Animals, Nature, and You
“Animals Nature and You” celebrates the curiosity around the connection we have with the natural world.
In this podcast, we will be looking at the science and the personal experiences of experts, and everyday people. From conservationist and animal care staff to filmmakers and authors. We’ll talk to backyard birders, wildlife experts, naturalist, animal behaviorists, veterinarians and so much more.
Join us on this curious odyssey, let’s explore and reconnect together! It’s all about the connections we feel and the connections we long for.
It’s about Animals, Nature, and You!
Episodes
29 episodes
What is the Future of Conservation? Community? Innovation? Empathy?
Join Rick Schwartz in an insightful conversation with Kathayoon Khalil, Vice President and Director of the Columbus Center for Wildlife Conservation at the Columbus Zoo. They explore the multifaceted world of conservation, empathy, and systemic...
All Thumbs, No Hands
Discover fascinating facts about the North American opossum, including its unique thumbs, behavior, and ecological role. Learn how this remarkable marsupial adapts to urban environments and why it’s vital for our ecosystem.
The Unexpected Path from Wildlife Rehab to Global Keeper Exchange - Part 2
Part 2 of 2Alice Vassallo started her career in animal care by volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center. And from there, her journey into zoo keeping, wildlife education, international travel and conservation grew.In thi...
The Unexpected Path from Wildlife Rehab to Global Keeper Exchange with Alice Vassallo
Part 1 of 2Alice Vassallo started her career in animal care by volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center. And from there, her journey into zoo keeping, wildlife education, international travel and conservation grew.In thi...
Animal Facts That You Otter Know
In this episode, host, Rick Schwartz dives into the fascinating world of otters, focusing on the differences between North American river otters and sea otters. From their adaptations and behaviors, to the importance of conservation efforts for...
Nature Walks and Mentorships - Making a Difference with Jungle Jordan
In this episode, Jungle Jordan shares stories of combining his love for wildlife with community work through outdoor education. Discover his program impacts underserved communities and inspires the next generation of conservationists, nature lo...
The Mighty Peregrine Falcon
In this installment of 10 Minute Tuesday, host Rick Schwartz explores the fascinating world of the peregrine falcon, its history, adaptations, and the importance of conservation efforts. Learn how scientific studies and environmental policies h...
Nature: The Transformative Power of Outdoor Education
In this episode, Rick interviews Tina Brower Kraska, the founder of Red Oaks Forest School, who shares her journey from a wildlife enthusiast to an educator dedicated to reconnecting children with nature. Tina emphasizes the importance of foste...
Popcorn Butt? Why Bearcat If Not Related to Bear or Cat?
In this episode, host Rick Schwartz shares his passion and love of the fascinating binturong, also known as the bearcat. Discover why they smell like popcorn, (or is it corn chips?) and their unique adaptations - like their prehensile tail. He ...
The Rhythm of Conservation: How a Drummer's Passion Turned into a Podcast Phenomenon
In this episode Rick interviews musician, actor, music director and podcaster, Jon Rossi. Earlier in the week Rick was a guest on Jon's podcast, Rossifari - but today Rick had Jon in the hot seat!In a world where music and wildlife conse...
Monarch Population Surges 64%: Why We Can't Stop Now
As recent headlines celebrate a 64% increase in monarch butterfly populations, many may wonder: is this the turning point for these vital pollinators? In this episode, host Rick Schwartz explores what this increase means, the ongoing challenges...
How to Save Forests, Creeks and Local Ecosystem with Griff Griffith
In this episode Rick speaks with Griff Griffith about forest restoration, the power of curiosity and why having native plants in your yard (or on your patio) is so important to local ecosystems. Griff is a powerhouse of knowledge and experience...
Why Some Animals Have Quills and Others Have Spines
In this episode, Rick explores the fascinating world of quills and spines in mammals, debunking myths and explaining the differences between various species like porcupines, hedgehogs, echidnas, and tenrecs. Discover how these adaptations evolv...
Can One Person Educate, Entertain, and Empower Others? Stephanie Arne Does It.
This episode is like sitting down with a coupe of old friends. Join host Rick Schwartz in his thoughtful conversation with Stephanie Arne as they explore the deep connections between humans, animals, and nature. Stephanie shares her journey as ...
The Real Raccoon Science Behind the Headlines
In this episode Rick discusses the media's misguided headlines and articles about a scientific study on raccoon that looked at domestication signals. Rick offers up information from the published paper and explains what the research actually in...
Zombie Spiders? Asteroid Blasters? The Curiosity That Drives Science with Maynard Okereke
In this episode, Rick Schwartz and Maynard Okereker discuss the how science, education, and entertainment thrive where there is curiosity. Maynard shares his journey from being a nature-loving child to a passionate science communicator, emphasi...
An Artichokes with Legs? An Anteater with Scales?Nope - It's a Pangolin!
In this week's 10 Minute Tuesday, host Rick Schwartz explores the fascinating world of pangolins, the most trafficked mammals on the planet. Rick shares his personal journey of learning about these unique creatures, their conservation status, a...
Can a Pangolin Change the Course of Your Life? An Inspirational Chat with Jack Baker Pt.2
In Part 2 of my interview with Jack Baker, we hear more about how the pangolin help shape Jack's podcast.Jack shares more his journey into conservation, the importance of joy in the field, and the challenges of measuring impact in envir...
Can a Polar Bear Change the Course of Your Life? An Inspirational Chat with Jack Baker Pt.1
In part 1 of this engaging conversation, Jack Baker shares his journey into conservation, the importance of joy in the field, and the challenges of measuring impact in environmental education. He discusses the evolution of his podcast, "Pangoli...
Give Me a Break - Lizard Tails That Detach and Regrow!
Ever wondered how lizards drop their? Is it their choice when to detached or is it pulled off?The science behind it is even cooler than you think! It involves muscles, preexisting fractures and a quick "peel-off like a sticker" that all...
The Story Behind Find That Lizard - A Conversation with Dr. McGee
An engaging conversation with Dr. Earyn McGee, also known as Afro Herper on social media, shares her journey from a graduate student to a prominent figure in herpetology and science communications. She discusses her innovative social media init...
Podcast Side-Quest UNLOCKED! Introducing: 10 Minute Tuesdays
With awesome interviews happening every Thursday, 10 minute Tuesdays will be short, solo episodes where I can expand on something covered in the previous week's interview. Or, an opportunity to dive into and explore a topic that is current, dis...
Can One Person Really Save Endangered Species? Meet the Founder of Global Conservation Force, Mike Veale
In this episode, Mike Veale, the founder and CEO of Global Conservation Force, discusses the organization's multifaceted approach to wildlife conservation. Global Conservation Force brings together a team of experts, volunteers, and community m...
How To Become a Naturalist - Unleash Your Inner Nature Nerd
Gabrielle Katanic, creator of "Talk Nerdy To Me California" shares her journey from a nature enthusiast to a nature educator and influencer. She discusses the importance of reconnecting with nature, the role of curiosity in learning, and ...
Cheetahs - Part 2: The Unexpected Science and Art of Connecting with Wildlife
This is Part 2 of a 2 part episode.In this episode of Animals, Nature and You, we delve into the fascinating world of big cats, specifically cheetahs, with Janet Rose-Hinostroza, a seasoned expert who has dedicated her life to...