Wild Tails

Episode 25: Veterans Best Friend with Erin Brandon

🎙️ In this episode of Wild Tails, I sit down with my longtime friend Erin Brandon, who I’ve known since our high school days. Erin is a proud Army veteran who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and he brings a unique perspective shaped by his years in service. We dive into his journey after the military, where he discovered a new mission: training his dogs to become service animals. From the battlefield to building bonds with his canine companions, Erin shares heartfelt stories about resilience, healing, and the incredible role dogs can play in a veteran’s life.   Wild Tails podcast on Instagram @Wildtailspod [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/wildtailspod/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1pXx3Uy_8VuX4RSTY5KmB6] Follow Wild Tails Podcast on Bluesky [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bsky.app/profile/wildtails.bsky.social&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2jI646Jh4kJosTmf1-zygy] Follow the Wild Tails Substack [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://mikebona.substack.com/?utm_source%3Dsubstack%26utm_medium%3Dweb%26utm_campaign%3Dsubstack_profile&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2ajeW0CQdp6XRS_YNB1ykX]  Email the show at wildtailspod@gmail.com [wildtailspod@gmail.com]

Episode 24: Going all in with Tim Camerano

This week on Wild Tails, I’m joined by my good friend and passionate conservationist, Tim Camerano. Tim is here to share details about Texas Save’em, a unique fundraiser benefiting Global Conservation Force — an organization dedicated to protecting endangered species and supporting wildlife rangers around the world. We talk about how the event came together, the mission it supports, and why Tim is so committed to making a difference for wildlife.   Texas Save'em event [https://www.hyemeadow.com/products/texas-saveem?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafB9jr-cJ60HmQkSdKjePzHtiqwnqtjcJS1z2Rmy6ooskCBcHYeOtb4al34ew_aem_UN-My91muOjGEgB1uISv1w] Global Conservation Force [https://globalconservationforce.org/] Wild Tails podcast on Instagram @Wildtailspod [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/wildtailspod/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1pXx3Uy_8VuX4RSTY5KmB6] Follow Wild Tails Podcast on Bluesky [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bsky.app/profile/wildtails.bsky.social&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2jI646Jh4kJosTmf1-zygy] Follow the Wild Tails Substack [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://mikebona.substack.com/?utm_source%3Dsubstack%26utm_medium%3Dweb%26utm_campaign%3Dsubstack_profile&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2ajeW0CQdp6XRS_YNB1ykX]  Email the show at wildtailspod@gmail.com [wildtailspod@gmail.com]

Episode 23: Lions, Tigers, and Bears with Bobbi Brink

What do you do when you witness wild animals living in squalid cages, sold in parking lots, or forced to perform in roadside shows? If you're Bobbi Brink, you build a world-class sanctuary and dedicate your life to giving them the dignity they were denied. In this episode, Mike sits down with Bobbi Brink, the powerhouse founder of Lions Tigers & Bears, a no-breed, no-contact, forever home for rescued exotic animals. From big cat rescues across state lines to advocating for the Big Cat Public Safety Act in Washington D.C., Bobbi shares the raw, behind-the-scenes truth of what it takes to protect the animals most people only see in cages or on screen. We talk about her early experiences that sparked her mission, the personalities of the animals she’s saved, and why her focus remains on cats and bears—even when there are so many other species in need. You’ll hear the heartbreak, the hope, and one story that just might restore your faith in what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Visit Lions, Tigers, and Bears Website [https://www.lionstigersandbears.org/] Visit Lions, Tigers and Bears Instagram: @lionstigers_andbears [https://www.instagram.com/lionstigers_andbears/] Wild Tails podcast on Instagram @Wildtailspod [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/wildtailspod/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1pXx3Uy_8VuX4RSTY5KmB6] Follow Wild Tails Podcast on Bluesky [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bsky.app/profile/wildtails.bsky.social&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2jI646Jh4kJosTmf1-zygy] Follow the Wild Tails Substack [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://mikebona.substack.com/?utm_source%3Dsubstack%26utm_medium%3Dweb%26utm_campaign%3Dsubstack_profile&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2ajeW0CQdp6XRS_YNB1ykX]  Email the show at wildtailspod@gmail.com [wildtailspod@gmail.com]

Episode 22: Let's bring back the T-Rex, what could go wrong with Christian Flores

Today I’m joined by Christian Flores, better known online as @CrikeyItsChristian — a wildlife and paleo educator who brings species from both the past and present to life through engaging, educational content. From conservation messaging to everyday actions we can all take to help the planet, Christian uses his platform to advocate for animal welfare, especially in his current work with reptiles. We dive into the myths and misconceptions that surround wildlife — the kind of stories that fuel fear rather than curiosity. Whether it’s “boxing kangaroos” or “vicious snakes,” Christian’s mission is to transform fear into fascination through facts, empathy, and humor. Christian is also the lead writer and zoological consultant for the upcoming art book @ProjectPaleozoo, a stunning visual concept of what a modern zoo might look like if it housed dinosaurs, with the same ethical care standards we strive for with living species today. Follow the project for updates — you won’t want to miss it. Follow Christian Flores on Instagram @CrikeyitsChristian [https://www.instagram.com/crikeyitschristian/] Follow Artemis Paleozoological Reserve on Instagram @Projectpaleozoo [https://www.instagram.com/projectpaleozoo/] Wild Tails podcast on Instagram @Wildtailspod [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/wildtailspod/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1pXx3Uy_8VuX4RSTY5KmB6] Follow Wild Tails Podcast on Bluesky [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bsky.app/profile/wildtails.bsky.social&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2jI646Jh4kJosTmf1-zygy] Follow the Wild Tails Substack [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://mikebona.substack.com/?utm_source%3Dsubstack%26utm_medium%3Dweb%26utm_campaign%3Dsubstack_profile&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2ajeW0CQdp6XRS_YNB1ykX]  Email the show at wildtailspod@gmail.com [wildtailspod@gmail.com]

Episode 21: Secret lives of rattlesnakes with Emily Taylor

In this episode of Wild Tails, host Mike Bona sits down with Dr. Emily Taylor, a herpetologist and professor of Biological Sciences at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Emily shares wild and wonderful stories from her work with reptiles and amphibians—from tracking rattlesnakes in the wild to teaching students how to find elusive lizards in California’s diverse ecosystems. Emily is the author of two popular science books: California Snakes and How to Find Them and California Lizards and How to Find Them, with a third on amphibians coming soon. In this lively conversation, she opens up about her unique path from an English degree at UC Berkeley to a PhD in Biology from Arizona State University, and how storytelling plays a role in science communication. You’ll also hear about her home life in Atascadero, California, which includes a crew of rescued animals—like her charming bearded dragon Aperol Spritz—and a bearded husband named Steve. Whether you're a wildlife lover, science enthusiast, or just curious about how to find snakes and lizards in California, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and inspiration. Emily Taylor Website: http://www.emilytaylorscience.com [http://www.emilytaylorscience.com/] Project Rattlecam: https://rattlecam.org/ [https://rattlecam.org/] Wild Tails podcast in Instagram @Wildtailspod [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/wildtailspod/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1pXx3Uy_8VuX4RSTY5KmB6] Follow Wild Tails Podcast on Bluesky [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bsky.app/profile/wildtails.bsky.social&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2jI646Jh4kJosTmf1-zygy] Follow the Wild Tails Substack [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://mikebona.substack.com/?utm_source%3Dsubstack%26utm_medium%3Dweb%26utm_campaign%3Dsubstack_profile&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2ajeW0CQdp6XRS_YNB1ykX]  Email the show at wildtailspod@gmail.com [wildtailspod@gmail.com]