EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast Season 5 Episode 26 Matt Griffo

Howdy y’all and welcome to the EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast, produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School.

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Griffo, a Chicago based creator whose work spans music, photography, storytelling, and wellness advocacy. Matt is a musician, photographer, podcaster, and content creator who has dedicated much of his work to helping others through music, creativity, and sharing stories of recovery and resilience.

Matt performs weekly on piano and ukulele at Chicago’s legendary speakeasy, The Drifter, one of the city’s most unique venues and an authentic speakeasy with roots dating back to the Prohibition era. Through music, photography, and storytelling, Matt has built a career centered around creativity, authenticity, and helping others find hope and inspiration.

A major focus of our conversation centers around Matt’s work using music he creates to help people dealing with medical and health related challenges. Matt shares how carefully crafted music can be used as a tool to promote relaxation, reduce stress, support healing, and improve overall well being for individuals facing a variety of medical conditions.

We discuss the growing body of research surrounding music and health, and how specific sounds, rhythms, and musical compositions can positively impact both the mind and body. Matt explains how his creative process is driven not only by artistic expression, but also by a desire to create music that can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Matt also shares his passion for highlighting stories of recovery and personal growth through nutrition, movement, mindfulness, and other wellness practices. The conversation explores how music, creativity, and healthy lifestyle choices can work together to support physical, emotional, and mental well being.

We also dive into Matt’s creative journey, from performing weekly at The Drifter to his work as a photographer and content creator. His photography often captures live performers and portrait subjects through a dark and moody artistic style that emphasizes emotion, storytelling, and authentic human experiences.

One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation focuses on the intersection of art, science, and wellness, and how creative work can have a real impact on people’s health and quality of life.

As always, the EEARSS Podcast connects professionals, artists, educators, researchers, students, and community leaders with listeners who want real insight into careers, passions, life experiences, and the journeys that shape who we become.

Stay tuned for a great conversation, and as always thank y’all for supporting EEARSS and the mission to research, educate, and protect our environment.

Howdy y’all and welcome to the EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast, produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School.

In this episode, we sit down with Charles Dion, an EEARSS intern who recently achieved an exciting milestone with his acceptance into graduate school. Charles shares his journey through academics, field experience, and the process of discovering what path truly inspired him as he worked toward the next chapter of his education and career.

We discuss what first drew Charles to EEARSS and how getting involved with hands on environmental education, research, and outreach helped shape his goals moving forward. Charles talks about the value of field experience, mentorship, and stepping outside of your comfort zone when trying to discover what you are passionate about.

The conversation also focuses heavily on advice for younger students who may be unsure about their future paths, including how to begin exploring graduate school opportunities, finding programs that align with personal interests, and the importance of pursuing something you truly enjoy. Charles shares insight into the application process, building experience, and the mindset that helped him continue moving forward toward his goals.

We also highlight EEARSS to the Environment EcoFest, a FREE community event coming to Cocoa Village on May 23rd, 2026 featuring live country music, nonprofits, vendors, food trucks, raffles, and conservation outreach. The event will feature 4 bands and be headlined by Nashville recording artists Joe Lasher and Molly Lovette.

As always, the EEARSS Podcast connects boots on the ground wildlife professionals, researchers, educators, students, and community leaders with listeners who want real insight into careers, conservation, education, and life experiences.

Stay tuned for a great conversation, and as always thank y’all for supporting EEARSS and the mission to research, educate, and protect our environment.

EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast Season 5 Episode 24 Kyle Bolduc

Howdy y’all and welcome to the EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast, produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School.

In this episode, we welcome back Kyle Bolduc for his third appearance on the EEARSS Podcast, making him the first guest ever to appear on the show three separate times, which says a lot about how much we enjoy having him on and the respect we have for everything he brings to the table.

Kyle is the owner of BIFYM Audio and a longtime supporter of live music and community events across the Space Coast. He is also a member of the band Lydia Can’t Breathe, balancing the demanding worlds of live performance, touring, and professional audio production.

In this episode, we catch up on everything that has happened since Kyle’s last appearance on the podcast and dive into a wide range of topics surrounding music, touring, health, and life behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. Kyle talks about his nutrition routine and the discipline it takes to stay in shape while performing with Lydia Can’t Breathe and running BIFYM Audio full time.

We also get into the technical side of live entertainment, discussing the differences between a musical rider and a technical rider, what bands need behind the scenes to successfully perform, and many of the details audiences never get to see during concerts and festivals. As always, the conversation is filled with insight, humor, and plenty of fun stories along the way.

We also highlight EEARSS to the Environment EcoFest, a FREE community event coming to Cocoa Village on May 23rd, 2026 featuring live country music, nonprofits, vendors, food trucks, raffles, and conservation outreach. This year’s event will feature 4 bands and be headlined by Nashville recording artists Joe Lasher and Molly Lovette. Kyle and BIFYM Audio continue to play a major role in helping bring the event to life on the Space Coast.

