Just the Zoo of Us
251 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★★ - 353 ratingsJoin us, Ellen and Christian Weatherford, while we review your favorite species of animals and rate them out of ten in the categories of effectiveness, ingenuity and aesthetics.
More information can be found at justthezooofus.com 😊
Got a species you want us to review? Submit your animal friend to us at [email protected] and when we review your animal we'll give you a shoutout! 😊
Cover art by Mrs. Brainbow (Taylor Gordon-Wood). Theme music by Louie Zong.
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Episodes
144: A Grand Scale Adventure
May 20, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 86.2 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a fantasy roleplaying adventure as Christian plays a Dungeons & Dragons homebrew one-shot written by Ellen! In this week's episode, Monax Tufdert takes on a clandestine mission of the reptilian persuasion from a local government official. Along the way, he seeks to befriend a dog, rescue wildlife in peril, and restore ecological balance to the wetlands. All sounds used in this episode came from freesound.org & attribution can be found here. Follow Just the Zoo of...
143: Muskox w/ Kirsten Engeseth!
May 11, 2022 16:43 - 59 minutes - 54 MBEllen & special guest, herbivore ecologist and researcher Kirsten Engeseth, who joins us all the way from Norway to review the fluffiest, softest living tank you’ve ever seen: the muskox! We talk about how these real-life Banthas keep warm in the harsh arctic winters, band together to defend their herd with unwavering honor, and do their absolute best to overcome the challenges of new environments and a changing world. Follow Kirsten on Twitter! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitt...
142: Questions, Answers and Stories
May 04, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 68.9 MBFor the second and final week of the MaxFunDrive, we're answering your questions and sharing your stories! We share some deeply personal intimate details like our inspirations behind the podcast, what the journey has been like to make it over the last 3 years, and how much ham we could eat in one sitting. Be a part of the MaxFunDrive & sign up to become a supporting member of the network and get access to exclusive content and beautiful gifts! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter...
141: Bigfoot w/ Elliot Helmer!
April 27, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 64.7 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, archaeologist and cryptid enthusiast Elliot Helmer, on a search for the truth about our most mysterious neighbor: Bigfoot. We discuss hominid evolution, cryptid ecology, the importance of oral history and traditional knowledge, and what Bigfoot can teach us about ourselves and our own relationship with nature wherever you fall on the spectrum of skepticism. Visit the Black Trowel Collective to learn more about & support their mutual aid initiative for archaeolog...
64: Emu & Whale Shark (REPLAY)
April 20, 2022 10:00 - 58 minutes - 53.3 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's re-broadcast of an episode from August of 2020, Ellen explains why emus don't bother flying and Christian dives into the mysterious world of the cryptic whale shark. We discuss the evolution, de-evolution and re-evolution of flight, an actual military war between humans and birds resulting in a victory you might not expect, and eyeballs covered with teeth. Send in questions for our upcoming Q&A episode to ellen@justthezooofus....
140: Pangolins w/ Jack Baker!
April 14, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 58.2 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, conservationist and podcaster Jack Baker, for a review of the charming and humble pangolin! We discuss how the pangolin’s unique adaptations tip the scales in favor of this walking pinecone and what challenges they face in the world today. Check out Pangolin: The Conservation Podcast and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Cover photo: 2630ben via Getty images
139: Joro Spider & Day Octopus
April 06, 2022 10:00 - 56 minutes - 52 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's sixteen-legged episode, Christian weaves a web of truth about the Joro spider & Ellen pulls no punches with the day octopus. We discuss what the media hype gets wrong about the Joro spider, how to eat cephalopod ink & why octopuses and their "swift, explosive motion" are complete reef menaces. If this podcast has had an impact on you or your life, we want to hear from you! Send in your story or just tell us what this show mea...
138: Phasmids w/ Shakara Maggitt!
March 30, 2022 10:00 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, entomologist and animal scientist Shakara Maggitt, for a review of the gentle giants of the insect world: phasmids! You may know them as stick bugs, leaf insects or any of their other many common names. We discuss learning to love bugs, what makes the abundantly diverse stick bug family so weird and wonderful, and even why you might want to consider incorporating bugs into your own culinary repertoire. Follow Shakara on Twitter or Instagram! Follow Just the Zoo...
