Shows
The Wild LifeSciComm, Squids, and Staying Hopeful with Dr Carly Anne YorkThe world is full of science and, in turn, scientists, and not enough people who truly have that spark for communicating all of that discovery and wonder to the rest of the world. People like today's guest—Dr Carly Anne York (@BiologyCarly). She's an Associate Professor at Lenoir-Rhyne University, an Animal Physiologist, a Science Communicator, and an Author.Today, science communication, children’s books, squid physiology, mindblowing animal facts, things that are true that are hard to believe, academic and environmental activism, holding onto hope in a world that seems insistent that we shouldn’t, and advice for fu...
2024-06-2634 min
The Wild LifeFeathers, Fossils, and Old Friends with Dr Tiffany Slater17 years ago, I was a 14 year old attending Connor Middle School in Hebron, Kentucky. Small little town, just across the Ohio River. In 2018, I moved away, back down to Houston, TX. But in the few years I was there, I met and became friends with some of the most amazing people, most of which I lost contact with over the yearsThen one day, sometime last year or so, a familiar name popped up on my feed—an old friend, and today’s guest.On today's episode, Dr Tiffany Slater tells us all about her amaz...
2024-04-041h 13
The Wild LifeSecrets of the Octopus with Sy Montgomery and Warren CarlyleFrom their three hearts to their ability to transform and communicate, discover the extraordinary world of octopuses with host Devon Bowker and special guest Sy Montgomery, the "octopus whisperer" herself, and octopus expert Warren Carlyle, founder of OctoNation®. In a new adventure, Secrets of the Octopus, they dive deep into the secrets of the ocean's most enigmatic creatures, exploring the latest revelations in octopus research and conservation efforts. With captivating storytelling and stunning visuals, the pair uncover why these creatures are worthy of our admiration and protection.Secrets of the Octopus | BookTRAILER| Secrets of t...
2024-03-3044 minThe Wild LifeA World of Wasps with Eric EatonIn this episode, I sit down with Eric Eaton, author of Insectpedia: a Brief Compendium of Insect Lore, Wasps: The Astonishing Diversity of a Misunderstood Insect, and more!Wasps are far more diverse than the familiar yellowjackets and hornets that harass picnickers and build nests under the eaves of our homes. These amazing, mostly solitary creatures thrive in nearly every habitat on Earth, and their influence on our lives is overwhelmingly beneficial. Wasps are agents of pest control in agriculture and gardens. They are subjects of study in medicine, engineering, and other important fields. Wasps pollinate flowers...
2023-12-131h 11
The Wild LifeRevisited: Nature's Vampires with Dr Marie Lisandra Zepeda-MendozaThis episode, which originally aired on March 24 2018, takes us all the way from Copenhagen to the rainforest of South America, from the belly of the beast to its excrement, as we explore nature’s Vampires.Our guest is Dr Marie Lisandra Zepeda Mendoza, who had recently finished her postdoc in Copenhagen, Denmark and whose recently published research on vampire bats and how they survive on such a peculiar diet is at the center of this story.If you'd like to support the creation of this show, the blog, and my science communication efforts on social me...
2023-10-1128 minThe Wild LifeRevisited: Busting Bat Myths and Mistruths with Liz DengateAnother stroll down memory lane as I revisit the second-ever guest episode of The Wild Life, Myth-Understood: Busting Bat Myths and Mistruths with Liz Dengate from March 6th of 2018.If you'd like to support the creation of this show, the blog, and my science communication efforts on social media, you can do so for as little as $1 per month at www.patreon.com/thewildlifeThis week we focus on an animal that has been the victim of superstition and fear for thousands of years. Despite what many believe, these creatures are extremely important to our...
2023-09-1632 minThe Wild LifeRevisited: The Mystery of Zebra Stripes with Dr Tim CaroThis was the first ever episode of The Wild Life back in 2017, and it was never supposed to happen. That's right, The Wild Life, as a podcast, was an accident. The result of a series of unfortunate events. But that's life, isn't it? It happens in the most unexpected of ways. I never imagined that this is where I would be today, and I'm so incredibly grateful for the experience and all those who have been a part of it, as guests, as listeners, and as people who believed in the work I was doing and helped me to...
2023-08-3008 minThe Wild LifeSHORT | Do Ticks Fall From Trees?Ticks, for as small as they are, strike a disproportionate amount of fear and disgust into our hearts and minds (no matter what good they might do!). Perhaps it’s their arachnid nature. Maybe it’s the fact that they burrow their creepy mouthparts into your body and feast off of your blood. Oh yeah, and there’s Lyme Disease and the ever-increasing red meat allergies. Whatever the reason, one thing’s for certain— nothing quite warps our conceptions of reality like fear.For example, there’s a common misconception that ticks fall from trees and drop onto unsuspe...
