Animals, Nature, and You

Епизоди

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  Im-PAW-ssibly PAW-some Black Bear Facts with the Sequoia Park Zoo 17.09.2026 31мин

  Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Join us on Animals, Nature, and You, as we explore the fascinating world of black bears with Erin Corrigan from Sequoia Park Zoo. Fun fact: Black bears are not always black! And the three bears at Sequoia Park Zoo prove it; from a chocolate brown, true black, or even a flaxen honey-blonde color. Erin also explains how to tell black bears from brown bears, what their claws and body shapes reveal, and we even get to learn about the individual bears at the Sequoia Park Zo...
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  Autumn is Coming: The Subtle Clues That Animals Know 15.09.2026 13мин

  Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this 10-minute Tuesday episode of Animals, Nature, and You, Rick Schwartz explores the subtle environmental cues that signal the arrival of fall. And we are not just talking about the rush to "pumpkin-spice" all the things. From changes in daylight to animal behaviors and more, nature offers a rich tapestry of signs that autumn is on its way. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Links to look at... Bird Migration Explorer USFWS- Fall Wonders NWF's Leave the Leaves Find...
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  The Hidden Life Cycle of the Red Octopus Uncovered 10.09.2026 45мин

  Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode we dive into the fascinating story of the red octopus life cycle. Something never seen with this species of octopus, until now! Maddy Tracewell, Senior Aquarist of Animal Health at the Birch Aquarium joins host Rick Schwartz, sharing the groundbreaking work done in raising red octopus from egg to juvenile, revealing new insights into their early development and the challenges each little octopus faces throughout their life. Animals, Nature, and You on ...
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  No Lyin' - Mountain Lions are Beneficial! 08.09.2026 12мин

  Send "Fan Mail" to Rick This 10-minute Tuesday episode of Animals, Nature and You explores the ecological importance of mountain lions and other large predators. Data shows we can easily debunk myths, and highlight the mountain lion's role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Links mentioned in episode: Website for Mountain Lion Foundation Article "Protecting Mountain Lions Protects Us" Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instag...
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  Can a Board Game Save Rhinos? Global Conservation Force Updates 03.09.2026 37мин

  Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, Mike Veale from Global Conservation Force shares updates on their recent activities, innovative conservation tools like a rhino-themed board game, and upcoming events supporting rhino conservation efforts. Discover how education, community involvement, and strategic funding are making a difference in protecting endangered species. And of course, don't forget about World Rhino Day coming up on September 22nd! Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram Conn...
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  Why Bother Saving Pandas, Cheetahs, and Condors Anyway? 01.09.2026 10мин

  Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, Rick Schwartz explores the complexities of wildlife conservation, focusing on species like cheetahs, giant pandas, and California condors. He discusses the importance of understanding ecosystem roles, animal behavior, and human impact to foster sustainable conservation efforts. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Links to look at: Cheetahs Giant Pandas California Condors Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Fac...
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  Why Cheetah Conservation Starts with Dogs, Not Fences 27.08.2026 37мин

  Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, Janet Rose-Hinestroza discusses the vital work of the Cheetah Outreach Trust in South Africa, focusing on cheetah conservation, community involvement, and innovative strategies to support free-ranging cheetahs amidst habitat fragmentation. Discover how community efforts, scientific research, and targeted programs are making a difference for this iconic species. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Connect with Cheetah Outreach Trust Website: Cheetah Outrea...
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  Battle for the Throne: How Naked Mole-Rats Pick Their Queen 25.08.2026 10мин

  Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, host Rick Schwartz digs into the royal archives of naked mole-rats. How do they pick their queen? How does the queen stay in charge? What exactly is this "eusocial behavior" that naked mole-rats live by, and is it the same as honey bees and ants? Animals, Nature, and You on IG Links mentioned in this episode: Phsy.org: "NMR Queens Produce Odorous Chemical..." Nature.com Scientific article: "A queen odour mediates reproductive suppression..." Naked Mol...
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  Gentle Giants of the Galapagos Islands 20.08.2026 37мин

  Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, Christian Flores shares his insight and knowledge of the Galapagos tortoises, their evolution, behavior, and conservation efforts. Christian discusses some of the scientific theories about these ancient giants, from how they likely reached the islands in the first place to why some developed the iconic saddleback shell while others stayed dome-shaped. Within this episode, host Rick Schwartz and Christian also tackle the myths most people get wrong abo...
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  What Happens When AZA & Non-AZA Facilities Work Together? 13.08.2026 37мин

  Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, we explore the importance of community involvement in wildlife conservation, the benefits of collaboration between AZA and non-AZA facilities, and practical ways for local communities to engage with their ecosystems. Jacob Reiter shares insights from his work at Pace University and discusses how local actions can make a global impact. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Connect with Jacob: Email: [email protected] Jacob on Linkedin Links mentioned in this...
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  RePlay - Everything You Thought You Knew About Bees Is WRONG! 06.08.2026 1ч 1мин

