Animals, Nature, and You

Rick Schwartz
  • 5.0 (9)
  • 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

    RePlay - Everything You Thought You Knew About Bees Is WRONG!

    Send "Fan Mail" to Rick (This is a RePlay from April 2026) In this episode, TV talent, author and naturalist, David Mizejewski from the National Wildlife Federation busts myths about bees, highlights the importance of native bees & plants, and shares practical tips for supporting pollinators & wildlife in your own yard. David also covers why planting native plants is now easier than ever thanks to NWF's Garden for Wildlife website where you can order the right plants at the right time. Animals, Nature, and You on IG David's Book: Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife Connect with David: David Mizejewski on IG David Mizejewski on FB David Mizejewski website National Wildlife Federation links: Garden for Wildlife website Garden for Wildlife on IG NWF Website NWF on IG NWF on FB Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick on social media: INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK BLUESKY THREADS Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop Artist: Burgberg Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

  2. Jul 31

    The Emotional Cost of Loving Animals for a Living Pt.2

    Send "Fan Mail" to Rick (Part 2 of 2) Most animal care professionals face grief that’s often silenced or overlooked. What if understanding and embracing this grief could actually transform how we care, both for the animals and ourselves? Brigid Dodge, a former dolphin trainer turned grief coach, shares the raw truths about the hidden toll of working with animals and how loss shapes us in ways we’re often unprepared for. In this powerful episode, Brigid opens up about her journey from marine mammal training to coaching professionals through grief and burnout. She explores how grief isn’t a linear process and how cultural norms in the animal care industry can make it even harder to express or process loss. You'll discover: how guilt, identity shifts, and rituals play crucial roles in healing, and why many of us are woefully underprepared for the emotional aftermath of loss. Brigid also shares practical tools, including simple rituals and goal-setting strategies, that help cope with the chaos of grief and burnout. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Connect with Brigid: Website: Literally Working Through It Facebook LinkedIn Studies mentioned in this episode: Zoo professionals and volunteers... burnout, mental health and animals loss (published paper) Mental Health for Zoo Professionals (video presentation) 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 30

    The Emotional Cost of Loving Animals for a Living Pt.1

    Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Most animal care professionals face grief that’s often silenced or overlooked. What if understanding and embracing this grief could actually transform how we care, both for the animals and ourselves? Brigid Dodge, a former dolphin trainer turned grief coach, shares the raw truths about the hidden toll of working with animals and how loss shapes us in ways we’re often unprepared for. In this powerful episode, Brigid opens up about her journey from marine mammal training to coaching professionals through grief and burnout. She explores how grief isn’t a linear process and how cultural norms in the animal care industry can make it even harder to express or process loss. You'll discover: how guilt, identity shifts, and rituals play crucial roles in healing, and why many of us are woefully underprepared for the emotional aftermath of loss. Brigid also shares practical tools, including simple rituals and goal-setting strategies, that help cope with the chaos of grief and burnout. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Connect with Brigid: Website: Literally Working Through It Facebook LinkedIn Studies mentioned in this episode: Zoo professionals and volunteers... burnout, mental health and animals loss (published paper) Mental Health for Zoo Professionals (video presentation) 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 23

    What is the Science of Animal Nutrition?

    Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Ever wonder how a zookeeper knows what to feed a tuatara, a splendid sunbird or a red panda? In this episode, Dr. Andrea Fidget shares her expertise in comparative and conservation animal nutrition, exploring how understanding species-specific diets and natural history informs better animal care and conservation efforts. Discover the science behind animal diets, the importance of nutritional wisdom, and the future of wildlife nutrition research. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Connect with Dr. Andrea Fidgett on Linkedin Websites Mentioned: AZA Nutrition Advisory Group EAZA Nutrition Group National Animal Nutrition Program Zoo Diet Navigator 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 21

    What, Who, and HOW? Your Questions Answered!

    Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this 10-Minute Tuesday episode of Animals, Nature, and You, host Rick Schwartz jumps into the "mailbag" to answers some listener questions. From favorite animals and conservation challenges to what podcasts he listens to. He shares personal stories, favorite species, and insights into staying motivated in the face of conservation setbacks. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Podcasts Mentioned: *Rossifari Podcast All Creatures That's So Wild Just The Zoo of Us Mothering Wildlife Pangolin The Conservation Podcast 10% Happier Radiolab Buzzcast *Honorable mention - I completely spaced mentioning Jon Rossi's podcast, Rossifari when listing off what is in my podcast library! Sorry Jon, you know I love your podcast! 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. Jul 16

    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.

  7. Jul 14

    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.

  8. 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.

See All (59)

Trailer

5
out of 5
9 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
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Animals, Nature, and You
  • Show Website
    Animals, Nature, and You

You Might Also Like