055 - Matt James: De-Extinction Science, Conservation Tech, & Rewilding the World

Dec 3

Matt James, Chief Animal Officer at Colossal Biosciences and an Oak Cliff neighbor, joins The Hidden City to unpack one of the most ambitious ideas in modern conservation: making extinction a thing of the past. We talk about how Colossal uses genetic engineering, AI, and assisted reproduction to revive keystone species like the woolly mammoth and dire wolf — and why rewilding has the power to restore entire ecosystems. Matt shares what functional de-extinction really means, the ethical questions that come with it, and how these breakthrough technologies are already helping protect at-risk species today. We also trade notes on our favorite walkable Oak Cliff spots and what makes this neighborhood feel like home.