Zoo-notable: Recent Episodes
PJ Beaven
How do winning friends help us influence our well-being and our career? Well, by taking our relationships to the penthouse, we can foster connections that can enrich our lives and help us change the world.
It's Not Just Who You Know by Tommy Spaulding helps explain why friendships are important, and how to develop lasting, authentic connections through empathy, humility, and vulnerability.
Like this Zoo-notable? Check it out on Libro.fm
Want to read other books by Tommy Spaulding:
The Gift of Influence
The Heart-Led Leader
To Save a Starfish is a wonderful workbook by Jennifer Blough to help animal care professionals identify compassion fatigue in their lives, discover techniques that will help combat burnout, and implement them.
This book is only available on Amazon (I usually prefer to promote local sources like libraries and local bookstores), but if you are struggling with your mental health, this may be a terrific resource.
I'm kicking off Mental Health Awareness Month with my #1 recommended book and resource for strengthening our brains and relieving stress-- Stress Less, Accomplish More is by the Ziva Technique founder Emily Fletcher.
We'll cover topics such as how meditation is like station training for our brains (lessons from a mob of meerkats), how NOT to train our brains, the "I'll be happy when" syndrome, and how obstacles and rough times are actually good for us.
If this Zoo-notable piqued your interest, check out the book for yourself- Library or Local Bookstore.
We're closing out Earth Month and celebrating Earth Day with a special book on how we can reduce our carbon footprint: How Bad Are Bananas by Mike Berners-Lee. I personally loved how the author doesn't push us to do EVERYTHING in the book, just giving us information and empowering US to make the choices that are right for each one.
We'll discuss the Rebound Effect, how our health impacts the environment, and ways we can do what we can while taking care of ourselves.
Want to check out the book yourself?
Find your local library
Check out the website
As overdevelopment and sea level rise threaten the town of Montauk, an unexpected legacy grants the fate of its last undeveloped parcel to Clancy Frederics, an outsider scarred by his orphaned childhood. Everyone in town has a stake: Julienne, an environmentalist and painter fighting to save the landscape that inspires her art; Theresa, a bartender whose trailer park home is jeopardized by coastal erosion; and Molly and Billy, who are struggling to hold out against pressure to sell their home.
Join me as I sit down to discuss The Start Beauty of Last Things with author Celine Keating, in my first Cli-Fi (climate fiction) book on Zoo-notable.
Want to read the book yourself?
Buy it from your local bookstore
Find it at your library
What happens when science-fiction humor author Douglas Adams takes biologist Mark Carwardine on adventures all over the world to experience some of the rarest and most endangered species on earth? We get one of my favorite books on endangered species, Last Chance to See.
To celebrate Earth Month, I'm dedicating all my episodes to environmental books. If you are a fan of Douglas Adams, or want to read an entertaining account of a serious subject matter, Last Chance to See is the perfect book for you.
We're closing out Women's "Empowerment" Month with a banger-- an interview with author, life coach, and wonderful mentor Laurie Buchanan, author of Note to Self, a Seven-Step Path to Gratitude and Growth. We discuss her book and using color (the energy and feeling of color) to help us, along with breathing, and affirmations.
Check out Laurie's work, find a copy of her books at your local bookstore, listen to the Sean MacPherson series on audio (while supporting your local bookstore), or check it out at your local libary.
It's a Flashback day on Zoo-notable as I discuss a book from 2008, What Shamu Taught Me About Life, Love, and Marriage by Amy Sutherland. An oldie but a goodie.
We'll talk about animal training, but how it pertains to US, personally-- how to change our behavior, how to use animal training methods, why to avoid punishment, and why we should NEVER take our healthy habits for granted (ie- always reinforce them!).
Want more Zoo-notable goodness, help support ZooFit, and connect with me in a unique fun way? Join the ZooFit Tribe on Patreon. One lucky patron will win a copy of What Shamu Taught Me.
Related Zoo-notables: Eye of the Trainer with Ken Ramirez
Zoomility by Dr. Grey Stafford
Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown is such an incredible book, I couldn't contain it to one single episode. So, here's part 2 of ways we can connect better through understanding our emotions.
There are a ton of resources, but mainly, if you want more from Brené Brown, visit her website at brenebrown.com. There is also a self-compassion test you can take and more resources at self-compassion.org.
Related Zoo-notables include Part One of Atlas of the Heart as well as Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown, I Never Thought of It That Way by Monica Guzman, and Love 2.0 by Barbara Fredrickson.
Zoo-notable is a passion project of ZooFit, where we learn to take better care of ourselves so we can take better care of the animals and the world. When we feel better, we can do better. If you like what we are doing, consider joining the ZooFit Pride on Patreon. Get more insights with bonus Big Ideas, sneak peaks at future projects, and connect with me and other like-minded ZooFitters.
Brené Brown is one of my heroes, bordering on idol for me. And this book took my breath away. I'll definitely return to it time after time to help me understand and map out my own emotions and allow myself grace and vulnerability to feel.
We're celebrating women all month, and kicking off with a doozie, so return next week as we continue our deep dive into Atlas of the Heart
Join the ZooFit Pride on Patreon and stay up to date by joining my newsletter
Cindy is a special heroine of mine, getting involved with Polar Bears International and AAZK's Trees for You and Me program to help the furry loves of her life, polar bears, and combat climate change.
She came up with the concept of Party for Polar Bears at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium as a fundraiser with their local AAZK chapter. Their success has led to raising over $46,000 for conservation.
Sitting down with Cindy to share her story is such a treat, and with International Polar Bear Day right around the corner (February 27), you have time to Party for a GREAT cause, and learn ways you can make a big difference.
Learn more about Polar Bears International
Climate Alliance Program
Trees for You and Me
And support Party for Polar Bears-- February 29, bid on items in the auction, have fun with the Polar Bear Crawl in Proctor, or donate to the cause!
Animal Allies- 15 Amazing Women in Wildlife Research is perfect for younger audiences and inspiring them to go for their dreams. Whether studying ants, turtles, big cats, or whales, these women show integrity, passion, grit, and resilience in their field.
Check out a copy of Animal Allies at your local library or grab a copy for yourself or someone you know.
Check out some of these related Zoo-notables:
All We Can Save
Blue Mind by Wallace J Nichols
Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology by Stephanie Schuttler
Support ZooFit and Zoo-notable by signing up for my newsletter at ZooFit, or joining my Pride on Patreon. Get bonus material, sneak peaks at my projects, and chances to win cool prizes.
Happy Lunar New Year to everyone, and welcome to the Year of the Dragon. I can't wait to share today's book, How to Train Your Dragon by Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (translated by Cressida Cowell). It's very different from the movie, and worth a listen to the audio book, which you can get for free on Libby . It's a fun read, and has some poignant lessons that animal trainers, in particular, I think will get a kick out of.
If you'd like a chance to win a copy of How to Train Your Dragon, AND support ZooFit/Zoo-notable, AND receive bonus material or sneak peaks at future projects, AND be a part of something awesome and amazing, join ZooFit Pride on Patreon.
Let's get (un)comfortable discussing racism in this very special discussion on the book Dear White Women by Sara Blanchard and Misasha Suzuki Graham. It was a real eye-opener, and touches on very important issues, so I encourage everyone to read it (not just White Women).
Check it out for yourself- at your local library or grab a copy for yourself (highly recommended so you can reference again and again)
Related Zoo-notables, special Black History Month episodes:
Wangari Maathai
Wangari Maathai Unbowed
All We Can Save
Join Patreon and the ZooFit Pride for bonuses and more Big Ideas!
Today, I welcome Ardelle Holden, 4-time published author of mysteries (one of my favorite genres to read to just kick back and get away from it all). We're discussing her upcoming book,Killing Imaginary Friends, Book One of the Oliver Frampton Mystery Series. If you like suspenseful, emotional, coming-of-age angst, you’ll love Ardelle's gripping story of Olly’s imaginary friends who torment and frustrate his life until, at twenty, he discovers what really happened when he was eight.
He must solve the mystery behind their death or disappearance, but after all these years, the trail is bone cold.
Interested in reading? Nab a copy for yourself January 30 on Amazon.
Follow Ardelle online and find out more about her other books.
This week's book is one of those unique books that while I found some decent Big Ideas, I mostly felt it was the type of book that I read so you don't have to. I discuss anthropomorphism, emotions in zoo animals, and animals as virtuous guides.
If you want to learn more about the Emotional Lives of Animals, check out the book from your local library or listen to it on Libby App (free library audio book app).
Related Zoo-notables: I Never Thought of It That Way
Braving the Wilderness
Lads Before the Wind
Support ZooFit: join my newsletter and Patreon
How can being a better writer help us be better zookeepers, better conservationists, or just improve our quality of life, help us accomplish our goals and dreams, and change the world?
Delve into the Miracle Morning for Writers to find out how we can use affirmations to beat Imposter Syndrome, change our mindset around mornings, and create mini-habits that make a big difference.
Want to check out the Miracle Morning series yourself? Find a title that speaks to you and your goals for this year? Find your Miracle Morning here.
Join the ZooFit Pride online at Patreon. Support ZooFit and all our endeavors, receive bonus material, and win cool ZooFit/Zoo-notable prizes.
For Season 4 premiere, I'm revisiting Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod (listen to the very first Zoo-notable I ever did, see how much I've changed...). Hal came out with an updated and extended version of his life-changing book, so I decided it was a perfect opportunity to delve into the wonderful program Hal has created, and how I've made it my own.
Check out Miracle Morning for yourself, and make 2024 the best year ever, one morning at a time! Buy the book here.
Other related Zoo-notables that may interest you:
Rethinking Positive Thinking by Gabrielle Oettingen
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain
ZooFit is reviving our Patreon- get bonus Big Ideas and other extras throughout the month, plus be put in a drawing to win a copy of one of the Zoo-notable books from the month. Join the ZooFit Pride for perks and support ZooFit to make 2024 the best we can be!
December 3 is World Coati Day. So I sat down with Colby Franz of World Coati Day to discuss this incredible animal! We need coatis and coatis need us. Even though they are not a mega-fauna, this charismatic creature is worth our attention.
Want to learn more? Connect with World Coati Day online on their website (and sign up for their newletter to get adorable animal photos delivered to your inbox), Facebook , and Instagram.
