Ellen howls at the moon with the grasshopper mouse & Christian lures us in with freshwater mussels. We discuss brain chemistry, an evolutionary uno reverse card, lion software on mouse hardware, tongue-feet, pretty boogers, and the worst day of a poor unsuspecting fish's life. Links: For more information about us & our podcast, head over to our website ! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on TikTok!...
Jun 09, 2023•51 min•Ep. 196
Ellen & special guest, podcaster and wildlife educator Danielle LaRock, review one of our world’s most misunderstood, maligned, and magical creatures: gray wolves. We’re not just talking teeth and claws and fluffy coats - we’re also discussing alliances with crows, howls that rattle your very soul, the irreplaceable ecological role of wolves, their conflicts with humans, and how we can all make peace with our wild neighbors. Links: YouTube video: "How Wolves Change Rivers" YouTube video of Danie...
May 31, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 195
Christian explains the pitfalls of antlions & Ellen snaps back with the trap-jaw ant. We discuss metamorphosis, structural engineering, sand doodles, the Sarlacc, Darwin's thoughts on Australia, Pokémon, sticky babies, and a literal scientific arena. Links: For more information about us & our podcast, head over to our website ! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on TikTok!...
May 24, 2023•48 min•Ep. 194
Join Ellen & special guest, naturalist Ivan Kwan, for a review of the scaly friends with the world’s most chaotic energy: Asian water monitors! We talked about the history and landscape of Singapore, smelling in stereo, Krakatoa, and the giant lizards showing up where you least expect them, from treetops to shipwrecks, racetracks and even toilets. It’s their world, we’re just living in it. Links: The photo Ivan mentioned of the water monitor in the shipwreck can be found on photographer Kriss Si...
May 18, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 193
Ellen nose what's up with the proboscis monkey & Christian sizes up the sarcastic fringehead. We discuss the form and function of a uniquely bizarre nose, the impact memes can have on conservation, and why you might want to think twice before reaching into a hole in the sea floor. Links: The Borneo Nature Foundation For more information about us & our podcast, head over to our website ! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on TikTok!...
May 10, 2023•45 min•Ep. 192
Join Ellen & special guest, biology professor and researcher Sarah Lower, for a review of nature’s very own glimmering fairy lights: fireflies! We discuss how to do the beetle dance, tips for packing a bioluminescent picnic, and the shockingly diabolical world of fireflies - from friendly fire to catfishing, thievery, and snailshakes. Links: The Lower Lab website Dr. Lower's Twitter Mass Audubon's Firefly Watch Community Science Project iNaturalist The Xerces Society's Firefly Atlas Follow Just ...
May 03, 2023•54 min•Ep. 191
Christian cheers for pom-pom crabs & Ellen explains what makes mourning doves so coo-l. We discuss how crabs clone their own pets, what type of milk pigeons order in their lattes, and a suspicious pattern of criminal activity. For more information about us & our podcast, head over to our website ! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on TikTok!...
Apr 26, 2023•53 min•Ep. 190
Join Ellen & special guest, biologist and host of Nat Geo WILD’s TV series “Monster Fish” Zeb Hogan, for a review of the giants lurking in the waters of the world’s rivers and lakes: freshwater megafish. We discuss how and why fish are able to reach massive sizes, what it’s like to research and work alongside these enormous creatures in their own homes, and how we can help protect and conserve the natural habitats we all rely on to thrive. Links: Check out Zeb's book, "Chasing Giants: In Search ...
Apr 19, 2023•40 min•Ep. 189
Ellen dives into the brown pelican & Christian goes wild with Przewalski's horse. We discuss gular pouches, aerodynamics, stud piles, and conservation success stories. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on TikTok ! Cover photos: David Baileys (pelican) & Irén Udvarházi (Przewalski's horses), via Getty images...
Apr 12, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 188
Join Ellen & special guest, biologist and science communicator Brooke Fitzwater, for a review of the tiny indestructible ogres of the swamp: the mangrove rivulus! We discuss parasites and their role in courtship and reproduction, what fish would put on their tinder profiles, and life as a fish who isn’t quite sure about this whole “being a fish” thing. Links: Learn more about Brooke's research and follow her on Twitter , TikTok or Instagram ! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter , Ins...
