Talking Animals: Recent Episodes
Duncan Strauss
As we’ve done 17 times before—spanning five-plus years–today’s program involved setting aside the usual “Talking Animals” format in order to present the show-length feature, “Ask The Trainer.” In each session of ATT, listeners are invited to call or email (or text) questions about their dogs or cats, mainly behavior or training issues. The Trainer these listeners have an opportunity to consult […]
The post Glen Hatchell, dog trainer, behaviorist–“Ask The Trainer,” 18th edition first appeared on Talking Animals.
Laurie Sumiye–the artist-filmmaker who directed the striking documentary “A Paradise Lost,” a live action/animation hybrid telling the story of the Palila, a small, yellow bird, found only on the Mauna Kea volcano in Hawaii, and for whom a landmark lawsuit was filed in 1978 to prevent its extinction—recalls growing up in Hawaii, more interested in […]
The post Laurie Sumiye, director of “A Paradise Lost” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Edie Dopking–founder of Quantum Leap Farm, an Odessa, FL-based facility that, for 25 years, has offered an array of equestrian therapy programs, addressing a wide range of conditions, serving constituents who “range from age 2 to 92”—describes her lifelong passion for horses, growing up in Bowling Green, KY, and escalating when her Dad bought […]
The post Dr. Edie Dopking, founder of Quantum Leap Farm first appeared on Talking Animals.
Bill Berloni–renowned for training rescue animals for stage, film, and television in a storied career spanning 50 years—recounts how, as a teenage aspiring theater kid in Connecticut, he was given the opportunity to prepare the dog as the Goodspeed Opera House there launched a then-new musical, “Annie.” Berloni had zero experience training animals, but went […]
The post Bill Berloni, renowned animal trainer first appeared on Talking Animals.
Owing primarily to Holiday weekend-related snags in booking guests—and retaining guests that had seemed booked–we set aside our typical format, operating guest-free in something of a throwback to the earlier days of “Talking Animals,” when Animal News segments and multiple animal songs were the order of the day. So, we returned to our fabled Rip-&-Read […]
The post Throwback Wednesday: Animal News and Animal Songs first appeared on Talking Animals.
Deni Elliott–author of the new memoir, “Catching Sight: How A Guide Dog Helped Me See Myself,” and writer or editor of ten previous books—explains the impetus for penning the new one. Befitting a longtime teacher—she’s professor emerita in the Department of Journalism and Digital Communication at the University of South Florida—Elliott emphasizes her desire to […]
The post Deni Elliott, author of “Catching Sight: How A Guide Dog Helped Me See Myself” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Kevin S. Fridy–Professor of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Tampa, and slated after this interview to deliver a talk, “Human Bycatch in a West African Wildlife Corridor,” as part of the Pints of Science lecture series offered monthly at venerable Tampa concert venue New World Brewery—traces his path from kid growing […]
The post Kevin S. Fridy, Tampa Political Scientist first appeared on Talking Animals.
A.J. Sanjar–a field biologist who’s conducted research with significant implications for reducing the Florida population of the Burmese python, often-massive snakes with few natural predators, an apex invasive species in areas like the Florida Everglades. He recalls growing up in Austin, loving to be outside amidst nature and animals. Recognizing that, over the years, Sanjar […]
The post A.J. Sanjar, field biologist studying Burmese pythons and opossums first appeared on Talking Animals.
Laura Hagen–managing director of wildlife at Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society of the United States)—explains the rationale behind the organization changing its name some 70 years after its inception. Hagen addresses the effectiveness of the re-branding, including erasing the longstanding confusion that was triggered by, for example, donations to HSUS when the […]
The post Laura Hagen, managing director of wildlife at Humane World for Animals first appeared on Talking Animals.
Ronan Donovan–a wildlife biologist turned visual storyteller, whose work is featured in an exhibition, Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan, on display at the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, in St. Petersburg—recalls a lifelong love of animals, and exploring the wilderness, that he forged growing up in rural Vermont. Give or take a detail, […]
The post Ronan Donovan, visual storyteller first appeared on Talking Animals.
Tammy Thies–founder and executive director of The Wildcat Sanctuary, a nonprofit rescue refuge in Minnesota specializing in exploited, aging, and illegally-owned wild cats—recalls how her work in advertising (an earlier career) took her to a photo shoot featuring two Bengal tiger cubs, where she found the cats’ mistreatment concerning, spurring her to volunteer at some […]
The post Tammy Thies, founder and executive director of The Wildcat Sanctuary first appeared on Talking Animals.
Mike Birkhead–longtime producer-director of wildlife documentaries (grounded by no less than a doctorate in zoology from Oxford), who served as co-director, co-producer, and co-writer of “Legendary Tigers Of India,” an episode of Nature that premiered on Earth Day—seems disinclined to highlight the credentials populating his long résumé. Rather, he spends much of this interview enthusiastically […]
The post Mike Birkhead, producer-director first appeared on Talking Animals.
Melanie Sue Bowles–co-founder of Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary, who alongside her husband, Jim, has shepherded the sanctuary through nearly 35 years of challenges, changes, and relocations, in service of rescuing horses and providing them refuge–recalls the unlikely beginning, when they were decidedly not horse people. Bowles explained that having bought a home on a five-acre […]
The post Melanie Sue Bowles, co-founder of Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary & Author first appeared on Talking Animals.
Armando Ubeda–primarily appearing in his guise as a shark expert, although his CV is notably long and wide, having studied marine fauna ranging from coral reefs in Nicaragua to crocodiles in Florida—recalls being first intrigued by the ocean as a young boy, corroborating my observation that being in the sea, and researching its inhabitants, seem […]
The post Armando Ubeda, shark expert first appeared on Talking Animals.
Kevin Nealon–the veteran comedian, longtime animal advocate, former “Saturday Night Live” star (amidst a long list of TV and film credits), and host of the YouTube series, “Hiking with Kevin”—explains why his animal advocacy and championing of certain animal welfare organizations has receded in recent years. He clarifies that his objection to the animal abuse […]
The post Kevin Nealon, veteran comedian, animal advocate, YouTube hiker first appeared on Talking Animals.
Lenore Braford and Paul Drake–co-founders of Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge, a highly-innovative animal sanctuary in North Carolina; owing to Drake being an architectural designer, each structure is uniquely tailored to the species housed there, reflecting their behavioral inclinations and preferences—discuss “Forever Home,” the new documentary by award-winning filmmaker Allison Argo profiling the Refuge.In addressing the […]
The post Lenore Braford and Paul Drake, co-founders of Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge first appeared on Talking Animals.
As we’ve done 15 times before—spanning Just shy of the five-year mark-–today’s program involved setting aside the usual “Talking Animals” format in order to present the show-length feature, “Ask The Trainer.” In each session of ATT, listeners are invited to call or email (or text) questions about their dogs or cats. The Trainer these listeners have an opportunity to […]
The post Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist–“Ask The Trainer”–16th Edition first appeared on Talking Animals.
Stan Kroh– whose broad scope of duties at Tampa Electric Company includes overseeing the company’s Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach, spanning the 26 years he’s worked there—describes the history of the Viewing Center, which is approaching its 40th anniversary. Kroh charts the evolution of the Manatee Viewing Center, from the earliest days, when the […]
The post Stan Kroh, manatee ally and expert first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Bonita Bergin, who, in 1975, invented the concept of the service dog to assist people with mobility limitations—then launched Canine Companions for Independence, later founded the Assistance Dog Institute, now called the Bergin College of Canine Studies–recalls the scenes of disabled people improvising she’d observed while traveling in Pakistan, India, Turkey, and other countries […]
The post Dr. Bonita Bergin, inventor of concept of the service dog first appeared on Talking Animals.
NOTE ABOUT THIS SHOW: I’ve had better mornings. As many know, each Wednesday, around dawn, I drive from my home on the east coast of Florida to the west coast, landing at WMNF in Tampa, where I broadcast “Talking Animals.” The trek is long (later, I reverse course, and drive home), but usually uneventful. Today, […]
The post Paula Poundstone, comedian and cat devotee first appeared on Talking Animals.
Gene Baur–president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary, considered the world’s first farm animal sanctuary and advocacy organization, now marking its 40th anniversary—is nice enough, at my request, to recount the Sanctuary’s origin story for the umpteenth time, incorporating (also at my request!) where the Grateful Dead figures into the narrative, partly in a nod to […]
The post Gene Baur, president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary first appeared on Talking Animals.
Michael San Juan, a veteran Animal Control Officer with Hillsborough County Animal Control—his career spans 22 years, including initiating it in New Jersey—recalls that animals played a huge role in his life starting when he was a kid, when he regularly tended to sick and injured wildlife and other critters. San Juan continued traveling on […]
The post Michael San Juan, veteran Animal Control Officer first appeared on Talking Animals.
Max Chesnes–the award-winning environment reporter for the Tampa Bay Times—a lifelong Floridian, recalls growing up in Jupiter, where he developed an almost religious fervor for nature, spending endless days in (and on) the water, hiking across the terrific parks, and otherwise unwittingly building the foundation of becoming a masterly environment-minded writer. Indeed, in this conversation—I’m […]
The post Max Chesnes, environment reporter for the Tampa Bay Times first appeared on Talking Animals.
Amy Munns–named the 2026 Pet Sitter of the Year by Pet Sitters International, (PSI), considered the world’s leading educational association for professional pet sitters and dog walkers—recalls that animals were always around while she was growing up in San Antonio, yet reflecting a cultural and generational propensity, their dog wasn’t allowed inside the house. That […]
The post Amy Munns, 2026 Pet Sitter of the Year first appeared on Talking Animals.