And thank you to all the zoos celebrating World Coati Day, especially:
Carolina Tiger Rescue
Brevard Zoo
Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
In my season finale, I share with you all my favorite books from 2023. I read more than 60 books this year, and shared ideas from 30 of them over the past year.
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Geekerella/Once Upon a Con Series
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A Dog Called Hope
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Thanks, Carissa, for Ruining My Life
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Raised by the Zoo
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Wisdom From a Humble Jellyfish
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Odder
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Man's Search for Meaning
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It Takes What It Takes
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High Five Habit
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I Never Thought of It That Way
Check out these Zoo-notables and more, and I'll catch up with you all in January, 2024!
It was such an immense pleasure to sit down with one of my animal care heroes, Gerry Creighton, the former operations manager at Dublin Zoo and currently consultant of Global Elephant Care, a company he founded to help zoos promote excellent welfare for elephants and other animals. This guy is the real deal, someone who has witnessed firsthand the evolution of Dublin Zoo from Victorian menagerie to the world class facility it is, and continues to help its progress.
When I saw Gerry had written a book, I- COULD NOT WAIT to get my hands on it, and folks, the book does not disappoint.
We sat down to discuss his book, how far zoos have really come, and how far we have yet to go.
Raised by the Zoo is available on Amazon for US residents on December 7, so reserve your copy today!
This week is Orangutan Caring Week (celebrate Orange is for Orangutans on the Wednesday of OCW, which is November 15th). I read a cute little book called Love the Orangutan by Stefan Casta and Anna Viktorson, which I picked up, believe it or not, at IKEA. It's a really sweet book, sharing interesting facts about orangutans, and it's illustrated very well.
Reading about orangutans reminded me of my time working in the primate unit and getting the chance to help with the orangutans. It was very special, and then an orangutan spit in my face.
This Telling My Story shows what animal trainers do when animals "misbehave"-- and how we can apply a similar response to our own lives when we don't show up as our best selves, when we make mistakes.
"As hard as the craft of writing is, the greatest challenges writers face are often within ourselves. Comparison, self-doubt, isolation, and other internal struggles can derail a writer's progress, at any stage in the writing life. Author, essayist, and speaker William Kenower knows these struggles first-hand, and hears them from writers everywhere he teaches and appears. In this candid and encouraging book, he dismantles the myth that some writers have talent and others don't, and shares relatable stories, wisdom, and best practices for reengaging with our passion, following our curiosity, and staying connected to what matters most.
If you've ever wondered whether you're "really" a writer, or should retreat to a safer, more conventional path, this enlightening and accepting book will spark renewed purpose and joy on your writing journey."
Happy NaNoWriMo, everyone (my writing friends know what I'm talking about!). I was very excited to sit down with just an incredible writing life coach, and mentor, Bill Kenower, author of Everyone Has What It Takes.
We discuss many topics that can block us as writers, but find the link to just about any profession as well. In my interview, I even got to practice some of Bill's expert advice, dealing with a learning opportunity (NOT a failure), and discuss rejection, getting in "mood" and "flow" for writing, comparing ourselves to others, and having what it takes.
Bill is a great coach, a wonderful speaker and storyteller! If you like this Zoo-notable, check Bill out on his website, and grab a copy of Everyone Has What It Takes for yourself. You'll thank me, I promise!
You ever find yourself procrastinating? Well then, my friend, it's time to Eat That Frog!! Brian Tracy gives us 21 good reasons to figure out the most important work for your life and day and get on it already. Big Ideas include Setting the Table for Success (planning and the 10 goals list), Visualizing Who You Want to Be, the ABCDE Method, Identify What is IN YOU that holds you back, and Thinking Positive.
If you like this Zoo-notable, please share and leave a review.
You may also be interested in these related Zoo-notables:
Miracle Morning and Miracle Equation by Hal Elrod
Rethinking Positive Thinking by Gabriele Oettingen
Superhuman by Habit
As always, leave me a comment on ZooFit.net to let me know your thoughts, ideas, and other questions.
As we approach Halloween, I thought the topic of grit might be appropriate, and how we can gain a little more resilience, tenacity, and initiative in our lives.
I discuss big ideas like learning grit, rejection and failure help us succeed, minding the gap between effort and success, developing a growth mindset (becoming more like bamboo), and helping others helps us stay gritty.
If you liked this Zoo-notable, you can check out the book for yourself.
Want to see how powerful grit can be? Check out Chris Beaven's website for his DAILY art (over 10 years without a missed day!).
Like this book on Grit? You might like these other Zoo-notables as well:
Shannon McKinney from GRAZE
Wangari Maathai's Unbowed
It Takes What It Takes by Trevor Mowad
How do you reduce the gap between the life you live now and the life you want? How can choosing our response be our one truest freedom that no one on earth can take away?
These profound questions have helped guide me for the past 4 years, and they are thanks to a Nazi concentration camp survivor and psychiatrist who developed Logotherapy, Viktor E. Frankl and his amazing book Man's Search for Meaning.
I learned about Frankl and his principles through my Optimize Coaching program (now called Heroic). You can check it out, sign up for Premium or Coaching, both are incredibly affordable for the life-changing experience offered!
Find the book: Your Local Library, Buy Online (support local bookstores!)
Connect with me at ZooFit.net to let me know what you thought of this episode and for more content through blogs, newsletters, and events
I love it when I get to catch up with amazing friends while also discussing their amazing stories. Miranda Levi is a prolific author with three novels (Tear in Time, From a Youth a Fountain Did Flow, and Mo(ther) Na(ture))and a book of poetry (In Orion's Hands) out already, and isn't slowing down anytime soon.
She sat down with me to discuss her latest project, Mo(ther) Na(ture), and discuss our writing process and life lessons we learned together.
MEMORIES!
Want to connect with Miranda and get a copy of MoNa yourself? Check her out on social media:
Website
Nab the book yourself
What is the most important behavior to teach an animal? For me, when working with dolphins, it was the "target". Teach an animal to touch a target and the sky's the limit to training other behaviors. Working with Thor, a bottlenose dolphin, and teaching him and other dolphins to perform a vertical spin jump helped me learn the value of a target behavior-- the one thing that will propel my well-being forward.
What is your "target" behavior? We'll discuss some options like sleep, drinking water, or celebration as the foundation upon which the rest of your self-care program will stand.
Connect with me at ZooFit, and learn more ways to feel better, so we can do better by training positive!
GRAZE (Growing Resiliency in Aquarium and Zoo Employees) is an amazing organization dedicated to helping animal care professionals maintain their mental health and promote strategies for staying resilient in a stressful and often chaotic world.
Whenever I talk to Shannon, we tend to geek out about treating ourselves more like the animals in our care, and today is no different. It's a FANTASTIC conversation, something for everyone.
Want to connect with GRAZE? Check them out-- they offer group support, classes, certifications, and more-- https://zoomentalhealthsupport.com to sign up for their newsletter and learn more.
Connect with me at ZooFit, too to stay connected and learn how when we feel better, we can do better!
I love chatting with my published author friends, but this was an especially wonderful treat, sitting down with author Barbara Wolf Terao to discuss her memoir Reconfigured. Barbara met on the gorgeous Whidbey Island as both of us started on our journeys towards writing our stories. She's completed hers, and honored me with the chance to read the book, which is a moving, uplifting, and just overall well-written and incredible story of life.
We talk about the writing process and getting your story out there, being advocates to your own care, and finding peace and getting centered (Nam Myoho Renge Kyo).
If you are interested in getting your own copy of Reconfigured, visit Bookshop (support your local bookstore) or She Writes Press.
Learn how to get your story out to your audience at She Writes Press
To celebrate National Wildlife Day on September 4, I pulled out this fun book about leadership, titled Wisdom from the Wild: Nine Unbreakable Laws of Leadership from the Animal Kingdom, by Julie C. Henry. I recommend this book to anyone in a leadership role, or who WANTS to be in a leadership role, or thinks they may be put in a leadership role. We focus on five of the nine "laws" because I feel they are important not just for leaders, but anyone looking to improve their life, their work, or their relationships with others.
If you enjoyed this Zoo-notable, or want to check the book out for yourself, you may want to see if your local zoo has a copy, or support your local bookstore through Bookshop.
And as always, connect with me at ZooFit.net to share your ideas, thoughts, and stories! We grow stronger when we grow together.
In this special Telling My Story episode of Zoo-notable, I share the origins of ZooFit, and sharing this program with others. Palm oil has become a "nope food" for me, specifically because of my time working with elephants. To honor Asian elephant Awareness Month, I'm closing this month's Zoo-notable with my story of Bamboo, the elephant, and my connection with visitors and conservation messages.
What is ONE THING you can change to have a better impact on an animal you love dearly? Ride your bike for polar bears? Cut out plastic for sea turtles? Eliminate palm oil from your diet for elephants? Take better care of yourself and have a positive impact on the planet. Start feeling better so we can do better. Today, tomorrow, and forever.
And if you are in Honolulu this week-- check out Brews for the Zoo at Aloha Beer Company on August 31. They have a special Indian Elephant Pale Ale in honor of Mari and Vaigai, the two elephants I work with nowadays at Honolulu Zoo. Check it out!
Want to share your story? Want to give me thoughts on mine? Or recommend a book? Connect with me at ZooFit!
Do you find meditation, mindfulness, affirmations, and visualization to be a little too “woo-woo” for your taste? I honestly thought the same until I read this beauty of a book (actually listened to it on CD) many years ago. It literally changed my mind, and changed my life.
In today’s Zoo-notable, we’ll discuss how Creative Visualizations by Shakti Gawain helped shape my daily affirmation practice of BREATHES. We’ll learn the concepts of Being, Doing, and Having, discover how we can train our brain to LOOK for ways to make our dreams and ambitions come true, and how to let the Universe take care of things with the Pink Bubble Technique.
Love this Zoo-notable? Check the book out for yourself on your library app (Libby) or grab a copy for yourself from your local bookstore.
Let me know what your favorite affirmation or meditation is. Connect with me at ZooFit.
Related Zoo-notables: High Five Habit by Mel Robbins
Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh
Words to Live By by Eknath Easwaran
Dallas Woodburn is a successful author and "book doula" who helps authors reach into themselves to write their stories. She's a coach with Thriving Authors Academy and author of several Young Adult books, including Thanks Carissa, for Ruining My Life, which we discuss in-depth on this Zoo-notable.
