Join Ellen & special guest, illustrator and author Alexander Vidal, for a review of a tiny bird with an ambitious itinerary: the rufous hummingbird. We discuss cottagecore nests, how wildlife moves all over our continent, birds that look like bugs and bugs that look like birds, and a lesson in confidence from the world’s littlest dinosaurs. Get Alexander's book, Wilds of the United States: The Animals' Survival Field Guide ! Follow Alexander on Twitter and Instagram ! Hang out with Just the Zoo ...
Sep 21, 2022•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! This week, Christian gets salty over the marine iguana & Ellen glides along with the literally treehugging colugo. We discuss archipelagos, snot rockets, Darwin's garbage takes, Godzilla, skin parachutes and baby hammocks. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram & Discord! Cover photos: Patrick_Gijsbers via Getty images (marine iguana) & Didasteph via Wikimedia commons (colugo)...
Sep 14, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join Ellen & special guest, marine biologist Sophie Wolvin, for a review of the ocean's little jello casseroles full of live bees: moon jellyfish! We’re gonna talk about what to do if you get stung by a jellyfish, what it’s like to care for the delicate jellies, their vortex of death, jellybeans and blooms, and I confess to some heinous jellyfish crimes. Follow Sophie on Twitter and learn more about her work at her website ! Listen to Sophie discuss young adult fiction with biologists on the Mid...
Sep 07, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen lets Pallas's cat out of the bag & Christian probes into the world of the sensitive kiwi. We discuss grumpy cats, spawncamping, chilly beans, buff legs and giant eggs. Check out Benjamin Lancer's paper on dragonfly attention in Nature ! Watch Wildlife Instincts: Pallas's Cat - Master of the Plains on YouTube ! Learn more about how you can help the kiw i! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram & D...
Sep 01, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join Ellen & special guest, podcaster and invertebrate enthusiast Tom Sharpe, as we leap into the world of the tiny menace: fleas! We discuss the intersection of entomology and Pokemon, blind leaps of faith, tiny little cowboys riding their trusty steeds up cave walls, the history of fleas on leashes, and more. For more of Tom's invertebrate podcasting, check out Grubbing in the Filth: An Invertebrate Podcast ! Follow along on Twitter & Instagram . Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter...
Aug 24, 2022•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Christian barks about the loud wet dog of the Pacific coast, the California sea lion, and Ellen gets to know her bottomfeeding best friend, the giant isopod. In this episode, we discuss our recent trip to Monterey Bay, pinniped evolution, whale falls, and Hello Kitty Darth Vader. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram & Discord & join Ellen for weekly video game streams on Twitch ! Cover photos: cwineg...
Aug 17, 2022•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join Ellen & special guest, anthropologist & cetologist Drew Smith, for a review of the adorable little apex predators zipping through the waves: dolphins! We talked about animal charisma, dolphin culture and society and play, a West Side Story-style rivalry, a whale’s favorite ice cream flavor, and how these animals so different from us have flipped and whistled their way into our human hearts. Follow Drew on Twitter ! Learn more about upcoming Paleolithic historical fiction novel Jih's Journey...
Aug 10, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen brings a flair for drama with the hognose snake & Christian shatters expectations with the lightning-fast strike of the cone snail. We discuss feigning death, longleaf pine forests, and stealthy assassins of the reef. For more information on longleaf pine forest conservation, check out the Longleaf Alliance . Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram & Discord & join Ellen for weekly video game stre...
Jul 27, 2022•56 min•Ep 154•Transcript available on Metacast Join Ellen & special guest musician from Jukebox the Ghost, comic artist behind "Candy Hearts" and "I Hope This Helps," and birder Tommy Siegel for a review of the touring musicians of the North American skies: sandhill cranes. We talk about the mental health benefits of birding, how crane couples keep the romance alive, what a musical interpretation of their iconic call might sound like, and more. Follow Tommy on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook . Learn more about his work on his website . Ca...
Jul 20, 2022•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's poisonous amphibian showcase, Christian takes competition to a whole new level with the rough-skinned newt and Ellen takes a leap of faith with the pumpkin toadlet. We discuss an evolutionary grappling match, the drawbacks of being too tiny, and glowing bones. Learn more about how you can help the Atlantic Forest by visiting Copaíba's website . Check out Ellen's guest appearances this week: "Don’t Go in the Water: A Guide to the Wo...