As always, the EEARSS Podcast connects boots on the ground wildlife professionals, community leaders, musicians, and industry experts with students and listeners who want real insight into careers, passions, and life experiences.

Stay tuned for a great conversation, and as always thank y’all for supporting EEARSS and the mission to research, educate, and protect our environment.

EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast Season 5 Episode 23 Kent Vliet

Howdy y’all and welcome to the EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast, produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School.

In this episode, we sit down with Kent Vliet, one of the world’s leading authorities on crocodilian biology. With more than four decades of research focused on the American Alligator and other crocodilian species, Dr. Vliet has played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of their behavior, communication, reproduction, and conservation.

Dr. Vliet has served as a scientific advisor, educator, and global leader in crocodilian research, including his work with the IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group. His career has taken him from the wetlands of Florida to international conservation efforts, helping shape how both scientists and the public view these incredible reptiles.

In this episode, we discuss his career from the early stages and how he found his path into crocodilian biology, including the personal side of his journey and how he met his wife. Dr. Vliet also shares thoughtful insight on helping younger students find direction in their own careers, offering perspective on curiosity, persistence, and staying open to opportunity. We also explore what his life might have looked like had he not pursued crocodilian biology, giving a unique look at the decisions that shape a lifetime in science.

We also highlight EEARSS to the Environment EcoFest, a free community event right here on the Space Coast that brings together nonprofits, researchers, vendors, and live music to showcase the incredible work being done for conservation and environmental education. EcoFest is not only a fundraiser for EEARSS, but a platform to shine a light on organizations across Central Florida and the critical work they are doing to protect our natural world. Be sure to come out and support this FREE event in Cocoa Village on May 23rd, 2026.

As always, the EEARSS Podcast connects boots on the ground wildlife professionals with students and listeners who want real insight into conservation careers.

Stay tuned for a great conversation, and as always thank y’all for supporting EEARSS and the mission to research, educate, and protect our environment.

Howdy y’all and welcome to the EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School.

In this episode we welcome Jeffrey K. Greenberg, a native Floridian, geochemist, and professor emeritus with decades of experience in geology, environmental science, and public service.

Jeff grew up south of Miami and graduated from Miami Palmetto High School before earning his B.S. in Geology from Florida State University in 1973, his M.S. in Geophysics-Geology from the University of Kentucky in 1975, and his Ph.D. in Geochemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1978.

He began his career with the Wisconsin Geological Survey and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he served for over eight years as an Associate Professor of Environmental Resources. From 1986 to 2018, he was on faculty at Wheaton College in Illinois, where he taught more than 5,000 undergraduate students over a 33-year career, ultimately retiring as Professor Emeritus.

Dr. Greenberg’s work has focused heavily on student-led research, community outreach, and preparing students for public service. His areas of expertise include water resources, sanitation, geochemical analysis, land-use planning, and working with local communities on environmental challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

His professional affiliations include the Geological Society of America, the Global Network for Geoscience and Society, Geology for the Public Good, and A Rocha USA, a conservation-focused nonprofit organization.

After returning to Florida and settling in Titusville, Dr. Greenberg founded SWIRL, an initiative focused on studying stormwater runoff and documenting its impacts on the Indian River Lagoon. SWIRL works to better understand how untreated stormwater carries nutrients, pollutants, and sediments into local waterways, contributing to water quality issues and ecological stress within the lagoon system. The initiative emphasizes research, community awareness, and practical solutions aimed at improving stormwater management and protecting one of Florida’s most important estuaries.

If you would like to learn more about SWIRL and ongoing efforts to better understand stormwater impacts on the Indian River Lagoon, you can explore local resources and community initiatives focused on water quality and conservation throughout Brevard County.

EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast
Season 5 Episode 21
Nina Hunt

Howdy y’all and welcome to the EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School.

In this episode we welcome Nina Hunt, Chair of the Space Coast Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches.

Based along Florida’s Space Coast, Nina works with volunteers, surfers, environmental advocates, and community partners to help protect local coastlines and waterways. As chapter chair, she helps lead programs focused on reducing plastic pollution, improving water quality, restoring native coastal habitats, and organizing community beach cleanups throughout Brevard County.

Through the Space Coast chapter, Nina helps coordinate initiatives such as Ocean Friendly Gardens, Ocean Friendly Restaurants, dune and habitat restoration projects, and regular coastal cleanups that prevent trash from reaching the ocean and nearby ecosystems like the Indian River Lagoon.

The Surfrider Foundation is a grassroots coastal environmental organization with chapters around the country working to protect beaches, waves, and coastal environments through education, conservation efforts, and community engagement.

If you would like to learn more about the Space Coast Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation you can visit their website here:
https://spacecoast.surfrider.org/

EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast
Season 5 Episode 20
Guest: Hayes Baxley

Howdy y’all and welcome to the EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School.

