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Talking Animals

258 episodes - English - Latest episode: 23 days ago - ★★★★ - 24 ratings

A radio show about animals & animal issues

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Episodes

Temple Grandin, autistic animal scientist and author–The Sequel

March 06, 2024 05:00 - 40.5 MB

In what might be called The Sequel, this represents the second portion of the interview I conducted on Feb. 12 with Temple Grandin, onstage at the Paramount Theatre in Austin. We covered a wide range of topics last week, though that discussion featured a preponderance of autism talk, hardly surprising given Grandin’s expertise, personal experience […] The post Temple Grandin, autistic animal scientist and author–The Sequel first appeared on Talking Animals.

Temple Grandin, autistic animal scientist and author

February 28, 2024 05:00 - 40.8 MB

Temple Grandin–sometimes referred to as the world’s most famous autistic person, amidst several ways to describe her, including expert on animal behavior, prolific author, longtime professor of animal science at Colorado State University, fervent activist for autistic people, and tireless lecturer—sat with me onstage at the Paramount Theatre in Austin for what became a truly […] The post Temple Grandin, autistic animal scientist and author first appeared on Talking Animals.

Josh Fox, founder of The Brady Hunter Foundation

February 08, 2024 01:16 - 35 MB

Josh Fox–founder of the Brady Hunter Foundation, a Miami-based nonprofit whose mission reflects a commitment to helping end animal cruelty, protecting wildlife, and making a positive impact in the lives of children—observes his love of animals is truly lifelong, citing a photo of Fox as an infant in his crib being happily licked by the […] The post Josh Fox, founder of The Brady Hunter Foundation first appeared on Talking Animals.

Deborah Howard, founder of the Companion Animal Protection Society

January 31, 2024 05:00 - 33 MB

Deborah Howard, founder of the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS)–self-described as “the only national nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to protecting companion animals from cruelty in pet shops and puppy/kitten mills”—recalls how, in 1989, her disgust upon visiting an Atlanta pet store, and her ensuing examination of the deplorable conditions, led to launching CAPS. Howard recounts […] The post Deborah Howard, founder of the Companion Animal Protection Society first appe...

Dr. Daniel Promislow, principal investigator of The Dog Aging Project

January 24, 2024 05:00 - 34.4 MB

Dr. Daniel Promislow–a biogerontologist, professor at the University of Washington, and principal investigator of The Dog Aging Project, a long-term study of health and longevity in dogs—recounts the genesis of the Project. **NOTE: There is static on the line during the first portion of the interview; it does clear up. He explains that it was […] The post Dr. Daniel Promislow, principal investigator of The Dog Aging Project first appeared on Talking Animals.

Jessica Kelly, co-leader of Cat Trap Fever

January 17, 2024 23:48 - 34.9 MB

Jessica Kelly—who, along with Sue Rountree, runs Cat Trap Fever, a nonprofit focused on improving the lives of feral cats, chiefly in Pinellas County—recounts the “hodgepodge” of jobs she held before devoting herself to long days of TNVR:  Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return. Kelly’s jobs included teenage waitress, traveling with the carnival, and ballet instructor. But […] The post Jessica Kelly, co-leader of Cat Trap Fever first appeared on Talking Animals.

Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist–“Ask The Trainer” 9th Edition

January 10, 2024 19:10 - 34.6 MB

As we’ve done eight times prior—spanning the better part of three years–today’s program involved setting aside the usual “Talking Animals” format in order to present the show-length feature, “Ask The Trainer.” Listeners are invited to call or email questions about their dogs or cats, particularly involving behavioral issues or training concerns. The Trainer these listeners have an […] The post Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist–“Ask The Trainer” 9th Edition first appeared on Talking An...

The Annual Holiday Animal Song special

December 20, 2023 05:00 - 44 MB

I once again set aside the customary “Talking Animals” format to deliver the Annual Holiday Animal Song special—that is, a show almost entirely devoted to Holiday-oriented animal tunes. As has been required in the past, and as I acknowledged while over-explaining this program’s premise (over-explaining the premise has become its own tradition—one of this show’s […] The post The Annual Holiday Animal Song special first appeared on Talking Animals.

