Animals To The Max Podcast

In this episode, I interview Global Conservation Force President & Founder, Mike Veale. Mike is also a trained Anti-Poaching Ranger and has been on the front line protecting wildlife in Africa since 2014. During the interview, Mike discusses what it was like working as senior mammal keeper at the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park. He goes into detail what it was like working with two of the world’s remaining Northern White Rhinos and how that experience motivated him to sell everything he owned, and move to Africa to become a ranger. He recalls experiences from the field including his fight to save some of the world’s most endangered animals. Other topics include his thoughts on trophy hunting and if there is still hope for rhinos.

In this episode, I welcome wildlife traveler and volunteer, Jacob Emerson. We discuss his childhood growing up in Australia, working at Sea World, and then his world travels. Highlights include his encounter with Orangutans and a massive Komodo Dragon! We then discuss his work with the Gibbon Conservation Society in Malaysia.

In this episode, I chat with reptile handler and educator, Colin Langenderfer from Crosstown Exotics based in Chicago. Colin discusses what it’s like running a traveling reptile and bug show and how they are coping with the Coronavirus. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like being an animal handler on movie/TV show sets. Other fun topics include animal bites, stories from the road, and EMBARRASSING stories that have happened during animal shows. You don’t want to miss it!

In this episode, I interview entomologist and science communicator, Miles Maxcer. We discuss the Asian Giant Hornets, recently dubbed the “Murder Hornets”, that have been reported in the U.S. Miles discusses potential hazards of Asian Giant Hornets being invasive in the U.S. and its detrimental effects on native bee populations. We also cover theories on how they got in the United States and why some people even eat them! Other topics include Mile’s fascination with ants and some really interesting facts!

In this episode, I speak with vet student, Rachel Ellerd. She’s currently attending Texas A&M University where she is studying exotic animal medicine. We discuss vet school, how she was able to apply while still pursuing her undergraduate degree, and her various internships. Highlights include her trips to South Africa where she learned to dart wildlife and Thailand where she met Asian Elephants! She also provides great insight to anyone interested in becoming a veterinarian!

In this episode, we discuss the amazing Amazon River Dolphin! I speak with Suzanne Smith, the executive director of the Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation. We discuss the river dolphins, her research in the amazon, how YOU at home can join her on an expedition, and how we help save the River Dolphins in the wild.

In this special edition, bonus episode for Earth Day, I’m joined by Dr. Cynthia Smith from the National Marine Mammal Foundation. We discuss the 10-year anniversary of the Deepwater Oil Spill, the largest in history and its impact on dolphins and other marine animals.

In this episode, we welcome back show favorite, Gerry van der Walt. He’s an international Tour & Expedition Leader, Travel & Nature Photographer, and co founder of Wild Eye, a photographic safari company. We discuss the Coronavirus, how it’s affecting the safari tourism industry, and the importance of positivity. Other topics include Gerry’s favorite safari destinations, animal encounters, social media tips, AND whether he’d rather come across a lone hippo or buffalo out in the bush!

In this episode, we highlight one of the world’s most unusual and trafficked animals, the pangolin. I sit-down with wildlife conservation professional, Lauren Ayres. She’s the pangolin conservation coordinator for the Global Conservation Force (GFC) and currently an educator at one of the nation’s most reputable zoos. We discuss pangolins, the Coronavirus, illegal wildlife trade, the ethics of wet markets, and why we should conserve the world’s only scaly mammal. Other topics include Netflix’s ‘Tiger King’ and Lauren’s early beginnings at a big cat rescue.

In this episode, I interview Joe D’Angeli also known as New Jersey’s Batman. Joe has been working with bats for over 30 years and currently runs the Wildlife Conservation and Education Center in Garfield, New Jersey. http://www.njbatman.com We discuss the Coronavirus, why Joe believes he may have gotten it back in early January, and how bats are NOT to blame for the virus. We then discuss wet markets, wildlife trafficking, and zoonotic diseases. Other topics include Joe’s take on “Tiger King”, “Blackfish”, and the ethics of horse racing.

In this episode, I have a round table discussion with Chris and Angie from the All Creatures Podcast about Netflix’s popular docu-series, ‘Tiger King’. It’s controversial and at times, the conversation gets heated, but more importantly, it’s a sound discussion and a good distraction during these trying times.

In this episode, I interview Andie Haugen, an animal trainer and educator from the Cincinnati Zoo. Andie discusses what the zoo is doing during the shutdown due to the Coronavirus. She covers how the animals are doing, the difficult measures zoos are facing during this time, and positive words of encouragement to those who have been laid off. She also goes into details on how the zoo is enriching their animals and taking advantage of an “empty zoo”. Andie also discusses AZA’s emergency economic relief plan and how zoos are trying to raise money for their animals.

In this episode, I interview TV host, producer, and wildlife presenter, Olivia Degn. She’s the host of San Diego Zoo Kid’s TV and Australia’s, “Creek To Coast” TV show. Olivia was also the former media spokesperson for the famous Australia Zoo. She has a background in marine biology and extensive work filming in front of the camera with animals. If YOU have ever wanted to host a TV show with animals, this is the episode for YOU!

In this special edition episode, I discuss the BIG, BAD, Coronavirus!!! I cover its origin, why scientists believe it’s linked to the pangolin, and illegal wildlife trafficking. I also go over symptoms of the virus, what action is being taken, and my thoughts of how it will affect the wildlife trade.

In this episode, I interview “Penguin Lady” Dyan Denapoli. She’s a penguin expert, TED speaker, and author. In the interview, Dyan goes into detail on how at the age of 30, she decided to drop everything and start working with penguins. It’s a really inspirational podcast that I know you’re going to love!