Allison Argo–, and writer-producer of “Tusker: Brotherhood of Elephants,” a new episode of the PBS series Nature—recounts how her background in the family business of theater (on Cape Cod) may have made her uniquely equipped to launch a filmmaking career. Her first film, “The Urban Gorilla,” made quite a splash—it was narrated by Glenn Close, […]
The post Allison Argo, award-winning documentary filmmaker first appeared on Talking Animals.
‘Tis the season: This morning, I yet again set aside the customary show format to deliver the “Talking Animals Annual Holiday Animal Song Special.” I noted the title is intentionally unwieldy, which I enjoy in an odd way, mostly because it reflects the tongue-in-cheek, nutty nature of the show. On the other hand, this year, […]
The post Talking Animals Annual Holiday Animal Song Special–2025 first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dawn Barbone–founder of Samadhi Wildlife, a nonprofit refuge in Ormond Beach that rehabilitates sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife native to Florida—explains that she hasn’t merely loved animals since she was a child, but has also loved healing them since then. It’s not uncommon in the animal welfare world to encounter someone who was that kid […]
The post Dawn Barbone, founder of Samadhi Wildlife first appeared on Talking Animals.
Artist-photographer-writer Claire Rosen—who’s cultivated a long, lauded career, with much of her work reflecting a longstanding passion for animals, and celebrated for its sense of whimsy—traces the shaping of this sensibility back to her childhood, reading Beatrix Potter, regularly visiting the American Museum of Natural History, and going to the zoo and the circus whenever […]
The post Claire Rosen, acclaimed artist-photographer first appeared on Talking Animals.
As we’ve done 14 times before—spanning the better part of five years–today’s program involved setting aside the usual “Talking Animals” format in order to present the show-length feature, “Ask The Trainer.” In each session of ATT, listeners are invited to call or email (or text) questions about their dogs or cats. The Trainer these listeners have an […]
The post Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist–“Ask The Trainer”–15th Edition first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Holly Dutton–Medical Director at the Tampa and Clearwater locations of VEG ER for Pets, a national operation specializing in around-the-clock emergency care for pets—reviews some of the VEG ER distinguishing traits we covered in her June 2025 appearance on “Talking Animals,” as a prelude to today’s discussion focusing on Holiday-related emergency vet visits, and […]
The post Dr. Holly Dutton, about Holiday-related emergency vet visits first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Jennifer Conrad—veterinarian, founder of The Paw Project, tireless crusader against declawing cats for a quarter century—recalls the initial impetus for her anti-declaw advocacy: her work, as a newly-minted veterinarian, with declawed big cats at a wildlife sanctuary. Conrad’s own history ended up dovetailing with answering my question about the history of feline declaw itself, […]
The post Dr. Jennifer Conrad, veterinarian & founder of The Paw Project first appeared on Talking Animals.
Steve Hindi–founder of SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK), a national animal welfare organization concerned with halting and/or educating the public about pigeon shoots, rodeos, bullfighting, and canned hunts, among other issues—recounts the extended process by which he transformed from avid fisherman and hunter to passionate animal advocate. In his telling, this metamorphosis was lengthy, […]
The post Steve Hindi, founder of Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) first appeared on Talking Animals.
Joshua Lisbon–a researcher/educator/storyteller at the center of a new PBS/Nature documentary, “Willow: Diary of a Mountain Lion”—describes his background and experience (and academic training) before working on the 10-year study that formed the core content of this doc.Tongue partly in cheek, Lisbon tried to dismiss his education-heavy history as “wrong” for this project. But given […]
The post Joshua Lisbon, researcher/educator/storyteller central to “Willow: Diary of a Mountain Lion” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Andria Gibbon–founder and president of Protecting Paws for Life, a nonprofit Florida organization dedicated to helping more domestic violence shelters become pet-friendly–recalls, as a young woman in New Jersey, her transformative first foray into animal rescue, never imagining she’d still be doing it 27 years later. In a conversation pegged to October being Domestic Violence […]
The post Andria Gibbon, founder and president of Protecting Paws for Life first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Crystal Heath–a veterinarian who’s bristled at inhumane treatment of animals throughout her career, and before, dating back to her childhood as a 4-H kid discovering the goats she’d raised would be slaughtered—recalls growing up in a rural part of Northern California, adoring animals and riding horses. Dr. Heath, a speaker at the Tampa Bay […]
The post Dr. Crystal Heath, veterinarian and activist first appeared on Talking Animals.
Kirk Johnson—paleontologist, Sant Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and onscreen narrator of “Walrus: Life on Thin Ice,” a documentary that airs Oct. 22 in the season premiere of the PBS series “Nature”—recalls a research opportunity as a grad student some 40 years ago, involving walruses. It was, he says in the […]
The post Kirk Johnson, onscreen narrator of “Walrus: Life on Thin Ice” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Stephanie Boydston–founder and director of Love Life Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, a refuge in Myakka City, FL devoted to rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing farmed animals—recalls a childhood in Long Island, NY amidst a string of foster animals, reflecting her father’s belief that family members should become accustomed to saying goodbye to animals. These were mostly […]
The post Stephanie Boydston, founder and director of Love Life Animal Rescue & Sanctuary first appeared on Talking Animals.
Father Andrew Heyes, Rector of St. Clement’s Episcopal Church in Tampa—a uniquely canine-centric man of the cloth, rarely going anywhere without his Doberman, Humphrey, at his side, sometimes including the altar—recalls growing up in Northwest England with the first of a lifelong string of dogs. He remembers a decidedly pro-animal ethos amidst his family (he […]
The post Father Andrew Heyes, Rector of St. Clement’s Episcopal Church in Tampa first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Melissa Miller–a wearer of multiple University of Florida hats: research scientist, wildlife ecologist with the school’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, lead investigator on a project that employs Artificial Intelligence technology seeking to halt the growing population of yet another invasive species, the Argentine Black and White Tegu—describes some of the tasks associated […]
The post Dr. Melissa Miller, lead investigator on University of Florida project using AI trap to halt the Argentine Black and White Tegu first appeared on Talking Animals.
Please Note: Owing to a major accident that closed down Highway 60—a central route I take in commuting to WMNF each Wednesday—I was unable to make it to the radio station to broadcast ‘Talking Animals,” having to deliver an improvised version of this show from my car, with enormous (& much-appreciated!) production assistance from Jessica […]
The post Patrick Hardy, founder of Bee Platoon first appeared on Talking Animals.
Joshua Zeman–award-winning filmmaker whose new documentary, “Checkpoint Zoo,” arrives in timely fashion, providing a distinctive window into the Russian-Ukraine war, chronicling efforts to care for, then evacuate, some 5000 animals at a Ukrainian zoo called Feldman Ecopark, while bombing was underway—recounts the path from his previous doc, “The Loneliest Whale” to his new film. Zeman […]
The post Joshua Zeman, director of “Checkpoint Zoo” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Elaine West–the founder of Rooterville Animal Sanctuary, a refuge housing rescued farm animals she launched in Melrose, Florida, more than two decades ago—explains the origin of her lifelong love of pigs. West pinpoints a particular pig that a local Humane Society was about to send home with “adopters” she felt certain were planning to eat […]
The post Elaine West, founder of Rooterville Animal Sanctuary first appeared on Talking Animals.
As we’ve done 13 times prior—spanning more than four years now!-–today’s program involved setting aside the usual “Talking Animals” format in order to present the show-length feature, “Ask The Trainer.” In each session of ATT, listeners are invited to call or email (or text) questions about their dogs or cats. The Trainer these listeners have an opportunity […]
The post Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist–“Ask The Trainer”–14th Edition first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice–an entomologist by training, and author whose books have tackled topics ranging from spiders to microbes—responds to my observation that her new set of books, “The Deadliest Series,” appears to represent a redoubling of her commitment to writing for young readers. It felt worth exploring, in part because Spicer Rice holds a […]
The post Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice, entomologist and author of “The Deadliest Series” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Marsha Panuce—founder of Donte’s Den, a distinctive sanctuary in multiple ways, including that it extends across 50 acres (in Myakka City, FL), and primarily houses dogs—recalls growing up loving dogs, including pilgrimages with her Dad every Father’s Day to the local shelter, to adopt a dog. This passion for pooches traversed her formative years and […]
The post Marsha Panuce, founder of Donte’s Den first appeared on Talking Animals.
Nicci Wright–co-founder and co-chairperson of the African Pangolin Working Group (APWG), dedicated to the protection and the conservation of the pangolin, the world’s most trafficked animal—recalls her first encounter with a pangolin more than two decades ago. Echoing a response commonly experienced after individuals are introduced to these striking-looking animals, Wright felt compelled to help […]
The post Nicci Wright, co-founder of the African Pangolin Working Group first appeared on Talking Animals.
Adam Sugalski–who leads the efforts of Bear Defenders, a coalition dedicated to ending bear hunting across the United States; their singular focus currently is opposing the bear hunt that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has proposed for 2025—recalls how information imparted in high school prompted some unexpected contemplation, and a life change, […]
The post Adam Sugalski, veteran advocate opposing bear hunt first appeared on Talking Animals.