Apr 05, 2023•48 min•Ep. 187
For the second and final week of the 2023 MaxFunDrive, we're answering your questions and sharing your stories! We get into all of the exciting places the podcast has taken us, how it's helped you all connect with the animal kingdom, our favorite Muppets, and more. Links: Be a part of the MaxFunDrive & sign up to become a supporting member of the network and get access to exclusive content and beautiful gifts! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on...
Mar 29, 2023•59 min•Ep. 186
It's a special trip in the time machine for the MaxFunDrive! Christian chomps on the megalodon & Ellen laments for the thylacine. We ask the important questions: What were they like? Are they really gone? Should we bring them back? Links: Learn more about the MaxFunDrive and be a part of supporting our show! Colorized footage of the thylacine , via the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia Paper: "Resolving when (and where) the Thylacine went extinct" Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook...
Mar 22, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 185
We're out traveling this week! In the meantime, please enjoy this episode of Planthropology, in which Ellen joined host Dr. Vikram Baliga for a conversation about grass-type Pokemon and the real-world plants that inspired them. Originally aired on the Planthropology podcast on March 1, 2022. Links: Check out Planthropology and follow on Instagram , Twitter , Facebook or TikTok ! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on TikTok !...
Mar 15, 2023•1 hr 18 min
Join Ellen & tabletop roleplaying game podcaster and expert game master Eric Silver for an exploration of Dungeons & Dragons character classes and the real-world animals that embody them. We discuss animals with maxed out dexterity, charisma and strength. If you’ve never played D&D, don’t worry! We give explanations of the basics along the way so that anybody can enjoy. Links: Follow Eric on Twitter and Instagram ! Check out Eric's podcasts: Join the Party , Games and Feelings , Tell Me About It...
Mar 08, 2023•55 min•Ep. 184
Join Ellen & special guest, marine biologist Chelsea Bennice, for a review of the multifunctional, multicolored, multi-armed aliens of the ocean: octopuses! We discuss octopus handshakes, donut brains, swiss army mouths, goat eyes, toxic friendships and Eiffel towers. Links: Follow Chelsea on Facebook or Instagram ! Learn more about octopuses at OctoNation.com , where you can find educational resources, merch and connect with the octopus fan community! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twi...
Mar 01, 2023•57 min•Ep. 183
Ellen struts with the greater sage grouse & Christian pops off about the pistol shrimp. We discuss what happens at a lek, whether or not the sage grouse poses a threat to the United States military, what pistol shrimps can teach you about your pressure cooker, and the Shrimp of Theseus. Links: Vox: "This goofy bird vs. the fossil fuel industry" Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on TikTok !...
Feb 22, 2023•48 min•Ep. 182
Join Ellen and special guest, President and CEO of the Texas State Aquarium Jesse Gilbert, for a review of the living tanks of the sea: loggerhead turtles! We discuss the challenges faced by sea turtles in a changing world, the aquarium's work rescuing and rehabilitating loggerhead turtles and other marine life, and the magic of connecting with another species. Learn more about the Texas State Aquarium at their website and follow along with their work on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and Twitte...
Feb 15, 2023•43 min•Ep. 181
Christian throws down with the Japanese rhinoceros beetle & Ellen goes on a journey through evolutionary history with the Indian muntjac. We discuss the toxic masculinity of beetles and why the Indian muntjac's bark is just as bad as their bite. Links: The muntjac video shown to Christian Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on TikTok !...
Feb 10, 2023•59 min•Ep. 180
Ellen & special guest, primatologist and biological anthropologist Dr. Michelle Rodrigues, review the ballerinas of the Central and South American rain forests: spider monkeys. We discuss what life in the treetops looks like through a spider monkey’s big beautiful eyes, the latest innovations in butt-scratching technology, and the power of friendship. Follow Michelle on Twitter and Instagram , and learn more about her work at her website ! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter , Instag...
Feb 01, 2023•48 min•Ep. 179
Ellen luxuriates in the vicuña & Christian takes a bite out of crime with the cookie cutter shark. We discuss adaptations to life in the Andes, vicuña wool as political bribery, suctorial lips, and how to play an Uno Reverse card on some of the ocean's top predators. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on TikTok ! Cover photos: Tadas Jucys via Getty images & Paulo Oliveira via The Guardian...
Jan 25, 2023•50 min•Ep. 178
Join Ellen & paleontology researcher and fellow Floridian Alec Baines for a review of the saltwater guardians, American crocodiles. We discuss the archosaur family tree, flower-picking and other crocodilian leisure activities, what to do if you find yourself in the chompin’ zone, and falling in love at a punk croc concert. Follow Alec on Instagram and Twitter ! Learn more about their science communication work: http://www.creaturefeatureservices.com/podcasts Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook...
