ScienceNatureEducation

Animals, Nature, and You

Rick Schwartz

“Animals Nature and You” celebrates the curiosity around the connection we have with the natural world.

In this podcast, we will be looking at the science and the personal experiences of experts, and everyday people. From conservationist and animal care staff to filmmakers and authors. We’ll talk to backyard birders, wildlife experts, naturalist, animal behaviorists, veterinarians and so much more.

Join us on this curious odyssey, let’s explore and reconnect together! It’s all about the connections we feel and the connections we long for.

It’s about Animals, Nature, and You!

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45 episodes
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English

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S1 · E85
Yesterday · 29 min
The Gentle Barn - How Kindness and Compassion Heals (Part2)
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick (This is Part 2 of 2) Ellie shares her inspiring journey of rescuing animals, starting the Gentle Barn, cow hug therapy and exploring the deep emotional and spiritual connections between humans and animals. Discover how animal communication, compassion, and nature can transform lives and foster a more connected world. Ellie Laks has also authored three books (all available at your favorite book seller) "Gentle" (kids book discussed in this episode) "Cow Hug Therapy" "My Gentle Barn" Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram Find The Gentle Barn Here: The Gentle Barn's website The Gentle Barn on Instagram The Gentle Barn on Facebook The Gentle Barn on LinkedIn The Gentle Barn on YouTube Find Ellie Laks Here: Ellie Laks Website Ellie Laks on Instagram Ellie Laks on Facebook Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
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S1 · E84
Thursday · 32 min
The Gentle Barn - How Kindness and Compassion Heals (Part1)
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick (This is Part 1 of 2) Ellie shares her inspiring journey of rescuing animals, starting the Gentle Barn, cow hug therapy and exploring the deep emotional and spiritual connections between humans and animals. Discover how animal communication, compassion, and nature can transform lives and foster a more connected world. Ellie Laks has also authored three books (all available at your favorite book seller) "Gentle" (kids book discussed in this episode) "Cow Hug Therapy" "My Gentle Barn" Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram Find The Gentle Barn Here: The Gentle Barn's website The Gentle Barn on Instagram The Gentle Barn on Facebook The Gentle Barn on LinkedIn The Gentle Barn on YouTube Find Ellie Laks Here: Ellie Laks Website Ellie Laks on Instagram Ellie Laks on Facebook Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
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S1 · E83
Tuesday · 12 min
Your Local Animal Shelter Needs You More Than You Think
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this 10-Minute Tuesday, host Rick Schwartz highlights Animal Shelter Appreciation Week and shares how you can support animal shelters and rescue centers. Drawing on his own experience of working the night shift in an animal shelter, he explains how volunteering, fostering, targeted donations, and adoption can help animals while underscoring shelter pets need patience and care; just like we do. Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram Links mentioned in this epsiode: Tracking Domestication Signals... Raccoons Animal Shelter Appreciation Week Bonus Animal Help Now Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
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S1 · E82
October 29 · 49 min
Why Leaving the Leaves is Kind of a Big Deal
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, David Mizejewski from the National Wildlife Federation discusses the importance of leaving leaves in your yard to support wildlife, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainable gardening practices. David shares how leaving the leaves saves you money and time, benefits your yard and helps promote healthy native wildlife all year. Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram Find David Here: David's Website David on Instagram David on Facebook David on TikTok National Leave the Leaves Month (website) Garden for Wildlife (website) Find National Wildlife Federation Here: NWF Website NWF on Instagram NWF on Facebook Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
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S1 · E81
October 27 · 15 min
Stop Obsessing Over the Goal: Why Your Starting Line Matters More
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this 10-minute Tuesday of Animals, Nature, and You, host Rick Schwartz reflects on how goal-oriented thinking can keep people planning instead of beginning. Drawing on the story of launching Animals, Nature, and You after a layoff, he urges listeners to define a starting line, take the first step, and let passion and planning shape what comes next. Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
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S1 · E80
October 22 · 44 min
What Is Happening to the Amazon River Dolphins?
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode of Animals, Nature and You, host Rick Schwartz talks with Suzanne Smith, Founder and Executive Director of Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation. Suzanne shares her journey from working with marine mammals to following her curiosity and diving into river dolphin conservation. She highlights the unique challenges faced by Amazon River dolphins and how community involvement is vital for their preservation. ARDCF's Mission Statement: To conserve the Amazon river dolphin and its environment through research, education and collaboration. Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram Find Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation Here: ARDCF Website ARDCF on Instagram ARDCF on Facebook Suzanne Smith on LinkedIn Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