C. Annie Peters, president and CEO of Pet Partners—a Bellevue, Wash.-based national therapy animal organization focusing on improving human health and well-being through the human-animal bond—traces her path from once-aspiring engineer (who realized she didn’t really like engineering), venturing into an extended stint in the non-profit world, working at Special Olympics International before landing at […]
The post C. Annie Peters, president and CEO of Pet Partners first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Holly Dutton, Medical Director at the Tampa and Clearwater locations of VEG ER for Pets–a national enterprise that specializes in providing around-the-clock emergency and critical care services for pets—flips the script on my mention of the countless guests who work with animals in some capacity, grew up wanting to be a veterinarian, but for […]
The post Dr. Holly Dutton, Medical Director VEG ER for Pets first appeared on Talking Animals.
Tanya Smith–Founder and President of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a 459-acre sanctuary in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, chiefly housing abused, abandoned, and neglected big cats—recalls a precocious first foray into big cat rescue…at age 11. She explains that this was the outgrowth of her parents—inveterate animal lovers—intervening in an odd, colorful situation where a lion cub […]
The post Tanya Smith, founder & president of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge first appeared on Talking Animals.
As we’ve done 12 times prior—spanning just over four years now!–today’s program involved setting aside the usual “Talking Animals” format in order to present the show-length feature, “Ask The Trainer.” In each session of ATT, listeners are invited to call or email (or text) questions about their dogs or cats, particularly . The Trainer these listeners have […]
The post Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist–“Ask The Trainer”–13th Edition first appeared on Talking Animals.
Jamie Katz–who’s worked as a Fort Lauderdale-based real-life pet detective for a decade—recalls growing up amidst a family that always lived with cats and dogs, as well as her initial efforts helping animals while regularly driving along a prescribed route. Katz notes that around this time, she thought to herself that an ideal professorial path […]
The post Jamie Katz, pet detective, creator of Rosie app first appeared on Talking Animals.
Katrina Shadix–founder and executive director of Bear Warriors United (BWU), whose stated mission is to preserve and protect bears, and all of Florida’s natural resources and wildlife—recalls, as a second generation Floridian, the formative joys of growing up in rural Seminole County.Shadix explains how that experience forged a profound connection with Florida wildlife—very much including […]
The post Katrina Shadix, founder of Bear Warriors United, advocate extraordinaire first appeared on Talking Animals.
Occasionally, I jettison the chief component of the “Talking Animals” format–a long form interview with a single guest–to give voice to a broader array of animal organizations and leaders, concerned animal advocates, and others who simply care about animals. That’s what happened today, when I invited listeners to call in (or email) and briefly serve as the […]
The post Callers & Emailers Are The Guests first appeared on Talking Animals.
Veteran science journalist Stephen S. Hall–the author of several books, most recently, Slither: How Nature’s Most Maligned Creatures Illuminate Our World—recounts how he approached writing Slither, a strategy seeking to beckon even those amidst the sizable contingent of people who are creeped out by snakes, hate snakes, or are afraid of snakes. And while only […]
The post Stephen S. Hall, author of “Slither: How Nature’s Most Maligned Creatures Illuminate Our World” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Kate MacFall and Katherine McGill—longtime wildlife experts joining me for a discussion devoted to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), specifically, the FWC’s current effort to evaluate existing rules for wildlife trapping—address what for many may be the surprising prevalence of trapping in Florida. McGill and MacFall go on to speak to the […]
The post Kate MacFall & Katherine McGill, discuss FWC’s possible rule changes for trapping first appeared on Talking Animals.
Kari Bagnall–founder and executive director of Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary, which offers permanent care to nearly 200 monkeys retired from laboratory research, who are former pets, or have been confiscated by the authorities—recalls the first monkey that entered her world, and forever altered her life. As part of this account, Bagnall describes creating the earliest […]
The post Kari Bagnall, founder of Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary first appeared on Talking Animals.
Kelly McCormick and Glenn Maresca–co-founders of Florida Rescue Farm, a sanctuary in Duette, FL, devoted to rescuing, rehabilitating, and housing pigs, goats, geese, chickens, ducks, cattle, other critters, and no less devoted to cultivating a strong educational presence—described the remote community of Duette, and what prompted them to settle there. They make clear their original […]
The post Kelly McCormick and Glenn Maresca, co-founders of Florida Rescue Farm first appeared on Talking Animals.
Jocelyn Stokes and Katie Schuler—co-creators of “In Her Nature,” a new digital series carried on the YouTube channel for the longstanding PBS program, “Nature”—retrace the path that led each of them toward their present filmmaking careers, specializing in natural history documentaries. Over the course of sharing their histories, they each recount a pivotal project early […]
The post Jocelyn Stokes and Katie Schuler, co-creators of “In Her Nature” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Michael Schneider, a pilot and founder of Pilots To The Rescue—which flies animals from shelters plagued by low rates of adoption (and, often, high rates of euthanasia), to rescues where foster or forever homes have been arranged—describes the career reinvention that preceded his taking flying lessons. Schneider remembers that, back then, like most new pilots, […]
The post Michael Schneider, founder of Pilots To The Rescue first appeared on Talking Animals.
As we’ve done 11 times prior—spanning nearly four years–today’s program involved setting aside the usual “Talking Animals” format in order to present the show-length feature, “Ask The Trainer.” In each instance, listeners are invited to call or email questions about their dogs or cats, particularly involving behavioral issues or training concerns. The Trainer these listeners have an […]
The post Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist–“Ask The Trainer”–12th Edition first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Alex Travis–director of Cornell Public Health and chair of the Department of Public & Ecosystem Health in the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine—explains exactly what his extended job title involves, noting that he brings being both a veterinarian and PhD scientist to discharging his duties. Joining me on “Talking Animals” to discuss bird […]
The post Dr. Alex Travis, director of Cornell Public Health and chair of the Department of Public & Ecosystem Health in the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine first appeared on Talking Animals.
Howard Baskin—often identified as Advisory Board Chairman of Big Cat Rescue, and spouse of Carole Baskin, the founder of the sanctuary that operated in Tampa for more than three decades—recalls, as a savvy businessman wielding a Harvard MBA, his reaction upon first getting a close look at the details of Big Cat’s financial operation: He […]
The post Howard Baskin, financial guiding light of Big Cat Rescue first appeared on Talking Animals.
Jessica Farrer–a marine biologist who serves as Research Director at The Whale Museum, and part of the team of scientists working temporarily in Antarctica Peninsula, profiled in “Expedition Killer Whale,” a new installment of the PBS series “Nature”—recalls growing up landlocked in Colorado, moving as soon as possible to Washington state. Speaking in a “Talking […]
The post Jessica Farrer, marine biologist featured in NATURE’s “Expedition Killer Whale” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Hannah Shaw–recognized as an influential humane educator, her specialty is providing instruction in caring for neonatal kittens; she’s also a NYT bestselling author whose latest book “Cats Of The World,” is a collaboration with her husband, photographer Andrew Marttila—recounts how she developed the expertise in caring for neonatal kittens and, along the way, built a humongous […]
The post Hannah Shaw, “Kitten Lady,” new book: “Cats Of The World” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Steve Nesbitt–a retired Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission wildlife biologist, who over a FWC stint of some 35 years, developed a reputation for extensive knowledge about a slew of species—recalls his interest in birds was cultivated as a kid by his grandfather, a passionate birder. Nesbitt elaborates, noting that his childhood was marked by […]
The post Steve Nesbitt, retired FWC wildlife biologist first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Marcie Fallek–a veteran veterinarian and author of the memoir, “Little Miracles Everywhere: My Unorthodox Path to Holistic Veterinary Medicine”—recalls what prompted her to attend veterinary school in Italy. Fallek enumerates the significant challenges of being a vet student there, most notably that she didn’t speak any Italian when she started—meaning that studying her notes […]
The post Dr. Marcie Fallek, veterinarian and author of “Little Miracles Everywhere: My Unorthodox Path to Holistic Veterinary Medicine” first appeared on Talking Animals.
This morning, I once again set aside the customary show format to deliver the “Talking Animals Annual Holiday Animal Song Special.” I noted the title is intentionally unwieldy, which I enjoy in an odd way, in the same way I enjoy over-explaining the premise on-aIr: a show entirely devoted to Holiday-oriented animal tunes. Elaborating, I […]
The post The Talking Animals Annual Holiday Animal Song Special first appeared on Talking Animals.
Bobbi Brink–founder and director of Lions, Tigers & Bears (LT&B), a 140-acre animal sanctuary in east San Diego she launched in 2002—recalls living in Texas, planning to open a restaurant (she’s from San Diego), and seeing her first advertisement offering the sale of big cats. She responded to the ad, she explained, not to make […]
The post Bobbi Brink, founder and director of Lions, Tigers & Bears first appeared on Talking Animals.
Michael Hingson–blind since birth, acclaimed speaker, and best-selling author whose new book is “Live Like A Guide Dog: True Stories from a Blind Man and His Dogs about Being Brave, Overcoming Adversity, and Moving Forward in Faith”—recounts how the pandemic precluded his then-regular routine of traveling and lecturing, spurring the idea for writing the new […]
The post Michael Hingson, author of “Live Like A Guide Dog: True Stories from a Blind Man and His Dogs about Being Brave, Overcoming Adversity, and Moving Forward in Faith” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Justin Barker–an anti-captivity activist with a compelling narrative, starting with launching his first organization, Citizens Lobbying for Animals in Zoos, at age 13—recalls the family culture his parents cultivated that yielded a teen activist particularly empathetic to zoo animals and other captive wildlife. Barker further notes that a key step in his journey toward becoming […]
The post Justin Barker, anti-captivity activist, author first appeared on Talking Animals.