2023-06-2805 minThe Wild LifeSHORT | Can Porcupines Shoot Their Quills?While it's true you should keep your distance, is there any truth to the tale of a tenacious porcupine shooting their quills?Have a question you want answered on the show? Send them over to hello@thewildlife.blog!Have your voice featured on the show when you send a voice memo recorded directly on your phone!Support the creation of The Wild Life for as little as $1 per month at www.patreon.com/thewildlifeTranscript
2023-06-2806 minThe Wild LifeSHORT | Why Do Worms Come Out When It Rains?Unfortunately, we can’t ask the worms directly, but it turns out that plenty of scientists have been asking this very question for, well, a very long time. Today, we explore the leading hypotheses for what drives worms to the surface for these rainy-day adventures.Have a question you want answered on the show? Send them over to hello@thewildlife.blog!Have your voice featured on the show when you send a voice memo recorded directly on your phone!Support the creation of The Wild Life for as little as $1 per month at ww...
2023-06-2606 minThe Wild LifeSHORT | How a Puffin Problem Led to the Creation of a Star Wars IconStar Wars is as much a product of human ingenuity as it is a space odyssey. Just look at how they solved the Puffin Problem.Have a question you'd like answered on The Wild Life? Email me at hello@thewildlife.blog.You can even have your voice featured by sending a voice memo recorded directly on your phone!You can support the creation of The Wild Life for as little as $1 per month at www.patreon.com/thewildlife AND get exclusive perks as a bonus :)Transcript
2023-06-2506 minThe Wild LifeOn Birding and TimeThis, like many things lately, is a different type of content from The Wild Life. Who knew you could learn so much about authentic expression and finding yourself from producing a podcast? In this episode, I go out for a birding excursion with a major time constraint and ponder on my relationship with time itself.If you're listening or reading this, I would really appreciate some feedback or a simple "hello" so that I can get an idea of, well, if anyone is really out there, and if anyone has any thoughts on the show....
2022-05-3118 min
The Wild LifeDispatches from Somewhere #5| the American AlligatorThis is one of my favorite shots I’ve ever managed to capture. I snapped this in 2015 at one of my all-time favorite parks, @brazosbendstatepark near Houston, TX. It sorta looks like she’s lunging forward, but in reality, she was sitting in a quickly flowing stream with her mouth open against the flow, presumably to catch fish or other critters that flowed by. It’s estimated about 250 alligators over 6 feet long live within the over 1000 acres of water at Brazos Bend, and have been for the last 65 million years. They have practically continuously been there since the days...
2021-08-0503 min
The Wild LifeDispatch from Somewhere #4| Antheraea polyphemusRead the post and see the picture here: https://thewildlife.blog/2021/08/04/dispatches-from-somewhere-4-antheraea-polyphemus/Support The Wild Life at www.patreon.com/thewildlife
2021-08-0401 minThe Wild LifeBehind the 𝗦𝗖i𝗘𝗡c𝗘𝗦 with Dr Bruce BeehlerMeet this week’s guest before the episode airs! Dr Bruce M. Beehler (born October 11, 1951 in Baltimore) is an ornithologist and research associate of the Bird Division of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History. Prior to this appointment, Beehler worked for Conservation International, the Wildlife Conservation Society, Counterpart International, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.Bruce Beehler graduated from Williams College and received his Masters and PhD studying the behavioral ecology of the birds-of-paradise at Princeton University.[1]He has been an authority on New Guinea birds for several decades, having authored or co...
2021-06-2316 minThe Wild LifeUs: Can the Market Save the World?Welcome to part two in an ongoing series examining our connections and impact on the environment, sustainability, and our changing climate.Part 1 through roughly 9 will focus on laying the groundwork for understanding these complicated issues from a variety of perspectives, while parts 10 through 20 or so will place the first half into real-world context, examining issues and controversies surrounding Deforestation, Overfishing, Recycling, and E-Waste.Today we ask, if economic systems are the primary producers of environmental problems, can they also be expected to solve those problems?Read the episode transcript here: https://thewildlife.blog/2021/04/23...
2021-04-2311 minThe Wild LifeUs: The Dangerous Myth of OverpopulationWelcome to part 1 of Us, an ongoing series examining our connections and impact on the environment, sustainability, and our changing climate. Part 1 through roughly 9 will focus on laying the groundwork for understanding these complicated issues from a variety of perspectives, while parts 10 through 20 or so will place the first half into real-world context, examining issues and controversies surrounding Deforestation, Overfishing, Recycling, and E-Waste.For a transcript of the episode, check out our post on thewildlife.blogSupport us at www.patreon.com/thewildlife
2021-04-0818 minThe Wild LifeSHORT: The Wild Life of the Nicobar PigeonIt's kind of hard to believe at first glance, but yes, they're actually pigeons.https://thewildlife.blog/2020/05/12/the-wild-life-of-the-nicobar-pigeon/
2021-01-0505 minThe Wild LifeSHORT: The Always Adorable, Sometimes Vicious, ShrewShrew are many things. Sometimes venomous, sometimes able to walk on water, sometimes snake-killers, but always adoreable.https://thewildlife.blog/2019/02/26/twl-hiking-clubthe-always-adorable-sometimes-vicious-shrew/
2021-01-0504 minThe Wild LifeScience, Academia, and Podcasting: 2020 Wrap-Up LIVE (recording)Follow all of the podcasts featured in this episode!The Root of the ScienceTwitter: https://twitter.com/RootofSciPodWebsite/Podcast: https://rootofthesciencepodcast.buzzsprout.com/Earth IdeasTwitter: https://twitter.com/ideas_earthWebsite/Podcast: https://lnk.bio/SnYrCuriosity CakeTwitter: https://twitter.com/curiosity_cakeWebsite/Podcast: https://curiositycake.co.uk/Papa PhDTwitter: https://twitter.com/PapaPhDPodcastWebsite/Podcast: https://papaphd.com/Mad Scientist
2020-12-311h 59The Wild LifeSHORT: The Cookiecutter SharkAlso know as the cigar shark for that one time a sailor mistook it for a cigar and only realized their mistake after trying to light it up—kidding of course— Isistius brasiliensis is shark of the family Dalatiidae. The genus name, Isistius, is based on Isis. No, not the terrorist group, but after Isis, the Egyptian goddess of light.https://thewildlife.blog/2019/08/05/sunday-fish-sketch-the-cookiecutter-shark/Support at patreon.com/thewildlife
2020-12-2204 min
The Wild LifeSHORT: Is it a Worm? A Wasp? No, it's the Elm Sawfly!This past August as I sat below an old oak tree while drinking my morning cup of coffee and looking out on a glassy Lake Darling in Alexandria, Minnesota, something fell from the sky and landed at my feet. Small and curled up like a slightly puff green and yellow sour gummy worm. It’s face made it look like a Pokémon, or like one of those smiley face antenna toppers. Two hours later, another fell in the same exact spot. If I didn’t already know what it was, I would think it was a caterpillar of some...
