Curl Up with a Cat Tale with Gwen Cooper
93 episodes - English - Latest episode: 24 days ago - ★★★★★ - 61 ratingsJoin New York Times bestselling cat writer and "Homer's mom," Gwen Cooper--author of numerous cat-centric titles, including "Homer's Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale," "Spray Anything," and "The Book of PAWSOME: Head Bonks, Raspy Tongues, and 101 Reasons Why Cats Make Us So, So Happy"--as we celebrate all things feline and listen to ins-purr-ational cat tales!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episodes
The Cat Daddy Himself
April 02, 2024 05:00 - 50 minutes - 41.5 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen speaks with the Cat Daddy himself, Jackson Galaxy! You definitely don’t want to miss this one, so check it out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dr. Jones, I Presume
March 26, 2024 17:16 - 46 minutes - 36.9 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen speaks once again with her personal hero, Dr. Charlotte Maxwell-Jones, founder and director of Kabul Small Animal Rescue in Kabul, Afghanistan. As always, Charlotte has a fascinating story to tell. Check it out MEOW! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Secrets of Sy Montgomery
March 19, 2024 05:00 - 49 minutes - 40.5 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen speaks with famed naturalist and National Book Award finalist Sy Montgomery about her new book, Secrets of the Octopus. Check it out MEOW! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
HSN (*not* the Home Shopping Network)
March 05, 2024 06:00 - 37 minutes - 31 MBIn this week’s all-new episode of Curl Up with a Cat Tale, Gwen presents some of the more interesting listener theories as to why Fanny the cat is suddenly so enamored of locking herself alone into bedrooms. Later, Gwen speaks with Sarah Baeckler, executive director of Humane Society Naples, a groundbreaking rescue organization in Southwest Florida, whose disaster response efforts Homer’s Heroes have been proud to support. Check it out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in...
Fanny Trouble
February 27, 2024 06:00 - 31 minutes - 26.3 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen catches listeners up on Charlotte Maxwell-Jones (who will hopefully make a return appearance on the podcast!) and Kabul Small Animal Rescue. Also, Gwen’s cat Fanny has been behaving somewhat mysteriously for the past couple of weeks. Does anybody have any possible explanations? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Francesco Returns
February 13, 2024 06:00 - 53 minutes - 43.6 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen speaks once again with Francesco Marciuliano, bestselling author of I Could Pee On This and, most recently, of Oh. It’s You. Love Poems By Cats. Check it out MEOW! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The One That Wasn't About Cats
February 06, 2024 06:00 - 32 minutes - 27 MBGwen returns from a two-week medical crisis with her mom in Miami (plus a week of Covid, picked up in her travels) with an all-new episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
To Kill a Mockingbird
January 09, 2024 06:00 - 43 minutes - 35.2 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen tackles author and bird enthusiast Jonathan Franzen’s latest broadside alleging that no-kill shelters are actually evil. Later in the episode, Gwen answers a reader question about her upcoming new books in 2024. Check it out MEOW! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rock 'n' Roll New Year
January 02, 2024 06:00 - 50 minutes - 40.6 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen recounts a recent health scare with Fanny (fortunately, the story has a happy ending!) and speaks with Sheena Yamazaki, founder of Suncatcher Sanctuary in Arizona, which provides a loving lifetime home for cats with profound special needs. It’s an unbelievably inspirational story, so check it out MEOW! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A New Song
November 30, 2023 06:00 - 52 minutes - 43.3 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen wraps up her return from her first-ever Thanksgiving spent in Sweden, and also welcomes jazz singer extraordinaire Staci Griesbach (cat-mom to Peanut!) who shares a single from her new Christmas album. You’re going to love this song—so check it out MEOW! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Confession is Good for the Soul
November 14, 2023 06:00 - 45 minutes - 37.2 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen talks about the kinds of (bad?) moms who let their kids torment strange cats on the street and offers both a confession and heartfelt apology to readers of Love Saves the Day. Check it out meow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3 1/2 Millenia
October 24, 2023 05:00 - 32 minutes - 25.9 MBThis week's episode is a departure from the usual format! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Not in the Face
October 11, 2023 11:03 - 37 minutes - 31.3 MBIn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen discusses a minor medical procedure and the unexpected consternation some of the after-care instructions have caused for her cats. Later: How likely is it that AI will someday replace humans who write about animals? Check it out MEOW! 😊 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oh. It's Francesco Marciuliano.
