All Creatures Podcast

This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/CREATURES and get on your way to being your best self.

Chris and Angie explore the amazing world of the starfish. From its unique physiology, such as its water vascular system and ability to regenerate limbs, to its various reproductive methods, this episode is packed with fascinating facts about this ancient and bizarre ocean invertebrate. They discuss the threats starfish face, including climate change and the devastating sea star wasting syndrome. They also highlight the importance of starfish as a keystone and indicator species in marine ecosystems. Listeners are encouraged to support conservation efforts and learn more about these intriguing creatures through their local aquariums.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction to the Creatures Podcast

00:31 Diving into Starfish Physiology

02:21 Starfish Species and Characteristics

12:35 The Importance of Starfish in Marine Ecosystems

15:53 Starfish Wasting Syndrome and Environmental Impact

23:37 Evolution and Longevity of Starfish

28:09 Starfish Movement and Myths

30:16 Starfish Anatomy Basics

30:52 Invertebrate Characteristics

31:20 Starfish Endoskeleton and Ossicles

31:56 Starfish Sensory and Movement

33:41 Water Vascular System Explained

35:32 Starfish Respiration

37:27 Tube Feet Functionality

42:49 Starfish Digestive System

47:27 Starfish Predators

48:13 Regeneration and Reproduction

01:01:51 Starfish Conservation

01:04:26 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/CREATURES and get on your way to being your best self.

We are releasing this oldie but goodie! Our interview with good friend Stephanie Arnie. Since this interview first aired a few years ago we have kept in touch and become good friends. Stephanie continues to work hard in wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability. We hope to have Stephanie on soon in an update to what she has been doing. But to follow up our African Penguin Episode we wanted to release this interview as a follow up.

You can visit Stephanie's Home Page HERE

Show notes HERE

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Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/CREATURES and get on your way to being your best self.

For our Monday Flashback episode, we bring back the African Penguin. YOU can directly help by going to the African Penguin Nest Project and purchase an artificial nest to help them survive HERE

For $50 USD you can buy your own nest for a pair of penguins. We have sent money in the past and will be sending more once this episode drops.

The African Penguin is one of the best examples of how humans have driven many species to extinction, or as in the African Penguin to the brink. Isolated to the southern portion of the African continent. Multiple pressures such as over fishing off the African coast, humans destroying African Penguin guano nests and using it for fertilizer, climate change, ocean pollution and many other pressures all have led to a massive decrease in African Penguin populations. Today they are listed as Endangered by the IUCN with around 10,000 breeding pairs!! This is down from 42,000 in 1991.

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Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Angie interviews Jasmin Graham, a marine biologist specializing in the study of Smalltooth sawfish and Hammerhead sharks. Jasmin co-founded 'Minorities in Shark Sciences' (MISS), an organization supporting women of color in shark biology. The discussion covers Jasmine's background, her favorite shark species, and her efforts to debunk common myths about sharks. Jasmine shares her experiences as a Black female scientist in a white male-dominated field, the importance of diversity in scientific research, and highlights her organization's initiatives to foster inclusivity and collaboration in marine science. The episode also delves into her new book, 'Sharks Don't Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist,' and her participation in PBS Shark Week and National Geographic’s Shark Fest.

You can learn more about Jasmin Graham and WWF HERE

You can learn more about MISS HERE

You can learn more about Jasmin's book Sharks Don't Sink HERE

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Welcome to All Creatures Podcast

00:13 Introducing Jasmine Graham: Marine Biologist Extraordinaire

01:51 Jasmine's Early Life and Love for the Ocean

04:09 Favorite Shark Species and Research Stories

05:55 Debunking Shark Myths and Misunderstandings

14:25 Relating to Sharks: Overcoming Stereotypes

19:42 Challenges in Academia and the Birth of MISS

28:21 MISS: Empowering the Next Generation of Marine Scientists

33:17 Understanding the Enemy Perception

33:44 Diversity in Shark Science

35:41 Challenges and Realities of Community-Based Conservation

39:44 Innovative Approaches in Shark Research

44:02 Rogue Shark Science: Breaking the Mold

46:15 Current Projects and Future Directions

59:05 Inspiration and Advice for Aspiring Scientists

01:03:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

-------------------------------------------------------------

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another throwback episode to one of the world's most venomous creatures, the Blue-Ringed Octopus. This gorgeous creature inhabits the Indian and Southern Pacific Ocean. While it has some of the world's deadliest venom to humans, it is very shy and not aggressive.

You can learn more about the Blue Ringed Octopus by vising our website HERE

-------------------------------------------------------------

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Chris and Angie dive deep into the fascinating world of clownfish, inspired by the iconic Disney Pixar films Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. They discuss the unique symbiotic relationship clownfish have with sea anemones, the species' reproductive behaviors, including the amazing fact of sequential hermaphroditism. Additionally, the hosts address the significant challenges clownfish face due to climate change and coral bleaching, emphasizing the importance of ocean conservation. The episode also highlights the efforts of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and encourages participation in Plastic Free July to help protect marine life.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:28 Fascinating Facts About Clownfish

01:32 Clownfish Reproduction and Behavior

03:03 Personal Experiences and Observations

04:22 Plastic Free July and Conservation Efforts

07:25 Global Plastic Pollution Crisis

08:28 Returning to Clownfish: Description and Habitat

12:45 Clownfish in Popular Culture and Conservation

22:05 Plastic Pollution Statistics and Solutions

36:56 Evolution of Clownfish and Other Fish Species

39:16 Survival and Evolution of Ray-Finned Fishes

40:45 Clownfish Lifespan and Care

41:18 Clownfish Speed and Finding Nemo Trivia

44:59 Symbiotic Relationship with Sea Anemones

58:28 Clownfish Reproduction and Social Structure

01:11:09 Conservation and Climate Change Impact

-------------------------------------------------------------

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mondays are now our throwback episodes and in this one we revisit Angie's interview with Dr. Lisa Erdle. from the 5 Gyres Institute as we are kicking off our Plastic Free July Campaign. You can join us in our Plastic Free July Challenge HERE

Thank you for caring so much and helping us spread the word! On Wednesday we will be releasing a new species, and the hint is "Fish are Friends, not Food!" Which movie?