Jan 18, 2023•53 min•Ep. 177
Christian attends the caecilian cotillion & Ellen gets friendly with the rubber boa. We discuss life as a humble amphibian wiggling around in the mud and explain how even limbless creatures can still throw hands. The Caecilian Cotillions Song: https://youtu.be/xxsUQtfQ5Ew Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram & Discord! Cover photos: Chris Harrison via kingsnake.com (caecilian) & andrewnydam via Wikimedia commons (rubber boa) http://gallery.kingsnake.com/photo.php?id=343343...
Jan 11, 2023•46 min•Ep. 176
Join Ellen & science journalist Bethany Brookshire for a review of the lumpy little tide pods disrupting ecosystems all over the globe: cane toads. We discuss toxic shoulder pads, retro nature documentary excellence, poison butts and teacher toads, ugly animals, and the complicated relationships humans have with the wildlife around us. Further viewing: Cane Toads: An Unnatural History (1988) Cane toad mating call (up close in 4K) Learn more about Bethany's work at her website and follow her on T...
Jan 05, 2023•55 min•Ep. 175
Ellen dives into the magical world of narwhals & Christian warms up to Japanese macaques. We discuss inside-out teeth, hot tub parties, and how misunderstandings and scams shaped unicorn mythology. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram & Discord! Cover photos: dottedhippo via Getty images (narwhal) & sorincolac via Getty images (snow monkeys)...
Dec 29, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 174
This episode originally aired on December 25, 2020. This version of the episode includes minor updates and audio edits. Join Ellen & special guest, ecologist and science communicator Olivia deBourcier, for a festively themed review of reindeer! We talked about what makes them so well suited to the chilly climates they thrive in, from the tips of their impressive antlers all the way down to their clicky hooves, plus what it’s like to work with them and the threats they’re facing in their natural ...
Dec 21, 2022•51 min
Ellen is joined by the hosts of fellow Maximum Fun podcast Let's Learn Everything for a review of the little furry guys leaving tiny pawprints all over human history: rats! We discuss their role in the black plague, the intricacies of rat intelligence and emotions, and how they’ve been represented in folklore and pop culture. We’ll set historical records straight, display our best teamwork behavior, and take a trip down to your favorite family entertainment center and pizza restaurant chain. Lin...
Dec 14, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 173
Christian chews on some facts about the American beaver & Ellen celebrates the festive Christmas tree worm. We discuss giant rodents, ecological engineering, coral reef symbiosis, and the prettiest worm. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram & Discord! Cover photos: photographybyJHWilliams via Getty images (beaver), johnandersonphoto via Getty images (Christmas tree worm)...
Dec 08, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 172
Join Ellen & science communicator, birder and professional nerd Ralph Crewe for a review of a little bird with the loftiest ambitions: chimney swifts. We talk about competitive birding, planetariums, and what it’s like to eat, sleep, and bathe entirely midair. Links: Check out Ralph's YouTube channel, Isn't That Something , and his work on Practical Engineering . Local to Pittsburgh? Check out Nerd Nite ! Follow Ralph on Twitter and Facebook . Cover photo: Jonathan Irons via iNaturalist...
Nov 30, 2022•56 min•Ep. 171
Ellen goes on an odyssey through history with the wild turkey. We discuss their path alongside humans for thousands of years, from prehistoric America to praise from Benjamin Franklin, the brink of extinction and nets fired out of cannons. Further viewing: Rocket Netting Turkeys , a video demonstration by the LSU AgCenter Paul Kelly's Gobbling Demonstration Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram & Discord! Cover photo: svetlanafoote via Getty images...
Nov 23, 2022•55 min•Ep. 170
Join Ellen & shark scientist Melissa Márquez for a review of the giant garbage disposals of the ocean: tiger sharks. We discuss sharks as links to our world’s past, what it's like to work with the ocean as your office and wild sharks as your colleagues, teeth and slime and jelly-filled pores. Melissa's books: Mother of Sharks , a picture book for ages 5 to 8 Swimming with Sharks (Wild Survival #2) : Volume 2 , an adventure book for ages 12 to 15 Learn more about Melissa's work on her website , a...
Nov 16, 2022•52 min•Ep. 169