As we’ve done 10 times prior—spanning three-plus years–today’s program involved setting aside the usual “Talking Animals” format in order to present the show-length feature, “Ask The Trainer.” In each instance, listeners are invited to call or email questions about their dogs or cats, particularly involving behavioral issues or training concerns. The Trainer these listeners have an […]
The post Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist–“Ask The Trainer”–11th Edition first appeared on Talking Animals.
Peter Singer–the philosopher, professor emeritus of bioethics at Princeton University, and author (including his landmark 1975 work, “Animal Liberation” and the just-published “Consider The Turkey”—explains that his slate of pursuits post-retirement from Princeton includes a stint as visiting professor at the National University of Singapore. He goes on to clarify that while, yes, he did […]
The post Peter Singer, philosopher, professor, author: “Consider The Turkey” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Jodie Wiederkehr–veteran animal advocate and Founder-Executive Director of the Chicago Alliance for Animals (CAA)—recounts details of how CAA was formed, in 2015. (She has recalled in a previous “Talking Animals” conversation how her earliest professional animal advocacy work began in 1997.) Wiederkehr explained that she and her initial CAA cohort decided that aiming to ban […]
The post Jodie Wiederkehr, Founder-Executive Director of the Chicago Alliance for Animals first appeared on Talking Animals.
Mara Hvistendahl, a The New York Times reporter who wrote “The Panda Factories”–an extraordinary piece of investigative journalism probing the impact of China’s gambit nearly 30 years ago to send pandas to zoos in other countries, hoping the visiting animals would breed, ultimately resulting in pandas that could be returned to the wild–recounts the genesis […]
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Nancy Murrah—President of The Raptor Center of Tampa Bay (RCTB), which rescues, rehabilitates, and releases hundreds of native birds of prey annually—describes the preparations required at RCTB before something like Hurricane Milton, and how the facility fared through the storm. This led to a discussion of why tending to a veritable battalion of squirrels constituted […]
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Melissa Zepeda–an attorney and accomplished animal rights advocate, with a notable breadth of interests and topics that have animated her activism—recalls growing up in family that revered animals, then being stopped in her tracks when a fellow high school debate-club member asked her how Zepeda could love her dog yet eat a hamburger. Zepeda not […]
The post Melissa Zepeda, attorney, animal rights advocate, Amendment 2 foe first appeared on Talking Animals.
Marion Gwizdala, CEO of Advocates for Service Animal Partners Inc. (ASAP)—a Tampa-based national nonprofit dedicated to securing, protecting, and advancing the rights and responsibilities of service animal handlers and the businesses they patronize—recalls receiving his first service dog in 1987, and just days later, encountering discrimination when a restaurant he frequented prevented Gwizdala from entering […]
The post Marion Gwizdala, CEO of Advocates for Service Animal Partners Inc. (ASAP) first appeared on Talking Animals.
Cathryn Michon–the showbiz hyphenate who co-wrote with husband W. Bruce Cameron “A Dog’s Purpose,” the film adaptation of Cameron’s New York Times bestselling novel, considered the most popular live-action dog movie of all time—reflects on the dizzying number of dog books (including children’s books) and films that constitute the collective Michon/Cameron juggernaut. She goes on to […]
The post Cathryn Michon, author of “I’m Still Here: A Dog’s Purpose Forever” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Gregory Berns—author, neuroscientist, professor of psychology at Emory University (and an M.D.)—addresses the change he was seeking when he and his wife decided to buy a farm outside of Atlanta, a saga that’s among the experiences chronicled in Berns’ new book, “Cowpuppy: An Unexpected Friendship and A Scientist’s Journey into The Secret World of […]
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Will Braden, filmmaker—and curator of CatVideoFest 2024, a 75-minute compilation of short cat videos, edited into a briskly-paced reel, screening at theaters across the country, including the Tampa Theatre Aug. 23 & 25-27—recalls what first drew him to film. Studying film, at first informally, then later in film school, he realized that he was particularly […]
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Mark Devries–the documentary filmmaker who specializes in exploring the realm of animals and animal welfare—expands on the final line (the fate of our kin is up to us) of his new film, “Humans and Other Animals.” Laying out an eloquent and philosophical operating principle—which permeates his new film, as it did his debut doc, “Speciesism: […]
The post Mark Devries, documentary filmmaker, “Humans and Other Animals” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Art Shaul—founder-director of Safe Paws Rescue, a small but mighty rescue serving the Tampa Bay Area—recalls growing up watching his Dad bring home ill, injured, sometimes “bedraggled” animals, caring for these critters, then making them family members. Observing these paternal acts of kindness clearly made a profound impression on Shaul (he gets a bit emotional […]
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Rebecca Reid–Director of Education at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, a multifaceted operation (wildlife refuge, veterinary hospital, rehabilitation facility, education center) in Jupiter Farms, Florida—discusses the readily observable love for her job, and its probable roots in her passion for animals, and being outdoors, while growing up in New Jersey. Reid recalls it was a childhood joyously replete […]
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Journalist Joshua Hammer–author of a captivating piece in the current issue of Smithsonian Magazine, entitled “Pablo Escobar’s Abandoned Hippos are Wreaking Havoc in the Columbian Jungle”—recalls how, having been casually aware of the Escobar/hippo situation, he decided to deeply delve into what turned out to be a more complex, colorful saga than anyone could’ve reasonably […]
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Tracey Callahan Molnar–handler and chief human of Beacon, the therapy dog who’s become increasingly beloved across the U.S.A. Gymnastics world and beyond, emerging as a media sensation along the way—recounts her own career as a gymnast and coach, specializing in rhythmic gymnastics. A fundamental narrative of this conversation reflects the intersection of gymnasts and therapy […]
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Dr. Mikel Delgado–a certified cat behavior consultant and author, most recently, of “Play With Your Cat! The Essential Guide to Interactive Play for a Happier, Healthier Feline”—traces the path that preceded her status as a cat expert with a PhD, including dropping out of school and playing bass in punk bands, sharing stages with such […]
The post Dr. Mikel Delgado, author of “Play With Your Cat! The Essential Guide to Interactive Play for a Happier, Healthier Feline” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dara Eckart–CEO of Friends of Strays, St. Petersburg’s oldest no-kill animal shelter, currently undergoing a significant transformation, including opening a cats-only adoption center, The Cat Box on July 1—outlines the shelter’s history, citing key milestones of the early years. Eckart explains that Friends of Strays began in 1978, when co-founder Jean Bomonti, who’d been volunteering […]
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This was a truly distinctive edition of “Talking Animals”: For starters, the show was part of WMNF’s full day of special programming devoted to celebrating Juneteenth. Second, my two (in-studio!) guests were both stellar, veteran WMNF programmers: Harrison Nash, the universally-beloved DJ, in his 36th year at MNF, currently the host of “It’s The Music, […]
The post Harrison Nash & Glen Hatchell: 10th “Ask The Trainer” on Juneteenth first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice–an entomologist by training who’s appeared on the show multiple times, discussing ants, spiders, homing pigeons, and microbes (often tied to a book she’s written on the topic)—acknowledges that writing for young readers has officially become a trend for her, primarily discussing her second, just-published book in this series, while also briefly […]
The post Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice, author of “Your Pets’ Secret Lives: The Truth Behind Your Pets’ Wildest Behaviors” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Rhonda Eldridge–Executive Director of The Community Pet Project, which provides pet food and several other resources to homeless and at-risk communities throughout Hillsborough County—discusses the organization’s origin story, beginning in 2017 as an offshoot of a local rescue, before peeling off as a separate entity with 501c3 nonprofit status. The Community Pet Project was launched […]
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Melissa Hoppert–a horse-racing writer for The New York Times, and one of two reporter-producers (with Times colleague Joe Drape) featured onscreen in the new horse-racing documentary, “Broken Horses,” a New York Times/FX production streaming on Hulu—recalls becoming enchanted with the horse racing realm as a young girl, after an uncle married into a horse breeding […]
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Anton Ptushkin–director of the PBS Nature documentary profiling the efforts of Ukrainian citizens to rescue animals amidst the destruction of the war—describes the sort of travel pieces he produced as a YouTuber, before he morphed into a war correspondent. Ptushkin notes that this transformation wasn’t the product of a specific ambition, but rather, reflected an […]
The post Anton Ptushkin, director of “Saving the Animals of Ukraine” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Jennifer Langston–founder of Golden Ears Sanctuary and Rescue, a specialized refuge for senior and hospice dogs in Wesley Chapel, FL—recalls growing up in a house where dogs were always present, whether they be fosters, newly-adopted, or the family pooch. Notably, for the canine establishment she would create later in life, she recounts that her Mom […]
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Arin Greenwood–a wearer of many hats, mostly animal-related, including Director of Philanthropy Communications at Austin Pets Alive! former animal journalist extraordinaire (HuffPost, Washington Post, The Today Show website, et al), and novelist–maintains a sizable social media presence, posting regularly on Facebook, which in a way, spawned this interview. That is, I was struck by the […]
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Lee Asher–a staunch advocate of dog adoption whose profile has risen dramatically in recent years, owing to a handful of factors, including multiple compelling stories: his ADHD and attendant childhood isolation prompted him to regularly visit his local animal shelter as a kid, years later crisscrossing the country in an RV, traveling to animal shelters, […]
The post Lee Asher, dog adoption champion, social media juggernaut first appeared on Talking Animals.
