Biologica: Where Humans and Animals Meet

susanhayhurst
  • 4.8 (17)
  • Science
  • Updated Biweekly

Through stories and interviews, join Dr. Susan - shelter veterinarian and science educator - to explore how animals and humans interact and how nature and society intersect. From the vernal pools of Maine to the mountains of Ecuador, let’s dive in and make discoveries together.

  1. Apr 29

    The Joys of Gardening

    Join Dr. Susan in discussing gardens and our love of them, and the many health benefits they have for us. Interviewee Ricky Kemery is a master gardener and educator, and publisher of the 2022 book Sensible Sustainability: A Lighthearted Approach to Develop Sustainable Landscapes and Gardens: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63839093-sensible-sustainability We will also discuss gardening with an artist and potter, Deborah, and with Dr. Susan’s husband and daughters. The episode is dedicated to Dr. Susan’s father, Tom, who shares Ricky Kemery’s newsletter regularly with her… Ricky’s Gardening Tips and Tricks and Home Horticulture is an online newsletter based in Indiana. To subscribe, send an email to kemeryr7@frontier.com. This episode marks the end of Season 1 of the Biologica Podcast. Season 2 will begin in fall of 2026.

    42 min

  2. Apr 15

    Creepy Crawly Critters: Fear, Disgust & Biophobias

    In this episode of Biologica, we examine why certain animals trigger fear or disgust. The show features interviews with friends and family about animals that make them uncomfortable, plus a conversation with an Australian researcher of disgust and fear.   Together, we delve into research highlights, a fascinating interview, personal stories, and even a poem by Emily Dickinson. Come explore animals that unsettle us, and why.   Learn more- here is the link to an article related to biophobias with Dr. Saluja as an author: (PDF) A review of the phenomenology, aetiology and treatment of animal phobia and insights for biophobia   New Yorker article/book review with excerpt read in episode: An Arachnophobe Pays Homage to the Spider | The New Yorker

    43 min

  3. Apr 1

    Puppy Love - Raising happy and healthy dogs

    Join Dr. Susan and Pippin the rescue Boston terrier puppy in this episode about raising puppies to be happy and healthy dogs. The episode includes a fascinating discussion with Amber Zawrotny, a shelter behavior and training manager. Explore what has changed in the thinking and research about best practices in raising puppies, and how to avoid behavior issues that are common in adult dogs. And remember those Pandemic Puppies? Find out what's happening (and challenging!) with them now.   Sophia Yin checklist for puppy socialization: https://wagsandwiggles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Puppy-Socialization-Checklist.pdf   Independence Training for dogs: https://www.sfspca.org/resource/independence-training/   Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland - Meet the Trainers https://arlgp.org/meet-the-trainers/   Iconic article about a Pandemic Puppies Cohort and the problem behaviors noted when they became adults: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/2/336   A donation was made to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (and in honor of all of the other shelter and rescue organizations) in thanks for all their work going above and beyond to help the Pandemic Puppies - and the lovable but sometimes challenging adult dogs they’ve grown into.   Note - Pippin was named Friendly when first adopted, and so you’ll hear him called that some in this episode (from before he was renamed).   Also- I just want to acknowledge: sometimes a dog can struggle with behavioral issues despite the humans in its life "doing everything right" - when that is the case, working with a trainer or behaviorist and your veterinarian are excellent options.

    1h 9m

  4. Mar 18

    The Brachycephalic Boom: little faces breed big issues

    Dr. Susan is welcoming a new puppy, Pippin, into her home. Pippin is a rescue boston terrier, and inspired an episode on the "smushed-face" (brachycephalic) breeds. Dr. Mark Hanks and the host discuss brachycephalic (short‑nosed) dogs: their unique anatomy, medical issues and care, and breeding implications, with practical advice for owners on when to seek veterinary care. The episode also delves into the increasing popularity of breeds like english bulldogs and frenchies, and the controversies and debates this has spawned. Finally, the issue will be looked at through both scientific and poetic lenses. Come meet Pippin and find out more about these beloved but complex dogs - why they have such special needs and spark such debate!   Find out more- OFA Respiratory Function Grading Scale Information: https://ofa.org/diseases/rfgs/OFA   AVMA news about health grades for brachycephalic breeds   https://www.avma.org/news/health-screening-test-rolled-out-brachycephalic-dog-breeds   Early Romans Bred Dogs with Flat Faces: https://archaeologymag.com/2023/04/early-romans-bred-dogs-with-flat-faces/   Chihuahua, boxer, and 10 other dog breeds at risk of breathing troubles   https://www.popsci.com/environment/chihuahua-boxer-and-10-other-dog-breeds-at-risk-of-breathing-troubles/   Title: Relative to the definition of animal cruelty: Bill Text: NH HB1102 | 2024 | Regular Session | Introduced | LegiScan

    50 min

  5. Mar 4

    Animals, Ethics, and Bears, Oh my...