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S1 · E79
October 20 · 14 min
Time to Speak Up for Wolves - Wolf Awareness Week
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, Rick Schwartz discusses the importance of wolf conservation, ecosystem balance, and how cultural attitudes towards large carnivores are shifting worldwide and in the United States. He emphasizes the need for public awareness and action during Wolf Awareness Week. Click HERE to let the Secretary of Interior know you want wolves to have room to roam. Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram Website mentioned in episode: Project Coyote Website Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
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S1 · E78
October 16 · 29 min
How Joel Sartore Turned His Passion Into a Global Conservation Mission (Part 2)
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick (Part 2 of 2) In this episode, Joel Sartore shares his journey from aspiring wildlife photographer to conservation advocate through his Photo Ark project. Discover how his work raises awareness about endangered species and what individuals can do to help protect our planet. Joel also shares his updated Photo Ark book that celebrates the 20th anniversary as well as his children's books and upcoming biography. Animals, Nature, and You on IG: https://www.instagram.com/animalsnatureandyou Find Joel Here - Joel's website: https://www.joelsartore.com/ Joel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelsartore/ Joel on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sartorephoto/ 🔔Subscribe🔔 https://www.youtube.com/rickschwartz?... 🔎Find me here 🔍 https://www.ZoologyRick.com/
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S1 · E77
October 15 · 26 min
How Joel Sartore Turned His Passion Into a Global Conservation Mission
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, Joel Sartore shares his journey from aspiring wildlife photographer to conservation advocate through his Photo Ark project. Discover how his work raises awareness about endangered species and what individuals can do to help protect our planet. Joel also shares his updated Photo Ark book that celebrates the 20th anniversary as well as his children's books and upcoming biography. Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram Find Joel Here: Joel's website: JoelSartore.com Joel Sartore on Instagram Joel Sartore on Facebook Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
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S1 · E76
October 13 · 11 min
Exploring the Depths of Our Animal Connections
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this 10-Minute Tuesday episode, host Rick Schwartz explores the connections humans have with animals and nature, emphasizing that these bonds are meaningful despite skepticism from some. He shares personal stories from his decades of experience working with animals and encourages listeners to acknowledge their own relationships with animals and nature Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky
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S1 · E75
October 8 · 45 min
From Nursing to Nature: Taylor Rabe's Journey with Wolves
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, Taylor Rabe shares her journey from childhood fascination with wildlife to becoming a nursing student, and then finding her way to wolves. Taylor discusses her past work in Yellowstone, the social dynamics of wolf families, coexistence challenges, and the importance of education and community engagement in conservation. And get this, Taylor also enlightens host Rick Schwartz about ranchers in Montana that coexist with wolves and bears successfully, and teach others how its done. Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram Find Taylor Rabe on Instagram Find Taylor Rabe on LinkedIn Links mentioned in this episode: Tom Miner Basin Association (website) Conservation Nation (website) Yellowstone Adventure Tours (website) Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
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S1 · E74
October 6 · 13 min
This Superpower Can Save the World!
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this 10 -minute Tuesday episode of Animals, Nature, and You, host Rick Schwartz discusses the importance of the well informed voter in the upcoming midterm elections and how it impacts conservation efforts, wildlife protection, and ecosystems - and therefore, you too. Yes, the old saying, "Conservation works when we work together," is true. And your individual act of informed voting can also help preserve natural spaces and countless species; including humans. Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram Article mentioned in episode: What Makes Yellowstone Unique is at Risk Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
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S1 · E73
October 1 · 47 min
Why Migratory Birds Need Our Lights Out at Night
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode of Animals, Nature, and You, Corina Newsome shares her journey into avian science, the importance of migratory birds, and how environmental justice intersects with wildlife conservation. Discover practical ways you can support birds and protect their habitats while understanding the broader ecological and social implications of healthy ecosystems. Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram Find Corina here- Corina Newsome on Instagram Corina Newsome on Linkedin Websites mentioned in episode- Deja Perkins - Naturally Wild American Birding Association National Audubon Society BirdCast Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
