FRAMED BY FABLES | Animals & Pop Culture

Framed by Fables Team
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Life Sciences
  • Updated Semimonthly

What we think we know about animals often comes from the stories we tell. But are wolves really big and bad? Are owls really wise? Framed by Fables puts animal myths, stereotypes, and pop-culture portrayals to the test with real science. Hosted by comedian Helen Hong, each episode features a special guest and a renowned animal expert who reveal the surprising truth about animal behavior, debunk common misconceptions, and explore what science really tells us about the creatures we think we know. From misunderstood wildlife to unexpected animal facts, every episode challenges what you thought you knew.  And every episode ends with a twist you won't see coming.

Episodes

  1. Oct 13 ·  Video

    Spiders: The Creepy, the Crazy & the Completely True

    Send us Fan Mail  Why can a tiny spider send an otherwise fearless person into a full-blown panic?   Little Miss Muffet was driven away by a spider. But Peter Parker got his Spiderman superpowers from one. Somewhere between the nursery rhyme and Marvel Comics, spiders became both creatures to fear and creatures to envy.  From intricate spider webs and extraordinary hunting techniques to venom and sensory systems that help spiders navigate their world, these arachnids are far more complex than their creepy-crawly reputation suggests.  Host Helen Hong explores the surprising science of spiders with wildlife biologist Miguel Ordeñana and Dr. Eda Gorbis, an expert in phobias. Together, they investigate spider biology, arachnid behavior, and the psychology behind arachnophobia, uncovering the fascinating differences between what spiders actually do and what humans imagine they're capable of. How do spiders build webs, detect vibrations, and capture prey? What distinguishes web-building spiders from active hunters? How do spider venom, silk production, and specialized adaptations help different species survive? And why do so many people experience an instinctive or overwhelming fear of spiders, even when the animal poses little threat? We bring wildlife biology and psychology together to look beyond the myths surrounding spiders and understand their real role in the natural world. Forget what you think you know. It's time to look at spiders differently. Subscribe to Framed by Fables for fascinating conversations about wildlife, animal behavior, biology, natural history, myths, folklore, and pop culture. We separate fact from fiction to discover the extraordinary science behind the animals that share our world. Explore more at www.framedbyfables.com. Connect With Us Website: www.framedbyfables.com Follow on Socials: @framedbyfables Email: info@framedbyfables.com Join our e-mail list for bonus content and updates;   LINK Resources:  Information on anxiety disorders: https://hope4ocd.com/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Helen Hong's stand-up shows in Sunnyvale, CA  https://rooster-t-feathers.seatengine-sites.com/shows/365909  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural History Museum of Los Angeles events   https://nhm.org/calendar Credits Host:  Helen Hong  Animal Expert:  Wildlife Biologist Miguel Ordeñana Guest:  Eda Gorbis, PhD, LMFT,  Director/Founder of the Westwood Institute for Anxiety Disorders Creator and Exec Producer: Robin M. Henry  Producer: Emily Orr Casting Producer: Robin Foster  Line Producer:  James Lovewell  Editor:  David Toms Ad Manager: Brandon Carrillo Set Artwork and Logo: Cliff Barrett   Special Thanks:  Second Floor Studios

    Spiders: The Creepy, the Crazy & the Completely True

  2. Sep 29 ·  Video

    What's The REAL Truth About Rabbits? (w/The Bunny Museum founders)

