Animals To The Max Podcast

In this episode, I interview Gary Wilson, a teacher at Moorpark College’s Exotic Animal Training and Management Program (EATM). Gary specializes in exotic animal training and has over 30+ years of experience. We discuss his early beginnings catching marine animals including an octopus! He then talks about training dolphins for the US Navy’s Marine Mammal Program and a Beluga Whale in San diego. We then cover his various training techniques and advice for anyone wanting to pursue a career in the zoological field.

In this special edition episode, I go over my recent trip to Italy. Topics include crabs in Venice, wild boars and porcupines in Tuscany, Ancient Rome and the exotic animals used in the gladiator games, and more!

In this episode, I interview Karie Kirkpatrick, blogger for “Zoo Walks Through History”. We discuss North American zoos in history and go over some of Karie’s favorite subjects including a Gibbon named “Bimbo”, the first Giant Pandas in the 1930’s, and how Bison were the inspiration for the National Zoo! We also discuss pioneers in the industry including Belle Benchley, the world’s first female zoo director at the San Diego Zoo.

In this episode, I speak with Zookeeper Bryan, a keeper at the Phoenix Zoo. A graduate from the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program at Moorpark College in California, we discuss his experience training a variety of different animals including a lion, baboon, and a Blue Crane! We then discuss his first zoo job working at Zoo Montana. Other topics include zoo critics, animals in captivity, and how zoos are helping to save wild animals.

In this episode, I have a round table discussion with Chris and Angie from The All Creatures Podcast about wolves. We discuss their controversial reintroduction in Yellowstone, impact on the environment being a keystone species, hunting and management of wolves, livestock and human conflicts, and how we can all learn to coexist.

Episode #77: Stephanie Arne

In this episode, I recap my recent trip to NYC to film for the kid’s TV Show, Wonderama. I go over the incredible animals I was able to work with including a porcupine named “Sticker Bush”, an opossum named “Priscilla”, a tortoise named “Dozer”, and a kinkajou named “Cosmo”!

In this episode, I talk to Dr. Cynthia Smith, the VP and Executive Director of the National Marine Mammal Foundation about the Vaquita, also known as “The Sea Panda”. They are the most endangered marine mammals in the world with only 15 individuals left. It’s not all doom and gloom: We discuss how we can still help save the world’s smallest porpoise.

In this episode, I interview award-winning filmmakers, National Geographic Explorers, and wildlife conservationists, Dereck and Beverly Joubert.

In this episode, I interview Josh Cox, the founder and director of Reptile Encounters based in Melbourne, Australia. We discuss working with a variety of different animal ambassadors including crocodiles, goannas, and a stick insect named Cheryl!

In this episode, I give my top 10 tips to keep your pets safe during the 4th Of July and other holiday celebrations.

In this episode, I interview “Crocodile Queen”, Savannah Boan. She’s the International Ambassador and Crocodilian Enrichment Coordinator for Gatorland in Orlando, Florida. We discuss her passion for crocodilians and how she’s bringing awareness about these misunderstood creatures.

In this episode, I interview Dr. Nick Pilfold, a large carnivore scientist for The San Diego Zoo. Nick studies big cats and bears all around the world. Topics include black leopards, wild dogs, and polar bears!

In this episode, I go over highlights of my recent trip to The Today Show with amazing animals including a cheetah, False Gharials, and a penguin! I also discuss what it was like kissing a sea lion for the first time, and where I FINALLY found the best slice of pizza in NYC.

In this episode, I share some exciting updates about the new alligator exhibit, relive eating an insect smoothie on the set of the “Wonderma” TV Show, and share some clues about an upcoming Today Show appearance that will set milestones!