Jul 13, 2022•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join Ellen & special guest, science writer Nick Lund, for a special episode nominating our very own top 3 candidates for the national bird of the United States of America! In addition to our bird selections, Nick gives us insight into the process that actually goes into designating official state birds, the history behind the bald eagle’s use as the country’s symbol and why the turkey was once famously suggested to be America’s Next Top Wattle. Follow The Birdist on Twitter ! Check out our guest...
Jul 06, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Ep 151•Transcript available on Metacast Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! This week, Ellen steppes up to the plate with the saiga & Christian gar-ners support for the alligator gar. We discuss the inner workings of the saiga's bizarre nose, the funky antelope's conservation roller coaster ride, river monsters, and forbidden boba pearls. Learn more about saiga conservation & how you can support them with the Saiga Conservation Alliance ! Hear about gars from Dr. Solomon David on his episode of Ologies from December of 2...
Jun 30, 2022•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast Join Ellen & conservationist, wildlife educator and streamer Maya Higa to talk about one of the toughest, bravest predators in the sky: red-tailed hawks! We talk about the joys of falconry and wildlife rehabilitation, the reckless raptor lifestyle, environmentally-friendly window decor, what to do if you find a baby bird on the ground, and what it’s like to work alongside these modern-day dinosaurs. Follow Maya on Twitch , YouTube , Twitter & Instagram ! Learn more about Alveus Sanctuary & follo...
Jun 22, 2022•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Christian reads the manual to the Japanese spider crab & Ellen turns up the heat with the Saharan silver ant. We discuss optical physics, exoskeletons, and the highs and lows of arthropod life from the dunes of the Sahara desert to the bottom of the ocean. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram & join Ellen for weekly animal-themed video game streams on Twitch ! Cover photo: Arrlxx via Getty images (...
Jun 15, 2022•53 min•Ep 148•Transcript available on Metacast Join Ellen & special guest, entomologist Ilan Domnich, for a review of a fascinating family of bugs that are always one slow, methodical step ahead of the competition: assassin bugs! We discuss why their bite packs such a powerful punch, how they’re able to outsmart both predators and prey with downright machiavellian tactics like corpse armor and spawncamping and trap-setting, and what wonders you’ll find when you take a minute to stoop down and appreciate the intricacies of insects. This episo...
Jun 09, 2022•2 hr 30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's trip to the childhood arcade, Ellen rolls around at the speed of sound with the European hedgehog & Christian crashes the party with the eastern barred bandicoot. We discuss the hedgehog's formidable defenses, the bandicoot's triumphant return from extinction, and the role these two remarkable critters played in our very own childhoods. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram! Email or DM us for a link to our ...
Jun 01, 2022•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join Ellen & special guest, zookeeper & host of the We Out Here podcast Alexi Grousis, for a review of a unique and mysterious creature bouncing around rainforest canopies by the light of the moon: owl monkeys! We talk about how owl monkeys have adjusted to thriving in the twilight, what’s going on behind those big bright eyes, and what it’s like to work with these little fluffy forest sprites. Check out The We Out Here Podcast on your podcast app & follow them on Twitter and Instagram ! Follow ...
May 26, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join the Weatherfords for a fantasy roleplaying adventure as Christian plays a Dungeons & Dragons homebrew one-shot written by Ellen! In this week's episode, Monax Tufdert takes on a clandestine mission of the reptilian persuasion from a local government official. Along the way, he seeks to befriend a dog, rescue wildlife in peril, and restore ecological balance to the wetlands. All sounds used in this episode came from freesound.org & attribution can be found here . Follow Just the Zoo of Us on...
May 20, 2022•2 hr 34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ellen & special guest, herbivore ecologist and researcher Kirsten Engeseth, who joins us all the way from Norway to review the fluffiest, softest living tank you’ve ever seen: the muskox! We talk about how these real-life Banthas keep warm in the harsh arctic winters, band together to defend their herd with unwavering honor, and do their absolute best to overcome the challenges of new environments and a changing world. Follow Kirsten on Twitter ! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter a...
May 11, 2022•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast For the second and final week of the MaxFunDrive, we're answering your questions and sharing your stories! We share some deeply personal intimate details like our inspirations behind the podcast, what the journey has been like to make it over the last 3 years, and how much ham we could eat in one sitting. 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 and ...
