Filmmaker, Podcaster & Adventure Seeker Connect On the hunt for The Beauty and Absurdity of the human condition.

About John

Driven by a passion for exploring untold stories and profound human experiences, John creates works that seek to understand the big questions in life.

John is the lead director and producer of the award-winning documentary Rhino Man, a film lauded as "Remarkable" by Prince William and "Inspiring" by Dr. Jane Goodall. He also hosts of the The Rhino Man Podcast, where he delves deeper into the critical issues facing wildlife rangers and the poaching crisis highlighted in the film.

In honor of his late friend, ranger Anton Mzimba, John is spearheading the Justice for Anton Campaign, already raising over $35k in funds, gathering 100k+ petition signatures, and uniting top officials and investigators in South Africa to seek justice in his murder case.

John has plans to reboot his Odyssey & Muse podcast as a platform to share research, insights, and musings tied to future film projects and adventures. The podcast will explore a wide range of themes, including what it means to be human, technology, AI, astrophysics, evolutionary-biology, geopolitics, history, relationships, our connection to nature, love, and many more.

John’s adventures have taken him across the globe, from solo cycling down the West Coast, to backpacking across Southeast Asia, digging into his family roots in Romania, and living in South Africa for nine months during the COVID-19 pandemic. He uses travel to gain new perspectives on his life, immerse himself in diverse cultures, and to inspire new stories.

As a sought-after speaker, John has addressed audiences including Prince William and his United for Wildlife network, the Explorers Club, universities, major film festival audiences, and government agencies.

I have been given the opportunity of a lifetime. I could fail in one way. That is in giving up.

Filmmaking

John is a writer, producer, and director with over 20 years of experience in filmmaking and video production.

After working on independent features in Los Angeles, he moved to Atlanta, where he was drawn to Rhino Man for its compelling story and social impact potential. His work includes collaborations with major brands such as Coca-Cola, Home Depot, New Story, ABM, and the Global Conservation Corps. Currently, John is developing several short and feature-length screenplays that he plans to produce and direct.

RHINO MAN is an award-winning documentary about the courageous rangers who risk their lives to protect South Africa's rhinos from poaching syndicates.

Available Now On Demand:
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Podcasting

John has a deep love for podcasting and long-form conversations. He's appeared on National Park After Dark, Julian Dory, This Wild Life, Pull the Thread, and more.

From 2015-2016, he produced and hosted Odyssey & Muse, a podcast focused on creativity, adventure, and living life without a map. He is in the process of relaunching this podcast as a way to explore topics of interest connected to future projects.

As a way to dive deeper into the world of Rhino Man, John created The Rhino Man Podcast. There he interviews top conservationists on the importance of rangers, rhinos, and the fight against poaching.

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Advocacy

John is deeply committed to raising awareness and support for wildlife conservation and frontline rangers.

Through the Rhino Man Social Impact Campaign, he works to educate global audiences and generate funding for the next generation of rangers, ensuring they have the resources and training needed to protect our natural spaces.

John also leads the Justice for Anton campaign, advocating for accountability in the assassination of Anton Mzimba, a revered ranger and friend featured in Rhino Man. His efforts have led to international recognition, with support from organizations such as United for Wildlife and high-profile screenings that continue to amplify Anton's legacy and push for justice.

Speaking

John is a passionate and engaging speaker, bringing his expertise in conservation, filmmaking, and advocacy to audiences around the world. He has delivered impactful talks at prestigious events such as the United for Wildlife Global Summit, The Explorers Club, Jackson Wild Media Awards, World Ranger Congress, Boulder International Film Festival, and FINTRAC's World Wildlife Day.

Through compelling storytelling and firsthand experience, John sheds light on the critical role of rangers, the fight against wildlife crime, and the power of media to inspire change. Whether addressing industry professionals, students, or the general public, he leaves audiences informed, inspired, and ready to take action.

Interested in having John speak at your event? Reach out below.

connect@johnjurko.com If you'd like to reach out about a project, a speaking gig, or just to say hello, email John's team. CONNECT