The Deal with Animals with Marika S. Bell

Marika S. Bell
  • 5.0 (6)
  • SCIENCE
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Humans interact with animals every day of our lives: diet, wildlife, clothes and even medicines, are all intersections we often don’t think about.  This is a podcast about the interactions and connections between humans and non-human animals. Our mission is to make research more accessible to the public while sharing the voices and lived experience of our human connection with animals.

  1. 6D AGO · BONUS

    Consciousness in Animals: Intentionality Dialogues - Descript

    This is a quick explanation of a phenomenon seen in animals who are considered 'conscious' beings. Essentially the difference between automatic or reflexive responses to their environment and reactions that are thought out. This was my final project for the IAABC Foundation class "The Thinking Animal" with Instructor, Dr. Kristina Spaulding Regularly scheduled programming on March 2nd. This was my final project for the IAABC Foundation class "The Thinking Animal" with Instructor, Dr. Kristina Spaulding

    3 min

  2. FEB 9

    137. Under Rocks and Soil: Cutting-Edge Discoveries in Reptile Communication with Dr. Emily Taylor and Dr. Julia Riley(S15)

    Send us a text Episode 4 of Series 15: Animal Communications  - Transcript The discussion dives into the often misunderstood social behaviors and communication methods of reptiles, from chemical and tactile cues to visual displays. The episode also explores ethical considerations in reptile pet ownership, conservation challenges, and groundbreaking research on reptile emotions and personalities.  Guest Bios:  Dr. Julia Riley is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Mount Allison University (MtA) and a Canada Research Chair in Integrative Wildlife Ecology. She leads the Integrative Ecology Lab that aims to increase our knowledge of amphibian and reptile behaviour, evolution, and ecology, as well as aid in the conservation of these imperiled taxa. She was a postdoctoral fellow at University of New South Wales in Australia, Stellenbosch University in South Africa, and at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada. Her research has broadly fit into the fields of behavioural ecology, evolutionary biology, and herpetology.  Dr. Emily Taylor is a professor of biological sciences at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, where she conducts research on the physiology, ecology, and conservation biology of reptiles and amphibians with her students. She is the author of the California Herping Guides.  Learn more at EmilyTaylorScience.com and follow her on social media @snakeymama. Book Recommendations: An Immense World by Ed Yong,  The Overstory by Richard Powers, Snakes and Snake Hunting by Carl Kauffeld Related Links:  From Strange by Nature Podcast, Please Fish Don't Eat Me 109. How Do Aboriginal and Bengali Stories Shape Cultural Understanding of Nature? with Dipanwita Pal, PhD. (S12) 31: Attitudes Towards Animals with Matti Wilks (S5) www.jonathanbalcombe.com What a Fish Knows (NYTimes bestseller) Super Fly (National Outdoor Book Award winner) Jake and Ava: A Boy and a Fish (illustrated children's book) Support the show Show Credits⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!) What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Mentoring Services⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron! ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for the Newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Jake and Ava- New Book by Jonathan Balcombe www.jonathanbalcombe.com

    1h 7m

  3. JAN 26

    136. New Year Special! The Future of Scientific Ethics: Trust and Transparency in Animal Research with Dr. Nuno Henrique Franco

    Send us a text Winter Special with Dr. Nunro Henrique Franco!  The conversation covers ethical frameworks, the importance of transparency through pre-registration and non-technical summaries, and the impact of public trust on scientific practice. They also explore the philosophical perspectives that shape animal research ethics and emphasize the role of scientists in advancing animal welfare. Guest Bio: Nuno Henrique Franco has degrees in Natural Sciences and Teaching (BSc + MSc), Animal Biology (BSc Hons), Basic Studies in Veterinary Sciences (BSc) and a PhD in Biomedical Sciences. Nuno is a researcher at the i3S (University of Porto) on the topics of laboratory animal welfare, animal ethics and the 3Rs, scientific quality, thermoregulation, veterinary education, and other topics. He is vice-president of the Portuguese Society for Laboratory Animal Science (SPCAL), Past-President of the E.U. Education & Training Platform for Laboratory Animal Science (ETPLAS), and President of the Animal Research Tomorrow society. He sits on the Animal Welfare Body of the i3S and of the U.Porto faculty of medicine, and founded and coordinates the Portuguese Network of Animal Welfare Bodies – RedeORBEA. For Nuno's Book recommendation see Episode 134 Related Links:  E21: Spring Special! Hal Herzog: On the the Past, Present, and Future of Anthrozoology 119. April Special! What Does the Future Hold for Human-Animal Studies? with Dr. Ken Shapiro 84: How To Build a Bond With a New Dog with Stacey Colino and Jen Golbeck (December Special!) www.jonathanbalcombe.com What a Fish Knows (NYTimes bestseller) Super Fly (National Outdoor Book Award winner) Jake and Ava: A Boy and a Fish (illustrated children's book) Support the show Show Credits⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!) What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Mentoring Services⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron! ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for the Newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Jake and Ava- New Book by Jonathan Balcombe www.jonathanbalcombe.com

