Animals, Nature, and You

Rick Schwartz
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Nature

“Animals Nature and You” celebrates the curiosity around the connection we have with the natural world. In this podcast, we will be looking at the science and the personal experiences of experts, and everyday people. From conservationist and animal care staff to filmmakers and authors. We’ll talk to backyard birders, wildlife experts, naturalist, animal behaviorists, veterinarians and so much more. Join us on this curious odyssey, let’s explore and reconnect together! It’s all about the connections we feel and the connections we long for. It’s about Animals, Nature, and You!

  1. 4d ago

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

    Send "Fan Mail" to Rick 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 Book mentioned: Wild Lessons (no link available yet) The Orangutan Project on IG The Orangutan Project on FB The Orangutan Project on Linkedin The Orangutan Project International Tiger Project International Elephant Project Forest For The People Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

  2. 6d ago

    The Great Ape Approach to "Work/Life Balance"

    Send "Fan Mail" to Rick 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 If you find a sick or injured animal, please connect with someone who can help: Animal Help Now Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

  3. Jul 9

    Elizabeth Johnson on Balancing Wildlife Work and Parenthood

    Send "Fan Mail" to Rick 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 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 Mothering Wildlife podcast on IG Email Elizabeth: MotheringWildlife@gmail.com Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

  4. Jul 7

    Be On The Look Out: Young Wildlife in Urban Spaces

    Send "Fan Mail" to Rick 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 If you find a sick or injured animal, please connect with someone who can help: Animal Help Now Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

  5. Jul 2

    The Power of Pet Therapy: The Human/Animal Connection

    Send "Fan Mail" to Rick 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 Links for Helen Woodward Animal Center... Website: AnimalCenter.org Helen Woodward Animal Cenetr Pet Encounter Therapy HWAC on YouTube HWAC on Instagram HWAC on Facebook HWAC on Linkedin HWAC on Tik Tok Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

  6. Jun 30

    Why Nature is Essential to Our Well-Being

    Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this 10 Minute Tuesday, host Rick Schwartz shares his "Is this even real life"experiences from a recent trip to the Redwoods. And he explores the scientific benefits of nature on well-being, and emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with the natural world for our health, not just conservation. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Links for Mentioned... Redwoods Rising on IG Save the Redwoods League Sequoia Park Zoo Find Griff Griffith here Animals, Nature, and You Episode with Griff Griffith Links to Studies Mentioned: Exposure and Connectedness to Nature Noticing Nature: Individual and Social Benefits Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

  7. Jun 25

    The Human Side of Conservation with Andrew Mooney from the Dublin Zoo

    Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Discover how collaborative efforts make the difference in wildlife conservation. In this insightful interview, Andrew Mooney from Dublin Zoo shares the multifaceted approach to conservation, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, native species projects, and the role of zoos in global conservation efforts. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Links mentioned in this episode: Duklin Zoo Selamatkan Yaki More about the Sulawesi crested black macaque Find Andrew Here: Andrew Mooney on Linkedin Dublin Zoo on Social Media: Dublin Zoo FB Dublin Zoo IG Dublin Zoo TikTok Dublin Zoo YouTube Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff... Instagram YouTube Facebook Threads BlueSky Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

  8. Jun 23

    RePlay: The Real Raccoon Science Behind the Headlines

    Send "Fan Mail" to Rick This is a RePlay of Episode 14 from March 2026... In this episode Rick discusses the media's misguided headlines and articles about a scientific study on raccoon that looked at domestication signals. Rick offers up information from the published paper and explains what the research actually indicates about raccoon evolution and domestication. While the idea of having a raccoon as a pet might sound enticing, there are significant challenges and ethical considerations that must be addressed. Raccoons are not domesticated animals; they are wild creatures with specific needs. PLEASE adopt a dog or cat from your local shelter. You will save a life and you will be much happier with truly domesticated animal in your home. Link to published study mentioned in this episode:  "Tracking domestication signals across populations of North American raccoons (Procyon lotor) via citizen science-driven image repositories" Shout out to Big Bear Alpine Zoo (just because) Big Bear Alpine Zoo website Big Bear Alpine Zoo in Instagram Rick's website: ZoologyRick.com Find Rick on social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

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Trailer

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

“Animals Nature and You” celebrates the curiosity around the connection we have with the natural world. In this podcast, we will be looking at the science and the personal experiences of experts, and everyday people. From conservationist and animal care staff to filmmakers and authors. We’ll talk to backyard birders, wildlife experts, naturalist, animal behaviorists, veterinarians and so much more. Join us on this curious odyssey, let’s explore and reconnect together! It’s all about the connections we feel and the connections we long for. It’s about Animals, Nature, and You!

Information

  • Creator
    Rick Schwartz
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Animals, Nature, and You
  • Show Website
    Animals, Nature, and You

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