While a fiction book mostly aimed at young adults, Thanks Carissa helps teach some poignant lessons about life, self-care, and personal goals.
If you want to nab a copy for yourself, find your local bookstore, and connect with Dallas on her website.
Learn more about Thriving Authors (the FREE Summit and the 6-month Academy course)
Share your story with me at ZooFit.
Our stories have power to heal us, to help others, and make the world a better place. When we feel better, we can do better. Let's feel better and do better together!
How do you courageously stay true to yourself in a new place where there are new expectations, new challenges, and new people? We create a culture and a Land of Opportunity among the Land of the Penguins.
I liked this book for the possibility of starting an open discussion among peers and within organizations. But as I discuss, I'm not so keen on the lesson to find Land of Opportunity elsewhere. I think it's a state of mind that can be discovered anywhere and everywhere...
Related Zoo-notables:
Ruth Soukup's Do is Scared
Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown
Life Safari by John Strelecky
I'm continuing my new segment "Telling My Story" that I started in June. No one told me to stop, so I'll keep on sharing!
This week I share how I got into the animal care field, how my Big Why gives me persistence to never give up, and how YOU can harness the power of your Big Why as well.
Connect with me at ZooFit.net
Have you ever wanted your own personal zoo? YOUR zoo? Where you could do all the things you'd love for the animals and conservation? Well, We Bought a Zoo is for you-- about the hardships and challenges, as well as the immense pleasure and healing being THAT close to nature can get you.
Through animal escapes, family heartbreak, staffing challenges, and working to gain their accreditation back, this story shares the ups and downs to owning, working, and living the zoo life.
The book also brings about some powerful big ideas about leaning on your strengths, connecting to nature, staying positive and consistent in your endeavors, and learning to thrive in a fragile ecosystem, whether that's the planet or in a corporate setting.
As one of the first books I read when I moved to Washington in 2009, I find it fitting that I'm discussing it on Zoo-notable now that we just recently moved away to Hawaii for me to continue working in the zoo field. The parallels between Benjamin Mee's story and what I'm experiencing made it a no-brainer to share with you all.
If you liked this Zoo-notable, you might also enjoy:
Wildlife Warrior (bio about Steve Irwin)
Zookeeper Dreams and Travel Extremes
Lads Before the Wind by Karen Pryor
And pick up a copy of the movie on Bookshop, too!
I had the honor and joy to sit down and talk with local writer Iris Graville about her newest book Writer in a Life Vest. Iris was the first ever writer-in-residence aboard the MV Tillikum, the inter-island ferry between several of the San Juan Islands in Washington state. Iris writes poetically about her experience, her writing process, the Salish Sea, the local Southern Resident killer whales, and hopes for the future.
It's a terrific collection of essays, and a great way to wrap up World Oceans Month.
If you are interested in learning more about the Washington State Ferry writer-in-residence program, contact Iris at https://irisgraville.com/
And if you have a special story you wish to share with others, next month is dedicated to zookeepers, so drop me a note at ZooFit to connect with me.
June has a lot of significance to everyone-- Pride Month, Juneteenth, and World Oceans Month. To celebrate the latter, I sat down with Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium staff biologist Megan Paider to talk about our passion and love for the ocean, sharing that passion with visitors, and ways to promote mental health in a very stressful work environment (and how it's never "just a fish").
Want to learn more?
Check out GRAZE (Growing Resiliency in Aquarium and Zoo Employees) to find out more about taking care of yourself.
Learn more about Megan's (current) favorite animal Bowmouth Guitarfish, and my favorite, Sea Squirts.
And go visit your local aquarium! Connect to the ocean in a healthy and positive way (here's the link for Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium).
*Sorry this is late! I was on vacation in Montana and just didn't have any time to edit or post. Which is a great thing once in a while, honestly...
Celebrating World Oceans Month is one of my favorite things on Zoo-notable. There are so many incredible books out there, but this one, The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery resonated with me from beginning to end. Sy has a way with bringing her readers to experience exactly the excitement and wonder she discovers with her stories about amazing animals.
Check out footage of Sy the Octopus (named for the author, but not part of the book). And discover more about octopus from Seattle Aquarium (my current hometown aquarium and one of my favorite places to visit).
Discover more Sy Montgomery books, featured on Zoo-notable: How to Be a Good Creature
And discover more podcasts that discuss the importance of zoos and aquariums: Rossifari, Zoologic, and AquatiZoo
Want to check out Soul of the Octopus yourself? Grab a copy for you and a friend, or find it at your local library
Celebrate World Oceans Month and Zoo and Aquarium Month by visiting your local aquarium, tide pool/beach, or marine center. Connect with the ocean in a healthy and positive way!
As I transition back into the zoo field, I know I won't be able to maintain the momentum of one book every week, so to be able to continue my love for this podcast, connect with listeners, and motivate me to continue working on my stories, I want to introduce a new segment Telling MY Story to help others. This idea is sort of a Podcast to Book idea, where I'll share a chapter or excerpt from my memoir, tentatively (not excitedly) titled What Animals Taught Me About Self-Care, or My Gym is a Zoo. (if you have a great idea for a title, please feel free to email me or connect with me at ZooFit.net)
For Pride Month, I feel sharing this part of my story is important. I believe everyone deserves to be seen and heard, everyone deserves to belong and experience love, and EVERYONE deserves to treat themselves right, provide self-care. My hope with this book is to empower and inspire you to take care of yourself so you can show up for those who matter to you-- whether it's your animals, your loved ones, or the entire planet.
Let me know what you think of this idea. Are you excited to hear more from my book? Do you relate to my origins in feeling knee pain, back pain, and mental health issues? How can I help with that? And do you think my stories will help you along your own journey?
Again, connect with me at ZooFit. Let's be our best selves today, tomorrow, and forever, making self-care fun, engaging, impactful, and empowering, one day at a time!
Talk about two worlds coming together! I was nervous but very excited to sit down and talk to Jason Morgan, the Wounded Warrior whose book A Dog Called Hope opened my eyes to more than animals and conservation. Jason is SUCH an inspiration, and folks, we need more people like him to give us ALL hope, encouragement, and a call to action.
Want to learn more?
Check out the book for yourself: A Dog Called Hope
Learn more about Canine Companions for Independence
Jason Morgan and Veteran's Outpost
I sat down with the multi-skilled Suzanne Akerman of Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium to discuss her fascinating dystopian adventure novel The Deliverers. We talk about spoilers, her job at Wild Wonders at PDZA, and her involvement with the American Association of Zookeepers. Whew! It's a lot!
I share a spoiler of my own, as well!
We go over A LOT! Basically:
Support Suzanne and pick up a copy of her book The Deliverers (and support local bookstores in the process)
Learn more about AAZK and Point Defiance chapter's events: Rowdy for Rhinos, Drinking for Conservation, other fun events
Check out Extraordinary Creatures and How to Care for Them at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, every day throughout the summer.
As always, if you liked this episode, stay updated with ZooFit's projects, connect with ZooFit online
Today's Zoo-notable was a no-brainer as it is Karen Pryor's birthday. It's also appropriate for Mother's Day because I consider Karen the Mother of positive reinforcement training.
Don't Shoot the Dog is considered the animal trainer's bible. But it isn't just for training animals, it's about teaching and learning for everyone! There's so much to share, and I can't wait to discuss it with you!
Want a copy of Don't Shoot the Dog for yourself (or know someone who needs a copy)? Grab a copy from Karen Pryor Clicker Training, and check out some of the training courses offered at Karen Pryor Academy (I highly recommend courses held at The Ranch!)
Related Zoo-notables:Lads Before the Wind by Karen Pryor
The Eye of the Trainer by Ken Ramirez
Atomic Habits by James Clear- Part One and Part Two
As always, stay connected with ZooFit online, so you can eat clean, live green, and TRAIN POSITIVE everyday!
In this essential book for anyone interested in tapping into and unleashing their true potential as humans and their wild nature, we'll discuss why we have brains (it's not for thinking!), how being mindful helps us both physically and mentally, dealing with stress, and connecting with nature.
Want to be inspired by my inspiration? Check out Heroic and Brian Johnson's Philosopher Notes (you'll see a HUGE similarity)
Related Zoo-notables:
Animals Make Us Human
Zoobiquity
ZooFit Safari
Blue Mind
And connect with ZooFit, so you can shine bright as the best version of yourself, today, tomorrow, and forever!
We're closing Earth Month with yet one more book at ways we can improve our world by improving our relationship with our neighbors...our wild neighbors and connecting with nature in our own backyards: Nature's Best Hope by Douglas Tallamy
Get a copy of Nature's Best Hope yourself, or check it out at your local library (you can listen to it on audio, too)
Related Zoo-notables: Where the Wild Things Were and Last Child in the Woods
Connect with ZooFit for more on how to provide self-care for you and the planet
In The Once and Future World, MacKinnon invites us to remember nature as it was, to reconnect to nature in a meaningful way, and to remake a wilder world everywhere. He goes looking for landscapes untouched by human hands. He revisits a globe exuberant with life, where lions roam North America and ten times more whales swim in the sea. He shows us that the vestiges of lost nature surround us every day: buy an avocado at the grocery store and you have a seed designed to pass through the digestive tracts of huge animals that have been driven extinct.
Celebrate Earth Day Weekend with a book that changes our relationship with nature and encourages us to remember, reconnect, and reignite our love for the planet.
Want this book? Check it out at your local library
Connect with ZooFit for more ways to channel the best version of yourself while promoting a healthy environment and a healthy you.
I LOVED Wisdom from a Humble Jellyfish because it taught me a little about interesting animals (I honestly didn't think about the different types of webs spiders weave, or how dragonflies catch their prey) while also imparting important self-care lessons that can help us all.
I even thought of my own wisdom from nature idea, perfect for April 9, 2023, as we celebrate Easter!
Want to find your own great tips from nature? Grab Wisdom from a Humble Jellyfish and discover how learning from nature can help yourself!
Learn more from nature with these related Zoo-notables: Where the Wild Things Were; Queer Ducks; How to be a Good Creature; and Be a Sloth
Learn even MORE from nature at my ZooFit.net blog: Self-Care Tips from the Animal Kingdom; Life-Lessons from a Sloth; Lessons from a Tiger; I Love Horses (and the lessons they share); and more!