    56 min

  4. JAN 12

    135. What We Hear When We Listen: Exploring Intuitive Bonds with Animals with Maribeth Decker (S15)

    Send us a text Episode 3 of series 15: Animal Communications   Transcript From energetic impressions to emotional insights, Maribeth shares how she supports guardians through behavioral challenges, end‑of‑life transitions, and the deep bonds we form with our animal companions.  Maribeth Coye Decker is an intuitive animal communicator, energy healer, and retired U.S. Navy lieutenant commander. After becoming a Reiki Master, Maribeth discovered her ability to connect intuitively with animals — a skill that grew into her life’s work. She now helps people understand their animals’ emotional and energetic needs, navigate behavioral challenges, and find peace during end‑of‑life transitions. Maribeth is the author of Peace in Passing: Comfort for Loving Humans During Animal Transitions, and she offers courses, consultations, and resources through her practice, Sacred Grove. Her work focuses on strengthening the bond between humans and the animals they love, including those who have passed on. Website: https://sacredgrove.com Guest Book recommendations: Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home: And Other Unexplained Powers of Animals by Rupert Sheldrake doctor. Related Links:  107. October Special! Ghost Dogs and The Anthropology of Paranormal Pets with Researcher and Author, Jen Golbeck 101. Burn Zone (S11: Animals of the Maui Wildfires) 70: Beyond Symbolism: Understanding Animals as Ancestors with Author, Ben Stimpson (S7) Support the show Show Credits⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!) What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Mentoring Services⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron! ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for the Newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Jake and Ava- New Book by Jonathan Balcombe www.jonathanbalcombe.com

    48 min

  5. 12/29/2025

    Words That Shape Perception: Animals in Language with Dr. Nuno Franco (S15)

    Send us a text Episode 2, Series 15: Transcript Join us to explore the ethical implications of the words we use and how they affect both our understanding and treatment of animals in research, our homes, and our moral imaginations. Guest Bio: Nuno Henrique Franco has degrees in Natural Sciences and Teaching (BSc + MSc), Animal Biology (BSc Hons), Basic Studies in Veterinary Sciences (BSc) and a PhD in Biomedical Sciences. Nuno is a researcher at the i3S (University of Porto) on the topics of laboratory animal welfare, animal ethics and the 3Rs, scientific quality, thermoregulation, veterinary education, and other topics. He is vice-president of the Portuguese Society for Laboratory Animal Science (SPCAL), Past-President of the E.U. Education & Training Platform for Laboratory Animal Science (ETPLAS), and President of the Animal Research Tomorrow society. He sits on the Animal Welfare Body of the i3S and of the U.Porto faculty of medicine, and founded and coordinates the Portuguese Network of Animal Welfare Bodies – RedeORBEA. Book Recommendations: The book, animal Ethics and Animal Research by Helena Röcklinsberg, Mickey Gjerris, I. Anna S. Olsson and Putting The Horse Before Descartes by Bernard Rollin Related Links: 50: New Year's Special- Recognizing and Overcoming Compassion Fatigue with Hilary Hager (Encore (Ep: 7)) 93: Human Relevant Testing: A Conversation on Enhancing Human Health and Animal Welfare with Dr. Aysha Akhtar (S9) 85: Crossover Special! All Around Science with Bobby and Maura Support the show Show Credits⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!) What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Mentoring Services⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron! ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for the Newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Jake and Ava- New Book by Jonathan Balcombe www.jonathanbalcombe.com