Matt Hamilton–writer-director of “Raptors: A Fistful of Daggers,” an unusual two-part edition of the PBS series, “Nature,” which premiered April 10, while the second episode debuts on April 17—recalls the impetus for creating this double-shot of cinematic raptor mania. Part of his explanation involved not having seen a documentary that delved deeply into the realm […]
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Deborah Howard—founder-president of the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS), self-described, you may recall, as “the only national nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to protecting companion animals from cruelty in pet shops and puppy/kitten mills”—returns for a conversational sequel to our January interview, because we didn’t have time to discuss the ways CAPS has broadened its mission […]
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Ed Stewart, co-founder, president and CEO of the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)—which blazed a trail in animal rescue, welfare, education, and legislation, and this year, marks its 40th anniversary—recalls what she and co-founder Pat Derby were doing in the earliest days of PAWS. Stewart notes that Derby, his longtime partner who died in 2013–and […]
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In what might be called The Sequel, this represents the second portion of the interview I conducted on Feb. 12 with Temple Grandin, onstage at the Paramount Theatre in Austin. We covered a wide range of topics last week, though that discussion featured a preponderance of autism talk, hardly surprising given Grandin’s expertise, personal experience […]
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Temple Grandin–sometimes referred to as the world’s most famous autistic person, amidst several ways to describe her, including expert on animal behavior, prolific author, longtime professor of animal science at Colorado State University, fervent activist for autistic people, and tireless lecturer—sat with me onstage at the Paramount Theatre in Austin for what became a truly […]
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Josh Fox–founder of the Brady Hunter Foundation, a Miami-based nonprofit whose mission reflects a commitment to helping end animal cruelty, protecting wildlife, and making a positive impact in the lives of children—observes his love of animals is truly lifelong, citing a photo of Fox as an infant in his crib being happily licked by the […]
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Deborah Howard, founder of the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS)–self-described as “the only national nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to protecting companion animals from cruelty in pet shops and puppy/kitten mills”—recalls how, in 1989, her disgust upon visiting an Atlanta pet store, and her ensuing examination of the deplorable conditions, led to launching CAPS. Howard recounts […]
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Dr. Daniel Promislow–a biogerontologist, professor at the University of Washington, and principal investigator of The Dog Aging Project, a long-term study of health and longevity in dogs—recounts the genesis of the Project. **NOTE: There is static on the line during the first portion of the interview; it does clear up. He explains that it was […]
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Jessica Kelly—who, along with Sue Rountree, runs Cat Trap Fever, a nonprofit focused on improving the lives of feral cats, chiefly in Pinellas County—recounts the “hodgepodge” of jobs she held before devoting herself to long days of TNVR: Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return. Kelly’s jobs included teenage waitress, traveling with the carnival, and ballet instructor. But […]
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As we’ve done eight times prior—spanning the better part of three years–today’s program involved setting aside the usual “Talking Animals” format in order to present the show-length feature, “Ask The Trainer.” Listeners are invited to call or email questions about their dogs or cats, particularly involving behavioral issues or training concerns. The Trainer these listeners have an […]
The post Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist–“Ask The Trainer” 9th Edition first appeared on Talking Animals.
I once again set aside the customary “Talking Animals” format to deliver the Annual Holiday Animal Song special—that is, a show almost entirely devoted to Holiday-oriented animal tunes. As has been required in the past, and as I acknowledged while over-explaining this program’s premise (over-explaining the premise has become its own tradition—one of this show’s […]
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Jason Schramm–a web developer and founder of Veg Groups, where he creates websites intended to help people go vegan, stay vegan, or become informed on vegan-oriented events, or films, on his VegMovies site—notes that he got deeply into computers as a seventh grader. While he was drawn as a youngster to exploring some aspects of […]
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Mark E. Hauber—professor, ornithologist, and author of “Bird Day: A Story of 24 Hours and 24 Avian Lives”—recalls becoming seriously interested in birds at age four or five. This was in his native Hungary, where, as that little boy, he dragged his mother to view the Spring Migration. His passion for birds was precocious and […]
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Jill Horstmann–founder of Squirrelly AF Rescue, a squirrel-focused rescue and rehabilitation operation she runs at her St. Petersburg home—recalls growing up in Wisconsin, where she was that neighborhood kid who tended to injured or ill critters. But it’s hardly been a straight line from Jill Horstmann, Kid Animal Rescuer to Jill Horstmann, Adult Animal Rescuer—though […]
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Dr. Justin Perrault–vice president of research at Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC), a nonprofit sea turtle research, rehabilitation, education, and conservation operation in Juno Beach, FL—recalls the early, pioneering work on sea turtles performed by Juno resident Eleanor Fletcher, establishing the beginnings of what became LMC. Perrault unspools what became an overlapping narrative of his academic […]
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Carey Theil, executive director of GREY2K USA Worldwide, the largest greyhound protection organization in the world, and Rory Goree, who for many years ran the largest industry-funded greyhound adoption group, Greyhound Pets of America, explain how–as former enemies in the battle to end greyhound racing–they transformed into allies. Goree and Theil (co-author–with Christine Dorchak, GREY2K […]
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Dr. Faraz Harsini–biomedical scientist and speaker at the 2023 Tampa Bay Veg Fest—remembers growing up in Iran, including a possible foreshadowing of his future activism, when participating in a student protest of the country’s leadership resulted in his being chased by someone wielding a machete. Harsini left the country at 22, recalling being mystified and […]
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Ann Paul–an organizer of the Florida Birding and Nature Festival, a multifaceted, multi-day extravaganza, scheduled to take place Oct. 12-15, in and around Apollo Beach, Florida—revisits, at my request, the story of her first real foray into birding, and how arriving late at that outing proved fortuitous. She spotted a black and white warbler, and […]
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RaeAnna Saks–founder and CEO of The Little Cats’ Rescue, the New Port Richey cat rescue and sanctuary—recalls the first cat she loved and felt truly connected with. But, Saks points out, she grew up with dogs: her family always had a dog; never a cat—Saks remains a dog lover, usually living with one, amidst the […]
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Today’s program was unusual in a few ways, not least that I interviewed more guests than usual—and that those guests consisted of family (Karen Allanson, my wife’s cousin) and friends (Kathryn & Kevin Szalasny, whose son and our son were best friends growing up). These three were brimming with self-taught expertise about the topic at […]
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As we’ve done seven times prior—spanning about two years–today’s program involved setting aside the usual “Talking Animals” format in order to present the show-length feature, “Ask The Trainer.” Listeners are […]
The post Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist–“Ask The Trainer” 8th Edition first appeared on Talking Animals.
Mark Meyers–founder and executive director of Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, the largest donkey rescue operation in the U.S.—recalls how it all began, when he and his wife brought home a […]
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Dr. Catherine Macdonald–a marine conservation biologist and assistant professor at the University of Miami, who conducts, and oversees, research on sharks—recalls a childhood less enamored of the sea, at first, […]
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Scott Blais–co-founder of the Global Sanctuary for Elephants, whose initial facility is the Elephant Sanctuary Brazil (ESB); he also co-founded The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee—starts by attempting to field my […]
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Dr. Temple Grandin–who truly wears multiple hats: fervent activist for autistic people, longtime professor of animal science at Colorado State University, expert on animal behavior, prolific author, tireless lecturer—discusses her […]
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Kim Caswell–president of the Skyway Cats Inc., a nonprofit operated by a cadre of volunteers who feed and care for a feral cat colony in a distinctive location, the South […]
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Gene Baur–co-founder and president of Farm Sanctuary, which Baur helped launch in 1986—responds to the observation that, nearly 40 years later, he could be excused if some days felt “same […]
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Susan Hanus–executive director of Cat Depot, a unique feline-only shelter in Sarasota—recalls when she first became a cat person. Hanus has remained staunchly feline-friendly ever since, though, she explains, she […]
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Kathy Finelli–the director of Gainesville Rabbit Rescue (GRR), a nonprofit organization founded in 1998 by two University of Florida students—recalls how her involvement with GRR began 20-plus years ago, when […]
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Valerie Benka–the Director of Programs for the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D)—recalls being someone who was nuts about animals from the time she was a kid, growing […]
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pattrice jones–co-founder of VINE Sanctuary, sprawling across 100 acres in Springfield, Vermont, and a self-described “LGBTQ-led farmed animal sanctuary”—spontaneously describes instances of talking animals’ activity by resident roosters that very […]
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Donna Kalil–a python removal contractor (aka “python hunter”)—recalls growing up in Venezuela, with close proximity to the jungle helping cultivate a lifelong passion for snakes and other wildlife. In 1969, […]
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Jane O’Hara, the animal advocate and artist–whose paintings tend to celebrate animals or explore animal issues—recalls a regular upbringing, amidst conventional companion animals. Only some years later, O’Hara adds, did […]
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Susan Tellem–executive director of American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a nonprofit established in 1990 for the protection of all species of turtles and tortoises—recalls that she began helping animals in cat […]
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Diana Goodrich–co-director of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, located not far from Seattle, and housing 15 chimps—says she can’t recall a time she didn’t want to work with animals. Goodrich traces […]
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Eleanor Spicer Rice, PhD–an entomologist by training, and the author of multiple books, focused on ants and spiders—recounts how she came to write a book about microbes, “Unseen Jungle: The […]
The post Eleanor Spicer Rice, author of “Unseen Jungle: The Microbes That Secretly Control Our World” first appeared on Talking Animals.
