families Impacted by LA Wildfires

Fundraisers for Hollywood Crew Members Affected by LA Fires

Wildfire Relief Fund 2025

Los Angeles Fire Department

Other organizations to donate to