October 03, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 51.6 MBIn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen sits down for a wide-ranging conversation with Francesco Marciuliano, author of I Could Pee on This, to discuss his new book Oh. It’s You: Love Poems by Cats. Also: Gwen recounts her adventures feeding an outdoor cat in this week’s torrential downpours in the Northeast. Check it out MEOW! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Honoring Homer
August 22, 2023 05:00 - 33 minutes - 28.3 MBCelebrating Homer's life and impact, 10 years after his passing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Red Hawaii
August 12, 2023 11:24 - 36 minutes - 30.4 MBOn this week’s all-new episode--released early, due to its urgency--Gwen speaks with Katie Shannon of the Maui Humane Society about the wildfires and the incredible rescue work Maui Humane is doing in the midst of this catastrophe. Check it out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Doctor My Eyes
August 08, 2023 05:00 - 31 minutes - 26.2 MBThis week on an all-new episode, Gwen survives her first-ever cosmetic procedure, answers a reader question about how the cats fared during her recent trip (when they got to have a live-in pet sitter for the very first time), and spends some deep, quality time with Homer’s Odyssey as she prepares for its upcoming UK launch. Check it out MEOW! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Reality Bites
August 01, 2023 13:44 - 44 minutes - 36.8 MBIn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen shares exciting news about Homer’s Odyssey and Love Saves the Day (new editions coming soon!), reports on #vacationlife, and considers the question: is it every okay to put a physically healthy cat to sleep? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jamaican Me Crazy
July 25, 2023 05:00 - 30 minutes - 25.5 MBGwen dives into a new episode while on the cusp of a quick weekend trip away. Check it out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gwen's Odyssey
July 11, 2023 05:00 - 41 minutes - 34.1 MBGwen returns for an all-new episode with exciting news about NEW editions of “Homer’s Odyssey” and “Love Saves the Day”—PLUS a brand-new story about Prudence the Cat (told in her own inimitable style!) that will be coming out soon. Also, apologies for the air-conditioning sound in the background of the first half of the episode. :/ Check it out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Goodbye, Saundra
May 30, 2023 05:00 - 26 minutes - 22 MBDedicated in loving memory to Saundra Brothers Lerman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Confession is Good for the Soul
May 23, 2023 05:00 - 37 minutes - 30.9 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen gives listeners an update on the state of the kitties in her own home (i.e. Clayton and Fanny) and also confesses a deep dark secret about a kind-of-bad (actually, probably pretty bad) thing that she did in the very recent past. Check it out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Let's Talk About Cats!
May 16, 2023 05:00 - 59 minutes - 48.7 MBThis week we’re talking to award-winning sci-fi writer and cat dad extraordinaire Adam Troy-Castro! Join us for a wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from the obligatory hilarious cat tales to a consideration of why it is that writers in certain genres (we’re looking at you, Neil Gaiman and Stephen King!) are drawn to cats as writing companions. Check it out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Homer's Back, Baby!