    Send us Fan Mail What do Bugs Bunny, the Easter Bunny, Playboy, the Tortoise and the Hare, and pregnancy tests have in common? More than you might think. Helen Hong goes down the rabbit hole with Candace Frazee and Steve Lubanski, founders of The Bunny Museum, and wildlife biologist Miguel Ordeñana to explore the surprisingly strange world of rabbits. We get into the stories, characters, traditions and cultural associations that made rabbits such a familiar part of our lives, while also digging into the real animals behind them. What do real rabbits actually do? How do they behave? What makes their anatomy and biology so fascinating? And why have rabbits become connected to everything from Bugs Bunny and Easter to Playboy, fertility and pregnancy testing? It's funny, unexpected, occasionally very weird, and a reminder that there's usually a much bigger story hiding inside the things we think we already know. Start with what you know. Discover what you don't. Subscribe to Framed by Fables for more funny, surprising dives into the animals hiding underneath the stories, myths, history and pop culture we think we already know. Connect With Us Website: www.framedbyfables.com Follow on Socials: @framedbyfables Join our e-mail list for bonus content and updates;   LINK Resources:  The Bunny Museum https://www.thebunnymuseum.com/  To donate to help rebuild the museum:  https://gofund.me/76de9673 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Helen Hong's stand-up shows in Sunnyvale, CA  https://rooster-t-feathers.seatengine-sites.com/shows/365909  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural History Museum of Los Angeles events   https://nhm.org/calendar Credits Host:  Helen Hong  Animal Expert:  Wildlife Biologist Miguel Ordeñana,  Natural History Museum LA County.  Guests:  Candace Frazee and Steve Lubanski,  founders of The Bunny Museum in Altadena, CA. Creator and Exec Producer: Robin M. Henry  Producer: Emily Orr Casting Producer: Robin Foster  Line Producer:  James Lovewell  Editor:  David Toms Set Artwork: Cliff Barrett   Special Thanks:  Second Floor Studio

    What's The REAL Truth About Rabbits? (w/The Bunny Museum founders)

  3. Sep 15 ·  Video

    Who's the ass: us or donkeys? (w/ Bill & Ted's Alex Winter)

    Send us Fan Mail Are donkeys really dumb, stubborn animals? Or did Aesop just give them that reputation? From ancient fables to Jackass, we take a look at how the donkey became the butt of the joke and why the joke may be on us. Comedian Helen Hong and zoologist Jo Wimpenny welcome Alex Winter, known for his starring role in the Bill  & Ted franchise, for a deep dive into the donkey’s surprising history and intelligence. Resources:  Alex Winter's latest films   Trailer for Primetime, out Sept 25,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fHXyqQOKL8 Trailer for Adulthood  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rutRDICG2oE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Full Donkey sounds:  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Z_TASwncqek ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Natural History Museum of Los Angeles events   https://nhm.org/calendar -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Connect With Us Website: www.framedbyfables.com Follow on Socials: @framedbyfables Join our e-mail list for bonus content and updates;   LINK Credits Host:  Helen Hong  Animal Expert:  Zoologist Jo Wimpenny   Guest:  Alex Winter, actor-director   Exec Producers: Robin M. Henry, Aaron Mervis  Producer: Emily Orr  Line Producer:  James Lovewell  Editor:  David Toms Set Artwork: Cliff Barrett   Special Thanks:  Second Floor Studio

    Who's the ass: us or donkeys? (w/ Bill & Ted's Alex Winter)

  4. Sep 1 ·  Video

    Wile E. vs. real coyotes: What's the science? (w/Looney Tunes Eric Bauza)

    Send us Fan Mail For many, Wile E. Coyote is the only coyote we know.  But how much is he like a real coyote?  The answers may surprise you.  With Coyote vs. Acme finally out, comedian Helen Hong and wildlife biologist Miguel Ordeñana welcome iconic Looney Tunes voice actor Eric Bauza back to Framed by Fables to help delve into the cartoon history, the movie and the science facts. Do coyotes  chase roadrunners? Are they really that persistent? Would they use Acme to hunt if they could?   Plus Miguel introduces a surprise animal that might help Wile E. out a lot more than Acme ever could. And, of course, we are treated with Eric's incredible voices along the way.  This is an episode you gotta catch  Beep! Beep!  Connect With Us Website: www.framedbyfables.com Follow on Socials: @framedbyfables Join our e-mail list for bonus content and updates;   LINK Credits Host:  Helen Hong  Animal Expert:  Wildlife Biologist Miguel Ordeñana, from the Natural History Museum LA County.  Guest:  Eric Bauza, Looney Tunes  voice actor  Exec Producers: Robin M. Henry, Aaron Mervis  Producer: Emily Orr  Line Producer:  James Lovewell  Editor:  David Toms Set Artwork: Cliff Barrett   Special Thanks:  Second Floor Studio

    Wile E. vs. real coyotes: What's the science? (w/Looney Tunes Eric Bauza)

