The Deal with Animals with Marika S. Bell

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Episode 3 of Series 13, Sex and Animals  

Renowned as a feminist, vegan advocate, and author, Carol J. Adams, brings us into the intricate relationship between these movements in a fascinating conversation that reveals cultural narratives reinforcing gender norms and animal consumption.

Guest Bio: Carol J. Adams is a feminist scholar and activist whose work explores the cultural construction of overlapping and interconnected oppressions, as well as the ethics of care. In December 2024, Adams’s iconic The Sexual Politics of Meat: A Feminist-Vegan Critical Theory, will appear in a 35th anniversary edition.

Her articles have appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Ms. Magazine, Tikkun, and Truthdig, among others. She has been an activist against sexual violence, racism, and homelessness, and for reproductive justice and fair housing
www.caroljadams.com

Book Recommendation: The Sexual Politics of Meat - 35th Anniversary Edition by Carol J. Adams and "A good Vegan Cookbook"- Try this... The Free Celebrity Veganuary Cookbook!

Related Episodes:  86: Can Dog Cuddling Influence Reduced Meat Consumption? Care Ethics with Dr. Maurice Hamington (S9)

104. Exploring Hinduism, Dairy & Mother Cow with Yamini Narayanan (Featured Ep.66/S7)

64: Animals in World Religions with Author, Dr. Lisa Kemmerer (S7)

www.jonathanbalcombe.com
What a Fish Knows (NYTimes bestseller)
Super Fly (National Outdoor Book Award winner)
Jake and Ava: A Boy and a Fish (illustrated children's book)

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Mentioned in this episode:

Jake and Ava- New Book by Jonathan Balcombe

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Episode 2 of Series 13, Sex and Animals: Transcript 

"Creativity is all about problem solving." - Dr. Gigliotti

Guest Bio: Carola Gigliotti is an author, artist, animal activist, and scholar whose work focuses on the reality of animals’ lives as important contributors to the biodiversity of this planet. She is Professor Emerita of Design and Dynamic Media and Critical and Cultural Studies at the Emily Carr University of Design, Vancouver, BC. CANADA  

To connect with Carol: https://www.facebook.com/carol.gigliotti, @carolgigliotti.bsky.social,   https://carolgigliotti.com/dir/

Book Recommendation: The Emotional Lives of Animals (revised): A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy ― and Why They Matter by Marc Bekoff

Related Episodes: 113. The Animal Turn Crossover ...with Carol Gigliotti and Claudia Hirtenfelder (S12)

105. What Can Animals Tell Us About Ancient Egypt? with PhD, Linda Evans (S12: Animals in Art and Culture)

47: Expressions of Emotion in Animals with Dr. Mariska Kret (S6)

www.jonathanbalcombe.com
What a Fish Knows (NYTimes bestseller)
Super Fly (National Outdoor Book Award winner)
Jake and Ava: A Boy and a Fish (illustrated children's book)

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Show Credits⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!)

What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Mentoring Services⁠⁠⁠⁠!

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PHAIR Conference Coverage

New Miniseries begins Summer 2026

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Episode 1 of Series 13 Transcript

 In this episode, Dr. Patricia Brennan explores the evolutionary battles between male and female genital adaptations, revealing how animals like ducks and dolphins develop complex reproductive strategies. Through her work, she highlights the surprising ways that nature grants females reproductive autonomy despite intense sexual conflict. 

Guest Bio: Dr. Patricia Brennan is an evolutionary biologist specializing in reproductive anatomy and sexual selection, with research spanning birds, snakes, bats, dolphins, and sharks. Originally from Colombia, she earned her undergraduate degree in Marine Biology and conducted marine mammal research around the Galápagos before shifting her focus to birds during her PhD at Cornell University. Her groundbreaking work on avian genitalia has expanded to broader studies on genital coevolution, exploring how reproductive structures evolve in response to mating strategies. Now based in Amherst, MA, she continues to lead innovative research, currently supported by an NSF Career Grant to study genital evolution in snakes.

Book Recommendations: Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage by Rachel Gross and Bitch: On the Female of the Species by Lucy Cooke

Related Episodes: E22: Ecofeminism and Entangled Empathy with Lori Gruen

93: Human Relevant Testing: A Conversation on Enhancing Human Health and Animal Welfare with Dr. Aysha Akhtar (S9)

57: Valentines Special!: Furry Fandom with Victoria Gersdorf

www.jonathanbalcombe.com
What a Fish Knows (NYTimes bestseller)
Super Fly (National Outdoor Book Award winner)
Jake and Ava: A Boy and a Fish (illustrated children's book)

Support the show

Show Credits⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!)