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S1 · E72
September 29 · 13 min
Burnout, Compassion Fatigue & You
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Host Rick Schwartz explores the importance of self-care, recognizing burnout, and maintaining balance in the demanding world of animal care and conservation. He shares personal insights and practical advice on how to prioritize oneself without guilt, emphasizing that caring for others starts with caring for oneself. Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
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S1 · E71
September 24 · 36 min
Rhino Myths Debunked: What It's Really Like Working with Rhinos
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick As we continue our celebration of World Rhino Day, we sit down with Virginia Grimley, a Rhino keeper at the Oregon Zoo. Virginia shares her insight and personal experiences with taking care of black rhinos for a living. From highlighting their individual personalities to debunking myths about their aggression, Virginia's passion for rhinos shines through. She also shares with us how much (and what) they eat, rhino play behavior, rhino communication and the conservation efforts the Oregon Zoo participates in for rhino conservation. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Links mentioned in this episode- Oregon Zoo website Oregon Zoo Social Media- Oregon Zoo on Instagram Oregon Zoo on Facebook Oregon Zoo on TikTok Other links mentioned- Global Conservation Force International Rhino Foundation Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
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S1 · E70
September 22 · 16 min
Why World Rhino Day Matters
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick It's World Rhino Day! In this 10-minute Tuesday of Animals, Nature, and You, host Rick Schwartz shares a personal experience with meeting the nearly extinct northern white rhinos. From time in Kenya, to being in New York when the news came out that the last male northern white rhino has passed away; Rick reminds us of the importance of conservation efforts and scientific advancements to save endangered species. Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram Links to look at: Global Conservation Force International Rhino Foundation Ol Pejeta Conservancy Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
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S1 · E69
September 17 · 31 min
Im-PAW-ssibly PAW-some Black Bear Facts with the Sequoia Park Zoo
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Join us on Animals, Nature, and You, as we explore the fascinating world of black bears with Erin Corrigan from Sequoia Park Zoo. Fun fact: Black bears are not always black! And the three bears at Sequoia Park Zoo prove it; from a chocolate brown, true black, or even a flaxen honey-blonde color. Erin also explains how to tell black bears from brown bears, what their claws and body shapes reveal, and we even get to learn about the individual bears at the Sequoia Park Zoo. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Links mentioned in this episode: Sequoia Park Zoo (website) Sequoia Park Zoo Bear Habitat Be Bear Aware (website) Sequoia Park Zoo on IG Sequoia Park Zoo on FB Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
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S1 · E68
September 15 · 13 min
Autumn is Coming: The Subtle Clues That Animals Know
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this 10-minute Tuesday episode of Animals, Nature, and You, Rick Schwartz explores the subtle environmental cues that signal the arrival of fall. And we are not just talking about the rush to "pumpkin-spice" all the things. From changes in daylight to animal behaviors and more, nature offers a rich tapestry of signs that autumn is on its way. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Links to look at... Bird Migration Explorer USFWS- Fall Wonders NWF's Leave the Leaves Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
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S1 · E67
September 10 · 45 min
The Hidden Life Cycle of the Red Octopus Uncovered
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode we dive into the fascinating story of the red octopus life cycle. Something never seen with this species of octopus, until now! Maddy Tracewell, Senior Aquarist of Animal Health at the Birch Aquarium joins host Rick Schwartz, sharing the groundbreaking work done in raising red octopus from egg to juvenile, revealing new insights into their early development and the challenges each little octopus faces throughout their life. Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram Connect Birch Aquarium Birch Aquarium Website Press release about baby red octopus Birch Aquarium Instagram Birch Aquarium on Facebook Birch Aquarium on BlueSky Birch Aquarium on Threads Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
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S1 · E66
September 8 · 12 min
No Lyin' - Mountain Lions are Beneficial!
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick This 10-minute Tuesday episode of Animals, Nature and You explores the ecological importance of mountain lions and other large predators. Data shows we can easily debunk myths, and highlight the mountain lion's role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Links mentioned in episode: Website for Mountain Lion Foundation Article "Protecting Mountain Lions Protects Us" Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
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