As we’ve done six times prior—spanning nearly two years–today’s show involved setting aside the usual “Talking Animals” format in order to present the extended feature, “Ask The Trainer.” Listeners are […]
The post Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist–“Ask The Trainer” 7th Edition first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Jane Goodall–the ethologist, activist, and conservationist who rose to international attention in the 1960s, propelled by her pioneering work studying chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania—offers her current impressions of young […]
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John Di Leonardo–president of Humane Long Island, an animal advocacy organization there, where he also oversees its international Duck Defenders project—recalls growing up without family pets, but deeply fascinated by […]
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Miyoko Chu– senior director of communications at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology—recalls an outing at age 10 or so with her father, to San Francisco’s Chinatown, where they performed a […]
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Rick Yocum–executive director of the Humane Society of Manatee County (HSMC), established more than 50 years ago, and now a truly multifaceted operation—traces his career path to his current job, […]
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Alene Anello–founder and president of Legal Impact for Chickens (LIC), a nonprofit dedicated to bringing lawsuits that benefit chickens—recalls growing up in a family with plenty of animals, mostly dogs. […]
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Amy P. Kight, executive director of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, discusses the Sanctuary, its imminent relocation, some resident animals, the recent fatal gator attack in Fort Pierce, and more.
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Annette Wrubleski is founder and president of the Laughing Pig Sanctuary, a refuge in Bartow, Florida providing a permanent home for elderly and abused pigs
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Kelly Crandall is a graduate student at Southern Illinois University (SIU) whose research focusing on one raccoons and opossums inadvertently yielded results about the Burmese python, a rampant invasive species in south Florida.
The post Kelly Crandall, graduate student whose research yielded inadvertent, important results first appeared on Talking Animals.
Captain Paul Watson–a major figure for decades in the realm of animal rights, he founded the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society in 1977—describes what he sees as the initial events that […]
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Kate Benjamin–whom I suggested you could call a cat lady while noting, in this case, the term would be strictly intended as a compliment, given the scope of her expertise […]
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April Goodwin, an attorney and founder of Largo-based The Goodwin Firm, a law firm specializing in pet law services
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Singer-songwriter-animal champion discusses becoming a part-time St. Pete resident, dogs, siamese cats--and performs four songs.
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This morning, I once again set aside the customary “Talking Animals” format to deliver the Talking Animals Annual Holiday Animal Song special—that is, a show entirely devoted to Holiday-oriented animal […]
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As we’ve done five times prior, today’s show involved setting aside the usual “Talking Animals” format in order to present the extended feature, “Ask The Trainer,” in which listeners are […]
The post Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist–“Ask The Trainer” 6th Edition first appeared on Talking Animals.
Tom Mustill, who’s a biologist, filmmaker, and author, discusses how he’s forever primarily identified by a 2015 incident: while kayaking with a friend, a humpback whale breached, landing on the pair.
The post Tom Mustill, author of “How To Speak Whale: A Voyage into the Future of Animal Communication” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Alexis Telfair-Garcia–a social worker recently hired at the Austin, TX animal shelter, Austin Pets Alive! (APA!)—recalls growing up in a family that prized community service, perhaps telegraphing her pursuit of […]
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Emily McCormack—the Animal Curator at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR), a sanctuary in Eureka Springs, Arkansas housing 94 animals (mostly big cats, plus bears)—recalls being infatuated with tigers since childhood, […]
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Steve Koyle, who has two decades of experience working with elephants, discusses his experiences, including founding Elephant Care Unchained, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating elephant cruelty and improving their welfare across multiple countries.
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Dr. Shayla Toombs-Withers, who runs a medical clinic in Chattanooga, Tenn. called The Essence of Health Wellness Clinic, describes her plant-based, concierge-style medical practice.
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Author Duncan Forgey discusses his inventive novel featuring a pelican hero and protect-environment themes.
The post Duncan P. Forgey, author of “Flyin’ Kai: A Pelican’s Tale” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Ann Paul, an organizer of the Florida Birding and Nature Festival, outlines some of the Festival's field trips, seminars, and lectures.
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Dr. Eric Eisenman discusses founding International Veterinary Outreach (IVO), which provides veterinary services and training to rural areas in countries sorely lacking both.
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Father Andrew Heyes is the dog-loving Rector of St. Clement’s Episcopal Church in Tampa, an unusually animal-friendly church
The post Father Andrew Heyes, Rector of St. Clement’s Church & Dog Nut first appeared on Talking Animals.
Father Andrew Heyes is the dog-loving Rector of St. Clement’s Episcopal Church in Tampa, an unusually animal-friendly church
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John Turner—the president of Project PUP (Pets Uplifting People), which, since 1984 has offered visits by therapy dogs to nursing homes, rehab centers, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and other locales, […]
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John Turner—the president of Project PUP (Pets Uplifting People), which, since 1984 has offered visits by therapy dogs to nursing homes, rehab centers, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and other locales, […]
The post John Turner, President of Project PUP first appeared on Talking Animals.
Allison Argo, a writer-director who, over the course of a 25-year career, has specialized in making often-acclaimed films about animals.
The post Allison Argo: Director of Acclaimed Animal Films first appeared on Talking Animals.
Allison Argo, a writer-director who, over the course of a 25-year career, has specialized in making often-acclaimed films about animals.
The post Allison Argo: Director of Acclaimed Animal Films first appeared on Talking Animals.
Katrina Shadix is founder of Bear Warriors United (BWU), whose mission includes preserving and protecting bears in Florida
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Ed Yong—a science journalist, staff writer at The Atlantic, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting for his coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic and author, most recently of An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us
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We reprised “Ask The Trainer,” in which listeners are invited to call or email questions for dog trainer Glen Hatchell to answer about their dogs or cats, particularly involving behavioral issues.
The post Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist–“Ask The Trainer” 5th Edition first appeared on Talking Animals.
Christina Thomas and Samantha Wishman are co-directors of “Free Puppies!,” a documentary examining rescue dogs being regularly transported from the South to the North for adoption, probing deeper into why the South is a repository for so many homeless dogs.
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Don Argott–co-director of “The Bond,” a four-part wildlife series streaming on DiscoveryPlus, examining the singular animal-human connection forged amongst four folks and critters (kangaroo, dolphin, goat, cheetah), from disparate backgrounds […]
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Two experts on Florida wildlife, Katherine McGill and Kate MacFall, discuss proposed changes to the state's trapping regulations
The post Katherine McGill & Kate MacFall: discussing proposed changes to Florida’s trapping regulations first appeared on Talking Animals.
Kimberly Carroll— a veteran Toronto-based animal activist, leader, and consultant—recalls growing up in Manitoba, a sensitive child with a precocious connection to animals, yet like her family members and most […]
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Spencer Conover— Assistant Director of Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS), whose work has received national acclaim, partly accounting for his being viewed as a rising star in the animal shelter […]
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Mark Reinfeld— the award-winning vegan chef and author of numerous books, including “Healing The Vegan Way: Plant-Based Eating for Optimal Health and Wellness”—returns to the show, this time offering more […]
The post Mark Reinfeld, vegan chef, author & educator first appeared on Talking Animals.
Every year or two, I jettison the chief component of the “Talking Animals” format—a longform interview with a single guest—to offer a debate or some other multi-guest panel discussion. As […]
The post Callers and Emailers as Guests first appeared on Talking Animals.
Ally Burguieres— an opossum advocate and rehabilitator, whose passion to protect and serve, and heal, these marsupials is reflected in a recent HuffPost piece and in her new book, “Possums […]
The post Ally Burguieres, opossum advocate and rehabilitator first appeared on Talking Animals.
Rebekah Keat and Siri Lindley—highly vocal (and highly effective, as it turns out) advocates for ending horse slaughter—recall a pivotal horse, Savannah, who served as a catalyst for their advocacy. […]
The post Rebekah Keat and Siri Lindley, activists working to end horse slaughter first appeared on Talking Animals.
Vincent Kelner—writer-director of “A Taste of Whale,” a documentary examining the “grind,” Faroe Islanders’ ritual slaughter of pilot whales, but an intricate film with a lot more on its mind […]
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Tricia Gorham–chair of the College of Veterinary Technology at St. Petersburg College, and a practicing veterinary technician since 1991—discusses her love of animals extending back to childhood, and how she […]
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Sy Montgomery—the bestselling author of 30-plus books, including “The Soul of an Octopus” and “The Good Good Pig”—discusses what prompted the exploration of raptors and falconry at the core of […]
The post Sy Montgomery, author of “The Hawk’s Way: Encounters with Fierce Beauty” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice—a North Carolina-based entomologist and author of books on ants and spiders, who, as the product of a family activity, has developed a passion for pigeons and […]
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Helaine Olen— an opinion writer for The Washington Post, an expert on personal finance, and author or co-author of books, including “The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have To […]
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Phil Jenni—executive director of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WRC) in Minnesota, considered the world’s busiest wildlife hospital—addresses how that “world’s busiest” title is determined, noting that it’s the product of […]
The post Phil Jenni, executive director of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WRC) in Minnesota first appeared on Talking Animals.
As we’ve done three times prior, today’s show involved setting aside the customary “Talking Animals” format in order to present the extended feature, “Ask The Trainer,” in which listeners are […]
The post Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist: “Ask The Trainer” IV first appeared on Talking Animals.
