Biologica: Where Humans and Animals Meet

The Joys of Gardening

Join Dr. Susan in discussing gardens and our love of them, and the many health benefits they have for us. Interviewee Ricky Kemery is a master gardener and educator, and publisher of the 2022 book Sensible Sustainability: A Lighthearted Approach to Develop Sustainable Landscapes and Gardens: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63839093-sensible-sustainability [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63839093-sensible-sustainability] We will also discuss gardening with an artist and potter, Deborah, and with Dr. Susan’s husband and daughters. The episode is dedicated to Dr. Susan’s father, Tom, who shares Ricky Kemery’s newsletter regularly with her… Ricky’s Gardening Tips and Tricks and Home Horticulture is an online newsletter based in Indiana. To subscribe, send an email to kemeryr7@frontier.com [kemeryr7@frontier.com]. This episode marks the end of Season 1 of the Biologica Podcast. Season 2 will begin in fall of 2026.

Creepy Crawly Critters: Fear, Disgust & Biophobias

In this episode of Biologica, we examine why certain animals trigger fear or disgust. The show features interviews with friends and family about animals that make them uncomfortable, plus a conversation with an Australian researcher of disgust and fear.   Together, we delve into research highlights, a fascinating interview, personal stories, and even a poem by Emily Dickinson. Come explore animals that unsettle us, and why.   Learn more- here is the link to an article related to biophobias with Dr. Saluja as an author: (PDF) A review of the phenomenology, aetiology and treatment of animal phobia and insights for biophobia [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372203918_A_review_of_the_phenomenology_aetiology_and_treatment_of_animal_phobia_and_insights_for_biophobia]   New Yorker article/book review with excerpt read in episode: An Arachnophobe Pays Homage to the Spider | The New Yorker [https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/02/17/the-lives-of-spiders-ximena-nelson-book-review]

Puppy Love - Raising happy and healthy dogs

Join Dr. Susan and Pippin the rescue Boston terrier puppy in this episode about raising puppies to be happy and healthy dogs. The episode includes a fascinating discussion with Amber Zawrotny, a shelter behavior and training manager. Explore what has changed in the thinking and research about best practices in raising puppies, and how to avoid behavior issues that are common in adult dogs. And remember those Pandemic Puppies? Find out what's happening (and challenging!) with them now.   Sophia Yin checklist for puppy socialization: https://wagsandwiggles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Puppy-Socialization-Checklist.pdf [https://wagsandwiggles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Puppy-Socialization-Checklist.pdf]   Independence Training for dogs: https://www.sfspca.org/resource/independence-training/ [https://www.sfspca.org/resource/independence-training/]   Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland - Meet the Trainers https://arlgp.org/meet-the-trainers/ [https://arlgp.org/meet-the-trainers/]   Iconic article about a Pandemic Puppies Cohort and the problem behaviors noted when they became adults: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/2/336 [https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/2/336]   A donation was made to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (and in honor of all of the other shelter and rescue organizations) in thanks for all their work going above and beyond to help the Pandemic Puppies - and the lovable but sometimes challenging adult dogs they’ve grown into.   Note - Pippin was named Friendly when first adopted, and so you’ll hear him called that some in this episode (from before he was renamed).   Also- I just want to acknowledge: sometimes a dog can struggle with behavioral issues despite the humans in its life "doing everything right" - when that is the case, working with a trainer or behaviorist and your veterinarian are excellent options.

The Brachycephalic Boom: little faces breed big issues

Dr. Susan is welcoming a new puppy, Pippin, into her home. Pippin is a rescue boston terrier, and inspired an episode on the "smushed-face" (brachycephalic) breeds. Dr. Mark Hanks and the host discuss brachycephalic (short‑nosed) dogs: their unique anatomy, medical issues and care, and breeding implications, with practical advice for owners on when to seek veterinary care. The episode also delves into the increasing popularity of breeds like english bulldogs and frenchies, and the controversies and debates this has spawned. Finally, the issue will be looked at through both scientific and poetic lenses. Come meet Pippin and find out more about these beloved but complex dogs - why they have such special needs and spark such debate!   Find out more- OFA Respiratory Function Grading Scale Information: https://ofa.org/diseases/rfgs/OFA [https://ofa.org/diseases/rfgs/OFA]   AVMA news about health grades for brachycephalic breeds   https://www.avma.org/news/health-screening-test-rolled-out-brachycephalic-dog-breeds [https://www.avma.org/news/health-screening-test-rolled-out-brachycephalic-dog-breeds]   Early Romans Bred Dogs with Flat Faces: https://archaeologymag.com/2023/04/early-romans-bred-dogs-with-flat-faces/ [https://archaeologymag.com/2023/04/early-romans-bred-dogs-with-flat-faces/]   Chihuahua, boxer, and 10 other dog breeds at risk of breathing troubles   https://www.popsci.com/environment/chihuahua-boxer-and-10-other-dog-breeds-at-risk-of-breathing-troubles/ [https://www.popsci.com/environment/chihuahua-boxer-and-10-other-dog-breeds-at-risk-of-breathing-troubles/]   Title: Relative to the definition of animal cruelty: Bill Text: NH HB1102 | 2024 | Regular Session | Introduced | LegiScan

Animals, Ethics, and Bears, Oh my...

Today's episode of Biologica introduces animal ethics with an interview with philosopher and ethicist Dr. Clare Palmer from Texas A&M University. We discuss the field of animal ethics, real research examples, and practical dilemmas from both academic and everyday perspectives. Dr. Susan also shares personal stories about youthful ethics dilemmas in science, reflecting on how educators can support students as they navigate ethical choices. The discussion also weaves in current climate change and environmental issues with animal ethics and philosophy. This episode is the first of several planned episodes exploring animal ethics. Interview: Dr. Clare Palmer -George T. and Gladys H. Abell Professor of Liberal Arts & Professor of Philosophy -Department of Philosophy -Texas A&M University Links: https://animalethics.ku.dk/columns-for-canadian-veterinary-journal/ https://artsci.tamu.edu/philosophy/contact/profiles/clare-palmer.html