137: Babirusa & Greenland Shark
March 23, 2022 10:00 - 51 minutes - 47.4 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen wallows in the unique charm of the babirusa & Christian gives us a look into the mysteries of the Greenland shark. We discuss teeth mutiny, Icelandic food, and life in the slow lane. If this podcast has had an impact on you or your life, we want to hear from you! Send in your story or just tell us what this show means to you by emailing [email protected] OR leave a voice message at (323) 601-8719. We...
136: Cuckoo Wasps w/ Katie Goldin!
March 16, 2022 10:00 - 53 minutes - 48.6 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, fellow animal science podcaster and Cool Bug Appreciator Katie Goldin, for a review of the spectacular and delectably devious cuckoo wasps! We discuss what makes these glittering jewels of the insect world such perfectly crafted little menaces terrorizing a wasp nest near you in this exhilarating exposé of espionage, exploitation, and exoskeletons. Katie Goldin is the host of Creature Feature, which can be found wherever you get podcasts. You can also follow Kati...
135: Egyptian Vulture & Eastern Spotted Skunk
March 09, 2022 11:00 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's especially odoriferous episode, Christian gives high marks to the Egyptian vulture and Ellen gives props to the grandstanding, handstanding eastern spotted skunk. We discuss where the pharaoh's chicken ranks in the scavenging pecking order, how to ACTUALLY get rid of the smell from a skunk spray using chemistry, and why it's important to appreciate even our stinkiest friends. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter an...
134: Hyenas w/ Dr. Christine Wilkinson!
March 02, 2022 11:00 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, conservation biologist Dr. Christine Wilkinson, for a review of the oft-maligned powerhouses: hyenas! We discuss the diversity of the hyena family, eating bones, girlbossing, how pop culture has missed the mark on hyena representation, and compassionate conservation. Follow Christine on Twitter and check out their website for more! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Cover photo: David O'Brien via Getty images
133: Slow Loris & Cassowary
February 23, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 55.3 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen hangs out with the slow loris & Christian observes leg day with the southern cassowary. We discuss armpit alchemy, the pitfalls of cute animal videos, rumbles in the jungle, and real life dinosaurs. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Cover photos: warmer via Getty images (slow loris), Julien Viry via Getty images (cassowary)
132: Blanding's Turtle w/ Tharusha Wijewardena!
February 16, 2022 11:00 - 43 minutes - 39.4 MBJoin Ellen & special guest Tharusha Wijewardena for a review of the charming and endangered Blanding's turtle. We discuss what to do if you see a turtle crossing the road, what cartoons get right and wrong about turtles, the perils of longevity and cute fluffy predators, and the conservation work that’s going into helping our tough-shelled friends. Follow Tharusha on Twitter and learn more about the Headstarting Project over at the Toronto Zoo's website. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Faceboo...
131: Green Iguana & Blue Marlin
February 09, 2022 11:00 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Christian drops in on green iguanas and Ellen reels in the blue marlin. Topics include pendulous dewlaps, frozen lizards falling from trees, the powerhouse of the cell, and flailing knives. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Cover photos: Christo Goosen via Pexels (green iguana) & Kelly Dalling via Getty Images (blue marlin)
130: Turacos w/ Aeralyn Rudnick!
February 02, 2022 11:00 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, animal trainer Aeralyn Rudnick, for a review of the relentlessly charming turacos! They are here to tell us all about what it’s like to work with these spectacular little goofballs, how to win their hearts over with the power of berries, baby bird glow-ups and the science behind their rainbow of brilliantly pigmented colors that really do make them actual living paintings. Follow Aeralyn's work on TikTok and Instagram, and find more information at their website! ...
129: Icefish & Wombat
January 26, 2022 11:00 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen chills out with icefish & Christian tells us why the wombat really shines. Topics include Crystal Pepsi, secret fish cities, poop cubes and blacklights. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Cover photo: keiichihiki via Getty images (wombat), Marrabbio2 via Wikipedia (icefish, Chionodraco hamatus)
128: Ground Squirrels w/ Stephanie Martinez!
