How to Coexist with Snakes: Myths, Facts, and Safety Tips

Orangutans: More Noble Than Humans. A Conversation with Leif Cocks

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557474/fan_mail/new] 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, advocating for a solutions rooted in compassion rather than conflict. This inspiring conversation uncovers the profound intelligence and autonomy of these remarkable primates and why understanding their complex social systems demands a shift in how we see all wildlife. In his conversation with host Rick Schwartz, Leif shares stories from his decades of work rescuing and rehabilitating orangutans. Leif also explains the vital importance of habitat conservation, ecosystem integrity, and cultural respect for indigenous communities. Animals, Nature, and You on IG [https://www.instagram.com/animalsnatureandyou] Book mentioned: Wild Lessons (no link available yet) The Orangutan Project on IG [https://www.instagram.com/theorangutanproject/] The Orangutan Project on FB [https://www.facebook.com/theorangutanproject.org] The Orangutan Project on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/theorangutanproject] The Orangutan Project [https://www.theorangutanproject.org] International Tiger Project [https://www.internationaltigerproject.org] International Elephant Project [https://www.internationalelephantproject.org] Forest For The People [https://www.forests4people.org] Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com [https://www.zoologyrick.com/] Rick's social media stuff... Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/zoologyrick] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@RickSchwartz] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ZoologyRick] Threads [https://www.threads.com/@zoologyrick] BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/zoologyrick.bsky.social] Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

The Great Ape Approach to "Work/Life Balance"

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557474/fan_mail/new] 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 challenges the conventional work-life balance concept and encourages a holistic view of life’s many elements. Animals, Nature, and You on IG [https://www.instagram.com/animalsnatureandyou] If you find a sick or injured animal, please connect with someone who can help: Animal Help Now [https://ahnow.org/] Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com [https://www.zoologyrick.com/] Rick's social media stuff... Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/zoologyrick] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@RickSchwartz] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ZoologyRick] Threads [https://www.threads.com/@zoologyrick] BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/zoologyrick.bsky.social] Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Elizabeth Johnson on Balancing Wildlife Work and Parenthood

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557474/fan_mail/new] 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 emotional challenges, societal pressures, and the importance of community support for working mothers in niche professions. Link to Mothering Wildlife podcast [https://motheringwildlife.buzzsprout.com/] Mothering Wildlife: Telling the stories of moms who work in zoo, wildlife, vet, and conservation organizations.  Working with wildlife brings a unique set of challenges for working mothers.  Join me every other week as I interview moms working primarily in the zoo field as we discuss their journey as moms, navigating the mental, emotional, and often physical challenges that come with caring for wildlife and caring for kids. Animals, Nature, and You on IG [https://www.instagram.com/animalsnatureandyou] Mothering Wildlife podcast on IG [https://www.instagram.com/motheringwildlife] Email Elizabeth: MotheringWildlife@gmail.com Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com [https://www.zoologyrick.com/] Rick's social media stuff... Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/zoologyrick] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@RickSchwartz] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ZoologyRick] Threads [https://www.threads.com/@zoologyrick] BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/zoologyrick.bsky.social] Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Be On The Look Out: Young Wildlife in Urban Spaces

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557474/fan_mail/new] 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; as long as it is from a safe and respectable distance. After all, observations often lead to better understanding and appreciation of the wildlife and world around us. Animals, Nature, and You on IG [https://www.instagram.com/animalsnatureandyou] If you find a sick or injured animal, please connect with someone who can help: Animal Help Now [https://ahnow.org/] Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com [https://www.zoologyrick.com/] Rick's social media stuff... Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/zoologyrick] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@RickSchwartz] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ZoologyRick] Threads [https://www.threads.com/@zoologyrick] BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/zoologyrick.bsky.social] Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

The Power of Pet Therapy: The Human/Animal Connection

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557474/fan_mail/new] 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 encounter, or a someone reconnecting to memories of a pet skunk from the past; this episode reveals how animals not only heal but also teach us compassion, patience, and trust. Guest Robin Cohen, with over three decades of experience at Helen Woodward Animal Center, highlights the surprising science behind pet therapy’s physical and emotional benefits—from blood pressure drops to reduced aggression in at-risk youth. She shares inspiring stories of animals like a snake that helped a fearful man conquer his phobia, and a dog's loving intuition that helped comfort a man and his family. Robin explains how organizations worldwide can replicate programs like theirs through accessible training, volunteer efforts, and community education, emphasizing that every animal, regardless of species, has the potential to change lives. Animals, Nature, and You on IG [https://www.instagram.com/animalsnatureandyou] Links for Helen Woodward Animal Center... Website: AnimalCenter.org [https://animalcenter.org/] Helen Woodward Animal Cenetr Pet Encounter Therapy [https://animalcenter.org/programs-services/pet-encounter-therapy/] HWAC on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/animalcntr6461] HWAC on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hwac/] HWAC on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/helenwoodwardanimalcenter/] HWAC on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/helen-woodward-animal-center/] HWAC on Tik Tok [ https://www.tiktok.com/@hwanimalcenter] Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com [https://www.zoologyrick.com/] Rick's social media stuff... Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/zoologyrick] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@RickSchwartz] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ZoologyRick] Threads [https://www.threads.com/@zoologyrick] BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/zoologyrick.bsky.social] Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.