As recent headlines celebrate a 64% increase in monarch butterfly populations, many may wonder: is this the turning point for these vital pollinators? In this episode, host Rick Schwartz explores what this increase means, the ongoing challenges monarchs face, and how you can take action to support their conservation.

While the increase in monarch populations is encouraging, it is critical to remain vigilant in conservation efforts. Monarchs are still at risk, and their recovery requires ongoing support and action from all of us. It’s not time to celebrate and move on but rather to continue our efforts to protect these vital pollinators.

Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou

Connect with Rick:

ZoologyRick.com

Social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

In this episode Rick speaks with Griff Griffith about forest restoration, the power of curiosity and why having native plants in your yard (or on your patio) is so important to local ecosystems. Griff is a powerhouse of knowledge and experience when it comes to ecology, wildlife conservation and empowering others to participate.

During their conversation, Griff also shares the importance of many different groups of people coming together to make a difference for the planet. He even shares how you can help too – Get curious, get to know your local flora & fauna and maybe even volunteer to help with habitat restoration. After all, supporting your local ecosystems supports pollinators, birds, and insects, especially caterpillars that feed our songbirds.

This episode is essential listening for anyone who cares about the planet—whether you're a seasoned conservationist or just starting to glimpse the power of native plants and habitat restoration. Griff’s hopeful message: the more curious you are, the more you'll want to learn, do, and share, igniting a movement to heal our earth—one native seed at a time.

Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram

Connect wth Griff:

Website: GriffGriffith.info

Instagram: @TheNatureNut

TikTok: @GriffWild

Other sites mentioned:

Jumpstart Nature

Redwoods Rising

Home Gown National Park

Redwood Parks Conservancy

Connect with Rick:

ZoologyRick.com

Social media:

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Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

In this episode, Rick explores the fascinating world of quills and spines in mammals, debunking myths and explaining the differences between various species like porcupines, hedgehogs, echidnas, and tenrecs. Discover how these adaptations evolved and their unique functions in animal defense mechanisms.

Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou

Connect with Rick:

ZoologyRick.com

Social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

This episode is like sitting down with a coupe of old friends. Join host Rick Schwartz in his thoughtful conversation with Stephanie Arne as they explore the deep connections between humans, animals, and nature. Stephanie shares her journey as an educator and advocate for wildlife, discussing her various roles in conservation and education. They delve into the importance of reconnecting with nature, the impact of personal experiences on their work, and the significance of travel in understanding different cultures and ecosystems. Stephanie also introduces her new travel company and conservation academy, aimed at inspiring others to engage with the natural world.

Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou

Connect with Stephanie Arne:

StephanieArne.com

Instagram: @StephanieArne

Facebook: @StephanieArne

TickTok: @Stephanie.Arne

*Bonus link to Stephanie's husband's work - Tim Davison Art: https://www.davisonart.com/

Connect with Rick:

ZoologyRick.com

Social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

In this episode Rick discusses the media's misguided headlines and articles about a scientific study on raccoon that looked at domestication signals. Rick offers up information from the published paper and explains what the research actually indicates about raccoon evolution and domestication.

While the idea of having a raccoon as a pet might sound enticing, there are significant challenges and ethical considerations that must be addressed. Raccoons are not domesticated animals; they are wild creatures with specific needs. PLEASE adopt a dog or cat from your local shelter. You will save a life and you will be much happier with truly domesticated animal in your home.

Link to published study mentioned in this episode:

Shout out to Big Bear Alpine Zoo (just because)

Big Bear Alpine Zoo website

Big Bear Alpine Zoo in Instagram

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

Find Rick on social media:

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Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

In this episode, Rick Schwartz and Maynard Okereker discuss the how science, education, and entertainment thrive where there is curiosity. Maynard shares his journey from being a nature-loving child to a passionate science communicator, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and diversity in STEM fields. He discusses his new book, 'Zombie Spiders and Asteroid Blasters,' which highlights unique scientific research in an entertaining way. The conversation also touches on the challenges of science skepticism and the role of empathy in science communication, as well as the value of staying curious about the world, even as and adult.

BUY THE BOOK: Zombie Spiders & Astroid Blasters

Connect With Maynard:

Website: HipHopScinceShow.com

YouTube: @HipHopScienceShow

Instagram: @HipHopScienceShow

Threads: @HipHopScienceShow

Facebook: @HipHopScienceShow

Linkedin: Maynard Okereke

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

Find Rick on social media:

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Facebook

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Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

In this week's 10 Minute Tuesday, host Rick Schwartz explores the fascinating world of pangolins, the most trafficked mammals on the planet. Rick shares his personal journey of learning about these unique creatures, their conservation status, and the challenges they face. The episode highlights the importance of pangolins in the ecosystem, their biological characteristics, and the ongoing efforts to protect them from extinction. The plight of pangolin seems dire, but Rick also shares that there is hope, and how you can help.

Noted links:

SavePangolins.org

WWF website: Pangolins

USFWS Website: Pangolins

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

Find Rick on social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

In Part 2 of my interview with Jack Baker, we hear more about how the pangolin help shape Jack's podcast.

Jack shares more his journey into conservation, the importance of joy in the field, and the challenges of measuring impact in environmental education. He discusses the evolution of his podcast, "Pangolin: The Conservation Podcast," and the significance of representation throughout conservation spaces. Jack and Rick also discuss the need for self-care and the importance of taking breaks to protect one's joy while working in conservation and environmental education. Oh, and yes... There's a polar bear, a stingray, tapirs, puffins and of course, pangolins.

Connect With Jack:

LinkedIn: Jack Baker

Instagram: @TheOnlyJackBaker

Pangolin: The Conservation Podcast:

Listen to Panglin Podcast Here

Instagram @PangolinPodcast

Facebook @PangolinPodcast

Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com

Find Rick on social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.