Meet Odder, the Queen of Play:
Nobody has her moves.
She doesn't just swim to the bottom,
she dive-bombs.
She doesn't just somersault,
she triple-doughnuts.
She doesn't just ride the waves,
she makes them.Odder spends her days off the coast of central California, practicing her underwater acrobatics and spinning the quirky stories for which she's known. She's a fearless daredevil, curious to a fault. But when Odder comes face-to-face with a hungry great white shark, her life takes a dramatic turn, one that will challenge everything she believes about herself--and about the humans who hope to save her.Inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers, this poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature's most beloved and charming animals.
If this book sounds incredible to you (trust me, it really is!) you can nab your own copy here
Check out similar Zoo-notables: The Lorax by Dr. Suess
Clare Meeker and Growing Up Gorilla
Where the Wild Things Were
Reach out to me, PJ with ZooFit and discover ways to improve your life and the world around you by connecting to nature and wildlife in healthy and positive ways
Are you ready to build bridges and create safe spaces where difficult conversations can happen, and REALLY understand one another? I Never Thought of It That Way can open your eyes and show us how curiosity and experiences make us better people, creating a better world.
There is SO MUCH I loved about this book. Enjoy this Zoo-notable and reach out to meet others where they are. It's powerful and empowering!
Ideas discussed that you can take action on:
Virtues in Action Survey
Individual Differences Research- Human Values Test
Grab a copy of the book yourself: I Never Thought of It That Way
Connect with ZooFit (as I explore this topic further on my blog)
We couldn't celebrate Women's Month without a deep discussion of the powerful, and empowering book In the Flo by Alisa Vitti. This book is about unlocking the secrets of our cycle and letting it work WITH us, rather than ignoring it or pushing it back.
Want to get In the Flo yourself? Get it here
Discover In the Flo Living(I myself tried the Flo28 program for a year, and it's really great!)
As always, connect with ZooFit online, and remember to live green and train positive!
--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
What is probably the best self-care habit we can incorporate into our lives? How about high-fiving yourself every morning. Welcome to Mel Robbins' fantastic book, the High 5 Habit.
Mel Robbins is a successful life coach. Her TED Talk -- How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over-- has over 31 MILLION views, and there's a reason for it, it's epic. (In fact, check it out even before you listen, Mel is a fracking genius!) You can also check out her first book The 5-Second Rule.
Get a free template for your own High 5 Journal (you do need to sign up for Mel's newsletter to receive it).
Connect with ZooFit and all our work to help you become the best version of yourself each and every day.
--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Subscribe to Zoo-notable
To kick off Women's History Month, I sat down with three of the authors from the She Writes Press anthology Art in the Time of Unbearable Crisis: Women Writers Respond to the Call. Barbara Terrao, Donna Cameron, and Teresa Janssen generously shared their experience and insight on their pieces in the anthology, talking about the power of stories, and of our voices and words, and how writing and sharing our experiences makes us stronger.
Check out the book yourself:
She Writes Press
Bookshop (better alternative to Amazon)
Connect with our authors:
Barbara Terrao
Teresa Janssen
Donna Cameron
Share you stories with me and the world. Contact me at pj@zoofit.net or through my website ZooFit
--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Today, I celebrate one of my all-time favorite conservation heroines, Wangari Maathai by reading her memoir Unbowed. I loved learning about Wangari's childhood, her past experiences and how they shaped her destiny to become a strong, independent woman who championed the environment and communities of Kenya. We delve into some big ideas like understanding others' pasts, turning obstacles into opportunities, and doing what you can, no matter who you are.
Related Zoo-notable: Wangari Planting Trees to Change the World
Learn more at ZooFit
--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
A collection of essays, poetry, and stories of hope, truth, courage, and solutions, All We Can Save celebrates diversity and women, and everyone who is fighting for climate action.
Want to read more? Check out All We Can Save at your local library, bookstore, or zoo (I have seen this book for sale at all major zoos in the Pacific Northwest).
--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Have you ever heard of elimination diets to reset your body and figure out what foods work best for you? Well, this elimination and reset program has become one of the most popular in the world, for good reason, it works for a lot of people.
It Starts With Food is the book that propelled the Whole30 movement. Today we'll discuss some big ideas such as food should make us healthy, 100% is easier than 99%, and even Whole30 is not the only, or necessarily the best, option.
Want to check out the book yourself? Visit your library or local bookstore.
Listen to other related Zoo-notables: Food Rules by Michael Pollan and Intuitive Eating
Connect with me online at ZooFit, read more insights from Zoo-notables, and connect to yourself, and the earth in a healthy, positive way.
--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
After reading this book a couple of years ago, I re-read it and had to add it to my top 20 all-time favorite books. Every chapter is filled with fantastic wisdom, you can check out more from this book on my blog: ZooFit.
It takes discipline. It takes commitment. It takes time and effort. It takes what it takes.
Love this Zoo-notable? Check out the book at your local library or community bookstore.
--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
I'm a published author! In 2021, I joined a program called the Narrative Project, where I met my guests for today-- Isabel Castro, Lauren Trantham, and Carrie Kenner. Throughout the year, we helped each other finish our stories, and now one of the fruits of our labor is out in the real world with the release of True Stories Vol. 5.
With the release of our new book, I gathered my group of Badass Warrior Women to celebrate, reminisce, and inspire anyone and everyone with a story to share. Spoiler: WE ALL HAVE STORIES TO SHARE!
Enjoy our conversation, but more importantly, let this spur you forward to start telling your story! If you want some help, or just a platform to share, let me know!
This is a candid conversation so there is some explicit language (this is your trigger warning).
Contact me through ZooFit, and keep on rocking your dreams!
Lauren's non-profit organization Ride My Road
See what Carrie does: Carrie Kenner
Connect with Isabel: Living Balance
--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
In Part 1 of my Zoo-notable on Atomic Habits, I discussed the grand ideas that resonated the most with me, personally (Check it out here). In Part 2, we delve more into the science of how these principles and ideas are used with training animals, and why they are life-changing for us, too.
We'll discuss why becoming aware of our behaviors is so important, how to bridge our effort and success, and how to make habits easier and more accessible.
If you want some more information on training yourself using the same principles as positive reinforcer trainers, check out TAG Teach and Karen Pryor Clicker Training Academy
Want to check the book out yourself? Connect with your local library or your local bookstore
Related Zoo-notables: Superhuman by Habit; Miracle Morning
Learn more about ZooFit - stay connected through YouTube-- support our projects on Patreon
--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Our habits build our identity; we are what we repeatedly do. Let's create a system for success and make it easy, attractive, and satisfying by delving into Atomic Habits by James Clear. Atomic Habits needs no real introduction. It is one of the most popular books on habits ever written, with over 10 million copies sold world-wide. But today, we'll peel the skin off this amazing book and dive into ways we can incorporate small changes in our lives for amazing results.
This is Part 1 of 2 episodes on the book. Today, we're looking at the ideas that resonated with me, personally, the most, and why. In Part 2, we'll see how animal trainers utilize these principles in working with animals, and how it applies to self-care as well.
Want more? Check out Brian Johnson's Philosopher Notes
Read the book yourself: Find Your Library or Find Your Local Bookstore
Check out ZooFit online, and start making your habits fun, engaging, and impactful.
--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Want to go from ordinary to EXTRAordinary, gain superpowers, and show up as the best version of yourself for the new year? The best way to close the gap from where you are to where you want to be is through implementing HABITS. We're kicking off the new year with a great little book on habits-- Superhuman by Habit. It's by a guy named simply Tynan (check out his work here).
We'll discuss how habits set you free, how habits help us shape a superhuman identity, why we never skip twice, ways to win in forming new habits, and how to get better, faster, and stronger with healthy habits.
Links to pertinent topics:
My husband Chris' website: chrisbeaven.com
Find your local library
Support Zoo-notable and ZooFit by joining the Pride on Patreon or subscribe to my Blog/Newsletter
Other books you may like related to Superhuman by Habit:
Atomic Habits by James Clear (next week's Zoo-notable)
Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg
Mini Habits by Stephen Guise
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
New episodes are dropping starting January 1!
We have some incredible books lined up:
Atomic Habits by James Clear
It Takes What It Takes by Trevor Moawad
Unbowed by Wangari Maathai
The Tribe of Tiger by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas
plus more interviews with authors and friends to "tell me a story."
...and so much more
Subscribe to Zoo-notable and never miss a single note!
It's my last Zoo-notable for 2022. As I prepare to go on my reading break, I thought I'd share some of my favorites from this past year. Here are my top 10 favorite Zoo-notables of the year:
10- The Secret Lives of Bats by Merlin Tuttle
9- Planet Palm by Jocelyn Zuckerman
8- On Writing by Stephen King
7- Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown
6- The Eye of the Trainer by Ken Ramirez
5-Finding Eco-Happiness by Sandy Schwartz
4- Where the Wild Things Were by William Stoltzenburg
3- Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet by Thich Nhat Hanh
2- Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
1- Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols
I also share a special Tell Me a Story where I talk about our move to Tacoma.
Want more Zoo-notable goodness while I'm on break? Join the ZooFit Pride on Patreon, or sign up for my newsletter/blog on ZooFit.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Happy Vet Tech Week. I'm sharing some really insightful and helpful information for animal care technicians from an expert in the field, Dr. Kimberly Pope-Robinson, who has written an incredible book The Unspoken Life. We sat down to discuss what the Unspoken Life is like, how we can be more "spoken for" through self-care and filling our balloons, and go from broken and battered to resilient and rejuvenated.
Kim shared a TON of resources, so check her out at https://1lifecc.com/ to download free worksheets, watch free videos, and stock up on 1LifeConnected items to remind us that self-care is an important aspect of animal care.
Definition of Burnout
Take a Bubble Break
Brown Gauze Moment
1LifeConnected Courses
The Unspoken Life Book and Coloring Book
And check out ZooFit for more ways to provide self-care so we can show up as our best selves for the animals, our community, and the planet.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
To celebrate Indigenous People's Day, I'm sharing the fantastic wisdom from the book Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
This is probably the most profound Zoonotable I feel I’ve ever done.
I have always revered Native Americans for their relationship with the earth. But to be honest, I’ve never felt connected to their way of life. It was THEIR way, and while I feel more connected to nature than I do to say, a city, I just didn’t feel I could practice the Indigenous principles. But with Braiding Sweetgrass, I feel as if I’ve been given permission, invited, and encouraged to let the traditions live on. Not to appropriate, but to revitalize a way of living that is pretty attuned with what I believe.
