Animals To The Max Podcast

In this episode, I speak with wolf activist and caretaker, Tony Seiler. He’s been working at the Wolf Creek Habitat in Brookville, Indiana for nearly five years and currently cares for 38 Gray Wolves. We discuss common myths and misconceptions about wolves, and what it’s like caring for them!

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Melanie Culver, a scientist from USGS Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit and The University of Arizona. Dr. Culver and her team study jaguars in southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Since 2011, they have studied jaguars by using camera traps. We cover a variety of topics including how many jaguars are currently in the United States, what they’re eating, how they co-exist with cougars, human and wildlife conflict, the border wall, and much more!

In this episode, I speak with naturalist John Pollpeter. For 23 years, he has worked at the Woodlands Nature Station, a nature center in Kentucky. Animals he works with include the critically endangered Red Wolf, one of the rarest carnivores on the planet. John is also blind, and discusses his journey and how he turned his disability, into an opportunity traveling the world. Other topics include backyard wildlife, bats, and how to live with venomous snakes!

In this episode, I sit down with shark conservationist and marine turtle specialist, Carlee Jackson. Carlee has just finished her thesis on the effects of feeding sharks for tourism in Belize, and shares her findings. We also discuss her early beginnings, close shark encounters, and sea turtles!

In this episode, we discuss ‘Cocaine Hippos’ AKA the invasive hippos in South America that escaped from drug lord Pablo Escobar’s private zoo. He started out with four, now there are over 100 invasive hippos in South America. Joining me on the show to discuss these ‘Cocaine Hippos’ is scientist, Dr. Jonathan Shurin. He’s from the Section of Ecology, Behavior and Evolution at the University of California. Jonathan has been studying the ecological impact of these hippos and gives us some insight on these alien inhabitants!

In honor of SHARK WEEK, I invite senior aquarist and shark expert, Krissy Podczerwinski on the show. Krissy goes over her favorite Top 10 Shark Facts! We also discuss what it’s like working with sharks on a daily basis and what it’s like cage diving with a Great White Shark!

In this episode, I interview former SeaWorld Killer Whale Trainer and author of “Killing Keiko: The True Story of Free Willy’s Return to the Wild”, Mark Simmons. Mark has been working with and training marine mammals for 30 years. Mark discusses what it was like training Killer Whales at SeaWorld, including “Tilikum”, the whale who killed trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010. He also discusses the documentary “Blackfish” and what the filmmakers left out. Mark then dives into his experience assisting with the “Keiko Project”, a failed attempt at trying to return ‘Free Willy’ whale “Keiko” back to the wild.

In this episode, I speak with animal trainer, Karli Wadman. She’s been working with and training domestic and exotic animal for 15 years. She’s a proud graduate of Moorpark College’s Exotic Animal and Training Management Program (E.A.T.M.) We discuss the various animals she’s worked with: From hornbills to dogs! She also recalls hilarious stories from her work at SeaWorld San Diego’s Pets Rule Show and gives advice to anyone wanting to pursue a career working with animals!

Just in time for National Zoo Keeper Week, I have Jordan Veasley on the show, AKA Jungle Jordan. He’s worked in the animal care industry for several years and currently resides at the Cougar Mountain Zoo. He’s also a YouTube creater and very active on Instagram! Jordan and I discuss the most common zookeeper questions and give advice for those wanting to pursue a career working with animals!

In this episode, I welcome wildlife educator and urban wildlife enthusiast, Tijana Selak to the show! Tijana’s passion is educating others about misunderstood species that are found right in our backyards. Animals we discuss include rats, pigeons, Peregrine Falcons, foxes, coyotes, skunks, raccoons, and giant NYC roaches!

In this episode, I share some upcoming news, updates on the new alligator exhibit, and what projects I currently have in the works!

In honor of National Dairy Month, we go over 5 facts YOU didn’t know about cows! I’m joined with my friend and cow expert Dr. Jennifer Spencer from Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center. We also recount funny stories from the FFA, “dirty” job stories from the field, and advice for young people wanting to work with farm animals.

In this episode, I welcome back Gatorland Global Ambassador, Savannah Boan. Savannah fills us in on what’s been going on in her crazy life working with crocodiles and alligators! Topics include her recent trip to Australia’s Northern Territory where she worked with MASSIVE Saltwater Crocs and legendary experts, Grahame Webb and Matt Wright. She then discusses close calls while filming and advice for anyone wanting to work in the zoological field.

In this episode, I interview Zookeeper Jawnie from the Nashville Zoo. Jawnie shares insight on her journey to landing her “dream job” working with Clouded Leopards, Okapis, and Red Pandas! If you want to be a zookeeper or work with animals in any capacity, THIS is the show for you!

In this episode, I welcome animal trainer, educator, and zookeeper Andie Haugen from the Cincinnati Zoo. Andie goes into detail on her journey to landing her “dream job” working with cheetahs and other animals. This is an EXCELLENT episode for anyone interested in working in the zoo field!