MEET YOUR HOSTS

BEN - THE CREATOR, PRODUCER, & HOST

Ben’s love of the outdoors started early— and never waned for a moment. After his professional career was derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ben shifted from performing on stage and screen to outdoor education and YouTube. From working on New York City’s Highline to it’s largest park, he’s spent the last half decade learning in and exploring the parks of all 5 boroughs. Every episode of Wild New York was written, edited, and produced by him, and all the photos on this site were taken by him. But he’s been very fortunate to meet several professional collaborators along the way— and you can meet them below!

Katie Bryan - Actor and Wildlife Lover

A founding member of Wild New York, Katie brough her bubbly personality and love of the outdoors to the early seasons of Wild New York. You can probably still catch her outdoors— but its easier to find her on instagram @kikibuggy

Christian Murphy - Ecologist

Christian may look like a birder (and thats because he is), but there’s a lot more to his story. An avid outdoorsman, adventurer, and education, Christian has worked for several years along the Bronx River, the front lines of the fight for conservation and water protection. Home to muskrats, bobcats, and even the occasional dolphin, his work as an educator and naturalist will help preserve our urban ecosystems for years to come.

Christian is currently on staff with the Bronx River Alliance, and you can find his photography on instagram @murhpswildlife

Chris St.Lawrence - Photographer

Chris is more than a cameraman— he’s a crucial cog in the global effort to save wildlife. While you can typically find him on the high seas in the Hudson Valley, his work has taken him up and down the Eastern Seaboard. A recent adventure lead him to tracking a group of North Atlantic Right Whales, a critically endangered species that can be seen in and around the New York Bight.

But it’s not all the life aquatic. Chris also loves birding, mammals, and even herps! His love of the natural work knows no bounds. You can find his photos on instagram @stlawrencegallery