Animals, Nature, and You
“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!
Episodes
69 episodes
Im-PAW-ssibly PAW-some Black Bear Facts with the Sequoia Park Zoo
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 bro...
Autumn is Coming: The Subtle Clues That Animals Know
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 d...
The Hidden Life Cycle of the Red Octopus Uncovered
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, sh...
No Lyin' - Mountain Lions are Beneficial!
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 ecosy...
Can a Board Game Save Rhinos? Global Conservation Force Updates
In this episode, Mike Veale from Global Conservation Force shares updates on their recent activities, innovative conservation tools like a rhino-themed board game, and upcoming events supporting rhino conservation efforts. Discover how educatio...
Why Bother Saving Pandas, Cheetahs, and Condors Anyway?
In this episode, Rick Schwartz explores the complexities of wildlife conservation, focusing on species like cheetahs, giant pandas, and California condors. He discusses the importance of understanding ecosystem roles, animal behavior, and human...
Why Cheetah Conservation Starts with Dogs, Not Fences
In this episode, Janet Rose-Hinestroza discusses the vital work of the Cheetah Outreach Trust in South Africa, focusing on cheetah conservation, community involvement, and innovative strategies to support free-ranging cheetahs amidst habitat fr...
Battle for the Throne: How Naked Mole-Rats Pick Their Queen
In this episode, host Rick Schwartz digs into the royal archives of naked mole-rats. How do they pick their queen? How does the queen stay in charge? What exactly is this "eusocial behavior" that naked mole-rats live by, and is it the same as h...
Gentle Giants of the Galapagos Islands
In this episode, Christian Flores shares his insight and knowledge of the Galapagos tortoises, their evolution, behavior, and conservation efforts. Christian discusses some of the scientific theories about these ancient giants, from how they li...
What Happens When AZA & Non-AZA Facilities Work Together?
In this episode, we explore the importance of community involvement in wildlife conservation, the benefits of collaboration between AZA and non-AZA facilities, and practical ways for local communities to engage with their ecosystems. Jacob Reit...
RePlay - Everything You Thought You Knew About Bees Is WRONG!
(This is a RePlay from April 2026)In this episode, TV talent, author and naturalist, David Mizejewski from the National Wildlife Federation busts myths about bees, highlights the importance of native bees & plants, and shares practic...
The Emotional Cost of Loving Animals for a Living Pt.2
(Part 2 of 2)Most animal care professionals face grief that’s often silenced or overlooked. What if understanding and embracing this grief could actually transform how we care, both for the animals and ourselves? Brigid Dodge, a former d...
The Emotional Cost of Loving Animals for a Living Pt.1
Most animal care professionals face grief that’s often silenced or overlooked. What if understanding and embracing this grief could actually transform how we care, both for the animals and ourselves? Brigid Dodge, a former dolphin trainer turne...
What is the Science of Animal Nutrition?
Ever wonder how a zookeeper knows what to feed a tuatara, a splendid sunbird or a red panda? In this episode, Dr. Andrea Fidget shares her expertise in comparative and conservation animal nutrition, exploring how understanding species-specific ...
What, Who, and HOW? Your Questions Answered!
In this 10-Minute Tuesday episode of Animals, Nature, and You, host Rick Schwartz jumps into the "mailbag" to answers some listener questions. From favorite animals and conservation challenges to what podcasts he listens to. He shares personal ...
Orangutans: More Noble Than Humans. A Conversation with Leif Cocks
Most conservation efforts focus on facts and figures—but what if the key to saving endangered species also involved love, empathy, and understanding? Leif Cocks reveals how genuine connections with orangutans shaped his approach to conservation...
The Great Ape Approach to "Work/Life Balance"
In this episode, host Rick explores the true meaning of life balance by comparing human life to that of great apes, emphasizing that life is about relationships, health, play, wealth, and spirituality, not just work and personal life. He challe...
Elizabeth Johnson on Balancing Wildlife Work and Parenthood
Elizabeth Johnson shares her journey of starting the Mothering Wildlife podcast, exploring the unique challenges faced by moms in the zoo and conservation field. Our conversation on Animals, Nature, and You covers physical, mental, and emotiona...
Be On The Look Out: Young Wildlife in Urban Spaces
In this episode, host Rick Schwartz shares insights on wildlife behavior, specifically focusing on the young animals we tend to see out and about this time of year. Rick is always happy to encourage everyone to take the time to observe wildlife...
The Power of Pet Therapy: The Human/Animal Connection
Discover the transformative power of pet therapy as Robin Cohen from Helen Woodward Animal Center shares stories that bring joy, and foster profound human-animal connections. Whether it’s a children finding comfort in an unexpected animal encou...
Why Nature is Essential to Our Well-Being
In this 10 Minute Tuesday, host Rick Schwartz shares his "Is this even real life"experiences from a recent trip to the Redwoods. And he explores the scientific benefits of nature on well-being, and emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with...
The Human Side of Conservation with Andrew Mooney from the Dublin Zoo
Discover how collaborative efforts make the difference in wildlife conservation. In this insightful interview, Andrew Mooney from Dublin Zoo shares the multifaceted approach to conservation, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, n...
RePlay: The Real Raccoon Science Behind the Headlines
This is a RePlay of Episode 14 from March 2026...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 pu...
Replay: Meet the Founder of Global Conservation Force, Mike Veale
This is a RePlay of Episode 06 from February 2026...In this episode, Mike Veale, the founder and CEO of Global Conservation Force, discusses the organization's multifaceted approach to wildlife conservation. Global Conservation Force bri...
Fascinating Facts About Turkey Vultures
In this 10 Minute Tuesday episode of Animals, Nature, and You, explore the fascinating world of turkey vultures, their social behavior, unique adaptations, and vital role in the ecosystem, inspired by Rick Schwartz's personal experiences and in...