Animals, Nature, and You

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In this episode, Rick explores the fascinating world of quills and spines in mammals, debunking myths and explaining the differences between various species like porcupines, hedgehogs, echidnas, and tenrecs. Discover how these adaptations evolved and their unique functions in animal defense mechanisms.

Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou

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ZoologyRick.com

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Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

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This episode is like sitting down with a coupe of old friends. Join host Rick Schwartz in his thoughtful conversation with Stephanie Arne as they explore the deep connections between humans, animals, and nature. Stephanie shares her journey as an educator and advocate for wildlife, discussing her various roles in conservation and education. They delve into the importance of reconnecting with nature, the impact of personal experiences on their work, and the significance of travel in understanding different cultures and ecosystems. Stephanie also introduces her new travel company and conservation academy, aimed at inspiring others to engage with the natural world. 

Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou

Connect with Stephanie Arne:

StephanieArne.com

Instagram: @StephanieArne

Facebook: @StephanieArne

TickTok: @Stephanie.Arne

*Bonus link to Stephanie's husband's work - Tim Davison Art: https://www.davisonart.com/

Connect with Rick:

ZoologyRick.com

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Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

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In this episode Rick discusses the media's misguided headlines and articles about a scientific study on raccoon that looked at domestication signals. Rick offers up information from the published paper and explains what the research actually indicates about raccoon evolution and domestication.

While the idea of having a raccoon as a pet might sound enticing, there are significant challenges and ethical considerations that must be addressed. Raccoons are not domesticated animals; they are wild creatures with specific needs. PLEASE adopt a dog or cat from your local shelter. You will save a life and you will be much happier with truly domesticated animal in your home.

Link to published study mentioned in this episode: 

Shout out to Big Bear Alpine Zoo (just because)

Big Bear Alpine Zoo website

Big Bear Alpine Zoo in Instagram

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

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Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

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In this episode, Rick Schwartz and Maynard Okereker discuss the how science, education, and entertainment thrive where there is curiosity. Maynard shares his journey from being a nature-loving child to a passionate science communicator, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and diversity in STEM fields. He discusses his new book, 'Zombie Spiders and Asteroid Blasters,' which highlights unique scientific research in an entertaining way. The conversation also touches on the challenges of science skepticism and the role of empathy in science communication, as well as the value of staying curious about the world, even as and adult.

BUY THE BOOK: Zombie Spiders & Astroid Blasters

Connect With Maynard:

Website: HipHopScinceShow.com

YouTube: @HipHopScienceShow

Instagram: @HipHopScienceShow

Threads: @HipHopScienceShow

Facebook: @HipHopScienceShow

Linkedin: Maynard Okereke

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

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Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

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In this week's 10 Minute Tuesday, host Rick Schwartz explores the fascinating world of pangolins, the most trafficked mammals on the planet. Rick shares his personal journey of learning about these unique creatures, their conservation status, and the challenges they face. The episode highlights the importance of pangolins in the ecosystem, their biological characteristics, and the ongoing efforts to protect them from extinction. The plight of pangolin seems dire, but Rick also shares that there is hope, and how you can help.

Noted links:

SavePangolins.org

WWF website: Pangolins

USFWS Website: Pangolins

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

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Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

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In Part 2 of my interview with Jack Baker, we hear more about how the pangolin help shape Jack's podcast.

Jack shares more his journey into conservation, the importance of joy in the field, and the challenges of measuring impact in environmental education. He discusses the evolution of his podcast, "Pangolin: The Conservation Podcast," and the significance of representation throughout conservation spaces. Jack and Rick also discuss the need for self-care and the importance of taking breaks to protect one's joy while working in conservation and environmental education. Oh, and yes... There's a polar bear, a stingray, tapirs, puffins and of course, pangolins.

Connect With Jack:

LinkedIn: Jack Baker

Instagram: @TheOnlyJackBaker

Pangolin: The Conservation Podcast:

Listen to Panglin Podcast Here

Instagram @PangolinPodcast

Facebook @PangolinPodcast

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

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Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

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In part 1 of this engaging conversation, Jack Baker shares his journey into conservation, the importance of joy in the field, and the challenges of measuring impact in environmental education. He discusses the evolution of his podcast, "Pangolin: The Conservation Podcast," and the significance of representation throughout conservation spaces. Jack and Rick also discuss the need for self-care and the importance of taking breaks to protect one's joy while working in conservation and environmental education. Oh, and yes... There's a polar bear, a stingray, tapirs, puffins and of course, pangolins.

Connect With Jack:

LinkedIn: Jack Baker

Instagram: @TheOnlyJackBaker

Pangolin: The Conservation Podcast:

Listen to Panglin Podcast Here

Instagram @PangolinPodcast

Facebook @PangolinPodcast

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

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Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

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Ever wondered how lizards drop their? Is it their choice when to detached or is it pulled off?

The science behind it is even cooler than you think! It involves muscles, preexisting fractures and a quick "peel-off like a sticker" that allows the whole process to happen. And there's more - The tail does grow back, but it's not quite the same. And if the growth point gets damaged again, teh lizard could end up with two new tails!

Noted links:

How many ties can a lizard regrow its tail?

Science.org video about tail detachment & regrowth

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

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Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

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An engaging conversation with Dr. Earyn McGee, also known as Afro Herper on social media, shares her journey from a graduate student to a prominent figure in herpetology and science communications. She discusses her innovative social media initiative, 'Find That Lizard,' which combines research with community engagement. The conversation delves into the importance of lizards in ecosystems, her personal experiences in the field, and her advocacy for diversity in conservation. Dr. McGee emphasizes the need for inclusivity in science and shares her current projects aimed at educating and inspiring the next generation of conservationists.

Dr. McGee's Website: EarynMcGee.com

Dr. McGee on Social Media:

IG: @Afro_Herper

TikTok: @Doc.McGee

Support her on Patreon: FindThatLizard

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

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Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

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With awesome interviews happening every Thursday, 10 minute Tuesdays will be short, solo episodes where I can expand on something covered in the previous week's interview. Or, an opportunity to dive into and explore a topic that is current, discuss new finding or just get curious for the sake of being curious.

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

Find Rick on social media:

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Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.