Jason Schramm, founder of VegMovies

December 13, 2023 21:35 - 33 MB

Jason Schramm–a web developer and founder of Veg Groups, where he creates websites intended to help people go vegan, stay vegan, or become informed on vegan-oriented events, or films, on his VegMovies site—notes that he got deeply into computers as a seventh grader. While he was drawn as a youngster to exploring some aspects of […] The post Jason Schramm, founder of VegMovies first appeared on Talking Animals.

Mark E. Hauber, ornithologist & author of “Bird Day: A Story of 24 Hours and 24 Avian Lives”

December 06, 2023 05:00 - 40.2 MB

Mark E. Hauber—professor, ornithologist, and author of “Bird Day: A Story of 24 Hours and 24 Avian Lives”—recalls becoming seriously interested in birds at age four or five. This was in his native Hungary, where, as that little boy, he dragged his mother to view the Spring Migration. His passion for birds was precocious and […] The post Mark E. Hauber, ornithologist & author of “Bird Day: A Story of 24 Hours and 24 Avian Lives” first appeared on Talking Animals.

Jill Horstmann, founder of Squirrelly AF Rescue

November 29, 2023 15:34 - 39.5 MB

Jill Horstmann–founder of Squirrelly AF Rescue, a squirrel-focused rescue and rehabilitation operation she runs at her St. Petersburg home—recalls growing up in Wisconsin, where she was that neighborhood kid who tended to injured or ill critters. But it’s hardly been a straight line from Jill Horstmann, Kid Animal Rescuer to Jill Horstmann, Adult Animal Rescuer—though […] The post Jill Horstmann, founder of Squirrelly AF Rescue first appeared on Talking Animals.

Dr. Justin Perrault, VP of research, Loggerhead Marinelife Center

November 16, 2023 01:36 - 34.1 MB

Dr. Justin Perrault–vice president of research at Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC), a nonprofit sea turtle research, rehabilitation, education, and conservation operation in Juno Beach, FL—recalls the early, pioneering work on sea turtles performed by Juno resident Eleanor Fletcher, establishing the beginnings of what became LMC. Perrault unspools what became an overlapping narrative of his academic […] The post Dr. Justin Perrault, VP of research, Loggerhead Marinelife Center first appea...

Carey Theil & Rory Goree, greyhound devotees

November 08, 2023 23:38 - 34.4 MB

Carey Theil, executive director of GREY2K USA Worldwide, the largest greyhound protection organization in the world, and Rory Goree, who for many years ran the largest industry-funded greyhound adoption group, Greyhound Pets of America, explain how–as former enemies in the battle to end greyhound racing–they transformed into allies. Goree and Theil (co-author–with Christine Dorchak, GREY2K […] The post Carey Theil & Rory Goree, greyhound devotees first appeared on Talking Animals.

Dr. Faraz Harsini, biomedical scientist and veganism advocate

November 01, 2023 22:30 - 33.3 MB

Dr. Faraz Harsini–biomedical scientist and speaker at the 2023 Tampa Bay Veg Fest—remembers growing up in Iran, including a possible foreshadowing of his future activism, when participating in a student protest of the country’s leadership resulted in his being chased by someone wielding a machete. Harsini left the country at 22, recalling being mystified and […] The post Dr. Faraz Harsini, biomedical scientist and veganism advocate first appeared on Talking Animals.

Pete Walsh, platypus partisan

October 18, 2023 04:00 - 32.1 MB

Ann Paul, an organizer of the 2023 Florida Birding and Nature Festival

October 11, 2023 04:00 - 35.8 MB

Ann Paul–an organizer of the Florida Birding and Nature Festival, a multifaceted, multi-day extravaganza, scheduled to take place Oct. 12-15, in and around Apollo Beach, Florida—revisits, at my request, the story of her first real foray into birding, and how arriving late at that outing proved fortuitous. She spotted a black and white warbler, and […] The post Ann Paul, an organizer of the 2023 Florida Birding and Nature Festival first appeared on Talking Animals.