Danielle Hall—a wildlife ecologist, who, drawing on her professional expertise and her longtime personal passion for animals, has stepped into an intense human-versus-animal battle that’s erupted over vultures in a […]
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Liz Marshall—a documentary director whose latest film, “Meat The Future,” examines the realm of “cultivated meat,” generated in a lab setting, from animal cells, but these animals remain unharmed—explains the […]
The post Liz Marshall, director of “Meat The Future” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Heather Johnston—a veterinarian who serves as the Medical Director at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, a multifaceted operation in Jupiter, Florida that, in celebration of March being Women’s History Month, is […]
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Patrick Battuello—the founder and president of Horseracing Wrongs, an organization formed in 2013, and based in Albany, New York, which seeks to end horse racing–describes an unexceptional childhood when it […]
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Dr. Steven Amstrup—chief scientist for Polar Bears International, a polar bear conservation organization; before joining PBI, he was a research wildlife biologist with the United States Geological Survey at the […]
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Tori Linder—a producer of “Saving The Florida Wildlife Corridor,” a documentary that travels through the titular Corridor, the 18 million-acre, statewide network of public preserves and private working lands, while […]
The post Tori Linder, a producer of “Saving The Florida Wildlife Corridor” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Nellie McKay—the singer-writer-actor-animal advocate who first appeared on “Talking Animals” in April of 2004, when her debut album, “Get Away From Me,” was generating rave reviews and buzz galore, partly […]
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Dan Piraro—creator of the innovative, acclaimed, and much-beloved comic strip, “Bizarro,” which he’s drawn for more than 35 years, and in which animals (talking, and otherwise) often play a central […]
The post Dan Piraro, creator of comic strip “Bizarro” and graphic novel “Peyote Cowboy” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Matt Johnson—a professor at Humboldt State University, in the school’s Department of Wildlife, who’s overseeing an extended research study gauging the effectiveness of using owls, versus rodenticides, to remove […]
The post Dr. Matt Johnson, professor at Humboldt State University, overseeing study involving using owls versus rodenticides first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Dani McVety-Leinen and Ross Taylor—founder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, and one of two filmmakers who created the documentary “The Hardest Day,” respectively—discuss how the film was conceived, […]
The post Dr. Dani McVety-Leinen, founder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, and Ross Taylor, photojournalist-filmmaker first appeared on Talking Animals.
Steven M. Wise—founder and president of the Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP); an attorney, author, and legal scholar, Wise is leading NhRP’s pioneering effort to free an elephant named Happy from […]
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Dr. Lisa Wiese—associate professor of Nursing at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), and co-author of a study conducted recently at FAU, which found […]
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Ellen Quinlan—executive director of the Darbster Foundation (& Darbster Rescue), whose chief mission involves plucking cats and dogs from crowded south Florida shelters, and finding homes for them in the […]
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This morning, I once again set aside the customary “Talking Animals” format to deliver the Annual Christmas Animal Song special—that is, a show almost entirely devoted to Holiday-oriented animal tunes. […]
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Dee Boersma—a biologist and professor at the University of Washington who’s been studying penguins for decades, including Galapagos penguins for 50 years; in a piece some years ago examining her […]
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As we’ve done twice before, today’s show involved setting aside the customary “Talking Animals” format in order to present the extended feature, “Ask The Trainer,” in which listeners are invited […]
The post Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist: “Ask The Trainer” III first appeared on Talking Animals.
Susan Kurowski—executive director of the Pets for the Elderly Foundation (PFE), which covers a portion of the adoption fee for seniors, 60-years-old or older, adopting a shelter dog or cat […]
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Dr. Jennifer Conrad—a veterinarian and founder of The Paw Project, and a tireless crusader against declawing cats for many years; I first interviewed her about it on “Talking Animals” in […]
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Jose Sanchez—a naturalist trained in marine biology, and an expert on the so-called “friendly whales” of San Ignacio Lagoon in the Baja California region of Mexico, having led ecotourism trips […]
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Kitty Block—President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), as well as CEO of Humane Society International, HSUS’ global division—discusses getting a precocious start working in […]
The post Kitty Block, President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States first appeared on Talking Animals.
Coleen Ellis—an expert on pet loss and dealing with the kind of grief that results from losing an animal companion—recalls how the loss 18 years ago of her beloved dog, […]
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Carol Buckley—a longtime expert in the care of captive elephants, who co-founded The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, moving on to found Elephant Aid International, a nonprofit organization “that creates innovative […]
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Wayne Lynch—science writer, photographer, and author of numerous books, most recently, “Bears of the North: A Year Inside Their Worlds,” a deep and thorough exploration of the four northern bears: […]
The post Wayne Lynch, author & photographer of “Bears of the North: A Year Inside Their Worlds” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Mary Keith—the field trip coordinator for the Florida Birding and Nature Festival, taking place Oct 15-17, based at the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach, Florida—recalls first becoming enchanted with […]
The post Mary Keith, an organizer of the Florida Birding and Nature Festival first appeared on Talking Animals.
Erin Amerman—the founder of Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary, which across two facilities located in and around Gainesville, FL houses some 150 cows, making it, they say, the country’s largest cow […]
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Anita Krajnc—the global campaign coordinator of the Plant Based Treaty, which views itself as a companion to the Paris Agreement, described, on the Treaty website, as “a grassroots campaign designed […]
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Tim Hetzner—Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) President/CEO and founder of the K-9 Ministry—provides a brief overview of the LCC, including the earliest days, which involved just Hetzner and one half-time employee. […]
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Diane Delano—founder of the Wild Horse Rescue Center, a Webster, Florida facility that rescues, rehabilitates, and finds new homes for wild horses—recalls growing up amidst a family of horse lovers, […]
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Michael Webber—director of the new documentary, “The Conservation Game,” which explores the realm of people who bring animals on late-night talk shows and morning news programs, and may be secretly […]
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As we did in May, in what was then an experimental effort, on today’s show we jettisoned the regular “Talking Animals” format, presenting a still semi-new extended feature, “Ask The […]
The post Glen Hatchell, veteran dog trainer: “Ask The Trainer” II first appeared on Talking Animals.
David Crawford—co-founder and executive director of Animal Help Now, a Boulder, Colorado-based national organization considered the 911 of wildlife emergencies, a somewhat glib, though not inaccurate, description—observes that he didn’t […]
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Melanie Sue Bowles—founder and director of Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary, who alongside her husband, Jim, has shepherded the sanctuary through nearly 30 years of challenges, changes, and relocations, in service […]
The post Melanie Sue Bowles, founder-director of Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary first appeared on Talking Animals.
Kristen Hassen—a highly-respected figure in the animal shelter world, owing to her accomplishments and innovations during major stints leading or helping lead animal facilities, and now Director of American Pets […]
The post Kristen Hassen, Director of American Pets Alive! & Human Animal Support Services first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Dani McVety—the veterinarian, and Tampa native, who co-founded Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice in 2009—recounts the circumstances behind launching what has since become the nation’s largest network dedicated to […]
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Julie Castle—the CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, the national animal welfare organization, founded in 1984, and based in Kanab, Utah—describes the organization currently in broad strokes, offering notable contrasts […]
The post Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society first appeared on Talking Animals.
Joshua Zeman—the director of “The Loneliest Whale: The Search for 52,” a feature-length documentary chronicling the science-oriented pursuit of a whale that experts think has spent his whole life in […]
The post Joshua Zeman, director of “The Loneliest Whale: The Search for 52” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Glen Zipper—executive producer of the Netflix documentary series “Dogs,” whose second season begins airing July 7; Zipper also oversees a new feline-minded Netflix series, “Cat People,” which premieres July 7—describes […]
The post Glen Zipper, producer of Netflix’s “Dogs” & “Cat People” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Kris Porter–founder of Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife, an Odessa, FL-based rescue and rehabilitation organization that tends to sick, injured, or orphaned wild birds, wild mammals, reptiles, and more, across […]
The post Kris Porter, founder of Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife first appeared on Talking Animals.
pattrice jones —cofounder of VINE (Veganism is the Next Evolution) Sanctuary, 100-acre facility in Vermont, a self-described “LGBTQ-led farmed animal sanctuary” we wanted to spotlight as we celebrate Pride Month—outlines […]
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Dr. Valarie Tynes—Veterinary Services Specialist at CEVA Animal Health Limited, in Kansas, and a veterinarian slated to deliver two lectures at VMX, the then-forthcoming gigantic veterinary education conference held in […]
The post Dr. Valarie Tynes, Veterinary Services Specialist at CEVA Animal Health Limited first appeared on Talking Animals.
We set aside our regular “Talking Animals” format to experiment with an extended new feature, “Ask The Trainer,” in which listeners were invited to call or email questions or concerns […]
The post Glen Hatchell of HSTB, veteran dog trainer & behavior expert: “Ask The Trainer” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Barbara Trask Lovett—president of Save Nosey Now, member of the Board of Directors of The Elephant Advocacy Project, and generally a veteran advocate for improving the lives of captive elephants—recounts […]
The post Barbara Trask Lovett, president of Save Nosey Now, advocate for captive elephants first appeared on Talking Animals.
Caleb Smith—who, at 16 years old, is already an accomplished entrepreneur and the author of a memoir of sorts, “Peacebunny Island: the Extraordinary Journey of A Boy And His Comfort […]
The post Caleb Smith, 16-year old entrepreneur, author, & comfort rabbit guy first appeared on Talking Animals.
Periodically, I table the chief component of the “Talking Animals” format—a long form interview with a single guest—to offer a debate or some other multi-guest panel discussion. As part of […]
The post Callers As Guests first appeared on Talking Animals.