    Today's episode of Biologica introduces animal ethics with an interview with philosopher and ethicist Dr. Clare Palmer from Texas A&M University. We discuss the field of animal ethics, real research examples, and practical dilemmas from both academic and everyday perspectives. Dr. Susan also shares personal stories about youthful ethics dilemmas in science, reflecting on how educators can support students as they navigate ethical choices. The discussion also weaves in current climate change and environmental issues with animal ethics and philosophy. This episode is the first of several planned episodes exploring animal ethics. Interview: Dr. Clare Palmer -George T. and Gladys H. Abell Professor of Liberal Arts & Professor of Philosophy -Department of Philosophy -Texas A&M University Links: https://animalethics.ku.dk/columns-for-canadian-veterinary-journal/ https://artsci.tamu.edu/philosophy/contact/profiles/clare-palmer.html

    54 min

  6. Feb 18

    The Secrets of Snowmass Wildlife

    Join Dr. Susan for a field episode at Snowmass Ski Resort in the White River National Forest to explore the plants, animals, and adaptations of winter in the Colorado Rockies. Discover the hidden secrets of the natural world behind the busy ski resort.      The episode features interviews with student Mary Michael, Lillian Bell of the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, a naturalist-led mountain tour, and more. Discover the unique partnership of ACES and the ski resort, and enjoy this snowy science adventure! *A donation was made to the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies: https://aspennature.org/   ps the state flower guess was correct!

    49 min

  7. Feb 4

    Hammy’s Story: a Journey from Cage to Companion

    Dr. Susan interviews journalist Melanie D.G. Kaplan about her adopted research beagle Hammy, discussing his journey from a research kennel to a loving home. His story, in the context of an in-depth exploration of animal research, is described by Kaplan in her book Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research. The episode examines the largely hidden world of canine research, ethical questions, and hope for making improvements. It also highlights a recent book event featuring the author, a regional shelter director, and rescued lab beagles.   *Where to order a signed book copy: https://www.capitolhillbooks-dc.com/advSearchResults.php?action=search&orderBy=relevance&category_id=0&keywordsField=lab+dog   *Learn more: Melanie DG Kaplan webpage: melaniedgkaplan.com     Ann Cottrell Free information: http://www.anncottrellfree.org/   News article about Envigo beagle rescue (mentioned in the episode interview): https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/4000-beagles-now-rescued-breeding-facility-federal-investigation/story   Research article featured in episode: : https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sherry-Ward/publication/360358226_Dog_as_the_experimental_model_Laboratory_uses_of_dogs_in_the_United_States/links/642da91620f25554da0ff5e2/Dog-as-the-experimental-model-Laboratory-uses-of-dogs-in-the-United-States.pdf

    40 min

  8. Jan 21

    Frost & Feathers: Backyard Chickens in Winter

    How do backyard chickens fare when it's negative 15 out there? Dr. Susan explores both the human and the chicken experience with backyard chicken flocks in wintertime, with interviews, snowy flock visits, and expert tips. Guests include author of The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook and "Queen of the Coop" Lisa Steele, as well as friends in Maine who take care of chickens at home and work. Together, the guests and Dr. Susan share practical advice, fun anecdotes, and a vet’s perspective on frostbite, egg cycles, and more. This episode mixes hands‑on care guidance (coop ventilation, bedding, water solutions, and nutrition), personal stories, and literary excerpts, highlighting how chickens adapt to cold, why egg production dips in winter, and how keepers can support healthy flocks. Whether you keep a backyard flock yourself or are just chicken-curious, there's a little something for everyone in this episode. Learn more: Learn about Lisa Steele and her wonderful book, The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook: https://www.fresheggsdaily.blog/   See Lisa's photos of her hens here: https://www.instagram.com/fresheggsdaily?igsh=cDBwN3c5cnIzanlx   Vaughan Woods and Historic Homestead: https://vaughanhomestead.org/   Article on cold-hardy breeds: https://thehomesteadingrd.com/winter-hardy-chickens/

    1h 10m
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4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Through stories and interviews, join Dr. Susan - shelter veterinarian and science educator - to explore how animals and humans interact and how nature and society intersect. From the vernal pools of Maine to the mountains of Ecuador, let’s dive in and make discoveries together.

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