RaeAnna Saks, founder of The Little Cats’ Rescue

September 20, 2023 04:00 - 33.4 MB

RaeAnna Saks–founder and CEO of The Little Cats’ Rescue, the New Port Richey cat rescue and sanctuary—recalls the first cat she loved and felt truly connected with. But, Saks points out, she grew up with dogs: her family always had a dog; never a cat—Saks remains a dog lover, usually living with one, amidst the […] The post RaeAnna Saks, founder of The Little Cats’ Rescue first appeared on Talking Animals.

A Discussion All About Making Homemade Dog Food

September 13, 2023 04:00

Today’s program was unusual in a few ways, not least that I interviewed more guests than usual—and that those guests consisted of family (Karen Allanson, my wife’s cousin) and friends (Kathryn & Kevin Szalasny, whose son and our son were best friends growing up). These three were brimming with self-taught expertise about the topic at […] The post A Discussion All About Making Homemade Dog Food first appeared on Talking Animals.

Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist–“Ask The Trainer” 8th Edition

September 06, 2023 04:00 - 31.2 MB

As we’ve done seven times prior—spanning about two years–today’s program involved setting aside the usual “Talking Animals” format in order to present the show-length feature, “Ask The Trainer.” Listeners are invited to call or email questions about their dogs or cats, particularly involving behavioral issues or training concerns. The Trainer these listeners have an opportunity to consult […] The post Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist–“Ask The Trainer” 8th Edition first appeared on Ta...

Mark Meyers, founder of Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue

August 30, 2023 04:00 - 15.4 MB

Mark Meyers–founder and executive director of Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, the largest donkey rescue operation in the U.S.—recalls how it all began, when he and his wife brought home a donkey named Izzy as a companion for their horse. That was nearly a quarter of a century—and thousands of donkeys—ago. Meyers acknowledges they knew nothing […] The post Mark Meyers, founder of Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue first appeared on Talking Animals.

Dr. Catherine Macdonald, shark expert

August 23, 2023 04:00 - 34.9 MB

Dr. Catherine Macdonald–a marine conservation biologist and assistant professor at the University of Miami, who conducts, and oversees, research on sharks—recalls a childhood less enamored of the sea, at first, than of mud. This, Macdonald says, was part of being a kid who loved being outdoors, exploring nature, endlessly curious, and not at all opposed […] The post Dr. Catherine Macdonald, shark expert first appeared on Talking Animals.

Scott Blais, co-founder of Global Sanctuary for Elephants

August 16, 2023 04:00 - 37.4 MB

Scott Blais–co-founder of the Global Sanctuary for Elephants, whose initial facility is the Elephant Sanctuary Brazil (ESB); he also co-founded The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee—starts by attempting to field my curveball opening question: what makes elephants special? Drawing on 35 years of caring for elephants, he responds chiefly observing how quickly these animals—typically traumatized from […] The post Scott Blais, co-founder of Global Sanctuary for Elephants first appeared on Talking...

Temple Grandin, autistic animal scientist

August 09, 2023 04:00 - 31.9 MB

Dr. Temple Grandin–who truly wears multiple hats: fervent activist for autistic people, longtime professor of animal science at Colorado State University, expert on animal behavior, prolific author, tireless lecturer—discusses her forthcoming book, “The Grandin Papers.” Grandin explains that this new book collects some of her most important the scientific papers she’s written–with an emphasis on […] The post Temple Grandin, autistic animal scientist first appeared on Talking Animals.

Kim Caswell, president of Skyway Cats, Inc.

August 02, 2023 04:00 - 35.6 MB

Kim Caswell–president of the Skyway Cats Inc., a nonprofit operated by a cadre of volunteers who feed and care for a feral cat colony in a distinctive location, the South Skyway Fishing Pier, in Tampa Bay—notes that, as a longtime cat lover, the first time she saw a colony, she recognized a problem that needed […] The post Kim Caswell, president of Skyway Cats, Inc. first appeared on Talking Animals.

