Animals To The Max Podcast

In this episode, I chat with Angelina Kelly from the Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary in Athens, Michigan. Angelina and her family care for over 200 rescued alligators. We discuss alligator husbandry, alligators in the pet trade, how they keep the alligators warm in Michigan’s harsh winters, and out-of-the-box ways they make alligator ponds!

What happens if you are bit by a venomous snake? How does antivenom work? How can you avoid being bitten? On this week’s Animals to the Max Podcast, I’m joined with Thad Bowan, a firefighter paramedic who also works at the Alligator Adventure Park in North Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. Last year, Thad treated a patient who was bit by a highly venomous Gaboon Viper. Listen to the incredible story!

On this episode of the Animals To The Max Podcast, I speak with author of the new book, Why Am I Alive, Paul Woyak. Paul describes his experience with a massive 20 foot White Shark off the coast of California.

In this episode of the Animals To The Max Podcast, I get an EXCLUSIVE interview with the International Rhino Foundation about the rare birth of a Sumatran Rhino! I speak with Nina Fascione, the executive director about the exciting news. There are fewer than 80 Sumatran Rhinos left on the planet, so this is a milestone birth for a species on the brink of extinction. Learn all about Sumatran Rhinos and why they are difficult to breed under human care.

On the show today, I talk with my buddy and alligator expert Chris Gillette. “Gator Boy” Chris, has been working with alligators for 20 years. We discuss recent stories where alligators have made headlines and debunk myths about them. I also ask Chris his expert opinion on whether or not I should introduce my two alligators, Soni and Chompers!

In this episode I give my thoughts on a recent event in Tennessee where a camel escaped a petting zoo and killed two people. Are camels naturally aggressive? Have they killed people before? Was this a FREAK accident? Here is my take on this unfortunate event.

Deer populations are exploding all over North America. Is this a serious problem? On this week’s “Animals To The Max”, I chat with Eve Bishop, host of the new podcast, Deer Humans. Eve chats about growing up in the Hamptons and how deer populations are causing a serious rift within the community.

Today I chat with award-winning photographers, naturalists, conservationists, and authors Jonathan and Angela Scott. They are best known for their work in Kenya’s Masai Mara where they have filmed countless television programs including BBC’s Big Cat Diary and Animal Planet’s Big Cat Tales. They have lived amongst lions, leopards, and cheetahs for over 40 years.

In this episode I speak with Gary Bohan, the author of the new book Sharkey: When Sea Lions Were The Stars Of Show Business. Gary talks about how his great grandfather trained perhaps one of the most famous sea lions in history, Sharkey. The interview is a retrospective look at animal training and a walk down memory lane. You don’t want to miss out on this incredible story!

In this episode of the Animals To The Max Podcast, we chat about Groundhogs just in time for Groundhog Day! John Pollpeter, a lead naturalist for the Woodlands Nature Station in Kentucky, shares fun groundhog facts, explains why we celebrate Groundhog Day, and tells us what it’s like working with a groundhog named Clover!

In this episode of the Animals To The Max Podcast, I sit-down with my friend Colin Langenderfer, owner of Crosstown Exotics based in Chicago. Colin started Crosstown exotics, a wildlife education company, 10 years ago. He gives advice to anyone interested in starting their own company. We also go into the pros and cons of working with animals and embarrassing stories from the road. You don’t want to miss it!

In this episode of the Animals To The Max Podcast, we talk about Bonobos, the forgotten apes found in the Congo! I chat with Fanny Minesi and Cintia Garai from the organization, Friends Of Bonobos Of The Congo. Did you know bonobos are our closet living relative? Or that they differ from chimpanzees in many ways? Learn all about these rare animals in this EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW!

In this episode of the Animals To The Max Podcast, I speak with zookeeper Jawnie and zookeeper Andie about their recent trip to Kenya! Jawnie and Andie discuss their visits to Kenya’s top safari parks including Amboseli, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and The Masai Mara National Reserve. They discuss wild encounters with lions, leopards, cheetahs, hornbills, hyenas, rhinos, and elephants. If you’re interested in booking a trip to Africa, THIS is the podcast for you!

In this episode of the Animals To The Max Podcast, I speak with Erica Miller, the owner and founder of Erica Miller Wildlife Rehab in Dayton, Ohio. Erica rescued nearly 2,000 animals in 2021 alone. She is one of the few people in Ohio to have a license to take in fawns, raccoons, opossums, skunks, foxes, and variety of different animals. If you’re interested in what it’s like running a wildlife rescue, THIS is the podcast for YOU!

In this BONUS Episode of the Animals To The Max Podcast, I go over the 2021 calendar year and go over a lesson I learned from each month. I also recap highlights and accomplishments with the animals. Thanks for listening and Happy New Year!