2020-12-1003 minThe Wild LifeSHORT: The DragonhunterIn the skies across Minnesota (and much of the eastern US and southeastern Canada, for that matter), roams a fierce and agile predator, capable of taking down prey you would never imagine—and some many wouldn’t dare to try at themselves.Support us at patreon.com/thewildlifeRead the transcript of this episode, see some art, and awesome videos at https://thewildlife.blog/2019/07/11/the-dragonhunter/
2020-12-0903 min
The Wild LifeSHORT: Carrion My Wayward BeetleThis is circle of life—or at least an ugly, albeit necessary, curve of it. This is the life of the American Carrion Beetle.Support our show at patreon.com/thewildlifeFollow us on Twitter @thewildlifepodRead the transcript of this episode at https://thewildlife.blog/2018/08/03/carrion-my-wayward-beetle/
2020-12-0903 minThe Wild LifeREVISIT 2019| How to Make a SnowflakeIn this episode, Devon and Richard talk snow, Frozen 2, whether or not water has memory (and if it's good or bad), the Big Bang, the formation of planets, the secret role of bacteria, why snowflakes are intricately symmetrical, and more!Become a patron (and our best friend), and get tons of cool perks at www.patreon.com/TheWildLife and help us to keep doing what we are doing and getting better! Also, check out our latest merch at www.thewildlife.blog/shopIf you are interested in learning more about our upcoming hikes, visit
2020-12-0446 minThe Wild LifeSHORT: Snakes in the Basement?We’ve all heard of snakes on a plane, but this time of year, snakes are slipping their way into all sorts of unexpected places—like basements of the unsuspecting.Read the blog version and find the links mentioned in the episode here: https://thewildlife.blog/2019/11/30/snakes-in-the-basement/
2020-12-0303 minThe Wild LifeEven the Least Weasel can be a bit ExtraDon’t let their cute little face fool you. The carnivorous Least Weasel is fierce, eating up to 60% of its body weight in food per day.Weasel vs SeagullWeasel War DanceCheck out this and other shorts over on our other listing, too| The Wild Life: SHORTS!Support the show on patreon.com/thewildlifehttps://thewildlife.blog/2018/02/24/the-least-weasel-is-the-most-extra/
2020-11-2905 min
The Wild Life2019 Revisit| A Tell Tale Beetle Romance Halloween SpecialHappy Halloween! In this super special, unexpected, and therefore super last minute holiday treat (and trick), Devon reads a retelling of Edgar Allen Poe's famous short story, A Tell Tale Heart, that you undoubtedly were coerced into reading in high school. In our somewhat modernized version, we get a different, more wildlife oriented ending that turns out to be the most opposite from horror as you can get.Become a patron (and our best friend), and get tons of cool perks at www.patreon.com/TheWildLife and help us to keep doing what we are doing and...
2020-10-3019 min
The Wild LifeWhale Falls and the Deep Sea with Dr Diva AmonI can’t even begin to describe how excited I am to share this episode with you. By far one of my favorite interviews I’ve done!It’s sea-ptember, and today we are diving deepA month or so back, I had the opportunity to sit down for a conversation with today’s guest that left me wonderstruck. As I mentioned at the top, this started as an attempt to follow the journey of the body of one of the oceans most fascinating creatures after their lives have ended, but it became an expedition to the d...
2020-09-111h 27The Wild LifePhylum: Ctenophora & Cnidaria (JELLIES+) with special guest Lucas BrotzIn the second part of our Phylum miniseries, we're talking Ctenophores (box jellies) and Cnidaria (jellyfish, anemones, hydra, and coral!)Unlike our episode on sponges, we had done a lengthy episode two years ago on Jellyfish with Lucas Brotz, research associate at the Marine Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries at the University of British Columbia and a Cnidaria Scientist for Quantitative Aquatics. That being said, we felt it would be a shame to not use the wealth of information from that episode, so most of this episode is a replay of that....
