Zoologist and digital creator Lindsay Nikole has become one of the most uplifting voices in science communication today. Her videos spark curiosity, her explanations make complex ideas feel simple, and her compassion for the natural world has inspired millions to care about the planet in a new way. As she prepares to release her debut book Epic Earth, Lindsay shares how exploration, creativity and empathy shaped her work, and why understanding our place in nature can give us hope rather than fear. This is an interview about wonder, connection and the power of using your voice for good.
Lindsay Nikole Interview | Lifestyle Pocket Guide
You meet your audience with so much enthusiasm and warmth. What fuels your passion for teaching people about the natural world?
I think it comes from being genuinely excited about what I learn. Every time I discover something new about an animal or about how Earth works, it lights up that childlike sense of curiosity. When you feel that spark, you want to share it. And when people tell me that something I explained made them interested in science for the first time, it reinforces why I do this.
Your book Epic Earth dives into some incredible stories from our planet’s history. Was there a discovery that changed the way you see life on Earth?
Definitely. One of my favourite creatures to learn about was the Tully Monster. It lived more than 300 million years ago, yet scientists still cannot decide if it was a vertebrate or an invertebrate. That mystery fascinates me. It reminds me that even with everything we know, there is still so much left to uncover. I love the idea that our planet is still full of unanswered questions.
You often talk about the beauty and strangeness of life. What do you think exploring nature teaches us about ourselves?
It teaches us where we come from. Every species on Earth is connected through billions of years of evolution. When you understand that, you start to see yourself as part of a much bigger story. That sense of connection brings empathy. It changes how you move through the world and the choices you make.
A major part of your work focuses on conservation. What has spending time with organisations like Save the Elephants and The Cheetah Conservation Fund taught you?
It taught me that most environmental problems are not hopeless. They just need creativity and cooperation. Human wildlife conflict is a huge issue, but organisations like Save the Elephants found that elephants are afraid of bees. So they created beehive fences that protect farms without hurting the animals. Cheetah Conservation Fund uses livestock guarding dogs to keep both cheetahs and farmers safe. These solutions are simple but powerful, and they give me a lot of optimism.
You have shared how travel has shaped your understanding of ecosystems. What has experiencing these places in person meant to you?
It changed everything. Growing up in Los Angeles, I did not have access to diverse ecosystems. Travelling to Kenya and Namibia opened my eyes to things I had only read about. When you stand in those landscapes and watch how every species interacts, you feel the meaning of conservation in a much deeper way. It makes you want to protect those environments even more.
What personal moment stands out as a reminder of why this work matters?
Releasing a brown hyena named Brownie after helping with his rehabilitation is something I will never forget. He had been injured in a trap. Seeing him heal and then watching him run back into the wild felt like the most incredible payoff for all the effort that went into helping him. Moments like that stay with you.
Your creative style has become a huge part of your identity online. How do you keep science engaging and accessible?
I always try to speak the way I naturally speak. If I can explain something in a way that is fun, relatable and conversational, people connect with it. Learning does not have to feel formal to be meaningful. If anything, the more human it feels, the more people are willing to engage.
Many of our readers want to use their creativity to make a difference. What advice would you give them?
Think about how you personally understand the world. What makes information stick for you? Then shape your content through that lens. There is no right or wrong style. Some people use humour. Some use beautiful visuals. Some use storytelling. The important thing is to be authentic and to care deeply about what you are sharing. Passion is contagious.
What do you hope people feel after reading Epic Earth?
I hope they walk away feeling connected and inspired. I want people to see the planet with fresh eyes and realise that Earth is far more extraordinary than we often give it credit for. When you understand how everything fits together, you feel a sense of responsibility, but also a sense of wonder.
And finally, what is next for you?
I am working on a series all about human evolution, exploring how we became who we are today. After that, I want to spend more time in Africa doing storytelling around conservation. I feel connected to the work that is happening there, and I want to keep highlighting the simple solutions that make life better for both people and wildlife.