Wildly Curious

Wildly Curious

By Katy Reiss & Laura Fawks LapoleScienceNatural SciencesNature
Download on the App Store

Wildly Curious episodes

  • Real Origins of the Griffin: Myth or Dinosaur Misunderstanding?

    Send us Fan Mail

    In this episode of Wildly Curious (formerly For the Love of Nature), host Kim Baker explores the fascinating history of the griffin, the mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. Was this legendary beast inspired by real-world fossils, or is it purely a product of ancient imagination? Kim delves into theories that range from ancient fossils of beaked dinosaurs in the Gobi Desert to the widespread cultural significance of griffins throughout history. Join us as we uncover the true origins of one of mythology's most enduring creatures.

    Perfect for mythology enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone curious about how science and storytelling intertwine.

    Support the show

    🎉 Support us on Patreon to keep the episodes coming! 🪼🦤🧠 For more laughs, catch us on YouTube!

    Track a real wild animal. Support conservation. Feel slightly cooler than you did five seconds ago. Visit www.myfahlo.com to get 20% off tracking bracelets with code WildlyKaty.




    10 min
  • Real Origins of the Hydra: Unveiling the Myth and Science Behind the Multi-Headed Monster

    Send us Fan Mail

    In this episode of Wildly Curious (formerly For the Love of Nature), host Kim Baker takes a deep dive into the origins of the Hydra, the multi-headed beast from Greek mythology. Was the terrifying Hydra just a figment of ancient imaginations, or could it have been inspired by real-world creatures? From sea monsters and two-headed snakes to the tiny freshwater hydra, Kim explores the fascinating blend of myth and reality behind this legendary creature. Discover how ancient myths often stem from real-world observations, and learn about the surprising scientific truths behind one of mythology’s most fearsome monsters.

    Perfect for mythology lovers, science enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the intersection of myth and reality.

    Support the show

    🎉 Support us on Patreon to keep the episodes coming! 🪼🦤🧠 For more laughs, catch us on YouTube!

    Track a real wild animal. Support conservation. Feel slightly cooler than you did five seconds ago. Visit www.myfahlo.com to get 20% off tracking bracelets with code WildlyKaty.




    10 min
  • The Love of Nature: Why We’re Thankful for the Great Outdoors

    Send us Fan Mail

    In this season finale of Wildly Curious (formerly For the Love of Nature), co-host Laura Fawks Lapole reflects on why nature is such an integral part of her life, from the calming power of the outdoors to the sense of wonder it instills. Joined by the voices of kids from around the country, this episode explores the many reasons why people, young and old, love nature. Whether it’s the beauty of the trees, the joy of watching animals, or the simple pleasure of a quiet walk, listeners will be reminded of what makes the natural world so special.

    Perfect for anyone who loves nature or is looking for some heartwarming inspiration, this episode is a celebration of the outdoors.

    Support the show

    🎉 Support us on Patreon to keep the episodes coming! 🪼🦤🧠 For more laughs, catch us on YouTube!

    Track a real wild animal. Support conservation. Feel slightly cooler than you did five seconds ago. Visit www.myfahlo.com to get 20% off tracking bracelets with code WildlyKaty.




    17 min
  • Math in Nature: The Hidden Numbers Behind Nature’s Beauty

    Send us Fan Mail

    In this episode of Wildly Curious (formerly For the Love of Nature), co-hosts Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole explore the fascinating ways that mathematics shapes the natural world. From the perfect spirals of nautilus shells to the fractal patterns found in trees and rivers, they dive into how simple mathematical principles underpin the complex beauty of nature. Whether you're a math enthusiast or someone who's always struggled with numbers, this episode will have you looking at nature in a whole new way.

    Perfect for anyone curious about the intersection of math and nature, this episode sheds light on the hidden patterns that govern the world around us.

    Support the show

    🎉 Support us on Patreon to keep the episodes coming! 🪼🦤🧠 For more laughs, catch us on YouTube!

    Track a real wild animal. Support conservation. Feel slightly cooler than you did five seconds ago. Visit www.myfahlo.com to get 20% off tracking bracelets with code WildlyKaty.




    1 hr 3 min
  • A Meeting of Nature Nerds: The Friendship Behind the Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail

    In this episode of Wildly Curious (formerly For the Love of Nature), co-host Laura Fawks Lapole takes a trip down memory lane, sharing the story of her friendship with Katy Reiss and how it led to the creation of the podcast. From their first meeting at Malone University to working together at the Little Rock Zoo, Laura recounts the hilarious moments, inside jokes, and shared experiences that shaped their journey. If you’ve ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes of Wildly Curious, this episode offers a glimpse into the dynamic duo that brings nature and humor together.

    Perfect for longtime listeners curious about the origins of the show and anyone who loves hearing the story behind great friendships.

    Support the show

    🎉 Support us on Patreon to keep the episodes coming! 🪼🦤🧠 For more laughs, catch us on YouTube!

    Track a real wild animal. Support conservation. Feel slightly cooler than you did five seconds ago. Visit www.myfahlo.com to get 20% off tracking bracelets with code WildlyKaty.




