Animals, Nature, and You

By Rick Schwartz

“Animals Nature and You” celebrates the curiosity around the connection we have with the natural world.

In this podcast, we will be looking at the science and the personal experien

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FAQs about Animals, Nature, and You:

How many episodes does Animals, Nature, and You have?

The podcast currently has 31 episodes available.

Animals, Nature, and You episodes:

April 30, 2026 Everything You Thought You Knew About Bees Is WRONG - with David Mizejewski
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In this episode, TV talent, author and naturalist, David Mizejewski from the National Wildlife Federation busts myths about bees, highlights the importance of native bees & plants, and shares practical tips for supporting pollinators & wildlife in your own yard. David also covers why planting native plants is now easier than ever thanks to NWF's Garden for Wildlife website where you can order the right plants at the right time.

Animals, Nature, and You on IG

David's Book:
Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife

Connect with David:
David Mizejewski on IG
David Mizejewski on FB
David Mizejewski website

National Wildlife Federation links:
Garden for Wildlife website
Garden for Wildlife on IG
NWF Website
NWF on IG
NWF on FB

Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com

Rick on social media:
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
BLUESKY
THREADS

Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
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1h 1min
April 28, 2026 Behind the Scenes of My Wildlife Career
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Rick dives into the first round of fan mail with a little Q and A from listeners. He shares insights on his career journey, spills some tea about being on national television and gives a few practical tips for aspiring zookeepers. From scooping poop and doing media appearances to podcasting and advocating for our everyday conservation heroes, this 10 minute Tuesday is a little different, but no less enjoyable.

Animal Help Now (for sick or injured wildlife):
https://ahnow.org/

Animals, Nature, and You on IG:

Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com

Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky

Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
...more
13min
April 23, 2026 What is the Future of Conservation? Community? Innovation? Empathy?
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Join Rick Schwartz in an insightful conversation with Kathayoon Khalil, Vice President and Director of the Columbus Center for Wildlife Conservation at the Columbus Zoo. They explore the multifaceted world of conservation, empathy, and systemic change. Discover how innovative strategies, community engagement, and a deep understanding of animal perspectives are shaping the future of wildlife preservation.

Kathayoon also discusses the importance of "less charismatic" species (looking at you fresh water mussels) and the reasons for deploying empathy in public outreach, resiliency in conservation and embracing risk.

Animals, Nature, and You on IG

Links mentioned in this episode:
Columbus Zoo
The Wilds
Columbus Zoo Conservation

Kathayoon Kahlil on LinkedIn

Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com

Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky

Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
...more
49min
April 21, 2026 All Thumbs, No Hands
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Discover fascinating facts about the North American opossum, including its unique thumbs, behavior, and ecological role. Learn how this remarkable marsupial adapts to urban environments and why it’s vital for our ecosystem.
Animal Help Now - For sick or injured wildlife
Opossum Society of the United States
Animals, Nature, and You on IG

Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com

Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky

Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

...more
14min
April 17, 2026 The Unexpected Path from Wildlife Rehab to Global Keeper Exchange - Part 2
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Part 2 of 2

Alice Vassallo started her career in animal care by volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center. And from there, her journey into zoo keeping, wildlife education, international travel and conservation grew.

In this episode, discover how her journey from studying Latin and working in wildlife rehab to shaping global keeper exchange initiatives and connection people to conservation is as amazing as it sounds. You'll hear her insights on the power of humor and accessibility in wildlife education, why investing in zookeepers is vital for our planet’s future, and how her innovative programs benefit people and wildlife alike.

This episode is perfect for aspiring zoo professionals, conservation advocates, and animal lovers eager to make a difference. Alice’s heartfelt message reminds us that as the world continues to change, our approach to wildlife education and conservation should continue to evolve and grow as well.

Animals, Nature, and You on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/animalsnatureandyou

Links mentioned in this episode:
Asshole Animals with Alice on Instagram
Keeper Exchange
American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK)
Clouded Leopard Working Group
Pardalis Talent

Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com

Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky

Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
...more
28min
April 16, 2026 The Unexpected Path from Wildlife Rehab to Global Keeper Exchange with Alice Vassallo
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick
Part 1 of 2

Alice Vassallo started her career in animal care by volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center. And from there, her journey into zoo keeping, wildlife education, international travel and conservation grew.