May 04, 2022•1 hr 15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join Ellen & special guest, archaeologist and cryptid enthusiast Elliot Helmer, on a search for the truth about our most mysterious neighbor: Bigfoot. We discuss hominid evolution, cryptid ecology, the importance of oral history and traditional knowledge, and what Bigfoot can teach us about ourselves and our own relationship with nature wherever you fall on the spectrum of skepticism. Visit the Black Trowel Collective to learn more about & support their mutual aid initiative for archaeology stud...
Apr 27, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's re-broadcast of an episode from August of 2020, Ellen explains why emus don't bother flying and Christian dives into the mysterious world of the cryptic whale shark. We discuss the evolution, de-evolution and re-evolution of flight, an actual military war between humans and birds resulting in a victory you might not expect, and eyeballs covered with teeth. Send in questions for our upcoming Q&A episode to ellen@justthezooofus.com o...
Apr 20, 2022•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join Ellen & special guest, conservationist and podcaster Jack Baker, for a review of the charming and humble pangolin! We discuss how the pangolin’s unique adaptations tip the scales in favor of this walking pinecone and what challenges they face in the world today. Check out Pangolin: The Conservation Podcast and follow on Twitter , Instagram , Facebook , or LinkedIn ! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram ! Cover photo: 2630ben via Getty images...
Apr 14, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's sixteen-legged episode, Christian weaves a web of truth about the Joro spider & Ellen pulls no punches with the day octopus. We discuss what the media hype gets wrong about the Joro spider, how to eat cephalopod ink & why octopuses and their "swift, explosive motion" are complete reef menaces. If this podcast has had an impact on you or your life, we want to hear from you! Send in your story or just tell us what this show means to ...
Apr 06, 2022•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join Ellen & special guest, entomologist and animal scientist Shakara Maggitt, for a review of the gentle giants of the insect world: phasmids! You may know them as stick bugs, leaf insects or any of their other many common names. We discuss learning to love bugs, what makes the abundantly diverse stick bug family so weird and wonderful, and even why you might want to consider incorporating bugs into your own culinary repertoire. Follow Shakara on Twitter or Instagram ! Follow Just the Zoo of Us...
Mar 30, 2022•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen wallows in the unique charm of the babirusa & Christian gives us a look into the mysteries of the Greenland shark. We discuss teeth mutiny, Icelandic food, and life in the slow lane. If this podcast has had an impact on you or your life, we want to hear from you! Send in your story or just tell us what this show means to you by emailing memberstories@maximumfun.org OR leave a voice message at (323) 601-8719. We’re wo...
Mar 23, 2022•52 min•Ep 137•Transcript available on Metacast Join Ellen & special guest, fellow animal science podcaster and Cool Bug Appreciator Katie Goldin, for a review of the spectacular and delectably devious cuckoo wasps! We discuss what makes these glittering jewels of the insect world such perfectly crafted little menaces terrorizing a wasp nest near you in this exhilarating exposé of espionage, exploitation, and exoskeletons. Katie Goldin is the host of Creature Feature , which can be found wherever you get podcasts. You can also follow Katie on...
Mar 16, 2022•53 min•Ep 136•Transcript available on Metacast Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's especially odoriferous episode, Christian gives high marks to the Egyptian vulture and Ellen gives props to the grandstanding, handstanding eastern spotted skunk. We discuss where the pharaoh's chicken ranks in the scavenging pecking order, how to ACTUALLY get rid of the smell from a skunk spray using chemistry, and why it's important to appreciate even our stinkiest friends. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter and Inst...
Mar 09, 2022•48 min•Ep 135•Transcript available on Metacast Join Ellen & special guest, conservation biologist Dr. Christine Wilkinson, for a review of the oft-maligned powerhouses: hyenas! We discuss the diversity of the hyena family, eating bones, girlbossing, how pop culture has missed the mark on hyena representation, and compassionate conservation. Follow Christine on Twitter and check out their website for more! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram ! Cover photo: David O'Brien via Getty images...
Mar 02, 2022•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen hangs out with the slow loris & Christian observes leg day with the southern cassowary. We discuss armpit alchemy, the pitfalls of cute animal videos, rumbles in the jungle, and real life dinosaurs. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram ! Cover photos: warmer via Getty images (slow loris), Julien Viry via Getty images (cassowary)...
Feb 23, 2022•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast 