2020-09-0455 minThe Wild LifeThe Birds, the Bees, and the Trees with Vikram Baliga of PlanthropologyHow do plants make more plants? Better yet, how can one plant reproduce with itself? That was the question Devon's wife asked when an accidental pumpkin plant sprouted and eventually conquered their backyard. Who better to answer that than Vikram Baliga!Vikram is a research associate and greenhouse manager at Texas Tech University, a horticulture expert, host of the amazing podcast Planthropology, and an all around fantastic dude. If you don’t listen to his show, you need to.Our conversation spans the birds and the bees, urban agriculture, water conservation, parking lots, fo...
2020-08-291h 03
The Wild LifeWho's Laughing Now? Hyenas with Dr Kay HolekampEverybody knows their sound. It's haunting, but it also holds fascinating secrets.Hyena’s have been painted as villains, demons ridden by witches, grave robbing ghouls, and the embodiment of all things vile by people for thousands of years. Nature documentaries and Disney films alike play no small role. That’s what we’re exploring today. Much like in our episode on sharks, what is at the root of such a divide in how culture and science view these animals?Our guide today is none other than the Jane Goodall of Hyena’s, Michigan...
2020-08-2253 min
The Baldscientist PodcastBSP Episode 001: BeginningsEpisode notes.
BSP 001 - Beginnings
This episode introduces The Baldscientist Podcast: A podcast about science, from the factual to the fictional, and sometimes a bit of both. Host: Dr. Oné R. Pagán.
More information available at baldscientist.com
Credits and acknowledgments.
Introduction courtesy of Mr. Micah Hanks.
“I’d like to think…” quote: From Strange Survivors: How Organisms Attack and defend in the Game of Life. BenBella Books. Copyright 2018 Oné R. Pagán
Outtakes tone: License through Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License courtesy of orangefreesounds.com/
Music courtesy of YouTube Audio Library.
Special thanks to:
The Mad Scientist Podcast (https://www...
2020-08-2227 min
Planthropology25. The Wild Life, Essential Questions, and War of the Worlds w/ Devon BowkerSend us a textEpisode 25 is getting wild! Today's guest is Devon Bowker from The Wild Life podcast. He's a naturalist, science educator, podcaster, high school teacher, founder of a non-profit, and so much more! We talk about everything from how to survive quarantine with a 4-year-old to ways to improve access to nature and education for everyone. It's a great, encouraging, fun episode and I think you're really going to enjoy it!Devon Bowker and The Wild LifeTwitter: @devthenatureguy @TheWildLifePodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWildLifeBlog/Instagram: https...
2020-08-1858 min
The Wild LifeA Better Way to Talk About Sharks with Dr Catherine MacDonaldIt's #SharkWeek2020...and it is easily one of the best examples of a massive divide in how the general public sees an animal compared to how experts see and talk about them. Science Twitter is a buzz with fact checking, jokes, and outright facepalming while Mike Tyson rumbles on the reef with Jaws and entertainment programs portray sharks as serial killers of the deep. That isn't the only dark side of all of this either. We talk about some of those things throughout this episode, but mostly we dispell some myths and mistruths while learning about what makes sharks...
2020-08-141h 12
The Wild LifePhylum: Porifera (SPONGES)The first installment of our first ever miniseries is here--Phylum: Porifera!Sponges are often overlooked aside from Spongebob Squarepants and cleaning. It's time that changed. Dive into the amazing life history of sponges!Throughout this series, we will be covering 9 of the main phyla in the animal kingdom. Next up on our list? Cnidaria (jellies)!On our website, https://thewildlife.blog/2020/08/08/phylum-porifera/, you will be able to find educational materials that coincide with the episode as well as a coloring sheet, worksheet, key, and two sponge anatomy posters. This will be the case...
2020-08-0818 min
The Wild LifeIslands, Snails, & other Tales with Dr Andrew KraemerOur guest for the day has one of the coolest jobs on earth, studying in what is perhaps the coolest place on earth. He is full of stories, and knowledge, and passion for little creatures that so many would overlook. He will have you wood by the end of the episode as a lifelong ardent snail enthusiast, nay, lover.Richard and I spoke to him back in late May, and it was so much more than we bargained for. Now, you might be wondering, what are we talking about today? Well, mostly islands!Today’s gu...
2020-07-101h 34
The Wild LifeThe Man with the Planarian with Dr. Oné R. PagánThis episode starts with a major announcement, but then...Tattoos, superheroes, opportunities, regeneration, Men in Black, phallic fencing, 1st brains, discoveries, cocaine, addiction, belly button mouths, and so much more. So, wherever you are, maybe a floaty in a pool gliding around like a flatworm in a petri dish, get ready for our conversation with Dr. Oné R. Pagán ! His enthusiasm will have you hooked. By the end, you'll never want to stop talking about flatworms in any and all social settings, no matter how appropriate or inappropriate.Follow Dr. Oné R. Pagán on Tw...