  5. Aug 18 ·  Video

    Owls: Whooo said we're wise? (w/ Criminal Minds Kirsten Vangsness)

    Send us Fan Mail Are owls really the wise birds of lore or did they just get that reputation from their association with Athena? We dig into what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to these fascinating birds. Kirsten Vangsness, who plays brainy tech-kitten Penelope Garcia in the Criminal Minds franchise, joins us for a deep dive into all things owl. And joining us for the first time in the co-host chair is Wildlife Biologist Miguel Ordeñana, from the Natural History Museum LA County. He dishes up some surprising owl facts and shows off a pretty impressive owl call. Resources mentioned:   PBS documenatry: Coyote Crossing   PBS documentary: Shared Planet  Natural History Museum of LA community science program  Playful Spotify Owl playlist to complement the episode:  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5RSqIjjfbWwpEtCLjsnPaG?si=09iTrNVSTvGC3Yqx25FvjQ Connect With Us Website: www.framedbyfables.com Follow on Socials: @framedbyfables  Credits Host:  Helen Hong  Animal Expert:  Wildlife Biologist Miguel Ordeñana, from the Natural History Museum LA County.  Guest:  Kirsten Vangsness,  who plays Criminal Minds  Penelope Garcia  Exec Producers: Robin M. Henry, Aaron Mervis  Producer: Emily Orr  Line Producer:  James Lovewell  Editor:  David Toms Set Artwork: Cliff Barrett   Special Thanks:  Second Floor Studios

    Owls: Whooo said we're wise? (w/ Criminal Minds Kirsten Vangsness)

  6. Aug 4 ·  Video

    Are birds and bees the right "sex talk" mascots? (w/ Dr. Cara Natterson)

    Send us Fan Mail "The birds and bees" means sex? Really?  We uncover the strange story behind this famous euphemism, explore how birds and bees actually do it, and ask whether they were really the right creatures for the job. Along the way, Dr. Cara Natterson, author, pediatrician and puberty expert, helps us unpack the history of “the talk” and shares how parents and loved ones can have more honest, comfortable conversations with kids about puberty and sex (with or without birds and bees)! Credits Host:  Helen Hong  Animal Expert:  Zoologist Dr. Jo Wimpenny Guest:  Dr. Cara Natterson,  founder and CEO of Less Awkward  https://lessawkward.com/ Exec Producers: Robin M. Henry, Aaron Mervis  Producer: Emily Orr  Line Producer:  James Lovewell  Editor:  David Toms Artwork: Cliff Barrett   Special Thanks:  Second Floor Studios

    Are birds and bees the right "sex talk" mascots? (w/ Dr. Cara Natterson)

  7. Jul 21 ·  Video

    The Wolf : Fact Or Fang Fiction? (w/ Teen Wolf's Melissa Ponzio)

    Send us Fan Mail Wolves have been cast as villains for centuries, but does the science back it up? In this episode, Comedian Helen Hong and Zoologist Dr. Jo Wimpenny are joined by Teen Wolf's Melissa Ponzio aka Mama McCall  to dig into the biology, folklore, and pop‑culture PR disaster that turned a perfectly normal predator into the Big Bad Wolf.  Then Dr. Wimpenny offers a surprising creature that might really be a "wolf in sheep's clothing."   Follow the show so you never miss an episode — and share it with a friend who loves animals, fairy tales, or pop culture. Credits Host:  Helen Hong  Animal Expert:  Zoologist Dr. Jo Wimpenny Guest:  Melissa Ponzio  Exec Producers: Robin M. Henry, Aaron Mervis  Producer: Emily Orr  Line Producer:  James Lovewell  Editor:  Alex Ivany Artwork: Cliff Barrett   Special Thanks:  Second Floor Studios

    The Wolf : Fact Or Fang Fiction? (w/ Teen Wolf's Melissa Ponzio)

  8. Jul 7 ·  Video

    Snakes Tired Of Being Typecast (w/ Hollywood Snake Wrangler Jules Sylvester)