The main idea Robin brings up AGAIN AND AGAIN is that of RECIPROCITY, the two-way relationship between people and the planet. Give, share, and connect. I loved this book so much and I think you will to, so let’s dig in to Braiding Sweetgrass.
Want to grab your own copy? Check out your local library or bookstore:
Find your local library
Order from your local bookstore
Loved this Zoo-notable? I'll be posting bonus material on my Patreon site, where fans can support creators, which will help improve and expand Zoo-notables and other ZooFit programs.
Connect with me and stay up to date with ZooFit happenings and information- https://www.zoofit.net/
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
While I have discussed this incredible book before, I'm revisiting it in honor of Butterfly and Hummingbird Day (10/3). This book is essential reading for anyone in the conservation or animal care field, doing what we can to make a difference in the animals' lives and the world around us.
Visit us and become a part of ZooFit's Pride online at zoofit.net or on Patreon
If you are struggling with compassion fatigue, burnout, or anxiety, I am here to help. Contact me through ZooFit, and let's get you on the path to changing the world by taking care of yourself.
We discuss being animalish, not being alone, finding your legacy, being objective, and conservation's long game.
Check out your local library or local bookstore to grab your copy.
Support ZooFit and Zoo-notable on Patreon and at ZooFit.net
Welcome back to Zoo-notable. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve shared a new note, but I’m back for the next month or so before I go on my reading break. This week is National Dog Week, and today’s book is perfect to celebrate our canine best pals. I recently read some of Steven Kotler’s work, who wrote a great book called the Art of Impossible and other books. But I was intrigued by a title in his collection with a cute Chihuahua on the cover. It was titled A Small Furry Prayer with a subtitle Dog Rescue and the Meaning of Life. A peak performance guru talking about dog rescue? I read the back cover, and this prolific writer actually runs a dog rescue with his wife in New Mexico called Rancho de Chihuahua. Wow, I remember thinking, I believe this may be a kindred soul—a true animal loving writer who wants to help change the world.
A Small Furry Prayer is not your typical memoir. Kotler is a journalist by nature, and has interwoven some absolutely fascinating gems about our natural history with dogs (starting with wolves), pet ownership, and what it truly means to be an animal caregiver. He speaks of altruism, empathy, and even the compassion fatigue we can suffer from losing our beloved animals, often too soon.
Find your copy of Small Furry Prayer at your local bookstore or at your local library
Connect with ZooFit and support our work at ZooFit and on Patreon
August is National Park Month, and what better way to celebrate than by discussing a book which discusses the positive benefits of experiencing nature, Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. Today, we'll discuss Talking the Talk versus Walking the (Nature) Walk, the Bogeyman Syndrome, Our Intelligence Type, Paying Attention versus Being Careful, and Movement Makes Us Smarter.
Learn more about Richard Louv on his website Richardlouv.com
Find Last Child in the Woods, along with several other fantastic books by Richard Louv at your local bookstore, or visit your favorite National Park, Wildlife Refuge, or nature center.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Do animals feel anxiety? Do they cave under pressure, overeat certain foods, do risky behavior, become addicted to substances? More important than the specific answer to these questions is what can we learn as humans from the idea that wild animals can feel anxiety, cave under pressure, overeat, do risky behaviors, and become addicted to certain substances?
That’s what we’re going to tackle today as we discuss the book Zoobiquity.
Find out more about Zoobiquity and how our health and well-being is connected with animals.
Connect more with ZooFit online to see how our healthy habits can be improved by training like an animal.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
To close up National Zookeeper Week, I'm sitting down with my good friend and mentor, Stephanie Miller, to discuss her 30 year career working with animals in Atlanta and Seattle. We discuss empathy, what it means to be a keeper, and how to connect our audience to conservation in meaningful ways.
Visit Woodland Park Zoo (in-person or online), or find your local zoo and thank a keeper for all their hard work!
Want more Zookeeper Week goodness? Check out ZooFit.net for my daily blogs this past week for zookeeper inspired recipes, workouts, and stories to help you stay focused and promote self-care.
Email me at pj@zoofit.net to connect with me, I'm always available to help animal care professionals and conservationists be the best versions of themselves!
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
National Zookeeper Week is here! On this special episode of Zoo-notable, I sit down with Ken Ramirez, animal trainer extraordinaire, Vice President of Karen Pryor Clicker Training, and author of The Eye of the Trainer. We discuss training animal trainers, meeting people (and animals) where they are, how punishment works and doesn't work, and not jumping to conclusions, among many other topics covered in The Eye of the Trainer.
From the book description on Karen Pryor Clicker Training site: "In The Eye of the Trainer, Ken Ramirez brings to life the power of positive reinforcement training to build trust and transform lives.
Ken is one of the most creative, cogent, and effective animal trainers in the world. His positive reinforcement training principles and practices are studied, replicated, and applied in settings as diverse as conservation efforts with elephants on the African plains, canine search and rescue in Texas, oil-disaster recovery for sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico, butterfly training in England, and animal shelters in Chicago.
In this inspiring, heartwarming, and hopeful series of essays chronicling his 40+ years of global exploration and observation, Ken shares not only the intriguing personalities of the animals that shaped his life, but how their unique challenges influenced his training choices, philosophy, and worldview.
A must-read for anyone who lives with, studies, or works with animals, Ken’s training wisdom, principled guidance, and practical advice call us to see the world through his eyes. Ken’s world is one where great training transforms the shy animal into the confident one, the aggressive into the calm, and the mistrustful into the trustful—and even the unsupportive boss into an ally.
See the world better. See it differently. See it through The Eye of the Trainer."
Want more goodness from Ken and Karen Pryor? Join Ken on The Ranch to take your training skills to the next level, get certified, or join hundreds of other positive reinforcement trainers at the Karen Pryor ClickerExpo. Learn more at ClickerTraining.com
Grab a copy of The Eye of the Trainer online, or at your local bookstore. And ask your library to get a copy for distribution.
Want more ZooFit and Zoo-notable goodness? Join the ZooFit Pride on Patreon and get access to bonus material, excerpts from my new book, and opportunities to connect with me and other ZooFitters. And join me all week long on our blog at ZooFit.net for National Zookeeper Week celebratory blog posts.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
What better way to celebrate Plastic Free July than learning how to be more mindful in our consumption and daily practices? Thich Nhat Hanh, great Buddhist Zen Master shows us how social justice, compassion, and environmental practices are interwoven in this profound book, Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet.
Grab your copy here: Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet
Learn more about Thich Nhat Hanh and his tremendous work: Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation and Plum Village
Connect with ZooFit and learn how to become more mindful, as well as how to establish healthy self-care habits:
ZooFit
Support ZooFit and Zoo-notables on Patreon
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
We end June with a special Pride Month celebration of LGBTQ representation in the animal kingdom and the fascinating book Queer Ducks by Eliot Schrefer.
This groundbreaking illustrated nonfiction title from two-time National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestselling author Eliot Schrefer is a well-researched and teen-friendly exploration of the gamut of queer behaviors observed in animals.
A quiet revolution has been underway in recent years, with study after study revealing substantial same-sex sexual behavior in animals. Join celebrated author Eliot Schrefer on an exploration of queer behavior in the animal world—from albatrosses to bonobos to clownfish to doodlebugs.
In sharp and witty prose—aided by humorous comics from artist Jules Zuckerberg—Schrefer uses science, history, anthropology, and sociology to illustrate the diversity of sexual behavior in the animal world. Interviews with researchers in the field offer additional insights for readers and aspiring scientists.
Queer behavior in animals is as diverse and complex—and as natural—as it is in our own species. It doesn’t set us apart from animals—it bonds us even closer to our animal selves.
Find out more at eliotschrefer.com
Learn more about diversity in the animal kingdom with Biological Exuberance by Bruce Bagemihl and Evolution's Rainbow by Joan Roughgarden.
Connect with ZooFit to share Pride in the Animal Kingdom. Check out my blog and even my favorite workout on YouTube
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
In our second book celebrating World Oceans Month, I sit down to talk to author Erin Pyne to discuss her book Dolphin Journey. We discuss empathy and how we can help dolphins to save the oceans and other marine animals, plus we geek out about Harry Potter (because of course we did!) and take trips down memory lane. Erin also shares a special story with her animals, inspiring me to work on building trust with myself and others to create more heroes. Heroes have strength for two, and protect what they love!
Want more? Grab your copy of Dolphin Journey, and connect with Erin on her website and social media.
Join the ZooFit Pride on Patreon, check out ZooFit's new podcast, and sign up for our newsletter/blog.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
To celebrate World Ocean Day, I'm diving into a fantastic book that inspired me and motivated me to get in touch with nature, myself, and connect with others in a nurturing way.
Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols celebrates and honors the way being near, in, on, or under water makes us happier, healthier, more connected, and better at what we do!
Check out Blue Mind and Jay's work at wallacejnichols.org
Related Zoo-notables:
Secret Lives of Bats by Merlin Tuttle
Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown
Want more Zoo-notable goodness? Support us on Patreon and receive bonus Big Ideas and much more!
Stay updated and informed: https://zoofit.net/
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
On this International Day of Biodiversity, I show how we are all connected, and how you have a special purpose in life, no matter who you are. You can make a difference.
Our Big Ideas: Everyone has a special and important purpose (Lessons from a Sea Star), Everything is Connected (Lessons from Reintroducing Wolves to Yellowstone), Keystone Species and Keystone Habits (Lessons from a Sea Otter), We Will Never Know it All (Lessons from Researchers), and Biodiversity Makes Communities Thrive (Lessons from the Animal Kingdom).
Find this book and other great books from Zoo-notable at your local library: https://www.worldcat.org/libraries
Support ZooFit and future projects and stay updated with exciting offers and opportunities:
Join the ZooFit Pride on Patreon
Follow more of ZooFit online: https://www.zoofit.net/
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This is part two of one of my favorite books of all time, Animal Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Last week we delved into the general Big Ideas from the book; this week I'm having some fun and sharing some of my own personal stories that mirror or parallel Barbara's. We'll talk about growing zucchini, cooking pumpkin, and how to talk to restaurant and store managers about conservation issues.