    39 min

  6. 12/15/2025

    133. Speaking Across Species: Human–Chimpanzee Conversation with Dr. Mary Lee Jensvold (S15)

    Send us a text Episode 1 of Series 15:  Transcript We explore the story of Washoe, the first non-human to learn American Sign Language, and discuss the broader implications of chimpanzee communication on our understanding of language, culture, and ethics. The conversation covers the challenges of raising chimps in human environments, the role of sanctuaries in their care, and the ongoing reliance on monkeys in U.S. laboratories. Guest Bio: Mary Lee Jensvold, Ph.D. is the Primate Communication Scientist and Associate Director at Fauna Foundation and a Senior Lecturer in the Primate Behavior and Ecology Program and Anthropology Department at Central Washington University. She is the former director of the Chimpanzee & Human Communication Institute at Central Washington University. She has spent her career working with the signing chimpanzees, Washoe and her family. Her expertise is in behavior and communication, including American Sign Language in chimpanzees and other apes. Her research includes communication among and between chimpanzees and humans, and captive caregiving practices. Her interest in chimpanzee sanctuaries include care practices, behavior, design, and welfare. She is a member of the board of directors of the Animal Welfare Institute, Fauna Foundation, and Friends of Washoe. She is on the steering committee of the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance (NAPSA). She has numerous publications in journals and books. She has authored and co-authored books including Chimpanzee Behaviour: Recent Understandings from Captivity and the Forest. Book Recommendation: Next of Kin: My Conversations with Chimpanzees (Living Planet Book)  Related Links:  E22: Ecofeminism and Entangled Empathy with Lori Gruen 124. What Can a Matriarchal Society Teach Us About Sex and Compassion? A Bonobo Perspective with Dr. Lori Gruen (S13) 93: Human Relevant Testing: A Conversation on Enhancing Human Health and Animal Welfare with Dr. Aysha Akhtar (S9) 47: Expressions of Emotion in Animals with Dr. Mariska Kret (S6) Support the show Show Credits⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!) What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Mentoring Services⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron! ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for the Newsletter Mentioned in this...

    1h 15m

  7. SEASON 2 TRAILER

    Animal Communications (Series 15 Trailer)

    Send us a text Transcript Support the show Show Credits⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!) What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Mentoring Services⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron! ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for the Newsletter

    1 min

  8. 11/17/2025

    132. Staying Curious: Empowerment and Change in the Dog Training Community with Grisha Stewart and Laurie C. Williams (Archived Ep. 76)

    Send us a text Episode 8 of Series 14: The Dog's Days of Autumn...  Transcript Featured is a roundtable discussion focusing on the integration of humane, science-based techniques that prioritize emotional safety and trust. Key insights are provided on how trainers' philosophies intertwine with their ethical beliefs and the real-life applications for managing behavior through kindness and curiosity. Grisha Stewart is a celebrated dog trainer, who runs the Grisha Stewart Academy, providing continuous education for professional dog trainers. She's the author of the "Behavior Adjustment Training" and "HMSA Dog Training Manual." Her passion lies in bridging the connections between people and dogs through positive reinforcement. Laurie C. Williams, another expert trainer, owns and directs the Pup and Iron Canine Enrichment Center in Virginia. With a career spanning over 35 years, Laurie has seen the industry evolve from backyard endeavors to lucrative professions, and she advocates for a more empathetic approach to dog training. Other Round-Table Episodes 83: Unmasking COVID-19's Impact on Animal Welfare with Nanette McCann and Corey Regnerus-Kell (S8) 84: How To Build a Bond With a New Dog with Stacey Colino and Jen Golbeck (December Special!) 63: EVAT Mini-series (Part 6): Free-Living Cats and Farm Animal Sanctuaries a Round Table with Kris Hill and Dr. Jacqui Sadashige Original Episode:  76: Staying Curious: Empowerment and Change in the Dog Training Community with Grisha Stewart and Laurie C. Williams (Special Episode!) Related Links  AVSAB Position Statement The Use of Punishment for Behavior Modification in Animals  Support the show Show Credits⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!) What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Mentoring Services⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron! ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for the Newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Jake and Ava- New Book by Jonathan Balcombe www.jonathanbalcombe.com

    1h 28m
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About

Humans interact with animals every day of our lives: diet, wildlife, clothes and even medicines, are all intersections we often don’t think about.  This is a podcast about the interactions and connections between humans and non-human animals. Our mission is to make research more accessible to the public while sharing the voices and lived experience of our human connection with animals.

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