  Send "Fan Mail" to Rick (This is a RePlay from April 2026) In this episode, TV talent, author and naturalist, David Mizejewski from the National Wildlife Federation busts myths about bees, highlights the importance of native bees & plants, and shares practical tips for supporting pollinators & wildlife in your own yard. David also covers why planting native plants is now easier than ever thanks to NWF's Garden for Wildlife website where you can order the right plants at the right time...
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  The Emotional Cost of Loving Animals for a Living Pt.2 31.07.2026 48мин

  Send "Fan Mail" to Rick (Part 2 of 2) Most animal care professionals face grief that’s often silenced or overlooked. What if understanding and embracing this grief could actually transform how we care, both for the animals and ourselves? Brigid Dodge, a former dolphin trainer turned grief coach, shares the raw truths about the hidden toll of working with animals and how loss shapes us in ways we’re often unprepared for. In this powerful episode, Brigid opens up about her journey from marine ...
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  The Emotional Cost of Loving Animals for a Living Pt.1 30.07.2026 52мин

  Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Most animal care professionals face grief that’s often silenced or overlooked. What if understanding and embracing this grief could actually transform how we care, both for the animals and ourselves? Brigid Dodge, a former dolphin trainer turned grief coach, shares the raw truths about the hidden toll of working with animals and how loss shapes us in ways we’re often unprepared for. In this powerful episode, Brigid opens up about her journey from marine mammal trainin...
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  What is the Science of Animal Nutrition? 23.07.2026 51мин

  Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Ever wonder how a zookeeper knows what to feed a tuatara, a splendid sunbird or a red panda? In this episode, Dr. Andrea Fidget shares her expertise in comparative and conservation animal nutrition, exploring how understanding species-specific diets and natural history informs better animal care and conservation efforts. Discover the science behind animal diets, the importance of nutritional wisdom, and the future of wildlife nutrition research. Animals, Nature, and Y...
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  What, Who, and HOW? Your Questions Answered! 21.07.2026 13мин

  Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this 10-Minute Tuesday episode of Animals, Nature, and You, host Rick Schwartz jumps into the "mailbag" to answers some listener questions. From favorite animals and conservation challenges to what podcasts he listens to. He shares personal stories, favorite species, and insights into staying motivated in the face of conservation setbacks. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Podcasts Mentioned: *Rossifari Podcast All Creatures That's So Wild Just The Zoo of Us Motherin...
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  Orangutans: More Noble Than Humans. A Conversation with Leif Cocks 16.07.2026 52мин

  Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Most conservation efforts focus on facts and figures—but what if the key to saving endangered species also involved love, empathy, and understanding? Leif Cocks reveals how genuine connections with orangutans shaped his approach to conservation, advocating for a solutions rooted in compassion rather than conflict. This inspiring conversation uncovers the profound intelligence and autonomy of these remarkable primates and why understanding their complex social systems d...
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  The Great Ape Approach to "Work/Life Balance" 14.07.2026 12мин

  Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, host Rick explores the true meaning of life balance by comparing human life to that of great apes, emphasizing that life is about relationships, health, play, wealth, and spirituality, not just work and personal life. He challenges the conventional work-life balance concept and encourages a holistic view of life’s many elements. Animals, Nature, and You on IG If you find a sick or injured animal, please connect with someone who can help: Animal Help ...
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  Elizabeth Johnson on Balancing Wildlife Work and Parenthood 09.07.2026 45мин

  Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Elizabeth Johnson shares her journey of starting the Mothering Wildlife podcast, exploring the unique challenges faced by moms in the zoo and conservation field. Our conversation on Animals, Nature, and You covers physical, mental, and emotional challenges, societal pressures, and the importance of community support for working mothers in niche professions. Link to Mothering Wildlife podcast Mothering Wildlife: Telling the stories of moms who work in zoo, wildlife, ve...
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  Be On The Look Out: Young Wildlife in Urban Spaces 07.07.2026 9мин

  Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, host Rick Schwartz shares insights on wildlife behavior, specifically focusing on the young animals we tend to see out and about this time of year. Rick is always happy to encourage everyone to take the time to observe wildlife; as long as it is from a safe and respectable distance. After all, observations often lead to better understanding and appreciation of the wildlife and world around us. Animals, Nature, and You on IG If you find a sick or in...
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  The Power of Pet Therapy: The Human/Animal Connection 02.07.2026 46мин

  Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Discover the transformative power of pet therapy as Robin Cohen from Helen Woodward Animal Center shares stories that bring joy, and foster profound human-animal connections. Whether it’s a children finding comfort in an unexpected animal encounter, or a someone reconnecting to memories of a pet skunk from the past; this episode reveals how animals not only heal but also teach us compassion, patience, and trust. Guest Robin Cohen, with over three decades of experience...