May 09, 2023 05:00 - 37 minutes - 31.3 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen gives an update on the status of “Homer’s Odyssey” (hint: it’s good news!), heads back to The Office, and wonders why it’s so incredibly gratifying to feed an animal. Check it out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are Cats Funny
April 25, 2023 05:00 - 34 minutes - 28.4 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen shares her weekend plans for this Saturday’s Brooklyn Book Crawl in honor of National Independent Bookstore Day. Later, Gwen wonders why harm to cats—or the suggestion of harm to cats (like what Dwight did to Angela’s cat on “The Office)—is so often played for laughs. Check it out meow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Reader's Block
April 18, 2023 05:00 - 31 minutes - 26.6 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen addresses rescue fatigue, option fatigue, and the problem of reader’s block (not writer’s block—reader’s block)! It’s actually a higher-energy and more optimistic episode than it sounds like from this description. Check it out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Neighborhood Cats
April 04, 2023 05:00 - 43 minutes - 35.8 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen introduces listeners to an AMAZING (and reasonably priced!) skincare line that uses its proceeds to save and care for rescue animals. Later on, Gwen talks to Bryan Kortis, founder and Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats. You definitely don’t want to miss it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Advice
March 21, 2023 05:00 - 38 minutes - 31.2 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen wonders how we can know for sure that we’re the ones the cats we adopt were truly meant to be with. Later, Gwen speaks with author Teresa Pesce about her new book, Advice, which covers everything from coworkers to cats to boyfriends to regular friends, and everything in between. Check it out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wabi-Sabi (the Japanese art of finding beauty in flaws)
March 15, 2023 05:00 - 40 minutes - 33.5 MBIn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen talks about why “Homer’s Odyssey” may be disappearing (apparently Random House no longer wishes to print it). Later, Gwen answers a reader question about personality flaws. It’s an especially purr-sonal episode this week, so check it out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Meant to Be
March 07, 2023 06:00 - 39 minutes - 32.7 MBIn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen catches listeners up on Clayton and Fanny (and how they fared during Gwen’s recent trip!); ponders whether we are truly and actually meant to be with the cats we end up with; and lets readers know how and where they can help support rescue for the animals of Turkey and Syria affected by the recent earthquake. Check it out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Cats of Cairo
February 28, 2023 06:00 - 43 minutes - 35.6 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, a recently returned Gwen talks about her travels in the Middle East, explores ways to help the dogs and cats who live there, and tells THE SINGLE GREATEST STORY you will hear this week, month, year—or possibly ever! You DEFINITELY don’t want to miss this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kickstart My Heart
February 10, 2023 06:00 - 29 minutes - 24.7 MBIn this week’s all-new episode—available early for Patreon supporters!—Gwen plans a trip to the Middle East, seeks wisdom from her listeners on an important question and condoles with listener and friend Neta Mercer on the recent loss of her beloved Pouncer. Listen now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Look What I Made, Ma!
January 31, 2023 06:00 - 35 minutes - 29.5 MBIn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen wonders if it will ever be possible to satiate the insatiable Clayton’s need for constant attention. Later, Gwen opens up in response to a reader question about how it feels to be a bestselling author whose friends and relatives—for the most part—don’t read her books. (In fairness, none of them have cats!) Check it out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Catisdental Tourist
January 24, 2023 06:00 - 44 minutes - 36.4 MBIn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen pitches the idea for a cat-centric travel/reality series, shares her own upcoming excursion to the Middle East, and answers a reader question for the first time in 2023. Check it out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Age Before Beauty
January 17, 2023 06:00 - 43 minutes - 36 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen argues with a friend about the morality of declawing cats <<shudder>> and ponders whether there’s an age beyond which one is “too old” to adopt a kitten. Check it out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
AITA?
January 10, 2023 06:00 - 38 minutes - 32 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen takes a brief look behind the scenes at how the writing “sausage” gets made. Later on, Gwen answers a reader question and describes her new book-in-progress. And tells some new cat stories! Listen to it now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gone Squirrel
January 03, 2023 06:00 - 49 minutes - 40.5 MBHappy New Year! In this week’s episode, Gwen presents the latest installment of the ongoing saga of the backyard squirrels and cat (now with birds!), as well as the hopefully happy ending to the story of the Albanian mama cat and her kittens. Plus: New Year’s goals! Later on, it’s the second half of Gwen’s conversation with Steve Dale. Check it out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Here Comes My Squirrel
December 20, 2022 06:00 - 45 minutes - 37.8 MBIn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen speaks with journalist, radio personality, and tireless cat-rescue advocate Steve Dale, who has exciting news about a potential cure on the horizon for FIP! Also in this episode, is it possible for squirrels to bully a human? The answer may surprise you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
O Christmas Mouse
December 08, 2022 06:00 - 37 minutes - 31.5 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen battles anxiety, Clayton battles Laurence, and Fanny unearths her favorite seasonal toy mouse from wherever it is she hides her things the rest of the year. Grab your Christmas scarf and listen now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
(In)Gratitude
November 29, 2022 06:00 - 42 minutes - 35 MBIn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen contemplates the nature of gratitude and gives a deep-dive, behind-the-scenes look at one of her most notorious large-scale “Homer’s Heroes” rescue efforts. Also: Gwen’s NEW cat book is out today! Check it out MEOW! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
YOU are PAWSOME!