2020-06-261h 33
The Wild LifeAn Absolutely Major AnnouncementThis is the start, the real start, of what our mission should have been from the beginning.
Before the end of the summer, we will have initiated all of the necessary filing paperwork establishing ourselves as a Nonprofit Organization!
YOU can help us to reach that goal even faster, and to begin the work on some of our first major initiatives. Our current goal is that $300 per month (just over double our current patronage) through our patrons at Patreon.com/TheWildLife is what we need to get this thing off of the ground.
We're starting a Binoculars for Young Birders...
2020-06-1700 min
The Wild LifeSnow Leopards with Dr Koustubh SharmaDog person? Cat person? No, no, no. We’re all Snow Leopard people.AI, the difficulty of finding snow leopards, a strange form of social networking, tricky trail cam footage, using their floofness as a conservation tool, what to call a group of snow leopards, how snow leopards are world-class experts at social distancing, and so much more, with Dr Koustubh Sharma, Senior Regional Ecologist and the International Coordinator of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection program for Snow Leopard Trust!Learn more about Snow Leopard Trust at www.snowleopard.orgFollow: @ko...
2020-05-291h 23
The Wild LifeBONUS: Mary Anning, The Greatest Fossil Hunter You Never KnewToday, May 21, is the 221st anniversary of Mary Anning’s birth. She is not a household name, by any means—though she is believed to be the inspiration behind the well-known tongue-twister “she sells sea shells by the sea shore”.However, it wasn’t shells she was selling, but fossils of long extinct creatures of a bygone era. She was ‘the greatest fossilist the world ever knew’. Though, the sad truth is much of the world never knew, and still does not.221 years after Mary Anning's birth, a young girl from the very town where Mary lived her e...
2020-05-2112 minThe Wild LifeNEWS: A Rare Blue Bee and the So-Called Murder HornetA rare blue bee has been spotted in Florida for the first time in 4 years according to a news release from the Florida Museum of Natural History!This isn't the only winged critter there has been a lot of buzz about. By now, you've all hear of the 'Murder' Hornet. We'll tell you why you need to chill out.We have one more bonus episode coming this week to celebrate the birthday of fossil hunter Mary Anning, and then a new full-length episode on Friday! It's a busy week.Support The Wild Life...
2020-05-1809 min
The Wild LifeOrangutan Conservation with Leif CocksEverybody loves Orangutans, but how much do we really know about them? We are currently living in a world where we may lose all wild orangutans within the next decade as a result of human activity, but many of us are live our day to day lives unaware of that tragic fact. In this episode, we sit down with Leif Cocks, World-Renowned Orangutan Expert, whose worked in the field for nearly 30 years. He's the author of “Orangutans and their Battle for Survival”, “Orangutans: My Cousins, My Friends” and “Finding our Humanity: An Inner Journey Towards Understanding Ourselves and Our Wa...
2020-05-151h 12The Wild LifeRevisit: FrogciclesIf you live in the north, you almost definitely know we have frogs, but how do they survive the winter? That's what we explore today as we revisit one of our SHORT series episodes from July 2019!Read the associated blog post and check out some pictures!Rate and review us wherever you listen, or on Podchaser Want to be on the show? You don't have to be an expert! Contact us, here!Follow us on Instagram @devonthenatureguy or @thewildlife.blogFollow us on Twitter @devthenatureguy or @thewildlifepod...
2020-04-1016 minThe Wild LifeConversation with Corina Newsome, aka The Hood NaturalistIn this time of self-isolation and social-distancing, this time where we are inundated with numbers and figures every waking hour of the day, we wanted to take a break from our status-quo and do something a bit different. What we all need is a little connection, so this week we have a conversation. Just two people, me and the one and only Corina Newsome (aka the Hood Naturalist) chatting about conservation, #SciComm, breaking down barriers of exclusivity, birds, and being ones self (among other things!). Corina Newsome is a graduate student studying biology with a focus on...
2020-04-031h 20The Wild LifeThey Made Me Call This "Hooters" with special hosts, Chelsea and Chrissy BowkerHey! Devon, here. March, as you may know, is International Women’s Month, and in honor of that (and the most important women in our lives), my wife and our mother are taking over---and they insisted this episode be called "Hooters". Why? Well, you can ask them...but mainly because it's about owls! The two of them owl-bsolutely love them. So, they sat down to talk about owls, poke fun at Richard and I, and tell bold-faced lies about my love for Duran Duran.This is their first time ever making a podcast. There are some sound is...
2020-03-271h 16The Wild LifeThe Waddle Life with The Penguin Lady, Dyan deNapoliEveryone loves penguins, but how much do we really know about them as living beings?This week, The Wild Life is taking a waddle on the wild side, and our guide on our clumsy, yet hopefully charming journey is the one, the only, the...penguin lady, Dyan deNapoli. Dyan deNapoli is a penguin expert, TED speaker, and author of the award-winning book, The Great Penguin Rescue, which chronicles her experiences helping to manage the rescue of 40,000 penguins from the Treasure oil spill in South Africa---also April’s book club pick (check the episode notes for a link to...