January 20, 2022 11:00 - 59 minutes - 54.4 MBJoin Ellen & conservation biologist Stephanie Martinez for a review of the little deceptively adorable critters tunneling through the grasslands: ground squirrels! We talk about the hazards of field work, sleeping your problems away, the science of splooting, jiu jitsu matches, squirrel romance, tippy taps and furry little neighborhood watch programs. Follow Stephanie on Twitter! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Cover photo: Pancaketom via Getty images
127: Bull Shark & Green Heron
January 12, 2022 11:00 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Christian tells us how the bull shark gets fresh by staying salty & Ellen takes a stab at the knife-faced green heron. We discuss Jaws, the atlatl, and zoooOOOP! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Cover photo: Divepic, wildpix645 (via Getty images)
126: Carnation Corals w/ Rosie Steinberg!
January 05, 2022 11:00 - 53 minutes - 48.6 MBJoin Ellen & marine biologist Rosie Steinberg for a review of some beautiful animals that you might not have even known were animals: carnation corals! We talk about the living Ship of Theseus, what a coral smells like, intense turf wars being fought in super slow motion, and life as a hivemind of squishy clones. Follow Rosie on Twitter! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Cover photo: johnandersonphoto via Getty Images
125: Crested Gecko w/ Dominique DiFalco!
December 29, 2021 11:00 - 55 minutes - 50.9 MBJoin Ellen & reptile keeper Dominique DiFalco for a review of the fabulously lashed crested gecko! Learn all about the joys of loving and caring for reptiles, the mind-blowing physics that keeps geckos clinging even to smooth glass, and what makes these wide-eyed, velvety soft lizards such special little friends. Follow along with Dominique's work on Facebook (her group is currently on pause for the holidays but will be back soon) and Instagram! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitt...
124: Northern Giraffe w/ Ashley Hamer!
December 23, 2021 12:59 - 53 minutes - 48.8 MBJoin Ellen and special guest, science communicator & podcaster Ashley Hamer, for a review of the towering leaf-eaters of the African savannahs: the northern giraffe! We discuss how giraffes keep their tongues from getting sunburnt, built-in compression socks, the perils of necking, and more. Follow Ashley on Twitter and check out her other work on her website! Cover photo: Leo Mercon, via Getty Images
123: Vampire Bats w/ Nate Marshall!
December 15, 2021 11:00 - 56 minutes - 51.3 MBJoin Ellen & special guest bat enthusiast Nate Marshall for a review of the not-so-sinister vampire bats! In this episode, we discuss leaf noses, Pope tweets, bat friendships, and more. Follow Nate on Twitter and check out his podcast for more bat content! Cover photo: belizar73, Getty images
122: Tarantula Hawk & Vulture Bee
December 08, 2021 11:00 - 50 minutes - 45.9 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen squares up with the formidable tarantula hawk & Christian gives the buzz on vulture bees. We discuss why you should give the tarantula hawk plenty of personal space, their video game boss fight strategy, and putting meat back on the menu for some very interesting little bees.
121: Nine-banded Armadillo w/ Carly Haywood!
December 01, 2021 11:00 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MBJoin Ellen & special guest Carly Haywood for a review of the scaly, pig-snouted friends of the underbrush: nine-banded armadillos! In this episode, we discuss whether you should be afraid of getting leprosy from an armadillo, what “pancaking” is and why they do it, and little tiny clone parades scuttling through the underbrush. You can follow Carly on Twitter at @MotherOfDasypus :) Cover photo: Svetlana Foote, via Getty images
120: Acorn Woodpecker & West African Lungfish
November 24, 2021 11:00 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Christian brings the acorn woodpecker to trial for its rampant vandalism & Ellen goes for a ride in a time machine with the West African lungfish. Along the way, we discuss the physics of using your face as a jackhammer, snot cocoons, and Sonic hedgehog. Cover photos: Luis Echeverri Urrea via Getty images (woodpeckers), voltan1 via Getty images (lungfish)
119: Pigeons w/ Rosemary Mosco!
November 17, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, science writer & naturalist Rosemary Mosco, for a review of the little grey guy strutting down a street near you: the pigeon! We discuss the history of why pigeons live alongside us, how they evade the clutches of even the world’s fastest predator, ways pigeon couples keep the romance alive, and the joy of appreciating these metropolitan doves. You can find Rosemary's work, including her brand new book A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching at her website: rosemarymos...
118: Ocean Sunfish & Tanuki
November 10, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 59.6 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode inspired by Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Ellen basks in the unexpected glory of the ocean sunfish & Christian pays respect to the mischievous tanuki. You'll learn what to bring to a sunfish's dinner party and how the tanuki earns the title of power couple.