Gene Baur, co-founder and president of Farm Sanctuary

July 19, 2023 04:00 - 37 MB

Gene Baur–co-founder and president of Farm Sanctuary, which Baur helped launch in 1986—responds to the observation that, nearly 40 years later, he could be excused if some days felt “same old, old,” recounting some of the activities that currently most invigorate him. Fortunately, for him (and, really, for the rest of us), Baur explains he […] The post Gene Baur, co-founder and president of Farm Sanctuary first appeared on Talking Animals.

Susan Hanus, executive director of Cat Depot

July 12, 2023 04:00 - 36 MB

Susan Hanus–executive director of Cat Depot, a unique feline-only shelter in Sarasota—recalls when she first became a cat person. Hanus has remained staunchly feline-friendly ever since, though, she explains, she stopped living with them when it turned out one of her kids is allergic to cats. Hanus outlines some of the traits that help make […] The post Susan Hanus, executive director of Cat Depot first appeared on Talking Animals.

Kathy Finelli, director of Gainesville Rabbit Rescue

July 05, 2023 04:00 - 32.6 MB

Kathy Finelli–the director of Gainesville Rabbit Rescue (GRR), a nonprofit organization founded in 1998 by two University of Florida students—recalls how her involvement with GRR began 20-plus years ago, when she sought their help after finding a domestic rabbit outside her home. That was a fateful moment in more ways than one. It not only […] The post Kathy Finelli, director of Gainesville Rabbit Rescue first appeared on Talking Animals.

Valerie Benka, Director of Programs for the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs

June 21, 2023 04:00 - 34.2 MB

Valerie Benka–the Director of Programs for the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D)—recalls being someone who was nuts about animals from the time she was a kid, growing up in a family amidst a veritable menagerie. This early pet passion created something of a gravitational pull, drawing Benka toward animals, as she traveled […] The post Valerie Benka, Director of Programs for the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs first appeared on Talking Animals.

pattrice jones, co-founder of VINE Sanctuary

June 14, 2023 04:00 - 34.9 MB

pattrice jones–co-founder of VINE Sanctuary, sprawling across 100 acres in Springfield, Vermont, and a self-described “LGBTQ-led farmed animal sanctuary”—spontaneously describes instances of talking animals’ activity by resident roosters that very morning. jones explains rooster’s crowing goes far beyond the stereotypical heralding thatff morning has broken, citing, for example, one cry that alerts fellow roosters to […] The post pattrice jones, co-founder of VINE Sanctuary first appeared o...

Donna Kalil, python hunter

May 31, 2023 04:00 - 33.8 MB

Donna Kalil–a python removal contractor (aka “python hunter”)—recalls growing up in Venezuela, with close proximity to the jungle helping cultivate a lifelong passion for snakes and other wildlife. In 1969, Kalil explains, the family moved to Florida, landing initially in north Miami, then relocating to south Miami, where she’s remained—and her many years as a […] The post Donna Kalil, python hunter first appeared on Talking Animals.

Jane O’Hara, animal advocate and artist

May 24, 2023 04:00 - 31.1 MB

Jane O’Hara, the animal advocate and artist–whose paintings tend to celebrate animals or explore animal issues—recalls a regular upbringing, amidst conventional companion animals. Only some years later, O’Hara adds, did she start researching animals, reading some influential books, becoming steeped in the good, the bad, and the ugly of eating and otherwise mistreating animals. It […] The post Jane O’Hara, animal advocate and artist first appeared on Talking Animals.

Susan Tellem, executive director of American Tortoise Rescue

May 17, 2023 04:00 - 32.1 MB

Susan Tellem–executive director of American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a nonprofit established in 1990 for the protection of all species of turtles and tortoises—recalls that she began helping animals in cat rescue. Some years later, she recounts, she and her husband experienced a revelatory moment while eating out—and decided to go vegetarian—and not long after they […] The post Susan Tellem, executive director of American Tortoise Rescue first appeared on Talking Animals.