2020-03-201h 10The Wild Life#CitSciFri with Katie-Lyn Bunney of the Monarch Joint VentureIt's #CitizenScienceFriday! This week, we sit down to chat with Katie-Lyn Bunney, Education Coordinator at the Monarch Joint Venture, a partnership of federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and academic programs that are working together to support and coordinate efforts to protect the monarch butterfly migration across the lower 48 United States.YOU can be involved in Monarch conservation at every single stage of their lives. YOU can play a role in saving this species!The Wild Life is listener supported. Visit patreon.com/thewildlife to become a member for as little as $1 per month! Questions, co...
2020-03-1334 minThe Wild LifeRevisiting the Metamorphosis Metaphor with Dr Martha WeissAhead of next weeks #CitizenScienceFriday where we talk to Katie-Lyn Bunney of the Monarch Joint Venture, we wanted to revisit an old favorite as a context filler for some of what you will hear...and because we love the topic!Starting at a young age, we are all introduced to this idea, an idea that we carry with us and adapt, and reapply as a metaphor for our own lives---this idea of becoming something new, beginning again as something better. But behind this idea is a process, and despite our lifelong exposure, most don’t really know wh...
2020-03-0641 minThe Wild LifeTainted Love Part 3: Garter Snakes with Dr Robert T MasonIn part 3, we talk to Dr Robert T Mason about the absolute chaos that is the sex life of a garter snake. We talk snake pits, mating balls, cloacal fluids, copulatory plugs, cryptic female choice, Snakes on a Plane, pheremones, and so much more!Special thanks to Dr Robert T Mason (https://masonlab.science.oregonstate.edu/), Sebastian Echeverri (Twitter: @spiderdaynight, Instagram: @spiderdaynightlive) and Shakira Quiñones (Twitter and Instagram: @shakiguani)While you are listening, don't forget to rate and review the show! We will literally die from undernourishment if we don't have more ratings and r...
2020-02-291h 08The Wild LifeTainted Love Part 2: Spider Sex and Freaky Facts with Shakira Quiñones and Sebastian EcheverriWe're flipping the script this Valentine's Day with a three part series where we show some love to nature's unloved: spiders and snakes!In part 2, we talk to Shakira Quiñones about Nephilid Spiders (like North America's Golden Silk), weird spider sex, and have her and Sebastian Echeverri answer your listener submitted questions! We talk spider oral sex, copulatory plugs, Spider-Frog Buddy Comedies, flying spiders, superheroes, and more!Special thanks to Sebastian Echeverri (Twitter: @spiderdaynight, Instagram: @spiderdaynightlive) and Shakira Quiñones (Twitter and Instagram: @shakiguani)While you are listening, don't forget to rate an...
2020-02-181h 15The Wild LifeTainted Love Part 1: Spider Speed Dating with Sebastian Echeverri and Shakira QuiñonesWe're flipping the script this Valentine's Day with a three part series where we show some love to nature's unloved: spiders and snakes! In part 1, we talk to Sebastian Echeverri about everything from fear of spiders, spider VR, spider dancing, spider sex, tiny spiders on tiny treadmills, and everything in-between! Part 2 will air on February 18th!Special thanks to Sebastian Echeverri (Twitter: @spiderdaynight, Instagram: @spiderdaynightlive) and Shakira Quiñones (Twitter: @shakiguani)Become a patron (and our best friend), and get tons of cool perks at www.patreon.com/TheWildLife and help us to keep doing w...
2020-02-141h 32The Wild LifeHow to Make a SnowflakeIn this episode, Devon and Richard talk snow, Frozen 2, whether or not water has memory (and if it's good or bad), the Big Bang, the formation of planets, the secret role of bacteria, why snowflakes are intricately symmetrical, and more! **Stay tuned for an updated episode description containing a link to 2 video demonstrations for our Try This at Home segments!Become a patron (and our best friend), and get tons of cool perks at www.patreon.com/TheWildLife and help us to keep doing what we are doing and getting better! Also, check out our...
2019-12-1445 minThe Wild LifeWhen the Tables are Turned (a Thanksgiving Special!)My how the turntables!
In today's special holiday episode, Devon and Richard summarize some recent news of tenacious turkey turmoil, and explain how it is that the wild turkey became our Thanksgiving centerpiece.
Prepare for a hearty helping of puns, unnecessarily long historical interviews, and straight facts!
Check out thewildlife.blog later this week for our favorite turkey attack footage and recent news stories!
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2019-11-2700 min
Hiking Thru Life#14 Devon the Nature GuyIn this episode, we interview Devon the Nature Guy. Devon is a naturalist who has a diverse background from podcasting to teaching high school science to leading preschoolers around copperheads on nature hikes in Texas. Devon is the host of The Wild Life Podcast, a science podcast with a focus on all things nature and wildlife. We dug into how his background as a naturalist has opened doors to creating The Wild Life podcast and blog. The second part of the episode is focused on some hiking and backpacking safety and what to do when approached by wildlife you may...
2019-11-2347 minThe Wild LifeThe Smell of RainIt's summer and a storm has just passed through. You step outside and are instantly greeted with that good ole' familiar smell---the smell of rain. But what is that smell? After all, water itself isn't particularly smelly, right? In this episode, Richard's first solo mission, we explore the surprising secrets behind the smell of rain.It is also our first ever member drive. If you become a member during the November Membership Drive, we’ll double your first two months' conscious conservation contribution through the Wildlife Ambassadors programs to 20%! Learn more at https://thewildlife.blog/2019/11/05/november-membership-drive/ and be...