    21 min
  • Kraut and Beer: How Fermentation Shapes Our Favorite Foods and Drinks

    Send us Fan Mail

    In this episode of Wildly Curious (formerly For the Love of Nature), co-hosts Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole dive into the world of fermentation and how this ancient process has shaped some of our favorite foods and drinks. From the science behind how yeast and bacteria transform simple ingredients to the history of fermentation in different cultures, they explore everything from sauerkraut and pickles to beer and wine. Learn how fermentation not only creates delicious flavors but also boosts gut health and preserves food for long periods.

    Perfect for food enthusiasts, home brewers, and anyone curious about the transformative power of fermentation in everyday life.

    Support the show

    🎉 Support us on Patreon to keep the episodes coming! 🪼🦤🧠 For more laughs, catch us on YouTube!

    Track a real wild animal. Support conservation. Feel slightly cooler than you did five seconds ago. Visit www.myfahlo.com to get 20% off tracking bracelets with code WildlyKaty.




    47 min
  • Just Squiddin' with Dr. Sarah McAnulty: Squid Science and Communication

    Send us Fan Mail

    In this episode of Wildly Curious (formerly For the Love of Nature), co-hosts Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole are joined by Dr. Sarah McAnulty, a squid biologist and the founder of Skype a Scientist. Sarah shares her journey into the world of squid biology, her passion for science communication, and the quirky ways she's making science accessible to everyone. From squid facts to street art, Sarah’s unique approach to engaging the public is as fascinating as the cephalopods she studies. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of squid, and learn how science can be both fun and approachable.

    Perfect for marine biology lovers, science communicators, and anyone curious about the weird and wonderful world of squid.

    If you’d like to learn more about Sarah:

    • https://www.skypeascientist.com/
    • Twitter Insta, and tiktok @SarahMackAttack
    • Support the squid facts hotline with our merch at Squidfacts.bigcartel.com
    • https://linktr.ee/SarahMackAttack

    Support the show

    🎉 Support us on Patreon to keep the episodes coming! 🪼🦤🧠 For more laughs, catch us on YouTube!

    Track a real wild animal. Support conservation. Feel slightly cooler than you did five seconds ago. Visit www.myfahlo.com to get 20% off tracking bracelets with code WildlyKaty.




    59 min
  • "Accurate" Fairy Tales: What if Classic Stories Were Scientifically Correct?

    Send us Fan Mail

    In this episode of Wildly Curious (formerly For the Love of Nature), co-hosts Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole reimagine some of our favorite fairy tales through the lens of science. From Jack and the Beanstalk to Little Red Riding Hood, they take a closer look at what would really happen if these stories followed the laws of nature. Would a beanstalk really hold a person? Could a wolf successfully impersonate a grandma? Get ready for a hilarious and insightful dive into the ridiculous world of “accurate” fairy tales!

    Perfect for science enthusiasts, fairy tale fans, and anyone who loves to question the logic behind beloved stories.

    Support the show

    🎉 Support us on Patreon to keep the episodes coming! 🪼🦤🧠 For more laughs, catch us on YouTube!

    Track a real wild animal. Support conservation. Feel slightly cooler than you did five seconds ago. Visit www.myfahlo.com to get 20% off tracking bracelets with code WildlyKaty.




    1 hr 10 min
  • Viruses: Understanding Nature’s Microscopic Invaders

    Send us Fan Mail

    In this episode of Wildly Curious (formerly For the Love of Nature), co-hosts Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole explore the fascinating and often terrifying world of viruses. Although technically non-living, viruses play a significant role in shaping life on Earth. Katy and Laura break down how viruses operate, the science behind their structure, and how they impact both humans and animals. Learn about everything from the common cold to the avian flu and how viruses have evolved to infiltrate their hosts. If you’ve ever been curious about how these microscopic invaders work, this episode is for you!

    Perfect for science lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the hidden forces shaping life on Earth.

    Support the show

    🎉 Support us on Patreon to keep the episodes coming! 🪼🦤🧠 For more laughs, catch us on YouTube!

    Track a real wild animal. Support conservation. Feel slightly cooler than you did five seconds ago. Visit www.myfahlo.com to get 20% off tracking bracelets with code WildlyKaty.




    58 min
  • Weather Folklore Fact or Fiction? Exploring Myths About Predicting the Weather

    Send us Fan Mail

    In this episode of Wildly Curious (formerly For the Love of Nature), co-hosts Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole delve into weather folklore, breaking down popular myths like “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight” and the lore surrounding woolly bears. They explore whether these sayings hold any scientific truth or if they’re simply tales passed down through generations. From predicting storms to strange tornado myths, find out how humans have long tried to forecast the weather without technology.

    Perfect for weather enthusiasts, science lovers, or anyone curious about the intersection of myth and nature.

    Support the show

    🎉 Support us on Patreon to keep the episodes coming! 🪼🦤🧠 For more laughs, catch us on YouTube!

    Track a real wild animal. Support conservation. Feel slightly cooler than you did five seconds ago. Visit www.myfahlo.com to get 20% off tracking bracelets with code WildlyKaty.




    56 min

About Wildly Curious

From the publisher's feed

Wildly Curious is a comedy podcast where science, nature, and curiosity collide. Hosted by Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole, two wildlife experts with a…

More shows like Wildly Curious

This is Love by Vox Media Podcast Network

This is Love

9,268 Listeners