What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Mentoring Services⁠⁠⁠⁠!

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Special Episode!  Transcript
Dr. Amy Shroff’s work focuses on implementing sustainable solutions for managing stray animal populations globally through the TNVR method—Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Release.

“The goal is not just rescuing animals, but teaching communities how to manage their stray populations humanely, ensuring long-term solutions for both the animals and the people they live with.”- Dr. Amy Shroff

Guest Bio:
Dr. Amy Shroff is a veterinarian, founder of Let's Save the Strays International, and a passionate advocate for the humane management of stray animal populations. She specializes in the TNVR approach, helping marginalized animals in countries such as Thailand, Ukraine, and beyond. Dr. Shroff has worked internationally to improve stray animal welfare, reducing human-animal conflict while promoting sustainable solutions for overpopulation.

Guest Book Recommendation: The Hummingbird's Gift by Sy Montgomery

Related Episodes:
Episode 74: On The Move: Exploring Companion Animal Transport with Dr. Lori Jervis (S8)

Episode 63: EVAT Mini-series (Part 6): Free-Living Cats and Farm Animal Sanctuaries a Round Table with Kris Hill and Dr. Jacqui Sadashige

Episode 49: The Culture of Free Living Dogs with Sindhoor Pangal (S6)

Episode18: Breaking stereotypes and talking about cats with The Trap King, Sterling Davis

www.jonathanbalcombe.com
What a Fish Knows (NYTimes bestseller)
Super Fly (National Outdoor Book Award winner)
Jake and Ava: A Boy and a Fish (illustrated children's book)

Support the show

Show Credits⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!)

What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Mentoring Services⁠⁠⁠⁠!

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Mentioned in this episode:

PHAIR Conference Coverage

New Miniseries begins Summer 2026

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In series 13 we will be covering topics from The Sexual Politics of Meat with Carol J. Adams to The Genitalia Arms Race with Dr. Patricia Brennan. 

This series is going to be unexpected, mind blowing, and above all, fascinating! Learn everything you didn't know you wanted to know about Sex and Animals... and possibly a little you didn't want to know as well. 

Series starts February 24th- follow on your podcasting listening platform, or sign up for the TDWA Newsletter at www.thedealwithanimals.com 

www.jonathanbalcombe.com
What a Fish Knows (NYTimes bestseller)
Super Fly (National Outdoor Book Award winner)
Jake and Ava: A Boy and a Fish (illustrated children's book)

Support the show

Show Credits⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!)

What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Mentoring Services⁠⁠⁠⁠!

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Episode 7 of Series 12, Animals in Art and Culture  Transcript

A Crossover Special! This is a fascinating conversation between Claudia Hirtenfelder and Carol Gigliotti from The Animal Turn podcast. They discuss Gigliotti's groundbreaking book 'The Creative Lives of Animals,' which explores animal creativity, cognition, and agency.

Be sure to catch the previous episode with Claudia as a guest on TDWA for a round table discussion with Marika and artist, Shannon Johnstone about Banksy's 2024 "London Zoo Series" 

Please remember to review and follow! 

www.jonathanbalcombe.com
What a Fish Knows (NYTimes bestseller)
Super Fly (National Outdoor Book Award winner)
Jake and Ava: A Boy and a Fish (illustrated children's book)

Support the show

Show Credits⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!)

What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Mentoring Services⁠⁠⁠⁠!

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Episode 6 of Series 12: Animals in Art and Culture Transcript

Guests: Claudia Towne Hirtenfelder began the Animal Turn in February 2020 as a culmination of her interests in animals, ethics, and media. 

She completed her PhD in Geography at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. Her scholarly interests sit in the intersection of geography, urban studies, animal studies, history and power relations. 

Claudia is the founder and former host of Beyond Canada: International Thought and Scholarship. You can find Claudia on Twitter (@ClaudiaFTowne)

Mary Shannon Johnstone received her BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and MFA in photography from Rochester Institute of Technology.

She is the recipient of numerous awards including "Pause, To Begin" artist, Critical Mass Top 50 (2009, 2010), and Honorable Mention in Lens Culture's 2010 International Exposure Awards. Johnstone is a tenured Associate Professor at Meredith College in NC

Book Recommendations: Claudia's Recommendations- Beyond Words by Cark Safina and What a Fish Knows: The Inner Lives of Our Underwater Cousins by Jonathan Balcombe 

Shannon's Recommendation- We Animals by Jo-Anne Mcarthur.

