Animals To The Max Podcast

In this episode, I chat with President of the North Carolina State University Of Veterinary Medicine’s Turtle Team Rescue, Christian Capobianco. Started in 1996, NCSU’s Turtle Rescue Team has rescued over 7,000 turtles! Learn what to do if YOU encounter an injured turtle.

In this episode, I speak with Alligator Scientist Dr. Kent Vliet from the University Of Florida. Kent has been researching alligators for over 45 years. He is one of the world’s leading authorities on American Alligator biology, courtship, and conservation.

Australia to speak with Beth Mullany, owner of West Oz Wildlife! Her and her husband care for over 40 different animals including koalas, dingoes, pythons, and lizards! If you ever wondered what it would be like to care for a Koala, THIS is the podcast for you!

This week we discuss one of the most maligned animals in North America, the coyote. I speak with Keli Hendricks, the Ranching with Wildlife Coordinator for Project Coyote. Project Coyote is a national non-profit organization based in Northern California whose mission is to promote compassionate conservation and coexistence between people and wildlife through education, science and advocacy. In the interview, we discuss coyotes, dispel common misconceptions, how to coexist with them, and address recent news about coyotes attacking people in Vancouver.

In this episode, I interview wildlife photographer and best-selling author, Wayne Lynch. Wayne has been photographing bears for over 40 years. In his new book, Bears Of The North: A Year Inside Their Worlds, he focuses on the northern species of bears; Brown Bears, Polar Bears, Asiatic Black Bears, and American Black Bears!

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Ole Alcumbrac. Called the “wild man who isn’t your typical vet”, he’s the star of his own TV show on Nat Geo called “The Wildlife Of Dr. Ole”. He has been working with exotics for over 30+ years and runs the White Mountain Animal Hospital in northern Arizona. If you’re interested in a career working with animals…THIS is the podcast episode for YOU!

In this episode, we learn ALL ABOUT hummingbirds with naturalist, John Pollpeter. John is a lead naturalist at the Woodlands Nature Station at Friends Of Land Between The Lakes. Your mind will be BLOWN learning all about these birds!

In this episode, I speak to wolf biologist and author of the new book, Restoring Balance: What Wolves Tell Us About Our Relationship With Nature, John Vucetich. John has been studying wolves and the predator/prey relationship with moose in Isle Royale for 25 years. With recent efforts to end protections for the Gray Wolf in the lower 48, John goes into why the science and data doesn’t back wolf hunting. We also discuss how to have a civil discussion with someone who is anti-wolf and why the Biden administration isn’t stepping in to protect the Gray Wolf.

In this special edition episode, I chat with Zoo Miami Spokesperson and Communication Director, Ron Magill. Ron has been working at Zoo Miami for over 40 years and has seen his fair share of natural disasters. In the wake of Hurricane Ida and recent news of Hurricane Larry, the question needs to be asked…How Do Zoos Prepare For Natural Disasters like Hurricanes? Ron shares his insight and recalls when Zoo Miami was hit by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. He relives the terrifying time and talks about what they learned and how the zoo as a whole could be more prepared for future disasters. This is a MUST LISTEN for any animal care keeper preparing for a natural disaster!

In this episode, I invite back show favorite, Savannah Boan from Gatorland! Savanah is a crocodilian expert and international ambassador at Gatorland Global. In the interview, we discuss alligators and crocodiles. Topics include the differences between feeding a crocodile vs. an alligator, close calls while working with crocs, and her thoughts on whether or not I should introduce my two alligators, Soni and Chompers.

In this episode, I sit-down with senior zookeeper Jason Castro. Jason is currently a senior keeper at the Bronx Zoo in New York City. Jason talks about his journey becoming a keeper and some of the amazing animals he has been able to work with. Other topics include being a keeper during the pandemic, tips on how to become a zookeeper, and his work with an emu named “Kevin”!

In this episode, I talk with animal care professional, Tiffany, AKA Hunt For A Keeper. She discusses compassion fatigue in the animal care world and how it needs to be addressed. She talks about symptoms and how you can deal with compassion fatigue. We also talk about what it’s like being a zookeeper and some of the harsh realities like the low pay and struggle to find personal and work life balance. This is a MUST-LISTEN!

In this episode, I interview Aquatic Biologist and Executive Director of the Save The Manatee Club, Patrick Rose. Patrick talks about Florida’s manatees and why they are currently in trouble. Topics include sea grass loss, swimming with manatees, manatees in zoos, and why manatees truly are the “canaries in the coal mine”.

In this episode, I chat with shark researcher John Chisholm. John has been studying sharks for over 30 years. Topics include White Shark sightings off the coast of Massachusetts, how to coexist with sharks, and how to survive a shark attack!

In this episode, I sit-down with the author of The American Serengeti, Dan Flores. Dan recalls what the Great Plains once was and all the abundance of wildlife. Animals discussed include bison, wolves, grizzly bears, pronghorns, and wild horses!