Diana Goodrich, co-director of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

May 10, 2023 04:00 - 32.2 MB

Diana Goodrich–co-director of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, located not far from Seattle, and housing 15 chimps—says she can’t recall a time she didn’t want to work with animals. Goodrich traces the winding path, academically and professionally, that led her to helping lead the Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, addressing the qualities she finds captivating about chimps. When […] The post Diana Goodrich, co-director of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest first appeared on Talking Animals.

Eleanor Spicer Rice, author of “Unseen Jungle: The Microbes That Secretly Control Our World”

May 03, 2023 04:00 - 35.3 MB

Eleanor Spicer Rice, PhD–an entomologist by training, and the author of multiple books, focused on ants and spiders—recounts how she came to write a book about microbes, “Unseen Jungle: The Microbes That Secretly Control Our World.” Spicer Rice explains that a cadre of researchers investigating a particular microbe approached her to write about their research […] The post Eleanor Spicer Rice, author of “Unseen Jungle: The Microbes That Secretly Control Our World” first appeared on Talking A...

Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist–“Ask The Trainer” 7th Edition

April 26, 2023 04:00 - 33.4 MB

As we’ve done six times prior—spanning nearly two years–today’s show involved setting aside the usual “Talking Animals” format in order to present the extended feature, “Ask The Trainer.” Listeners are invited to call or email questions about their dogs or cats, particularly involving behavioral issues or training concerns. The Trainer these listeners have an opportunity to […] The post Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist–“Ask The Trainer” 7th Edition first appeared on Talking Animals.

Dr. Jane Goodall

April 05, 2023 04:00 - 34.8 MB

Dr. Jane Goodall–the ethologist, activist, and conservationist who rose to international attention in the 1960s, propelled by her pioneering work studying chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania—offers her current impressions of young people’s attitudes about animals and the environment. She recalls the beginnings of Roots & Shoots, a youth program of the Jane Goodall Institute, launched in […] The post Dr. Jane Goodall first appeared on Talking Animals.

John Di Leonardo, president of Humane Long Island

March 29, 2023 04:00 - 35.2 MB

John Di Leonardo–president of Humane Long Island, an animal advocacy organization there, where he also oversees its international Duck Defenders project—recalls growing up without family pets, but deeply fascinated by all types of insects. Di Leonardo explains that he had been on an academic path to become a school psychologist, with his training emphasizing students […] The post John Di Leonardo, president of Humane Long Island first appeared on Talking Animals.

Miyoko Chu, senior director of communications at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology

March 22, 2023 04:00 - 34.5 MB

Miyoko Chu– senior director of communications at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology—recalls an outing at age 10 or so with her father, to San Francisco’s Chinatown, where they performed a spontaneous rescue of two pigeons, a transformative experience that was pivotal to triggering her lifelong love of birds.Over time, that love translated to an academic […] The post Miyoko Chu, senior director of communications at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology first appeared on Talking Animals.

Rick Yocum, executive director, the Humane Society of Manatee County

March 15, 2023 04:00 - 35.8 MB

Rick Yocum–executive director of the Humane Society of Manatee County (HSMC), established more than 50 years ago, and now a truly multifaceted operation—traces his career path to his current job, which he’s held for seven years. In answer to a question of mine, Yocum allows that it makes perfect sense he holds this job, noting […] The post Rick Yocum, executive director, the Humane Society of Manatee County first appeared on Talking Animals.

Alene Anello, founder and president of Legal Impact for Chickens

March 08, 2023 05:00 - 34.3 MB

Alene Anello–founder and president of Legal Impact for Chickens (LIC), a nonprofit dedicated to bringing lawsuits that benefit chickens—recalls growing up in a family with plenty of animals, mostly dogs. However, when at age 11, she asked for her very own animal, her parents gave her a cockatiel, Conrad. Anello says that Conrad lived for […] The post Alene Anello, founder and president of Legal Impact for Chickens first appeared on Talking Animals.

Amy P. Kight, executive director of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

March 01, 2023 05:00 - 34.1 MB

Amy P. Kight, executive director of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, discusses the Sanctuary, its imminent relocation, some resident animals, the recent fatal gator attack in Fort Pierce, and more. The post Amy P. Kight, executive director of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary first appeared on Talking Animals.