Peter J. Wolf—who works for Best Friends Animal Society as cat initiatives analyst, which involves helping the organization shape its community cat policies, and has overseen some of its national […]
The post Peter J. Wolf, Best Friends Animal Society’s cat initiatives analyst first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Justin Perrault—Director of Research at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, a nonprofit sea turtle research, rehabilitation, education, and conservation center, located in Juno, Florida—recalls growing up a landlocked kid in Memphis, […]
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Carlton Ward, Jr.—a Florida native, conservationist, and celebrated photographer whose striking photos of the Florida Panther are featured in the April edition of National Geographic—recalls how growing up in Florida […]
The post Carlton Ward, Jr., conservationist and photographer first appeared on Talking Animals.
Caitlin O’Connell—a noted scientist who’s spent much of her career studying elephants and their communication, and author of several books, most recently “Wild Rituals: 10 Lessons Animals Can Teach Us […]
The post Caitlin O’Connell, author of “Wild Rituals: 10 Lessons Animals Can Teach Us about Connection, Community, and Ourselves” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Elizabeth Lo—an award-winning filmmaker who directed “Stray,” a wildly-inventive documentary about the stray dogs who roam freely in Turkey (by law, no one there may hold captive or euthanize a […]
The post Elizabeth Lo, Director of (who also produced, filmed & edited) “Stray” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Ginny Sweet—co-founder (with Harry Toro) of Corsos for Heroes, an organization based in Lutz, Florida, that donates specially-trained service dogs, of the Cane Corso breed, to military veterans who are […]
The post Ginny Sweet, co-founder of Corsos for Heroes first appeared on Talking Animals.
Kim Sturla—executive director of Animal Place, the 600-acre farmed animal sanctuary in Grass Valley, California she co-founded in 1989—recounts that she had been employed by a local humane society for […]
The post Kim Sturla, executive director of Animal Place first appeared on Talking Animals.
Rob Chaney—a lifelong resident of Montana, a veteran reporter for the Missoulian (and 2020 Nieman Fellow), and author of “The Grizzly in the Driveway: The Return of Bears To A […]
The post Rob Chaney, author of “The Grizzly in the Driveway: The Return of Bears To A Crowded American West” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Trish McMillan—an extensively educated, highly experienced behaviorist with a long, varied resume involving training and otherwise helping animals shape (or re-shape) their behavior—recalls growing up loving animals, feeling a kinship […]
The post Trish McMillan, noted animal behaviorist first appeared on Talking Animals.
Sam Anderson—a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine, whose latest piece (the cover story) is “The Last Two Northern White Rhinos On Earth,” an account of the week […]
The post Sam Anderson, author of The New York Times Magazine story, “The Last Two Northern White Rhinos On Earth” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Amy Kight—executive director of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, a multifaceted operation in Jupiter, Florida serving as wildlife refuge, veterinary hospital, rehabilitation facility, and education center–recalls loving animals so much, so young, […]
The post Amy Kight, executive director of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary first appeared on Talking Animals.
This morning, I once again set aside the customary “Talking Animals” format to deliver the Annual Christmas Animal Song special—that is, a show entirely devoted to Holiday-oriented animal tunes.As has […]
The post Annual Christmas Animal Song Special first appeared on Talking Animals.
Sharon Stiteler—who’s so steeped in the birding world, as a blogger, photographer, author of “1001 Secrets Every BirderShould Know,” and more, that she’s also known as “Birdchick”—recalls when the birding […]
The post Sharon Stiteler, birding expert, blogger, photographer–“Birdchick” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Norty Cohen—founder and CEO of Moosylvania, a multifaceted, St. Louis-based marketing agency, which also operates a record company, Rafter Records; he spearheaded “Rock And Roll Over”—explains the origin of his […]
The post Norty Cohen, instigator of dog-song album, “Rock And Roll Over” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Michael Hingson—a former high-tech executive, now an author and international public speaker—recounts some of the experiences around the time of his last “Talking Animals” appearance, when he had published the […]
The post Michael Hingson, author, inspirational speaker, 9/11 survivor first appeared on Talking Animals.
Michael Shikashio—a dog behaviorist whose credentials include serving as past president of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), and a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), reportedly one of […]
The post Michael Shikashio, Prominent Dog Behaviorist Who Specializes In Aggression first appeared on Talking Animals.
Jeffrey Masson—the New York Times bestselling author of books about animals and their emotions, including “When Elephants Weep” and “Dogs Never Lie About Love”—explains how being on the cusp of […]
The post Jeffrey Masson, author, most recently of “Lost Companions: Reflections on the Death of Pets.” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Neal Barnard—founder and president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine, among other notable hats […]
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Jacky Poon—filmmaker-producer-cinematographer of “Pandas: Born to be Wild,” a new documentary in PBS’ “Nature”—recounts that he did not have a particular passion for animals or wildlife while growing up in […]
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Michelle Gadd—who heads global conservation for Walters Conservation, created and funded by philanthropists Mark and Kimbra Walter, and owner of White Oak Conservation, a 17,000-acre spread in northeastern Florida, which […]
The post Michelle Gadd, elephant expert, head of global conservation for Walters Conservation first appeared on Talking Animals.
Helen Macdonald—the naturalist, poet, and author best known for her acclaimed and award-winning memoir, “H Is For Hawk”; she’s published a new book, “Vesper Flights”—expands on a point she makes […]
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George L. Heinrich—a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles; he also serves as the Executive Director of the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust—recounts growing up in New England, […]
The post George L. Heinrich, biologist, educator, executive director of the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust first appeared on Talking Animals.
Babs Fry—a San Diego-based pet recovery specialist (she’s often dubbed a “pet detective,” but prefers the other term, and explains why), who for several years, has helped pet owners find […]
The post Babs Fry, pet recovery specialist first appeared on Talking Animals.
Kathleen Edwards—the Canadian singer-songwriter who recently released the critically-acclaimed “Total Freedom,” her first album in eight years—discusses writing the new song, “Who Rescued Who,” and the dog it’s an elegy […]
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Heidi Jo Markel—longtime film producer and founder of Stop Poaching Now! (SPN), an organization dedicated to combating poaching through conservation strategies and educational efforts—recounts her foray into producing movies, starting […]
The post Heidi Jo Markel, founder of Stop Poaching Now! first appeared on Talking Animals.
Peggy Hoyt—a veteran Florida attorney whose practice involves estate planning and a host of related areas, including pet planning that ensures pets will be cared for if their owner dies […]
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Patrick Craig—founder of The Wild Animal Sanctuary, launched in 1980, located in Keenesburg, Colorado, and devoted to housing lions, tigers, bears, wolves and other carnivores—recounts what spurred him, at age […]
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Rebekah Keat & Siri Lindley—co-founders of Horses in Our Hands, which is dedicated to ending horse slaughter—discuss their respective entries into competing at the world-class level in the Triathlon. Lindley […]
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Marc Bekoff —professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder—discusses, in a conversation that traveled from his very latest work backwards, his current research, which […]
The post Marc Bekoff, professor emeritus, expert on animal behavior, animal emotions, and more first appeared on Talking Animals.
Brian Hare —a professor in Evolutionary Anthropology, Psychology, and Neuroscience at Duke University, where he founded the Duke Canine Cognition Center, and co-author (with Vanessa Woods) of “Survival of the […]
The post Brian Hare, co-author of “Survival of the Friendliest: Understanding Our Origins and Rediscovering Our Common Humanity” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Wendy Clark —the publisher of Bird Watcher’s Digest, which is the name of the 42-year-old flagship magazine, but now really also refers to the multi-media enterprise that includes bird identification […]
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William Neal —writer-director of “Long Gone Wild,” a documentary that focuses on captive orcas, arriving as a cinematic successor to “Blackfish”—provides an overview of his pre-doc career, a mix of […]
The post William Neal, writer-director of “Long Gone Wild” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Dr. Chris Pachel —a veterinary behaviorist who owns, and is the primary clinician at, the Animal Behavior Clinic, in Portland, Oregon—recounts how he’d wanted to be a veterinarian since childhood, […]
The post Dr. Chris Pachel, veterinary behaviorist first appeared on Talking Animals.
Wendy Williams —longtime journalist and author, most recently of “The Language of Butterflies: How Thieves, Hoarders, Scientists, And Other Obsessives Unlocked The Secrets of The World’s Favorite Insect”—recounts why, with […]
The post Wendy Williams, author of “The Language of Butterflies: How Thieves, Hoarders, Scientists, and Other Obsessives Unlocked the Secrets of the World’s Favorite Insect” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Owing to the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing Stay at Home order, I produced and recorded this show remotely from home, the 10th program prepared this way at the Talking […]
The post Lori Marino, founder and president of The Whale Sanctuary Project first appeared on Talking Animals.
Owing to the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing Stay at Home order, I produced and recorded this show remotely from home, the ninth program prepared this way at the Talking […]
The post Carl Safina, ecologist, author of “Becoming Wild: How Animal Cultures Raise Families, Create Beauty, and Achieve Peace” first appeared on Talking Animals.
Owing to the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing (though loosening) Stay at Home order, I produced and recorded this show remotely from home, the eighth program prepared this way at […]
The post Jessica Janson, East Coast Coordinator of Food for Thought first appeared on Talking Animals.
Owing to the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing Stay at Home order, I produced and recorded this show remotely from home, the seventh program prepared this way at the Talking […]
The post Jo-Anne McArthur, photographer, co-editor, and creator of “Hidden: Animals in the Anthropocene” first appeared on Talking Animals.