Listen to last week's episode here.
Read some of my delicious recipes for pumpkin on ZooFit.net:
Add Some Pumpkin Spice to Your Life
Craving Pumpkins Instead of Carving Them
Roasted Pumpkin for Halloween
Join my Patreon to get bonus recipes and watch recipe demos!
Other mentioned or related Zoo-notables:
Cooking Green by Kate Heyhoe
A Year of Living Kindly by Donna Cameron
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
To celebrate Mother's Day, here's one of my mom's favorite authors and our favorite book, Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. This is Part one, focusing a little more on Mother Earth (for Mother's Day) and next week I'll share some more fun ideas and stories inspired from the book.
Animal Vegetable Miracle is a chronicle of one family's journey to eat closer to home, literally, and bringing home to a worldly stage with wisdom about the Food Industry and how local eating, and supporting your community has a ripple effect to protect the planet, eat healthier, and make the world a little brighter of a place.
Other Zoo-notables mentioned: Planet Palm by Jocelyn Zuckerman; Year of Living Kindly by Donna Cameron
Learn more about Empathy and the impact it has on growing a more resilient and conservation-focused community with Seattle Aquarium's Empathy Cafe.
Learn more about ZooFit and our projects at ZooFit.net
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
We're heading to the kitchen (my favorite room in the house!) to learn how our eating and cooking habits impact the environment with today's book Cooking Green by Kate Heyhoe. Connect with her at New Green Basics.
Check out ZooFit for some Eating Green recipes!
Support us on Patreon for bonuses such as recipe demos, eating green tips, and more!
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
What better way to celebrate Easter and Earth Day than a children's classic environmental tale, The Lorax? We'll share some great insight on environmental practices, but also great life lessons such as never giving up and always trying to do better.
Check out Danny Devito reading The Lorax on YouTube.
Check out my blog on the Lessons from a Tiger.
And some related Zoo-notables on the subject:
The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change
Dave Johnson and Zoodiac Kids
Be a Sloth
We're celebrating Earth Month throughout April to promote environmental activism and conservation action. Today we dive into Al Gore's follow-up to his Inconvenient Truth with his 2009 book Our Choice.
Learn more about how to make the connections between our conservation efforts and seeing success in our own lives by visiting me on ZooFit.net, and support our work on Patreon.
Other Zoo-notables mentioned and related:
Wangari Maathai
Planet Palm by Jocelyn Zuckerman
The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change by Grady Klein and Yoram Bauman, PhD
Superman's Not Coming by Erin Brockovich
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Sandi Schwartz has written the book I dream of writing myself. So naturally, I was super excited to have her on Zoo-notable to talk about her new book coming out May 3, Finding Eco-Happiness. Raise calmer, happier, healthier children with these fun, hands-on nature activities for parents and kids to enjoy together. Even if you don't have children, this book is incredible for helping you deal with anxiety, depression, and burnout in a naturally healthy way. You can pre-order the book anywhere you shop for books (may I recommend IndieBound and support local bookstores).
Connect with Sandi and learn more about her wonderful passion to connect everyone to the earth in a healthy and positive way at https://ecohappinessproject.com/
ZooFit also strives to connect us to the earth in a positive way. Sign up for our newsletter and blog, and support us through Patreon.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This is a special episode, talking to author Bonni Goldberg about her new book, The Write Balance. We discuss how percolating leads to exceptional writing and productivity (this is not JUST for writers), some scary and helpful exercises Bonni encourages us to take to help with revisions and going public, and how to share our creative spirit without breaking your balance.
Connect with Bonni and grab her books (I'm grabbing the 2-minute journals, myself!): https://bonnigoldberg.com/
Reviews are a writer's (and other creators') best friend! Consider leaving a review for Bonni on Amazon, Goodreads, or sharing with friends.
Want to see how I've gone public with my own creative endeavors? Check out my Blog, Books, YouTube, and Patreon. Support my projects by subscribing and sharing with others!
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Jan spent more than 30 years as a teacher, and shares her insights as she started her journey, and ended her journey as a teacher for youth. Jan shares what it means to be a teacher, how to be a good teacher, and her favorite moments as a teacher.
Grab a copy yourself, connect with Mrs. Wright, and share your thoughts with the author: DearMrsWright.com
Give the best gift an author can receive, leave a review and let others know what this book meant to you (we don't care if you liked or disliked it, leave an honest review).
How can you apply the knowledge Mrs. Wright shared in your life? Each day a new learning opportunity, and a new teaching moment!
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Sy Montgomery is an award-winning author who lives in New Hampshire with their border collie Thurber and a flock of hens, known as the ladies. You can visit her online at symontgomery.com, on Instagram @sytheauthor, and on Twitter @sytheauthor.
"Understanding someone who belongs to another species can be transformative. No one knows this better than author, naturalist, and adventurer Sy Montgomery. To research her books, Sy has traveled the world and encountered some of the planet’s rarest and most beautiful animals. From tarantulas to tigers, Sy’s life continually intersects with and is informed by the creatures she meets.
This restorative memoir reflects on the personalities and quirks of thirteen animals—Sy’s friends—and the truths revealed by their grace. It also explores vast themes: the otherness and sameness of people and animals; the various ways we learn to love and become empathetic; how we find our passion; how we create our families; coping with loss and despair; gratitude; forgiveness; and most of all, how to be a good creature in the world."
We'll discuss the big ideas of realizing we are all one, opening your heart, conquering fear, healing in nature, and the importance of play.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
I'm revisiting an older Zoo-notable with A Year of Living Kindly by Donna Cameron, because, right now, I feel the world could use a little kindness, compassion, and love.
You can view the old interview with Donna on YouTube
Check out her book and grab your own copy: https://ayearoflivingkindly.com/the-book/
And find out more ways we can spread kindness around the world:
-
Project Hope
-
World Central Kitchen
-
Save the Children
-
International Committee of the Red Cross
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
In this special Zoo-notable, I speak with author Seán Dwyer and his remarkable story A Quest for Tears, about surviving and learning to thrive after a traumatic brain injury. We discuss his Seán 2.0, and how, after a traumatic life event, we will never be the same person we were, and how this is OKAY.
If you are struggling with TBI, medical issues, or life events, know that you aren't alone, and there are those who can support you, encourage you, and help you heal. Seán's book showed that there is hope, and there is life after trauma.
Want a copy for yourself? Seán has books on sale on his website. Support a local author and help spread the word about this very important message.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Celebrating a true conservation hero in every sense of the word, I'm delving into the book Wildlife Warrior about the life and tragic death of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, by Richard Shears. We discuss ideas such as BEING passionate about your work rather than just following your passion, meeting people where they are at, awareness, and your legacy to change the world.
Want more books about Steve? Check out Steve and Me by Terri Irwin andThe Crocodile Hunter by Steve Irwin, as well as Wildlife Warrior.
Find your local library: https://www.worldcat.org/libraries
Support Zoo-notable and other projects I am working on to help others be the best version of themselves so we can all make a difference in the world-
Patreon
ZooFit
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
It's time to upgrade what we think about love, and celebrate positive connections with others to create happiness, hopefulness, and health in our lives and those around us!
Learn more about Love 2.0, and Barbara's amazing research into what she calls our "supreme emotion": https://www.positivityresonance.com/
Find this book and more at your local library: https://www.worldcat.org/libraries
Support Zoo-notable and all our projects (I'm writing my own book!!) : Patreon and ZooFit Website
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Celebrating Black History Month with my favorite conservation hero, Wangari Maathai. She is the Nobel Peace Prize winning founder of the Green Belt Movement, and an activist for women's rights as well as environmental protection. Wangari is also where I first heard the remarkable Hummingbird story that shaped a lot of my conservation behavior, including my ideas about conservation fitness (connect to the earth in a healthy and positive way!).
Learn more about Wangari and find her books here: https://www.greenbeltmovement.org/wangari-maathai/books
I borrowed all the books from my local library, but I've ordered her memoir Unbowed. So it's entirely possible we will get another Zoo-notable about Wangari in the near future.
The books we discuss today are: Seeds of Change by Jen Cullerton Johnson
Planting Peace by Gwendolyn Hooks
Wangari’s Trees of Peace—Jeanette Winter
Planting the Trees of Kenya—Claire A. Nivola
Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Trees to Bring Change, by Lisa Crayton
Find your local library to discover secret gems and hidden knowledge.
Support Zoo-notable by sharing this podcast and joining our Pride on Patreon
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
When I heard of Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh's passing on January 22, I knew I needed to share some of his wisdom as a way to honor this wonderful teacher in mindfulness and peace. Miracle of Mindfulness is one of his earliest works, and packs a lot of wisdom in a short amount of pages.
Find this book and others by Thich Nhat Hanh at your local library: https://www.worldcat.org/libraries
Support Zoo-notable on Patreon
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
We're discussing the king of self-improvement books today with The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. There's a reason this is the #1 self-improvement book in the world, it is chock-full of wisdom gems. I'm sharing the big ideas that jumped out at me the most while reading this incredible tome.
Grab a copy here or visit your local library
Be a part of ZooFit Tribe and support all our projects such as Zoo-notable on Patreon, a fan-supported platform where you can connect with your favorite artists and creators.
Learn more about ZooFit at https://www.zoofit.net/
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
It may not be your typical Zoo-notable, but Words to Live By is still a fascinating and insightful book that can change how we view meditation, and help us reap all the potential benefits!
Want to learn more?
Grab a copy of Words to Live By
Learn more ways to improve your life with Optimize FOR FREE
Join the ZooFit Pride on Patreon for bonus material, including bonus insights on Words to Live By
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Have goals and big dreams for 2022? Then THIS is definitely the Zoo-notable for you. We're going to delve into the new science of motivation so we can rock out our resolutions, goals, and hopes for the coming year.
Gabrielle Oettingen has been a researcher on motivation for more than 20 years, and her book Rethinking Positive Thinking will change your life as you WOOP your life.
Interested in more? Definitely check out WOOPmylife.org for more content and ideas on this life-changer.
Other Zoo-notables you may be interested in for the new year: Tal Ben-Shahar's Pursuit of Perfect and Hal Elrod's Miracle Morning and Miracle Equation.
Stay connected with ZooFit:
ZooFit.net
Patreon
YouTube
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
For this special Christmastime episode of Zoo-notable, I'm sharing my absolutely favorite book series of all time, the Harry Potter books by JK Rowling.