117: Flatfish w/ Dr. Kory Evans!
November 03, 2021 10:00 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MBJoin Ellen & special guest evolutionary biologist Dr. Kory Evans for a review of the dimensionally innovative flatfish! Learn the story of why these quirky fishes developed such peculiar body plans and how their bizarre adaptations help them live their best life beneath the sand. We discuss migrating eyes, transient feet, and which cartoons got flounders right and wrong. Keep up with Kory and his lab's work on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sternarchella Cover photo: Jodi Jacobson via Getty ...
116: Painted Bat & Dracula Parrot
October 27, 2021 10:00 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's festively spooky episode, Christian kicks off the celebration with the painted bat & Ellen counts up points for the iconic Dracula parrot. Photos: Merlin Tuttle (painted bat), Ondrej Prosicky (Dracula parrot)
115: Myriapods (Millipedes, Centipedes & Pauropods) w/ Dr. Derek Hennen!
October 20, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 57.1 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, entomologist Derek Hennen, for a review of our many-legged friends, the myriapods! We’re talking millipedes, centipedes, and pauropods: what the difference is between these long guys, how they manage to scurry around without tripping over all of those feet, and what they’re up to down there underneath the leaf litter. Join the millipede fan club: @DearMillipede Cover photo by Derek Hennen, of "one of the prettiest cherry millipedes (Polydesmida: Xystodesmidae) I...
Meet the Neighbors: Just the Zoo of Us x One Bad Mother
October 18, 2021 21:13 - 38 minutes - 35 MBJust the Zoo of Us and One Bad Mother got together to celebrate MaxFun Block Party! If you enjoyed this conversation we had with host Biz Ellis, be sure to subscribe to One Bad Mother on maximumfun.org!
114: Amazon Molly & Aardvark
October 13, 2021 10:00 - 50 minutes - 46 MBEllen inspects an army of fish clones, the Amazon molly, and Christian finally digs in to the details of the inimitable aardvark. Learn how clones are made in nature, what's going on inside the aardvark's porcine snout, and why it's so crucial to never leave home without tippy-tappies. Amazon molly photo by Manfred Schartl. Aardvark photo by Michael Viard via Getty Images.
Special announcement: We're joining Maximum Fun!
October 08, 2021 16:00 - 1 minute - 1.79 MBWe've got big, exciting, great news! Just the Zoo of Us is joining the Maximum Fun network! Listen to our announcement for more information about the network, the date of our first episode as members, and a very special treat if you stick around to the end (it's less than two minutes!). Check out Maximum Fun & their other wonderful shows over at www.maximumfun.org :)
113: Freshwater Sponges w/ Mallory McNulty!
October 06, 2021 10:00 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MBJoin Ellen & special guest Mallory McNulty for a review of our porous friends, freshwater sponges! Get the real answers to your burning sponge questions, like what a sponge feels like in your hands, how a completely stationary animal gets to new places, what kind of role they play in their ecosystem & why freshwater sponges have earned their chance in the spotlight!
112: Mexican Mole Lizard & Echidna
September 28, 2021 10:00 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Christian reviews the reptile disguised as an earthworm, the Mexican mole lizard, and Ellen evaluates the eclectic, enigmatic echidna.
111: Common Loon w/ Ivan Phillipsen!
September 21, 2021 10:00 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, naturalist Ivan Phillipsen, for a review of the iconic common loon! In this episode, we discuss why they got stuck with such a rude name, how they’ve managed to master both water AND air, and the hidden meanings behind those ethereal (and slightly spooky) songs in the night. Ivan's podcast, The Science of Birds, can be found wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit their website at https://www.scienceofbirds.com/
110: Backswimmers w/ Gavin Campbell!
September 15, 2021 10:00 - 56 minutes - 51.7 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, ecologist Gavin Campbell, for a review of the surprising little bugs zipping just beneath the surface of a pond near you: backswimmers! In this episode, Gavin tells us his stories of raising dragons, a mysterious entomological cold case, and his very own super villain origin story.
109: Philippine Eagle & Humpback Whale
September 06, 2021 10:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen details what makes the Philippine eagle soar above the competition & Christian sings praises for the humpback whale.