November 21, 2022 15:03 - 31 minutes - 26.1 MBOn this week’s all-new episode—available early to Patreon supporters!—Gwen shares an exclusive sneak peek and live reading from her new book, YOU are PAWSOME! 75 Reasons Why Your Cats Love You, and Why Loving Them Back Makes You a Better Human! Also, Gwen tries to unravel the mystery behind her 20,000 new podcast listeners. See what all the excitement’s about, and listen to the new episode now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Math is Hard!
November 15, 2022 06:00 - 39 minutes - 32.9 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, Clayton speaks! And clings! (Seriously, though, Clayton is *super* clingy these days!) Also, Gwen shares details about her newest book—coming out this month!—plans for her writing future, and asks her listeners: What’s the best way to get mildew out of a canvas bag? Hit the Play button to listen now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I'm Back, Baby!
November 08, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 57.3 MBGwen returns from a loooooong hiatus wiser, healthier, and as much in love with cats as ever! In this all-new episode, Gwen gives an overview of her three-week animal-rescue mission/writing retreat in Albania. Later on, it’s the long-awaited interview with cat rescuer and fascinating human Patti Ackerman! Check it out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If I'd Known Then What I Know Now
April 06, 2022 05:00 - 41 minutes - 34.1 MBIn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen catches listeners up on all the latest doings, including the brand-new “sauna blanket” that’s driving her cats wild (with frustration)! Also, Gwen answers a listener question about things she wishes she’d done differently for her cats over the years. Regrets? She’s had a few! Listen now to find out what they were! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How to Be SMART
March 22, 2022 05:00 - 52 minutes - 42.2 MBIn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen speaks with Julie Kelley, founder and director of the Let’s Be SMART cat rescue organization in Greece! Also, Gwen gives an update on the situation for animals in Ukraine, and what you can do to help out the heroic organizations and people risking their lives to save other lives. Plus, Gwen answers a reader question: How do I know if I really love my cat, or if my cat really loves me? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Putting the "You" in Ukraine
March 08, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 49.5 MBIn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen speaks with Ashley Byrne of PETA and Alexandra Sava of Sava’s Safe Haven in Romania to get gripping firsthand accounts of what’s being done to save cats, dogs, and other four-legged refugees from the war zone in Ukraine—and, of course, what YOU can do in this crisis to help save lives TODAY! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feline Philosophy, Part 2
March 01, 2022 06:00 - 40 minutes - 33.2 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, Gwen is once again speaking with philosopher, author, and all-around man of letters John Gray about his book “Feline Philosophy: Cats and the Meaning of Life,” and the ways in which cats can help all of us to be better, happier, more fulfilled, and more ethical humans. It’s an entertaining and deeply thought-provoking conversation you won’t want to miss—so check it out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feline Philosophy, Part 1
February 22, 2022 06:00 - 52 minutes - 42.1 MBOn this week’s all-new episode, join Gwen as she speaks with philosopher John Gray--chief book reviewer for The New Statesman, London School of Economics professor emeritus, and "One of the most important thinkers alive," according to The Times (London)--about his newest book Feline Philosophy: Cats and the Meaning of Life. It's the first of a two-part conversation about how living with, and striving to be more like, our feline companions can make us happier, more fulfilled, and more virtuous...
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry Gwen
February 15, 2022 06:00 - 42 minutes - 33.8 MBIn this week’s all-new episode,Gwen addresses some of the negative emails and wild rumor mongering she received in response to last week’s conversation with Charlotte Maxwell-Jones, the American woman courageous enough to remain in Afghanistan rescuing animals following the evacuation of US troops. (Many thanks, by the way, to those who have joined Gwen in supporting this incredibly worthwhile cause!) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Charlotte Maxwell-Jones
February 08, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 48.5 MBOn an unforgettable new episode—more than five months in the making!—Gwen speaks with Kabul Small Animal Rescue founder and director, Charlotte Maxwell-Jones, and hears her firsthand account of her harrowing attempt to evacuate Afghanistan with nearly 300 rescue animals back in August, and the heartbreaking moment when she was turned back at the Kabul airport. Charlotte was finally able to successfully airlift 286 dogs and cats to safety in Canada just this past week, and she also tells us ab...