This series is one of the best-selling series of all time, and for a good reason. They are masterfully written and tell one helluva a hero's story. Rather than pick one book within the series, I chose an idea from each of the books. Let me know what you think!
I mention in Big Idea #5 from The Order of the Phoenix the Wizard Rock band Harry and the Potters and their song The Weapon. Check them out and welcome to the Harry Potter Fandom!
Love Zoo-notable? Check out more from ZooFit:
Join the ZooFit Safari Challenge, a full year of recipes, workouts, and classes to help you be the best version of yourself all year long!
Join the ZooFit Pride on Patreon and earn cool bonus episodes of Zoo-notable, Healthy You Healthy Earth, and more!
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
How do you get your dream job, or achieve success in all your endeavors? You get so good "they" can't ignore you! Let's dive into this insightful book discussing Craftsman Mindset, Deep Work, and gaining the attention you seek in your career, life, and fitness.
So much goodness, but if you would like to learn more about Optimize, and sign up for FREE lifetime membership, check it out here.
If you would like to spiral up more and become a coach for just $300, improving your life so we can change the world, check THAT out here
Books mentioned in this Zoo-notable:
Cal Newport- So Good They Can't Ignore You, Deep Work, Digital Minimalism
Steven Pressfield- The War of Art, Turning Pro
Steven Kotler- The Art of Impossible
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This was hands down one of my favorite interviews I've done all year. Lynn is an inspiration to all those who wish to dedicate their lives to caring for animals and inspiring conservation of endangered species.
Throughout her zoo career, Lynn Killam has experienced everything from witnessing the birth of a baby orangutan to chasing down an escaped tapir in the middle of the night. She has spent forty years working with animals and traveling to remote rain forests of the earth to see them in nature. From colorful descriptions of the sometimes eccentric characters making up the zoo world to essays on her encounters with wild animals, this is an emotional and gripping look at the realities of zoo life and traveling to see wildlife in foreign lands.
In our discussion, we discuss learning on the job, learning from our mistakes, conservation of our favorite animals, eco-tourism and good zoos always progressing.
Grab your copy of Zookeeper Dreams and Travel Extremes today!
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
It's NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and I thought I'd share some deep wisdom from a master on the craft of writing, Stephen King and his fantastic memoir On Writing.
Find this book and other great books from Zoo-notable at your local library: https://www.worldcat.org/libraries
Support ZooFit and future projects and stay updated with exciting offers and opportunities:
Join the ZooFit Pride on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/zoofit?fan_landing=true
and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/349632132955510
Follow more of ZooFit online:
https://www.zoofit.net/
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Clare Meeker is a great friend to ZooFit, having written books about Woodland Park Zoo, where I spent 6 wonderful years caring for animals. Clare is a children's author of several books. She stopped by Zoo-notable to discuss her AWARD-WINNING BOOK Growing Up Gorilla. We talked about gorillas, conservation, and how to turn your passions into meaningful endeavors.
Want to learn more, or get Growing Up Gorilla into your zoo's gift shop? Connect with Clare, and meet a wonderful zoo-supporter who shares her skills with others to educate and make the world a better place. https://www.claremeeker.com/
Learn more about how recycling your cell phone can save gorillas: https://www.eco-cell.com/
Support ZooFit and future projects and stay updated with exciting offers and opportunities:
Join the ZooFit Pride on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/zoofit?fan_landing=true
and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/349632132955510
Follow more of ZooFit online: https://www.zoofit.net/
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
In honor of Orangutan Caring Week (because Awareness isn't enough, we have to CARE, folks!) I finally got my hands on a copy of Planet Palm by Jocelyn C. Zuckerman. Let's help our "people of the forest" by learning all we can about how our consumer choices impact our health, other humans, the environment, and our wonderful wildlife.
Want to grab your own copy of Planet Palm to learn more? Check it out here: https://thenewpress.com/books/planet-palm
Find this book and other great books from Zoo-notable at your local library: https://www.worldcat.org/libraries
Support ZooFit and future projects and stay updated with exciting offers and opportunities:
Join the ZooFit Pride on Patreon and Facebook
Follow more of ZooFit online
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
I cannot speak highly-enough about Brené Brown and her work to be vulnerable, courageous, and transform our lives-- to shine bright as radiant exemplars. She is an amazing person, and her latest book Braving the Wilderness exemplifies her passion and life's work.
There are so many resources to look more into Brené's work, but here is just a sampling:
Ted Talk: The Power of Vulnerability
Optimize Philosopher Notes on Daring Greatly
https://brenebrown.com/
Want more books on similar topics? You may likeDo It Scared,The Pursuit of Perfect, and The Flight of the Hummingbird
Find this book and other great books from Zoo-notable at your local library: https://www.worldcat.org/libraries
Support ZooFit and future projects and stay updated with exciting offers and opportunities:
Join the ZooFit Pride on Patreon and Facebook and ZooFit online
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Merlin Tuttle is the real life Batman. His mission to save bats around the world has led on extraordinary journeys, making friends along the way from some of the most unlikely allies. His book The Secret Lives of Bats details some of those adventures, and shares interesting insight on these mysterious and misunderstood creatures of the night.
Want to learn more: Visit merlintuttle.org for more information on bats and how we can save them
Find The Secret Lives of Bats and other great books from Zoo-notable at your local library: https://www.worldcat.org/libraries
Support ZooFit and future projects and stay updated with exciting offers and opportunities:
Join the ZooFit Pride on Patreon for cool extra perks and support all ZooFit’s endeavors: https://www.patreon.com/zoofit?fan_landing=true
And Follow more of ZooFit online:
https://www.zoofit.net/
Join ZooFit's Pride on Facebook
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
**What could go wrong if you do backflips on the school bus?
How exactly does a potato cannon become a flamethrower?
Are bananaberries real?**
The answers to these questions and so much more await you inside this hilarious collection of short stories from the life of Chris Loper. It’s a lighthearted mix of '90s nostalgia, teenage hijinks, and mountain adventures, with a few actual life lessons thrown in for good measure.
Totally Real Testimonials
“I’m so glad I met him AFTER all of the events in this book.” –Chris’s partner
“I swear it’s not our fault. Look at our other son! He’s very responsible.” –Chris’s parents
“Really makes me look good by comparison.” –Chris’s brother
“But ‘Safety’ really IS my middle name!” –Chris’s best friend
“No, no it’s not.” –Chris’s best friend’s wife
Chris Loper is the author of a humorous memoir titled Wood Floats and Other Brilliant Observations. He is also the creator of BecomingBetter.org, a website devoted to self-improvement that actually works. As a habit coach, he helps busy adults with behavioral change and productivity. Chris also writes a blog about learning for parents and students for Northwest Educational Services, and he is the owner of South Cove Tutoring in Issaquah, WA.
We talk a LOT about Optimize and Brian Johnson's Optimize Program. Check it out! Seriously, it changed our lives!
Support ZooFit and future projects and stay updated with exciting offers and opportunities:
Join the ZooFit Pride on Patreon for cool extra perks and support all ZooFit’s endeavors:
https://www.patreon.com/zoofit?fan_landing=true
And Follow more of ZooFit online:
https://www.zoofit.net/
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Does your fear hold you back from accomplishing your dreams and being the best version of yourself? Let Do It Scared show how to conquer your fears by naming them, taking action, and become the hero or heroine of your own story.
Like this Zoo-Notable? You'll LOVE the book-- grab a copy of it here
Previous Zoo-Notables: Erin Brockovich Superman's Not Coming
The Flight of the Hummingbird
Tal Ben-Shahar Pursuit of Perfect
Support ZooFit and Zoo-notable and all our projects: Patreon - a fan-funded site where you can earn bonus material from ZooFit
ZooFit Newsletter and Blog- stay up to date and receive special offers while learning how to make fitness empowering, engaging, and impactful.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change is a well-informed and easy-to-understand look at what climate change is and isn't, how to discuss it with others, and the impact it has on the planet. We look at Big Ideas such as Living Like Americans, Tragedy of the Commons, and Finding Your Way to Make a Difference.
Find this book and other influential books from Zoo-notable at your local library: https://www.worldcat.org/libraries
Join the ZooFit Pride on Patreon for cool extra perks and support all ZooFit’s endeavors:
https://www.patreon.com/zoofit?fan_landing=true
And Follow more of ZooFit online:
https://www.zoofit.net/
How can improving your sleep improve your life's work, and your health? Matthew Walker, neuro-psychologist and sleep expert shares the wonders of this vital activity in his book Why We Sleep.
Want to check out the entire book? Or other Zoo-notable books? Find them at your local library: https://www.worldcat.org/libraries
Support ZooFit and all our projects, including Zoo-notables by joining the other Hummingbirds and the ZooFit Tribe on Patreon or visiting our website ZooFit.net
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Dave Johnson is a zookeeper and conservationist who started the Katie Adamson Conservation Fund (KACF) to honor a wonderful friend and fellow conservationist. He has written 3 books and has a 4th one coming out December 2021, I am Katie. We're discussing all the wonderful projects the KACF is doing, as well as the delightful and enlightening book Zoodiac Kids.
Want to do more to help Dave and his fantastic organization raise awareness and save countless species? Learn more and grab a copy of Zoodiac Kids:
KACF.eco
Did you love my discussion on Zoodiac Kids? What idea or theme stuck out the most to you? Connect with ZooFit to join in on fun fitness, wellness, and self-care discussions and ways we can connect to the earth, and ourselves, in a healthy and positive way!
ZooFit
ZooFit Tribe on Facebook
Support ZooFit on Patreon
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Today we discuss some incredible life lessons from a sloth. In this adorably illustrated short book by Sarah Ford, Sloth teaches us lessons to living a happy and content life by avoiding the rat race and taking life at his own pace. He exemplifies living green and training positive.
Some further links-
Join ZooFit Tribe on Patreon
Check out Be a Sloth or grab a copy for yourself
Check out other life lessons from the animal kingdom:
Tiger
Pride in the Animal Kingdom
Zookeepers
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Celebrate Plastic-Free July AND National Zookeeper Week with a great book written by a zookeeper to help us all reduce our plastic waste.
Reuse, Recycle, Reduce Your Waist helps create wins all around with making fitness fun and enjoyable, saving money, and keeping our landfills just a little bit clearer of household junk.