    Send us Fan Mail From the biblical serpent who supposedly got us kicked out of Eden to Hollywood’s endless snake pits and slithering sidekicks, snakes have carried the “evil” label longer than any other animal. In this episode of Framed by Fables, we dig into how that reputation took hold and what real snakes are actually like. Comedian Helen Hong and Zoologist Dr. Jo Wimpenny are joined by Hollywood Snake Wrangler Jules Sylvester, the man behind the serpents in Indiana Jones, Snakes on a Plane, and dozens of other films. Together, they unpack the myths, the science, and the pop‑culture portrayals that turned snakes into storytelling’s OG villains. But here’s the real plot twist: Once snakes get their long‑overdue PR makeover, Jo talks about another animal that actually does have some questionable behaviors (at least in human terms!)  Which one it is may surprise you!   Follow the show so you never miss an episode — and share it with a friend who loves animals, fairy tales, or pop culture. Credits Host:  Helen Hong  Animal Expert:  Dr. Jo Wimpenny Guest: Jules Sylvester  Exec Producers: Robin M. Henry, Aaron Mervis  Producer: Emily Orr  Line Producer:  James Lovewell  Editor:  Alex Ivany Artwork: Cliff Barrett   End Card Music:  Wolves of Glendale  "I'm a Reptile Guy"  Special Thanks:  Second Floor Studios

    Snakes Tired Of Being Typecast (w/ Hollywood Snake Wrangler Jules Sylvester)

  9. Jun 23 ·  Video

    How Did Pigs Get Screwed? w/Eric Bauza (voice of Porky Pig)

    Send us Fan Mail Why do pigs get stuck with all the worst labels? From idioms like “greedy pig,” “filthy pig,” and “pigging out” to the political satire of Animal Farm, pigs have been cast as gluttons, mess-makers, for centuries. In our first full episode of Framed by Fables, we dig into how these ideas took hold  and what real pigs are actually like. Comedian Helen Hong and Zoologist Dr. Jo Wimpenny are joined by Eric Bauza, the Emmy‑winning voice actor behind Looney Tunes’ Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, and more. Together, they unpack the history, the science, and the pop‑culture portrayals that shaped pigs’ reputation, all with a comedic twist. And stick around because once pigs are cleared, Jo reveals which animals actually deserve the “dirty,” “greedy,” or “gluttonous” labels. The real culprits will surprise you. 👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode — and share it with a friend who loves animals, fairy tales, or pop culture. Credits  Host: Helen Hong Animal Expert:  Zoologist Dr. Jo Wimpenny  Guest: Eric Bauza Exec Producers: Robin M. Henry, Aaron Mervis  Producer: Emily Orr  Editor: Alex Ivany Artwork: Cliff Barrett  And Special Thanks to Second Floor Studios and Charlotte Lee

    How Did Pigs Get Screwed? w/Eric Bauza (voice of Porky Pig)

  10. Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    What Pop Culture Gets Right -- and Wrong -- About Animals

    Send us Fan Mail We all think we know animals. The Big Bad Wolf. Bugs Bunny. The Three Little Pigs. But how much of what we know comes from the stories we’ve been telling about them? We all think we know animals. The Big Bad Wolf. Bugs Bunny. The Three Little Pigs. But how much of what we know comes from the stories we've been telling about them? Framed by Fables is a comedy and zoology podcast hosted by comedian Helen Hong, alongside a wildlife expert, with a special guest joining every episode. Together, they explore the animals behind pop culture, folklore, fairy tales, movies, and history, putting familiar myths and stereotypes to the test with real animal science. This short promo gives you a taste of the show's playful tone, unexpected connections, and the conversations that happen when comedy meets zoology. No previews. No spoilers. Just a taste of what's coming. Follow Framed by Fables and join us for a very different kind of animal story.

    What Pop Culture Gets Right -- and Wrong -- About Animals
  • 1 Trailer
    9 Episodes

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

What we think we know about animals often comes from the stories we tell. But are wolves really big and bad? Are owls really wise? Framed by Fables puts animal myths, stereotypes, and pop-culture portrayals to the test with real science. Hosted by comedian Helen Hong, each episode features a special guest and a renowned animal expert who reveal the surprising truth about animal behavior, debunk common misconceptions, and explore what science really tells us about the creatures we think we know. From misunderstood wildlife to unexpected animal facts, every episode challenges what you thought you knew.  And every episode ends with a twist you won't see coming.

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