In this episode, discover how her journey from studying Latin and working in wildlife rehab to shaping global keeper exchange initiatives and connection people to conservation is as amazing as it sounds. You'll hear her insights on the power of humor and accessibility in wildlife education, why investing in zookeepers is vital for our planet’s future, and how her innovative programs benefit people and wildlife alike.

This episode is perfect for aspiring zoo professionals, conservation advocates, and animal lovers eager to make a difference. Alice’s heartfelt message reminds us that as the world continues to change, our approach to wildlife education and conservation should continue to evolve and grow as well.

Animals, Nature, and You on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/animalsnatureandyou

Links mentioned in this episode:
Asshole Animals with Alice on Instagram
Keeper Exchange
American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK)
Clouded Leopard Working Group
Pardalis Talent

Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com

Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky

Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
...more
41min
April 14, 2026 Animal Facts That You Otter Know
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In this episode, host, Rick Schwartz dives into the fascinating world of otters, focusing on the differences between North American river otters and sea otters. From their adaptations and behaviors, to the importance of conservation efforts for otters - Rick covers many of the otter facts you otter know!

Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou
Go see sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Giant river otters at the LA Zoo
River otters at the Columbus Zoo
Connect with Rick:
ZoologyRick.com
Social media:
Instagram
Threads
Facebook
YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
...more
12min
April 09, 2026 Nature Walks and Mentorships - Making a Difference with Jungle Jordan
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In this episode, Jungle Jordan shares stories of combining his love for wildlife with community work through outdoor education. Discover his program impacts underserved communities and inspires the next generation of conservationists, nature lovers and so much more.

Rick and Jordan wrap up the conversation addressing the age old question, which is better, small zoo or big zoo? The discussion covers the experiences you might have as a zookeeper in one of these zoos, and the guest experience as well.

Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou

Find Jordan and Information on Nature Walks and Virtual Mentorship Program here:
JungleJordan.com
Jordan's social media:
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
YouTube

Connect with Rick:
ZoologyRick.com
Social media:
Instagram
Threads
Facebook
YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
...more
47min
April 07, 2026 The Mighty Peregrine Falcon
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In this installment of 10 Minute Tuesday, host Rick Schwartz explores the fascinating world of the peregrine falcon, its history, adaptations, and the importance of conservation efforts. Learn how scientific studies and environmental policies have helped bring this incredible bird back from the brink of extinction.

Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou
Connect with Rick:
ZoologyRick.com
Social media:
Instagram
Threads
Facebook
YouTube

Websites mentioned in this episode:
The Peregrine Fund

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
...more
14min
April 02, 2026 Nature: The Transformative Power of Outdoor Education
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In this episode, Rick interviews Tina Brower Kraska, the founder of Red Oaks Forest School, who shares her journey from a wildlife enthusiast to an educator dedicated to reconnecting children with nature. Tina emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity in children and how her daughter taught her valuable lessons about slowing down and appreciating the natural world.

Tina discusses the founding of Red Oaks Forest School, which began as a simple monthly meetup to explore nature with others. Over the years, it has grown into a thriving educational program that emphasizes child-led exploration and the benefits of outdoor learning. She highlights the positive impacts of nature on children's mental health, including improvements in attention, cooperation, and overall well-being. The conversation culminates in Tina's encouragement for adults to reconnect with their innate curiosity and the importance of slowing down to truly experience the world around them.

Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou
Red Oaks Forest School:
ReadOaksForestSchool.org
IG: @RedOaks_Explorers
FB: @RedOaksForestSchool

Tina Brouwer Kraska on Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-brouwer-kraska-52bb42167

Other links mentioned in this episode:
Natural Start Alliance: NaturalStart.org
North American Association for Environmental Education: NAAEE.org

Connect with Rick:
ZoologyRick.com
Social media:
Instagram
Threads
Facebook
YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
...more
43min

FAQs about Animals, Nature, and You:

How many episodes does Animals, Nature, and You have?

The podcast currently has 31 episodes available.