Annette Wrubleski, founder of Laughing Pig Sanctuary

February 15, 2023 05:00 - 30.4 MB

Annette Wrubleski is founder and president of the Laughing Pig Sanctuary, a refuge in Bartow, Florida providing a permanent home for elderly and abused pigs The post Annette Wrubleski, founder of Laughing Pig Sanctuary first appeared on Talking Animals.

Kelly Crandall, graduate student whose research yielded inadvertent, important results

February 08, 2023 05:00 - 32.8 MB

Kelly Crandall is a graduate student at Southern Illinois University (SIU) whose research focusing on one raccoons and opossums inadvertently yielded results about the Burmese python, a rampant invasive species in south Florida. The post Kelly Crandall, graduate student whose research yielded inadvertent, important results first appeared on Talking Animals.

Paul Watson, Captain Paul Watson Foundation

February 01, 2023 05:00 - 31.2 MB

Captain Paul Watson–a major figure for decades in the realm of animal rights, he founded the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society in 1977—describes what he sees as the initial events that led to his ouster from his own organization. Watson recalls being told that his reputation was a liability to the reimagined mission of Sea Shepherd, […] The post Paul Watson, Captain Paul Watson Foundation first appeared on Talking Animals.

Kate Benjamin, Top Cat at Hauspanther

January 25, 2023 05:00 - 33.5 MB

Kate Benjamin–whom I suggested you could call a cat lady while noting, in this case, the term would be strictly intended as a compliment, given the scope of her expertise and the two feline-oriented bestselling books she’s co-written, as well as the 13 cats she lives with—returns to “Talking Animals.” Benjamin acknowledges that she responds […] The post Kate Benjamin, Top Cat at Hauspanther first appeared on Talking Animals.

April Goodwin, attorney & founder of The Goodwin Firm

January 18, 2023 05:00 - 1 MB

April Goodwin, an attorney and founder of Largo-based The Goodwin Firm, a law firm specializing in pet law services The post April Goodwin, attorney & founder of The Goodwin Firm first appeared on Talking Animals.

Kathleen Edwards: In-Studio at WMNF For Performance and Conversation

January 11, 2023 05:00 - 38.4 MB

Singer-songwriter-animal champion discusses becoming a part-time St. Pete resident, dogs, siamese cats--and performs four songs. The post Kathleen Edwards: In-Studio at WMNF For Performance and Conversation first appeared on Talking Animals.

The Talking Animals Annual Holiday Animal Song Special

December 21, 2022 05:00 - 43.1 MB

This morning, I once again set aside the customary “Talking Animals” format to deliver the Talking Animals Annual Holiday Animal Song special—that is, a show entirely devoted to Holiday-oriented animal tunes. As has been required in the previous years of this special, and as I acknowledge while over-explaining this program’s premise (over-explaining the premise has […] The post The Talking Animals Annual Holiday Animal Song Special first appeared on Talking Animals.

Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist–“Ask The Trainer” 6th Edition

December 14, 2022 05:00 - 33.7 MB

As we’ve done five times prior, today’s show involved setting aside the usual “Talking Animals” format in order to present the extended feature, “Ask The Trainer,” in which listeners are invited to call or email questions about their dogs or cats, particularly involving behavioral issues or training concerns.The Trainer these listeners have an opportunity to […] The post Glen Hatchell: dog trainer, behaviorist–“Ask The Trainer” 6th Edition first appeared on Talking Animals.

Tom Mustill, author of “How To Speak Whale: A Voyage into the Future of Animal Communication”

December 07, 2022 05:00 - 35.5 MB

Tom Mustill, who’s a biologist, filmmaker, and author, discusses how he’s forever primarily identified by a 2015 incident: while kayaking with a friend, a humpback whale breached, landing on the pair. The post Tom Mustill, author of “How To Speak Whale: A Voyage into the Future of Animal Communication” first appeared on Talking Animals.