In this episode we welcome Hayes Baxley, an award-winning wildlife cinematographer, producer, and director of photography specializing in cinematic natural history storytelling and documenting the hidden lives of our planet’s wild inhabitants.

Hayes began his career working with the Natural History Unit at National Geographic and has since filmed wildlife for many of the world’s leading broadcasters and studios including BBC, Disney, National Geographic, Apple TV+ and Netflix. His work has also appeared across networks such as Discovery, Animal Planet, Fox and PBS.

An Emmy-nominated cinematographer, Hayes received recognition from the Television Academy for his work on the Disney+ and National Geographic documentary series Secrets of the Whales, part of the Ocean Giants episode, which explored the complex lives and cultures of whales around the world.

His career has taken him across the globe, from the frigid waters of Antarctica and polar oceans to the blistering heat of the Amazon rainforest, often working in some of the most demanding filming environments on Earth while documenting wildlife behavior rarely captured on camera.

A lifelong waterman and seafarer, Hayes is known for operating cutting-edge camera systems ranging from advanced underwater camera platforms to gyro-stabilized aerial systems such as the GSS Cineflex. He frequently designs and 3D-prints custom camera tools that allow filmmakers to document rare and previously unseen animal behaviors.

When he’s home, Hayes often spends time exploring remote streams in the Southern Appalachian Mountains pursuing native brook trout and staying connected to the waters that first inspired his passion for the natural world.

More of his work can be found at
BaxleyFilms.com

Instagram
@hayes_baxley

EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast
Season 5 Episode 19
Produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School

Howdy Y’all and welcome to the EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast, produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School.

In Season 5 Episode 19, we welcome Micah Nix to the show.

Micah Nix is an entrepreneur and wildlife-minded professional best known for building Nix Pest Control and now leading EcoVibe Services. His work reflects a commitment to responsible pest management, environmental awareness, and practical solutions that protect both people and ecosystems.

From building a company rooted in service and integrity to expanding into environmentally conscious solutions through EcoVibe Services, Micah shares what it takes to grow a business while maintaining a strong respect for wildlife and the natural world. His journey highlights leadership, adaptability, and the importance of balancing industry needs with environmental responsibility.

In this episode, we discuss entrepreneurship, wildlife considerations in pest control, evolving environmental practices, and how businesses can operate with both effectiveness and stewardship in mind.

EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast
Season 5 Episode 18
Produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School

Howdy Y’all and welcome to the EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast, produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School.

In Season 5 Episode 18, we sit down with Cody Bartolini — a lifelong reptile professional whose journey began in the deserts of Las Vegas, Nevada, chasing snakes and lizards as a kid and turned into a career dedicated to venomous reptiles and crocodilian conservation.

Cody began his formal path in herpetology as Vice President of the Southern Nevada Herpetological Society before relocating to Florida to fully immerse himself in the reptile industry. His hands-on experience spans some of the most respected institutions in the field.

He has served as Venomous Reptile Collections Manager at Glades Herp Farm and worked at the Reptile Discovery Center & MedToxin Venom Lab. In 2010, he joined the world-renowned St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, advancing to Senior Reptile Keeper. He later became Curator of Reptiles at the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary.

Today, Cody is Founder and Executive Director of the Reptile Preservation Institute in Melrose, Florida — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit zoological facility focused on venomous reptiles and crocodilians. His work centers on conservation, responsible husbandry, public education, and preserving species that are often misunderstood.

You can learn more about Cody and his work at:
http://www.reptilepreservation.org

Instagram: @reptilepreservationinstitute

Season 5 Episode 17 features country music artist Joe Lasher.

Joe Lasher is a country musician and songwriter known for his authentic sound, high-energy live performances, and deep roots in traditional country music. Raised around music from a young age, Joe’s style reflects classic country storytelling blended with a modern edge, shaped by years of performing on stages across the country. Throughout his career, Joe has shared the stage with other nationally recognized country music artists including Chris Janson, Tim McGraw, Morgan Wallen, Ashley McBryde, Russell Dickerson, HARDY, and Old Dominion.

In this episode, we talk with Joe about his journey in country music, life on the road, songwriting, and what it means to stay true to your roots while building a career in today’s music industry. We also discuss the importance of community, giving back, and how music can be a powerful tool to support meaningful causes.

We are super excited to have Joe on the Space Coast and to welcome him to the community. Joe Lasher will be performing live at EEARSS to the Environment EcoFest on May 23rd, 2026 at the Cocoa Village Amphitheatre. This is a FREE EVENT, and we encourage everyone to please come out and join us in Cocoa Village for an evening of live country music alongside Molly Lovette, while highlighting nonprofit work, environmental research, education, and conservation efforts. EcoFest will include vendors, food trucks, raffles, and more — all centered around supporting science, education, and community-driven research.