Animals To The Max Podcast

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!

In this episode, I chat with Jeff Ewelt, the executive director of Zoo Montana about one of the planet’s most misunderstood animals; WOLVES. Jeff discusses the recent bills passed to eliminate 90% of the wolves in Idaho and 80% of the wolves in Montana. He discusses why wolves are important and why we need to start speaking up for them.

In this episode of the Animals To The Max Podcast, I speak with Chris Soul, a snake wrangler and cast member of the Nat Geo Show, Aussie Snake Wranglers. Chris talks about what it’s like wrangling some of the most dangerous snakes in the world, including Eastern Brown Snakes and Red-bellied Black Snake. Chris also talks about his work at the famous Australia Zoo working with Saltwater Crocodiles!

In this episode of the Animals To The Max Podcast, I chat with Author and former zoo and aquarium senior leader, Julie Henry. Julie’s new book, Wisdom from the Wild: The Nine Unbreakable Laws of Leadership from the Animal Kingdom, comes out THIS January! Julie discusses her career working at various zoos and aquariums across the country and advice for anyone wanting to pursue a career in the animal care field. She also explains how we can learn from Naked Mole-rats, giraffes, and even termites!

In this episode of the Animals To The Max Podcast, I speak with Jennifer Lagusker, owner of Reptacular Animals based in Los Angeles. Jennifer, her husband, and staff take care of over 200 animals on a 15 acre ranch outside of LA. It’s home to many reptiles and other exotics including a camel and a zebra!