2019-11-1112 minThe Wild LifeA Tell Tale Beetle Romance StoryHappy Halloween! In this super special, unexpected, and therefore super last minute holiday treat (and trick), Devon reads a retelling of Edgar Allen Poe's famous short story, A Tell Tale Heart, that you undoubtedly were coerced into reading in high school. In our somewhat modernized version, we get a different, more wildlife oriented ending that turns out to be the most opposite from horror as you can get.Become a patron (and our best friend), and get tons of cool perks at www.patreon.com/TheWildLife and help us to keep doing what we are doing and...
2019-10-3119 minThe Wild LifeStardust: Time, Tides, and TheiaThe Wild Life presents, Stardust---a show that explores all of the other science-y things that don’t quite fit under the umbrella of The Wild Life.Things like why is the ocean salty, where did all the of earths water come from, how is gold made, what happens when two black holes collide, time travel, lithium, and basically everything else.This is our test pilot, of sorts!In this episode, we explore the Earth's moon, it's phases, it's origin, and it's impact on tides, teens, and time itself!Become a patron (an...
2019-10-2719 min
The Wild LifeThe Fungus Among Us| Part 2 with Dr Kabir PeayIn this episode, we sit down with Stanford's Dr Kabir Peay, self described mykophile and fungi expert who recently helped to maap out the Wood Wide Web on a global scale. We talk Spongebob, Gringotts, Wall Street, and reveal the secrets of an underground ecosystem that will change the way you see the forest for forever!
Become a patron (and our best friend), and get tons of cool perks at www.patreon.com/TheWildLife and help us to keep doing what we are doing and getting better!
If you are interested in learning more about our upcoming hikes, visit
https...
2019-09-3056 min
The Wild Life#CitizenScienceFriday with Carrie Seltzer of iNaturalistIt's our very first #CitizenScienceFriday! We sit down to chat with Carrie Seltzer, Stakeholder Engagement Strategist at iNaturalist to discuss their amazing platform, how it works, the democratization of science, bird feathers, dragonfly wings, Russian nature geeks, and so much more!
Now, you can join our new The Wild Life community on iNaturalist with a new joinable project! Connect with a community of over 750,000 scientists and naturalists who can help you learn more about nature and help confirm identifications. By recording and sharing your observations, you help to create quality research data for scientists working to better understand and protect...
2019-09-2856 min
The Wild LifeThe Fungus Among Us| Part I with Dr Tom VolkIn this episode, we sit down and chat with a really fun guy (get it? like fungi? aha..ha...), Dr Tom Volk of UW-Lacrosse, and holy cow, pun intended (you’ll see), we covered a lot of ground. Everything from how mushrooms are made, to the best mushrooms to forage, how fungi hunt, fungi in the brain, whether or not bakers yeast is the same organism associated with yeast infections, an underground Gringotts, how to avoid exploding out of both ends, and so much more. Tune in next weekend for part II with Dr Kabir Peay of Stanford University and fo...
2019-09-221h 04
The Wild LifeA Parasitic Ghost of a PlantAn unexpected turn of events, a last-minute decision, and here we are! This week, we revisit an oldie but a goodie as we preview what is to come. Next week is The Fungus Among Us Part I, and the following week will be a double whammy: Part II and our first #CitizenScienceFriday! Thank you for being patient while we work to make sure you get the awesome episodes that you deserve!
Read more and see images of the find here: https://thewildlife.blog/2018/09/06/this-ghostly-parasitic-plant-survives-by-hacking-the-wood-wide-web/
2019-09-1411 min
The Wild LifeVelvet (Worm) Revolver with Tia FreemanThis creature is one of the oldest living animals in existence, it shoots a death slime out of its face, and drinks it’s prey up like a smoothie. They're one of the coolest creatures on 20+ legs--- I’m talking about, of course, the Velvet Worm. Hold onto your butts, you’re about to get a whole face full of velvety worm.
***CORRECTION*** As it turns out, there are actually currently just about 200 species identified. The 700 number mentioned is referring to some reports that identify 700 as a possible *actual* amount of species.
Check out a video of one in action here...
2019-09-0749 min
The Wild LifeWhen a Spider isn't a SpiderNothing is ever as it seems. Get ready for a tangled web of semantics and systematics!
To read the blog version and see the video mentioned, visit https://thewildlife.blog/2019/07/09/when-a-spider-isnt-a-spider/
If you are interested in learning more about our upcoming hikes, visit
https://thewildlife.blog/hike/
Become a patron (and our best friend), and get tons of cool perks at www.patreon.com/TheWildLife and help us to keep doing what we are doing and getting better!
2019-08-0305 min
The Wild LifeFrogciclesIf you live in the north, you almost definitely know we have frogs, but how do they survive the winter?
If you are interested in learning more about our upcoming hikes, visit
https://thewildlife.blog/hike/
Become a patron (and our best friend), and get tons of cool perks at www.patreon.com/TheWildLife and help us to keep doing what we are doing and getting better!