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As we kick off our Plastic Free July Challenge, this week we welcome Dr. Lisa Erdle from the 5 Gyres Instiute. Dr. Erdle is the Director of Science & Innovation at the 5 Gyres Institute. She is a microplastics researcher, lifelong sailor, and is passionate about keeping waterways clean for wildlife and people. Lisa completed her PhD at the University of Toronto, where her research focused on the sources, fate, and effects of microfibers in the environment. Currently, Lisa lives in California and is continuing research on microfibers and plastic pollution. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Lisa grew up swimming and sailing on the Great Lakes and holds a deep love of the water..

You can learn more about 5 Gyres and their work in reducing plastics in our lives by visiting them HERE

You can also lean more about 5 Gyres own Plastic Free Parks Trashblitz by going HERE

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Angie engages with shark expert Dr. Mike Heithaus, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Florida International University. They discuss shark behavior, ecology, and conservation, aiming to dispel myths about these often misunderstood creatures.

Dr. Heithaus shares his journey, from childhood fascination to professional marine ecologist, and recounts memorable shark encounters and groundbreaking research. They also explore the significance of sharks in marine ecosystems, the impact of human activities on shark populations, and practical advice for shark enthusiasts and aspiring marine biologists. Tune in to learn more about National Geographic's Sharkfest and how we can all contribute to ocean conservation.

You can learn more about Dr. Heithaus HERE

You can learn more about Nat Geo Sharkfest HERE

Podcast Timelime

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:28 Meet Dr. Mike Heithaus

01:14 Mike's Early Fascination with Marine Life

03:00 Memorable Shark Encounters

05:26 Shark Behavior Insights

09:52 Shark Conservation and Importance

14:26 Challenges and Hope in Shark Conservation

18:52 Mike's Research and Projects

24:02 Shark Fest Highlights and Exciting Experiments

25:26 The Creative Side of Science

26:14 National Geographic Collaborations

27:22 Upcoming Shark Fest Episodes

29:49 Ross Edgley's Shark Adventures

31:59 Protecting Sharks and Oceans

36:09 Advice for Aspiring Marine Biologists

42:11 Shark Fest Programming and Social Media

45:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Mondays we are brining back older episodes. This week to celebrate Shark Fest and Shark Week, we revisit the Tiger Shark! Incredible fish with an incredible story.

You can learn more about Tiger Sharks by visiting their webpage HERE

Briefly, this week we go in depth about one of the oceans top predators, the Tiger Shark. We first discuss the true statistics on shark attacks around the world. Tiger Sharks are persecuted, hunted and culled due to the belief that they are a major nuisance and danger to humans. Nothing is further from the truth. More, we discuss how beautiful this large fish are and how critical they are to a healthy ecosystem.

Sharks are one the oldest class of animals still alive. Species of sharks began to emerge nearly 450 million years ago. The first trees did not emerge on our land masses until 385 million years ago. This means sharks were here millions of years before them. Incredible. Furthermore, sharks dominated the world’s oceans 360 million years ago. This is known as the “Age of Sharks.”

Tiger Sharks have been around for roughly 56 million years ago. Our modern Tiger Shark is thought to have emerged roughly 5 million years ago. This makes them a truly old and ancient species. They are of the Family Cartharhinidae and called Requiem Sharks. There are migratory, live-bearing sharks. They live in tropical or warm seas and includes such species as the spinner shark, the blacknose shark, the blacktip shark, the grey reef shark, the blacktip reef shark, and the Oceanic whitetip shark.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, hosts Chris and Angie share an in-depth discussion about Chris's recent trip to Papua New Guinea. This episode deviates from their usual focus on species and interviews, delving instead into Chris's personal experiences and observations from his travels.

Chris describes his journey, which included concerns about safety, cultural interactions, and the powerful impact the trip had on him. He also touches on complex topics such as conservation, carbon footprint, and ethical dilemmas around wildlife consumption by local communities. Discover insights into birdwatching, sea turtle conservation, and the unique aspects of Papua New Guinea’s wildlife and people. The episode underscores the importance of travel for personal growth and broader worldview while addressing environmental conscientiousness.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction to the Creatures Podcast

00:08 Chris's Papua New Guinea Adventure

03:38 Safety Concerns in Papua New Guinea

04:43 Experiencing Local Culture and Hospitality

08:06 Reflections on Happiness and Simplicity

23:54 Wildlife Encounters and Birding Highlights

35:42 Feeling Like a Rockstar

35:54 Birding Adventures and Military History

37:04 Discovering the Blythe's Hornbill

38:25 Travel Stories and Life Lessons

46:44 Conservation Efforts in Conflict Islands

52:40 Reflecting on Travel and Conservation

59:26 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

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Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices