We’re reaching back to one of our most popular episodes for this week’s encore—and trust us, it’s a fan favorite for a reason! If squirrels have ever turned your bird feeders into their personal buffet, this one’s for you.

Debbie and Lori are joined by Tatiana Thompson of Brome Bird Care, makers of the innovative Squirrel Buster bird feeders. Broadcasting all the way from snowy Quebec, Tatiana shares the backstory of how a simple idea grew into a worldwide movement in backyard birding. You'll learn how Brome’s clever feeder designs help bird lovers keep the seed for the birds—without harming curious critters.

From feeder engineering to sustainability and even a global bird photo contest, this encore episode is packed with insights, smiles, and tips to make your backyard more bird-friendly.

🎧 Give it another listen—or tune in for the first time—and find out why this episode continues to resonate with nature lovers across the Carolinas and beyond!

Have you ever wondered what’s really going on with the skunks in your backyard? 🦨 In this fascinating encore episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie and Laurie sit down once again with fan-favorite Ruby Davis for a deep dive into one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures.

Ruby brings her signature blend of expertise and storytelling to the conversation, helping us explore skunk behavior, their surprising benefits to the ecosystem, and how to peacefully coexist with these nocturnal visitors. Whether you’ve had a skunk sighting or just want to learn something new about backyard wildlife, this episode is full of “aha” moments, fun facts, and practical tips.

Tune in and find out why skunks deserve a second look—and maybe even a little appreciation!

🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
📍 Heard in all 50 states, 125 countries, and across the Carolinas.
🏆 Named “Best Podcast” by readers of the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly two years running!

It’s pollinator season in full swing, and what better way to celebrate than by rolling out the red carpet for butterflies? In this encore episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie share practical, inspiring ways to support these winged wonders — starting with host plants.

From milkweed for monarchs to passionflower for Gulf fritillaries, you’ll learn how simple choices in your garden can give caterpillars the food they need to grow, transform, and keep butterfly populations thriving. The hosts break down why host plants matter, how to choose the right ones, and how these often-overlooked plants are the unsung heroes of any pollinator garden.

It’s the perfect episode to revisit as summer blooms and butterflies take flight!

🌿 The Backyard Naturalists is the podcast about anything and everything connected with nature — heard in 125 countries, all 50 U.S. states, and proudly awarded Best of the Weeklies Podcast two years running by the readers of the Matthews–Mint Hill Weekly.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and let your backyard become a haven for butterflies this season.