108: Great Horned Owl w/ Ashley Bray!
August 30, 2021 10:00 - 44 minutes - 41 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, wildlife biologist Ashley Bray, for a review of the tigers of the sky: great horned owls! In this episode, we discuss fake ears, silent feathers, tactical pantaloons, and more. Ashley is the creator & host of the Get Out Alive podcast, which can be found at www.getoutalivepodcast.com (listener discretion advised!)
107: Thresher Shark w/ Jaida Elcock!
August 23, 2021 10:00 - 58 minutes - 53.6 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, shark scientist & co-founder of MISS Jaida Elcock, for a review of the chronically anxious scorpion of the sea: thresher sharks! Topics include the unique features that make thresher sharks particularly amazing, what it's like to study sharks, how to safely share the ocean with them, marine science in Finding Nemo, and more. You can learn more about MISS's work promoting diversity and inclusion in shark science & support their organization at their website: https...
106: Mudskipper & Hoatzin
August 16, 2021 10:00 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MBJoin the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Christian reviews how the mudskipper gets the best of both worlds & Ellen strongly relates to the smelliest living dinosaur, the hoatzin.
105: Fossa w/ Asia Murphy!
August 02, 2021 10:00 - 28 minutes - 25.8 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, ecologist Asia Murphy, for a review of the fossa! In this episode, we discuss their catlike (but not feline!) features, an unusual bachelor-deterring disguise, and what makes the buffed-up fossa such a unique and gorgeous animal. This episode was made in collaboration with the Lemur Conservation Network! Learn more about the wildlife of Madagascar & how we can help protect them at www.lemurconservationnetwork.org
104: Blue-Eyed Black Lemur w/ Dr. Jen Tinsman!
July 26, 2021 10:00 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, evolutionary biologist Dr. Jen Tinsman, for a review of Madagascar's striking blue-eyed black lemurs! In this episode, we discuss Madagascar's incredible biodiversity, the relationships between humans and lemurs, and just how charming these arboreal friends are. This episode was made in collaboration with the Lemur Conservation Network. Learn more about their work supporting conservation in Madagascar at their website: https://www.lemurconservationnetwork.org/
103: Malayan Tapir & Lone Star Tick
July 20, 2021 11:04 - 49 minutes - 45 MBJoin the Weatherfords for an animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen takes a look at the long-snouted Malayan tapir & Christian checks every nook and cranny for lone star ticks.
102: Plants w/ Dr. Vikram Baliga!
July 12, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 58 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, horticulturist Dr. Vikram Baliga, for a review of... plants! We left the animal kingdom for this look at some of the fascinating adaptations that plants have made to stay thriving. In this episode, we discuss millenia-old trees, diabolical beetle-trapping lilies, living toilets, cold-blooded plant warfare happening right in front of our eyes, and other fun facts guaranteed to give you a deeper appreciation for the plant life all around us.
101: Mantis Shrimp w/ Alice Chou!
July 05, 2021 10:00 - 45 minutes - 41.8 MBJoin Ellen & special guest, marine neurobiologist Alice Chou, for a review of the ocean's feisty boxers, mantis shrimps! In this episode, we discuss why the mantis shrimp is so good at punching stuff, what's up with their funky disco eyes, and other delectable treats for your brain.
100th Episode Q&A Celebration!
June 28, 2021 10:00 - 58 minutes - 53.3 MBJoin Ellen & Christian for a special episode answering questions from our beautiful listeners about topics including (but not limited to): making the podcast, things we've learned about animals and nature, our favorite video games, and more!
99: Bald Eagles w/ Patch, creator of TierZoo!
June 11, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 28 MBJoin Ellen & special guest Patch, creator of zoology-meets-gaming web series TierZoo, for a review of North America's iconic raptor, the bald eagle. In this episode we discuss the intersection between ecology and video games as well as how the bald eagle measures up to its competitors. Find TierZoo on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook!
98: Cockroaches w/ Charles Wallace!
June 02, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 60.8 MBJoin Ellen & special guest entomologist Charles Wallace for a review of nature's oft-maligned rogues, cockroaches! In this episode, we bust myths about the roaches that cozy up to human spaces, learn about some of the fascinating strategies that different types of roaches all over the world use to thrive, and give these hardy insects some long overdue praise.