The London Exhibition Review- MyArtBroker.com

www.jonathanbalcombe.com
What a Fish Knows (NYTimes bestseller)
Super Fly (National Outdoor Book Award winner)
Jake and Ava: A Boy and a Fish (illustrated children's book)

Support the show

Show Credits⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!)

What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Mentoring Services⁠⁠⁠⁠!

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A delightful exploration of chickens as intelligent and complex creatures, prompting us to reconsider our perceptions of these common animals.

December Special! with Author Sy Montgomery Transcript

Guest: Sy Montgomery is a celebrated naturalist, author, and adventurer whose work has taken her to some of the wildest places on Earth. The Boston Globe described her as "Part Indiana Jones and Part Emily Dickenson". With 38 books to her name, including The Soul of an Octopus, The Good Good Pig, and now, What a Chicken Knows,  Montgomery has won numerous awards for her writing. She continues to inspire readers of all ages by exploring the profound connections between humans and animals at a critical moment for our planet's future.

Book Recommendations:  Exodus: Book 2-The Bible by Someone who was there?
(I don't think you need a link for this one) But her reason for choosing this one is apropos.

Other Links:
What a Chicken Knows by Sy Montgomery
Animal Liberation by Peter Singer

www.jonathanbalcombe.com
What a Fish Knows (NYTimes bestseller)
Super Fly (National Outdoor Book Award winner)
Jake and Ava: A Boy and a Fish (illustrated children's book)

Support the show

Show Credits⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!)

What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Mentoring Services⁠⁠⁠⁠!

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Mentioned in this episode:

PHAIR Conference Coverage

New Miniseries begins Summer 2026

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Episode 5 of Series 12: Animals in Art and Culture Transcript

Sukey Molloy, an acclaimed children's performer and author. We delve into Sukey's work, particularly focusing on her storytelling album, 'The Adventures of Little Stubby,' which features a miniature donkey named Stubby. 

Sukey discusses her inspiration from real-life rescue stories and her goal to help young children navigate their emotions through animal characters.

Guest: Trained as a professional modern dancer in New York City, Sukey Molloy performed and toured as a member of the Solomon’s Company Dance and went on to study developmental movement and Kidnastics with former Olympian, Garland O’Quinn, Ph.D., and infant development with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen. Sukey’s work in “movement skill development through guided play” has led her to design and teach music and movement programs for infants, toddlers, nursery schools, after-school programs, elementary schools, and with her own Nyack, NY-based PlayMove&Sing Inc. company. Sukey’s work is the recipient of multiple awards, most recently the NAPPA award for her new storytelling album, The Adventures of Little Stubby.

Find Sukey’s music and stories on Spotify, Amazon, YouTube and more! And visit Sukey at www.sukeymolloy.com

Book Recommendation: Running With Sherman : the donkey with the heart of a hero by Christopher McDougall

Other Links

https://www.littlelongears.org/
https://www.pasadosafehaven.org/
Wonky Donkey Video

www.jonathanbalcombe.com
What a Fish Knows (NYTimes bestseller)
Super Fly (National Outdoor Book Award winner)
Jake and Ava: A Boy and a Fish (illustrated children's book)

Support the show

Show Credits⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!)

What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Mentoring Services⁠⁠⁠⁠!

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Mentioned in this episode:

Jake and Ava- New Book by Jonathan Balcombe

www.jonathanbalcombe.com

Send us a text

Episode 4 of Series 12: Animals in Art and Culture Transcript

What can Aboriginal and Bengali literature teach us about our connection with nature? Join Dr. Dipanwita Pal on our podcast as she shares her fascinating research into these cultural narratives. This episode is a compelling look into how stories reflect and influence our relationships with the animal world. Tune in for an enlightening discussion!

Guest: Dr Dipanwita Pal is an Associate Professor in English at Galsi Mahavidyalaya, West Bengal, India. Her Ph. D. thesis is based on the ecocritical study of the works of the first Australian Aboriginal poet Oodgeroo Noonuccal. She has edited Ecofeminism and Allied Issues, Exploring the Coexistence of the Humans and the Nonhumans within Literary Text. She has a number of papers published in various national and international journals. She is the recipient of the Scientist of the Year Award 2020 by IKSAD (The Institute of Economic Development and Social Researches), Turkey. Her areas of interest are gender studies, indigenous studies, ecocriticism, Australian literature, Indian English literature. She is the recipient of the IASA ER Travel Fellowship to Australia 2024.

www.jonathanbalcombe.com
What a Fish Knows (NYTimes bestseller)
Super Fly (National Outdoor Book Award winner)
Jake and Ava: A Boy and a Fish (illustrated children's book)

Support the show

Show Credits⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!)

What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Mentoring Services⁠⁠⁠⁠!

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