Animals, Nature, and You

Rick Schwartz
  • 5.0 (5)
  • 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. 3D AGO

    Nature Walks and Mentorships - Making a Difference with Jungle Jordan

    In this episode, Jungle Jordan shares stories of combining his love for wildlife with community work through outdoor education. Discover his program impacts underserved communities and inspires the next generation of conservationists, nature lovers and so much more. Rick and Jordan wrap up the conversation addressing the age old question, which is better, small zoo or big zoo? The discussion covers the experiences you might have as a zookeeper in one of these zoos, and the guest experience as well. Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou Find Jordan and Information on Nature Walks and Virtual Mentorship Program here:  JungleJordan.com Jordan's social media: Instagram TikTok Facebook YouTube Connect with Rick: ZoologyRick.com Social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

    47 min

  2. 5D AGO

    The Mighty Peregrine Falcon

    In this installment of 10 Minute Tuesday, host Rick Schwartz explores the fascinating world of the peregrine falcon, its history, adaptations, and the importance of conservation efforts. Learn how scientific studies and environmental policies have helped bring this incredible bird back from the brink of extinction. Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou Connect with Rick: ZoologyRick.com Social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Websites mentioned in this episode:  The Peregrine Fund Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

    14 min

  3. APR 2

    Nature: The Transformative Power of Outdoor Education

    In this episode, Rick interviews Tina Brower Kraska, the founder of Red Oaks Forest School, who shares her journey from a wildlife enthusiast to an educator dedicated to reconnecting children with nature. Tina emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity in children and how her daughter taught her valuable lessons about slowing down and appreciating the natural world. Tina discusses the founding of Red Oaks Forest School, which began as a simple monthly meetup to explore nature with others. Over the years, it has grown into a thriving educational program that emphasizes child-led exploration and the benefits of outdoor learning. She highlights the positive impacts of nature on children's mental health, including improvements in attention, cooperation, and overall well-being. The conversation culminates in Tina's encouragement for adults to reconnect with their innate curiosity and the importance of slowing down to truly experience the world around them. Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou Red Oaks Forest School: ReadOaksForestSchool.org IG: @RedOaks_Explorers FB: @RedOaksForestSchool Tina Brouwer Kraska on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-brouwer-kraska-52bb42167 Other links mentioned in this episode: Natural Start Alliance: NaturalStart.org North American Association for Environmental Education: NAAEE.org Connect with Rick: ZoologyRick.com Social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

    42 min

  4. MAR 31

    Popcorn Butt? Why Bearcat If Not Related to Bear or Cat?

    In this episode, host Rick Schwartz shares his passion and love of the fascinating binturong, also known as the bearcat. Discover why they smell like popcorn, (or is it corn chips?) and their unique adaptations - like their prehensile tail. He also discusses their habitat, and conservation status, along with intriguing animals facts. Rick's love for binturongs comes from hands on care and work with the species when he was a zookeeper at the San Diego Zoo, and his desire to keep learning more about them. Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou Connect with Rick: ZoologyRick.com Social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Websites mentioned in this episode:  AB Conservation Zoo Atlanta's Page about Binturong's Popcorn Odor Science of Nature: "...why bearcats smell like popcorn" Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

    13 min

  5. MAR 26

    The Rhythm of Conservation: How a Drummer's Passion Turned into a Podcast Phenomenon

    In this episode Rick interviews musician, actor, music director and podcaster, Jon Rossi. Earlier in the week Rick was a guest on Jon's podcast, Rossifari - but today Rick had Jon in the hot seat! In a world where music and wildlife conservation rarely intersect, curiosity grew into passion and circumstances created opportunity. Through his podcast, Rossifari, Jon showcases the conservation mission behind all good zoos and aquariums, and connects his listeners to the many wonderful animals of the world. Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou Connect with Jon: Rossifari.com IG: @Rossifari FB: @Rossifari TikTok: @RossifariPod Other links mentioned in this episode: SAFE Red Panda on Facebook and Instagram SAFE Tree Kangaroo on Instagram Connect with Rick: ZoologyRick.com Social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

    1h 9m

  6. MAR 24

    Monarch Population Surges 64%: Why We Can't Stop Now

    As recent headlines celebrate a 64% increase in monarch butterfly populations, many may wonder: is this the turning point for these vital pollinators? In this episode, host Rick Schwartz explores what this increase means, the ongoing challenges monarchs face, and how you can take action to support their conservation. While the increase in monarch populations is encouraging, it is critical to remain vigilant in conservation efforts. Monarchs are still at risk, and their recovery requires ongoing support and action from all of us. It’s not time to celebrate and move on but rather to continue our efforts to protect these vital pollinators. Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou Connect with Rick: ZoologyRick.com Social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

    14 min

  7. MAR 19

    How to Save Forests, Creeks and Local Ecosystem with Griff Griffith

    In this episode Rick speaks with Griff Griffith about forest restoration, the power of curiosity and why having native plants in your yard (or on your patio) is so important to local ecosystems. Griff is a powerhouse of knowledge and experience when it comes to ecology, wildlife conservation and empowering others to participate.   During their conversation, Griff also shares the importance of many different groups of people coming together to make a difference for the planet. He even shares how you can help too – Get curious, get to know your local flora & fauna and maybe even volunteer to help with habitat restoration. After all, supporting your local ecosystems supports pollinators, birds, and insects, especially caterpillars that feed our songbirds. This episode is essential listening for anyone who cares about the planet—whether you're a seasoned conservationist or just starting to glimpse the power of native plants and habitat restoration. Griff’s hopeful message: the more curious you are, the more you'll want to learn, do, and share, igniting a movement to heal our earth—one native seed at a time. Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram Connect wth Griff: Website: GriffGriffith.info Instagram: @TheNatureNut TikTok: @GriffWild Other sites mentioned: Jumpstart Nature Redwoods Rising Home Gown National Park Redwood Parks Conservancy Connect with Rick: ZoologyRick.com Social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

    45 min

  8. MAR 17

    Why Some Animals Have Quills and Others Have Spines

    In this episode, Rick explores the fascinating world of quills and spines in mammals, debunking myths and explaining the differences between various species like porcupines, hedgehogs, echidnas, and tenrecs. Discover how these adaptations evolved and their unique functions in animal defense mechanisms. Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou Connect with Rick: ZoologyRick.com Social media: Instagram Threads Facebook YouTube Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

    11 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 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
    2K
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Animals, Nature, and You
  • Show Website
    Animals, Nature, and You

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