Animal Radio®

Microbiologist and TV Host Jennifer Gardy has been collecting cat poop as part of a biome-mapping project. Viral sensation Lil Bub even donated a sample that led to the discovery of 22 new microorganisms. Jennifer will explain what that means to you and me. Also, it has long been known that talking to a baby improves bonding between parent and child. But, since so many pet parents view their pets as their own children, scientists were wondering does talking to your dog in the same way as you would a human infant have the same bonding effect? A recent study suggests it does. Also,Veterinarian suicide rate over the top.

Singer/Songwriter Eric Burdon (The Animals/War) guests this weekend on Animal Radio. He’ll talk about his affinity for Elephants, and what he’s doing about it. Eric will also share his experience living in a zoo. Also, when two competing radio hosts get together, they must have something really important to talk about. Sure enough, Steve Dale and Hal Abrams team up to talk about the Fear Free movement and how it can benefit your pet. Also, Brilliant Pad creator got his shot on the ABC hit show Shark Tank. With a half-million dollars in shark backing, Alan Cook tells us about the surreal experience of introducing Brilliant Pad to a prime time TV audience.

Actor and hubby of Fergie (Black Eyed Peas), Josh Duhamel has a thing for dogs! He’s teamed up with PetSmart Charities to promote their 5 millionth adoption. He changed his way of thinking when he met “Meatloaf,” a dog that was named that because it resembled one. Also, Dutch artist is honoring his departed feline friend by creating a “half cat, half machine.” Bart Jansen turned the taxidermied remains of his pet Orville into a working radio-controlled helicopter. Jansen explains that Orville was named after iconic aviator Orville Wright, so taking him airborne seemed like a fitting tribute. Jansen says Orville will be “flying with the birds” once he gets larger propellers and more powerful engines on his birthday.

Front man for the band Bad Company, Free and The Firm, singer, songwriter Paul Rodgers is an extreme supporter of our four-legged friends. Aside from the 6 cats and a dog at home, he sponsors moose, bears, coyotes, foxes, a lynx, a bobcat and raccoons. “Supporting animals, in any way that one can, restores the soul,” say Rodgers. His wife and obvious muse, Cynthia joins Paul for this interview. Also scientists at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, have conducted one of the first studies using brain imaging of dogs to figure out how they process words, specifically words they’ve been taught to associate objects like a ball. Neuroscientist Gregory Berns says, “We know that dogs have the capacity to process at least some aspects of human language since they can learn to follow verbal commands but, previous research suggests dogs may rely on many other cues to follow a verbal command such as gaze, gestures and even emotional expressions from their owners.”

World Renown Anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall tells us about her experience growing up around chickens and chimps. Even today she still lectures, with over 300 speaking engagements a year. Dr. Goodall also has her hands in the deodorant business, lending her name to environmentally friendly, cruelty-free and sustainable products. Serial Entrepreneur Michael Cammarata joins the conversation to talk about teaming up with Dr. Goodall to create Schmidt’s Naturals Lily of the Valley deodorant. Also, SOLVED: Selecting Pet Insurance A common misconception is that pet insurance is similar to human insurance. Jason Hargraves breaks that myth with the truth about pet insurance. The editor of Insurance Quotes tells us what to look out for when picking a policy.

Actor Gary Burghoff (M*A*S*H) talks about the animals in his life. His character on the long-running series was developed after the writer saw his love for animals. Also, “Dog Food Dude” Rick Woodford explains how easy it is to make healthy food for your pet. Quit dodging bullets and avoid all the recalls with fresh food for your furry-companion.

Actor Ed Begley Jr. is well-known for being green before green was cool. He’ll share ideas for reducing your pet’s carbon paw-print and saving money at the same time. Also, musician Rachel Fuller has created a brilliant album that celebrates the life of our furry companions. With the help of her husband, The Who guitarist Pete Townshend and The Beatles Paul McCartney, she transforms the death of a pet into an Animal Requiem.

In 2012, Bart Jansen’s cat was unfortunately struck and killed by a car. Instead of cremating or burying “Orville” (named after the Wright Brothers), he turned him into a drone. Despite outrage from cat-owners, he defends the action as a tribute to his furry-friend. Many other pet owners have asked for his services since. Now he plans to turn a cow into a helicopter. Also, there’s no need to over-inoculate your pet with potentially harmful vaccines. Dr. Jean Dodds is considered one of the foremost veterinary experts on vaccinosis. She tells us what injections are necessary and how often. Dr. Dodd’s also discusses the downside of over-vaccinating your pet.

Lead singer for The Marshall Tucker Band, Doug Gray shares his life with animals including anecdotes about his Persian kitties, “Cheech & Chong.” Also, are you fearful that your dog will catch a disease if you let him out of the yard. You’re not alone. Numbers of “backyard prisoners” are growing and causing more behavioral problems in the long run. Both Vladae and Dr. Debbie have answers to battle this epidemic.

The very multi-talented musician and animal advocate Emmylou Harris is our special guest. Emmylou runs an animal rescue on her property in Nashville. Also, San Francisco’s plans on using dogs to reduce its panhandling problem. The city will initiate a new program, believed to be the first of its kind in the country, encouraging homeless individuals to give up panhandling. In exchange, they’ll receive a small stipend to foster problematic puppies until they’re ready for adoption. Participants must promise to stop panhandling, and if they are caught begging with the puppy, the animal will be taken back to the shelter. In exchange, the approved applicant will receive $50-$75 a week, as well as several training sessions, regular check-ins, and all the dog food, toys, leashes and veterinary care they need. Participants will ideally be trained in grooming, dog walking or other animal-related skills so that they can join the regular workforce.

Animal Radio’s Season of Stars continues with comedian Victoria Jackson (Saturday Night Live). There’s no stopping her when it comes to yapping about her pets. She talks about how her dog got her kicked off a TV sitcom. Also, remembering world renown Psychiatrist Dr. Joyce Brothers as she discusses the relationship between humans and pets, especially when they come between partners.

Comedian Margaret Cho continues Animal Radio’s Season of the Stars lineup with her twisted take on our furry companions. She also explains how she practiced for Dancing with the Stars with her dogs. Also, a new listener has a special dog that alerts him when his son is about to have a seizure. How does the dog know? And what does the dog do to alert humans? Is the dog ever wrong?

Known for her antics on Laugh-in, Jo Anne Worley is an unforgettable voice speaking out for the animals as part of the celebrity group Actors and Others for Animals. She shares the details of her life with a small breed dog and how she sneaks him everywhere. Also, can you imagine someone devoting their life to entertaining pets, chaperoning them on dates, and performing marriages and Bark-Mitzvahs for the four-legged. Bring your pets around the radio….Lee Day is gonna sing to them.

USPS Carrier Ramiro DeMarco talks about dogs, cats and snakes that have ‘gone postal.’ Also, Dr. Jeremy Turner, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Illinois College, studies the sounds that humans can’t hear, but that may be loud and clear, and maybe even annoying to your pets. Dr. Turner says the proliferation of electronic devices introduces un-heard noise that can actually stress our furry companions.

There’s no question that comedian Paula Poundstone loves animals. She has a bearded dragon, 16 cats and 1 ant in her ant farm. When people ask how she got 16 cats, she says she had 15 and then she added one. Also, Wendy Diamond was proud to host the most expensive pet wedding according to Guinness. All in all, over $178,000 so two dogs could live in wedded bliss. She shares all the juicy details including what happened on the honeymoon.