Want to grab your copy of Reuse, Recycle, Reduce Your Waist? Visit ZooFit's website, and sign up for my newsletter/blog and stay updated with all ZooFit projects and learn how to make fitness fun, engaging, and impactful.
During National Zookeeper Week (July 18-July 25) sign up for my newsletter and be entered to win a ZooFit Bundle (ZooFit Exercise Guide, ZooFit Safari, and Reuse Recycle Reduce Your Waist, Animal Exercise Cards, and a ZooFit Keeper T-Shirt). Winner will be notified by email on July 26.
Even if you don't win the bundle you can still score big on savings. Get 50% off Reuse Recycle Reduce Your Waist for the rest of July using coupon code NZKW2021 at checkout.
Support ZooFit and earn cool bonus material by becoming a member of ZooFit Tribe on Patreon. We can't do this without YOU! So, let's go have some fun!
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
I sit down to chat with author Julia Goldstein about her amazing book Rethink the Bins, and simple actions we can take to reduce our waste and our impact on the planet. We don't just discuss plastics, but food waste and other consumer choices that have an impact on the planet.
You can learn more about Rethink the Bins and Material Value, and connect with Julia online at juliagoldsteinauthor.com
Support ZooFit and learn more about how to connect with the earth and yourself in a healthy and positive way on Patreon: ZooFit Tribe
Check out ZooFit online
And connect with ZooFit on social media: https://sleekbio.com/zoofit
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Break free from societal norms with the wisdom from Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch.
Learn more about Intuitive Eating and get the book!
Support ZooFit on Patreon, join the Eating Positive Challenge, as I implement the ideas of Intuitive Eating to make nutrition and wellness fun and enjoyable for each one of us.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
I had so much fun nerding out on animal behavior with our guest tonight that I'm splitting the Zoo-notable on his amazing book, Zoomility, into 2 parts. Here is part 2 where we continue our talk on how positive reinforcement empowers us and the animals and teaches us to never give up!
Listen to Part 1 here: https://anchor.fm/pj-beaven/episodes/Zoo-notable-15--Zoomility-with-Dr--Grey-Stafford-Part-1-e13gs9c
Learn more about Zoomility, Zoo Logic, and Dr. Grey Stafford's projects here:
Website
Zoo Logic Podcast
Kong Zoo
Check out some of these related Zoo-notables:
Lads Before the Wind by Karen Pryor
Dragons, Unicorns, Chimera and Clickers
Pursuit of Perfect by Tal Ben-Shahar
Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
Join the ZooFit Tribe on Patreon- learn to apply these training principles to your own fitness
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
I had so much fun nerding out on animal behavior with our guest tonight that I'm splitting the Zoo-notable on his amazing book, Zoomility, into 2 parts. Here is part 1 where we discuss some of the negative effects of punishment, the benefits of positive reinforcement, and how setting our animals up for success actually sets US up for success!
Learn more about Zoomility, Zoo Logic, and Dr. Grey Stafford's projects here:
Website
Zoo Logic Podcast
Kong Zoo
Join the ZooFit Tribe on Patreon- learn to apply these training principles to your own fitness
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The ever confusing question "What should I eat?" becomes simpler with Michael Pollan's book titled Food Rules. This tiny book is power-packed with great ideas all centered around the theme of Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly plants. We'll discuss how to treat your meat, navigating the supermarket, cooking, and the idea that How you eat is as important as What you eat.
Check out Michael Pollan and more of his fascinating books here: https://michaelpollan.com/books/
Join the ZooFit Tribe on Patreon. Follow me along on my Eating Positive Challenge to learn how ZooFit really works to make fitness, nutrition, and conservation empowering, engaging, and FUN! https://www.patreon.com/zoofit
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The Pursuit of Perfect by Tal Ben-Shahar is the perfect read for anyone wanting to level up their life, and shift from a Perfectionist mindset to the Optimalist mindset. In this Note, we discuss Learn to Fail or Fail to Learn, The Good Enough Principle, Being a Benefit-Finder, the PRP (LRS for humans), and Gratitude and Hope to end Suffering.
Discover more of what Tal Ben-Shahar has to offer by visiting his website: http://www.talbenshahar.com/
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
We are embarking on a wonderful safari in this Zoo-notable. John Strelecky is a master of parables. Along with this book Life Safari, he also has Why Are You Here Cafe?, and Big Five for Life.
Learn more about John and his books at johnstrelecky.com
Support ZooFit so we can continue with our programs, continuously growing and spiraling up. Join the ZooFit Tribe on Patreon, a fan-funded site where you can support your favorite creators.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Stephanie Schuttler is also known as the Fancy Scientist, breaking down the barriers of what we THINK scientists are all about. If you've wanted to pursue a career in studying wildlife, you are going to love our conversation. We discuss how to deal with rejection, sparking curiosity about life and the world around us, the scientific method, and the Bigger Picture.
Her book is called Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology. Learn more about Stephanie and her amazing work at https://stephanieschuttler.com/
Support ZooFit as we grow to make optimizing our life and the world around us simple, achievable, and most importantly fun! Join the ZooFit Tribe on Patreon for bonus material and behind-the-scenes content. Don't miss a thing! https://www.patreon.com/zoofit
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Want to know what it takes to achieve all your dreams and goals? Just the Miracle Equation-- Unwavering Faith and Extraordinary Effort.
We'll discuss some big ideas such as what is Unwavering Faith and Extraordinary Effort, The Real Purpose of Goals, How to Create Accountability, and Programming Our Brain to Perform Miracles.
If you would like to check out Miracle Equation for yourself: https://themiracleequation.com/
Support ZooFit on Patreon, receive members only bonus content and help improve ZooFit and improve lives! https://www.patreon.com/zoofit
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Reporter Ana is brought behind the scenes of a particularly unique and wonderful zoo, filled with magical creatures. As Ana observes Bigfoot, chimera, griffins, and even the loch ness monster interacting and working with their wonderful human caregivers, she learns about positive reinforcement training, and how using positivity creates magic wherever you go.
Connect with Laura online at: http://lauravanarendonkbaugh.com/
Check out her live stream on Tuesdays at 7 pm (EST)
Want to make fitness as fun and effective as training animals at a magical zoo? Join ZooFit online at https://www.zoofit.net/
https://sleekbio.com/zoofit
Join the ZooFit Tribe with amazing fun workouts, recipes, and bonus interviews on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/zoofit
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
In our last Earth Month Zoo-notable, I discuss my book ZooFit Safari and how saving the planet can be good for us in achieving our health and fitness goals.
Learn more about ZooFit and get your copy of ZooFit Safari at https://www.zoofit.net/
Support ZooFit and receive extra bonus material like interviews, special workouts, recipes, and classes by signing up for Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/zoofit
Other books you may enjoy:
Food Rules by Michael Pollan: https://michaelpollan.com/books/food-rules/
Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch: https://www.intuitiveeating.org/
Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg: https://tinyhabits.com/
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Celebrating Earth Month with this fascinating call to action from Erin Brockovich in her latest book "Superman's Not Coming". Let's do our part to be the heroes the world needs.
Grab your own copy of Superman's Not Coming or simply learn more about Erin Brockovich and her work: https://www.brockovich.com/
Support ZooFit and future projects: https://www.patreon.com/zoofit
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
April is National Frog Month, so what better time to revisit a childhood favorite story of mine-- Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel. We discuss big ideas such as creating flow and structure with your day, nourishing your soul, and improving your willpower.
Want to read Frog and Toad or some of your other favorites from your childhood? Visit your local library, or look your favorite books up at https://www.biblio.com/.
Did you enjoy this Zoo-notable? Look for added bonuses and support ZooFit's projects by becoming a Hummingbird or joining the ZooFit Tribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/zoofit.
Learn more how you can connect with the earth in a healthy and positive way at https://www.zoofit.net/
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Celebrating Earth Month, I felt it completely appropriate to it off with a parable perfect for the environment, or anyone working towards a bodacious goal in life. I embody the ideals of the Hummingbird, and know you'll love these Big Ideas, too.
Flight of the Hummingbird by Michael Nicoll Yahulanaas with Wangari Maathai and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Pick up your copy of the book and share it with others: https://greystonebooks.com/products/flight-of-the-hummingbird
Learn more about ZooFit, and how to be a Hummingbird for your health, and for the world: https://www.zoofit.net/
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Written in 2005, this book is an oldie, but pack-filled with so much wisdom from an expert on animal welfare.
Improve your own animals' lives by starting with yourself, with big ideas such as Keep Moving and Letting the Bad Become the New Normal.
Check out ZooFit's Zoo-notable Blog: https://www.zoofit.net/zoo-notable-animals-in-translation/
Learn more about Temple Grandin: https://www.templegrandin.com/
Learn more about Dr. Irene Pepperberg's research with Alex and African Gray parrots- https://alexfoundation.org/about/dr-irene-pepperberg/
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This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This is for all the ladies out there who struggle throughout the month to find the right energy, the right foods, and the right healthy habits to support them. While there is literally no way I could share all the amazing information from this book in 30 minutes or less, I did want to discuss some of the highlights with you, and truly encourage you to check out the book Fix Your Period by Nicole Jardim.
You can find the book at your local library or local bookstore, or online at https://nicolejardim.com/
Learn more about ZooFit and all our programs at https://www.zoofit.net/. Connect to the earth in a healthy and positive way!
Want more great insights from Zoo-notables? Check out our Patreon page and support all our great projects such as Wildlife Wednesdays, Zoo-notables, Fandom Fitness, and ZooFit Safari. https://www.patreon.com/join/zoofit?
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Lads Before the Wind chronicles Karen Pryor's 8 years working with dolphins (porpoises as they called them) at Hawaii's Sea Life Park in the 1960s. She and her colleagues became pioneers in what is now standard practices of animal training with positive reinforcement. This book highlights some of those innovative techniques they created. Let's dive in and have fun learning how to apply these ideas to our own lives.
If you would like to get your own copy of this fascinating book, hop on over to the Clicker Training website and check it out: https://shop.clickertraining.com/products/lads-before-the-wind-karen-pryor
Hal Elrod is the creator of the Miracle Morning, with a community of millions of followers whose lives have been transformed, one morning at a time. Let's dive into this incredible book, a great way to kick-off the Zoo-notable podcast!
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app