Animals To The Max Podcast

In this episode, I share my thoughts on why I think a python swallowed a beach towel in a recent viral video. I also discuss how snakes can swallow prey 10X their size! Disclosure: They DON’T unhinge their jaws!!!!

In this episode, I interview Rebecca Watters, executive director of The Wolverine Foundation. It’s an organization comprised of wildlife scientists with a common interest in wolverines. We discuss the rare wolverine and its elusive habits, behavior, and diet. We then cover the cultural significance of wolverines throughout history and why they have earned such a bad reputation. Rebecca also recounts her personal encounter with a wolverine in camp (it’s a good story)! and she goes over mind-blowing recent findings including wolverines and their excellent parental care! You won’t want to miss this interview!

In this episode, I go over the amazing birds I was able to work with on a recent Today Show appearance. Topics include an unusual desert-dwelling macaw, a beautiful vulture, an intelligent raven, and a magnificent Andean Condor!

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Julian Fennessy from the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. Julian and his wife decided to start the GCF after realizing there wasn’t an organization solely focused on giraffes and their conservation. Today, there are fewer than 111,000 giraffe left in the wild. There are 4X as many elephants yet little is publicly known about the giraffe’s “silent extinction”. Topics include differences between the four giraffe species, interesting giraffe facts, and what YOU can do a home to help the world’s tallest mammal!

In this episode, I share exciting details about my upcoming appearance on The Today Show with Hoda and Jenna on Monday, February 17, 2020.

In this episode, I interview Kayla Fratt, the Communications and Outreach Coordinator for Working Dogs For Conservation, the world’s leading conservation detection dog organization. Kayla discusses how the organization uses rescued dogs by training them to detect ammunition, guns, poisons, snares, ivory, rhino horn, and pangolin scales to help save wild animals and wild habitats.

In this episode, I interview Prehistoric Pets founder, Jay Brewer. Jay is a popular reptile enthusiast with over 1.5 MILLION followers on Instagram alone. He discusses his early beginnings and what led him to reptiles, including how he got his first 14 ft. Reticulated Python at the age of 13! He then discusses how he founded his pet store, Prehistoric Pets, over 30 years ago and what it takes to run it today. Other topics include snake breeding, ligers, Komodo Island, and Jay’s favorite reptile species!

In this episode, I’m joined by “elephantologist”, Daniella E. Chusyd from Indiana University. Daniella studies the rare Forest Elephant found in central/western Africa. She begins by discussing her early work in Tanzania helping farmers protect their crops from elephants by using “beehive fences” and hot chili peppers. She then goes into the differences between Forest Elephants and Savanna Elephants and why they should be considered a separate species. She then discusses her upcoming work in Africa and gives words of advice for anyone wanting to follow their passion and dreams.

In this episode, I interview real-life veterinarian and host of Animal Planet’s “Evan Goes Wild”, Dr. Evan Antin. We discuss Evan’s early childhood, what it takes to become a vet, and how persistence and hard work landed him a show on Animal Planet. We also discuss his world travels and Evan gives advice to anyone looking to pursue a career in the vet field.

In this episode, I interview wildlife expert Brandon Gifford from the Australian Reptile Park to discuss the devastating bushfires in Australia. As of our recording on 1/6/20, 12.5 million acres, 480 million animals, and 24 humans have been lost due to the fires.

In this special edition episode, I recap 2019. Highlights include Today Show appearances, alligator exhibit progress, and what to expect from the animals and I in 2020! Happy New Years Everyone!

In this special holiday episode, I go over things you may not know about Santa’s reindeer! Merry Christmas Everyone!

To celebrate reaching 100 episodes on “The Animals To The MAX” Podcast, I reminisce over the last 100 shows and go over 100 things I’ve learned. ***Thank you listeners! We did it- 100 Episodes! Here’s to another 100!!!

Part 2 of my interview with Animal Planet’s Large Predator Expert, Dave Salmoni!

In the season three premiere of “Animals To The MAX ”, I interview Animal Planet’s Large Predator Expert, Dave Salmoni. In part 1 of 2, we discuss Dave’s early childhood, training lions, close calls, and Trophy Hunting.