Follow us on instagram at instagram.com/devonthenatureguy and instagram.com/thewildlife.blog
2019-07-2707 min
The Wild LifeLike, Pelican FlyHow do Pelican beaks work? How much can they fit in their pouch? How do Pelicans hunt? I've got the answers to those and more!
To read the blog version and see the video mentioned, visit https://thewildlife.blog/2018/07/07/pelicans-are-fly/
If you are interested in learning more about our upcoming hikes, visit
https://thewildlife.blog/hike/
Become a patron (and our best friend), and get tons of cool perks at www.patreon.com/TheWildLife and help us to keep doing what we are doing and getting better!
Follow us on instagram at instagram.com/devonthenatureguy and instagram.com/thewildlife.blog
...
2019-07-1920 min
The Wild LifeThe Electric Light Loving, Scuba Diving, Toe Biting, Giant Water BugToe-Biter, Electric-Light Bug, Alligator-Tick; people have come up with many names for the fascinating critter. It’s actual name is perhaps the most boring—the Giant Water Bug. They are the largest of the ‘true bugs’ and belong to the Belostomatidae family of insects.
To read the blog version and see the video mentioned, visit https://thewildlife.blog/2018/06/02/the-electric-light-loving-scuba-diving-toe-biting-giant-water-bug/
Become a patron (and our best friend), and get tons of cool perks at www.patreon.com/TheWildLife and help us to keep doing what we are doing and getting better!
Follow us on instagram at instagram.com/devonthenatureguy and instagram.com/thew...
2019-07-1214 min
The Wild LifeHead in the Sand? All About OstrichesThis week, it’s time to bust some myths, bow down in awe, and learn something new about the biggest birds outside of Sesame Street.
To read the blog version and see an ostrich dance an some adorable babies, visit https://thewildlife.blog/2019/06/27/get-your-head-out-of-the-sand-ostriches-are-actually-pretty-amazing/
Become a patron (and our best friend), and get tons of cool perks at www.patreon.com/TheWildLife and help us to keep doing what we are doing and getting better!
Follow us on instagram at instagram.com/devonthenatureguy and instagram.com/thewildlife.blog
As promised, here is a link to the first study: https://www.ta...
2019-07-0613 min
The Wild LifeTurtle TrekkersThis time of year, a spin on a classic joke about a chicken comes to life as thousands of turtles are seen crossing roadways and trails, leading many to wonder, “why?” and “how can I help do it safely?”. Well, here's the answer to both!
To read the blog version, visit https://thewildlife.blog/2018/06/07/its-turtle-time-how-you-can-help-turtles-cross-roads-safely/
As promised, here is the link to check out HerpMapper
https://www.herpmapper.org/
Become a patron (and our best friend), and get tons of cool perks at www.patreon.com/TheWildLife and help us to keep doing what we are doing and getting better!
Follow u...
2019-06-2909 min
The Wild LifeGulls and the Concrete Sea: Why do Seagulls Love Parking Lots?Why do seagulls hang out in parking lots? Do seagulls even exist? Why are they always after my fries?!?!?! Find out in this short episode of #TheWildLife
To read the blog version, visit https://thewildlife.blog/2018/08/09/gulls-and-the-concrete-sea/
Become a patron (and our best friend) at www.patreon.com/TheWildLife and help us to keep doing what we are doing and getting better!
Follow us on instagram at instagram.com/devonthenatureguy and instagram.com/thewildlife.blog
2019-06-2208 min
The Wild LifeSHORT: The Dirty Truth About ButterfliesGrace is basically synonymous with butterflies. The truth, however, is far...dirtier. Like poop, pee, blood, sweat, and tears dirty. After this, you'll never be able to look at one the same way again.
Oh, and also, stay tuned for a big announcement coming soon about the future of the podcast and The Wild Life. You're not going to want to miss it!
To read the blog version, visit https://thewildlife.blog/2018/08/18/mud-puddling-the-dirty-truth-about-butterflies/
Become a patron (and our best friend) at www.patreon.com/TheWildLife and help us to keep doing what we are doing and getting better!
Follow us...
2019-06-1511 min
The Wild LifeSHORT: Plant or Fungi?A random find while hiking that lead to a life history story that was unexpectedly fascinating.
Read more and see images of the find here: https://thewildlife.blog/2018/09/06/this-ghostly-parasitic-plant-survives-by-hacking-the-wood-wide-web/
2018-12-2108 min
The Wild LifeSHORT: HoarfrostIn this short, Devon shares a story from thewildlife.blog of a hoarfrost christened hike he had last spring and explains how this magical rock candy frost phenomena occurs.
2018-12-1107 min
The Wild LifeSHORT: ATTACK OF THE BYROZOANSWhile we work on Season 2, I decided to begin a sub-series of shorts in which we take some of our most popular blog post and create audio versions. Now, something you may have read on the website (thewildlife.blog)will be available to listen to on the go! Be sure to stay on the lookout for Season 2 snippets and teasers.
If you've ever seen a gelatinous blob of ick floating in the water and wondered what type of alien life you were seeing, it was probably a Bryozoan, and they're honestly pretty neat.
2018-08-2106 min