Squawk Global

Kyle Kaplanis | Emily Vincent

Squawk Global is a podcast giving parrots a global voice. As parrots have risen in online fame, we’ve all seen the beauty and the joy, but we’ve also seen the crisis it can fuel. Impulse buying, misinformation, overwhelmed rescues, and birds paying the price. This show is our commitment to do better. We sit down with rescues, vets, educators, and creators for real conversations about parrot health, behavior, enrichment, and responsible ownership. No fluff. No fantasy. Just the truth, the lessons, and the stories that help birds live safer, happier lives. If you love parrots and want to be part of the solution, you’re in the right place.

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  1. The Dark Side of the Bird Trade: An Undercover Investigation with Pete Paxton

    23시간 전

    The Dark Side of the Bird Trade: An Undercover Investigation with Pete Paxton

    Episode 9: Inside the Bird Mills with Pete Paxton In this eye-opening episode, Kyle and Emily sit down with Pete Paxton, Director of Investigations for SEED and a veteran undercover investigator who has been exposing animal cruelty since 2001. Pete shares his harrowing journey from investigating puppy mills and factory farms to his most recent work with World Animal Protection in uncovering the "bird mill" industry. We dive deep into the uncomfortable realities of commercial bird breeding—from the lack of enrichment and "cage crazy" behavior to the shocking methods of disposal for birds that cannot be sold. Pete explains why federal oversight often fails and how the "reputable breeder" narrative can be a mask for systemic neglect. Key Topics Discussed: The Transition to Birds: How Pete’s background in puppy mill investigations led him to partner with World Animal Protection to capture the first-ever undercover footage of commercial parrot breeding facilities.Life Inside a Bird Mill: A description of facilities housing 3,000+ parrots in conditions identical to puppy mills, featuring "cages on stilts" and zero mental stimulation.The Failure of Regulation: Why USDA inspectors often "let things slide" and how facilities maintain clean paper trails despite active cruelty.The "Adopt, Don't Buy" Message: Why promoting reputable breeders often plays into the hands of smugglers and mill owners.Climate Change and Birds: The increasing burden on rescues due to natural disasters and pet displacement.Connect with Pete’s Work: SEED Undercover Investigations: seedundercoverinvestigations.org Ethical Strategies: ethicalstrategies.org Campaign Website: dontbuybirds.org World Animal Protection: worldanimalprotection.usSupport the show Our Mission: We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong. You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel YouTube: @SquawkGlobal Follow Gizmo the Grey Bird Instagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube:  @gizmothegreybird 🛒 Shop: https://squawkshop.com 📧 Contact: contact@squawkshop.com #ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacy If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙

    50분
  2. Mona the Macaw: A Rescue Story About Trust, Rehoming & Life With a Scarlet Macaw

    3월 25일

    Mona the Macaw: A Rescue Story About Trust, Rehoming & Life With a Scarlet Macaw

    In this episode of Squawk Global, we sit down with Sara Gannon, guardian of Mona the Macaw, an 18-year-old Scarlet Macaw rescue whose story is equal parts beautiful, heartbreaking, and eye-opening. Sara shares how she met Mona while volunteering at a bird sanctuary, how their bond formed over time, and why adopting a parrot should never be a rushed decision.   We get into the realities of parrot rescue, rehoming, and what life is really like with a large bird. From hormonal behavior and partner preferences to property damage, screaming, poop, training, enrichment, and long-term care planning, this conversation tells the truth about macaw ownership and responsible bird guardianship.   Sara also opens up about the emotional side of living with a rescue parrot, the patience it took for Mona to trust both her and her husband, and why parrots are not “starter pets.” The episode also explores the bigger mission behind Squawk Global: raising awareness about the parrot rehoming crisis, the ethics of keeping birds in homes, and why education matters if we want real change for parrots in captivity.   In this episode: Mona’s rescue and adoption storyHow Sara met Mona at a sanctuaryWhy parrots choose their peopleThe truth about living with a Scarlet MacawBird behavior, hormones, bites, and body languageWhy there is no such thing as a “starter bird”Rehoming, sanctuary life, and rescue realitiesTravel, enrichment, routine, and household challengesLong-term planning for parrots with long lifespansWhy Squawk Global is advocating for better futures for parrotsAbout the Guest Mona is an 18 year old Scarlet Macaw that was adopted from Free Flight Birds in 2019 by her guardian Sara.  Instagram: @monathemacaw TikTok: @monathemacaw YouTube: @monathemacaw Support the show Our Mission: We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong. You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel YouTube: @SquawkGlobal Follow Gizmo the Grey Bird Instagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube:  @gizmothegreybird 🛒 Shop: https://squawkshop.com 📧 Contact: contact@squawkshop.com #ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacy If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙

    41분
  3. Yorka the Macaw: A Rescue Parrot Story

    3월 19일

    Yorka the Macaw: A Rescue Parrot Story

    Claire joins Kyle and Emily to share the story of Yorka, her 23-year-old blue-and-gold macaw, and the rescue journey that brought them together. They talk about trust, second chances, and the realities of life with a parrot — from bonding and behavior challenges to enrichment, training, and long-term care. Claire reflects on Yorka’s past, their quick connection, and the patience it took to help him settle into family life. The episode also highlights the joys of living with Yorka, from pistachios and foraging games to sofa cuddles and public outings on his harness. At its heart, this is a story about rescue, responsibility, and why Claire believes so strongly in adopt, don’t shop. Key Topics Yorka’s rescue story and rehoming journeyWhy Claire chose adoption over buying from a breederBuilding trust and bonding with a rescue macawManaging jealousy and family dynamics with parrotsReading parrot body language and understanding warning signsDiet, treats, enrichment, and foragingHousehold destruction and the realities of parrot ownershipHarness training and social outingsThe shortage of avian vets and emergency preparednessWhy long-term planning matters for parrots with long lifespans   Memorable Moments Claire choosing Yorka after reading his cheeky rescue bioYorka’s habit of swearing, saying hello, and blowing kissesThe story behind his name changing from “Majorca” to “Yorka”Yorka attacking magazines like they personally offended himClaire describing sofa cuddles before bedtime as her favorite momentYorka’s love for pub visits and attention from strangers   Guest Links Claire says Yorka can be found on: Instagram: @aintnolawmacawTikTok: Yorka Macaw  Support the show Our Mission: We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong. You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel YouTube: @SquawkGlobal Follow Gizmo the Grey Bird Instagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube:  @gizmothegreybird 🛒 Shop: https://squawkshop.com 📧 Contact: contact@squawkshop.com #ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacy If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙

    43분
  4. Parrot Hormones Explained with Exotic Vet Dr. Rachel Siu

    3월 12일

    Parrot Hormones Explained with Exotic Vet Dr. Rachel Siu

    In this episode of the Squawk Global Podcast, we’re joined by exotic veterinarian Dr. Rachel Siu to talk about one of the biggest challenges parrot owners face: hormones. We dive into why so many parrots are rehomed once they reach sexual maturity, the common hormonal behaviors owners mistake as “cute,” and what bird parents can do to reduce triggers at home. Dr. Siu also shares insight on egg laying, mating behaviors, sleep, diet, unsafe toys, Teflon dangers, rescue advocacy, and why parrots often arrive at the vet too late. This episode is packed with practical education for both new and experienced bird owners. In this episode: Why parrots often change as they matureCommon signs of hormonal behavior in male and female birdsEgg laying, nesting, and species differencesHow owners accidentally reinforce hormonal behaviorWhy parrots get rehomedThe role of rescue, rehabilitation, and advocacyHousehold dangers like Teflon and unsafe toy hardwareDiet mistakes owners commonly makeHow much sleep parrots really needDr. Siu’s thoughts on wing clipping Guest: Dr. Rachel Siu Exotic veterinarian and exotic pet educator based in Dallas, Texas Follow Dr. Rachel Siu on Social Media Instagram: exotic.pet.vet TikTok: exotic.pet.vet YouTube: Dr. Rachel, Exotic Pet Vet Facebook: Dr. Rachel, Exotic Pet Vet Support the show Our Mission: We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong. You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel YouTube: @SquawkGlobal Follow Gizmo the Grey Bird Instagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube:  @gizmothegreybird 🛒 Shop: https://squawkshop.com 📧 Contact: contact@squawkshop.com #ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacy If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙

    47분
  5. The Pet Parrot Industry Is Fueling a Global Crisis

    3월 4일

    The Pet Parrot Industry Is Fueling a Global Crisis

    Parrots are in crisis — in the wild AND in captivity. In this episode of Squawk Global, we pull back the curtain on the global parrot crisis: poaching, trafficking, commodification, and the massive (often ignored) captive parrot overflow problem. We’re joined by Dr. LoraKim Joyner (One Earth Conservation) — a wildlife veterinarian and longtime parrot conservation leader with decades of field experience, and Josh Anderson from the International Alliance for the Protection of Parrots (IAPP). Together, we connect the dots between poverty, demand, policy, and the story people don’t see behind “pet parrot” culture. This is a tough conversation, but it’s one we need to have, because parrots can’t advocate for themselves. What We Cover •Why parrots are wild animals, not products — and why the “parrots are pets” narrative causes harm •The captive parrot crisis: long lifespans, overwhelmed rescues, and nonstop breeding  •How the illegal trade devastates parrots (and why so many don’t survive trafficking) •Why “none are free until all are free” really means free from harm, not “release pet birds” •Real, practical actions anyone can take — starting today   What You Can Do (the short list) If you care about parrots, the most powerful choices are: Never buy one. Never sell one. Never breed one. Adopt, don’t shop. Volunteer. Support sanctuaries and conservation in countries of origin. Join the movement 📅 Parrot Crisis Awareness Day: March 10 — share your story, spread the truth, and help shift the culture. 🌍 Learn more / get resources: allianceforparrots.org Support the show Our Mission: We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong. You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel YouTube: @SquawkGlobal Follow Gizmo the Grey Bird Instagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube:  @gizmothegreybird 🛒 Shop: https://squawkshop.com 📧 Contact: contact@squawkshop.com #ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacy If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙

    44분
  6. The Parrot Crisis: Why Rescues Are Reaching a Breaking Point

    2월 25일

    The Parrot Crisis: Why Rescues Are Reaching a Breaking Point

    Parrot rescues are quietly approaching a breaking point, and Judy Tennant (Founder of Parrot Partners Canada) says the pressure is about to spike. In this episode, we dig into the real drivers behind the “parrot crisis,” from aging owners and economic strain to limited access to avian vets and a lack of infrastructure for parrots compared to cats and dogs. Judy lays out why the traditional adoption model isn’t enough, and what a sustainable, community-supported system could look like. What You’ll Learn  • Why the aging baby boomer wave could trigger a surge of parrots needing rescue  • How inflation and economic instability are squeezing rescues and pet owners  • Why the shortage of avian veterinarians creates a major welfare bottleneck  • How rehoming stress can impact parrot health and long-term behavior  • What a “humane society for parrots” could look like — and why it matters  • Why education + community support are the missing pieces in bird ownership About the Guest Judy Tennant is the founder of Parrot Partners Canada, focused on improving welfare outcomes for companion parrots through education, support, and new models that go beyond traditional rescue and adoption. Get Involved If you care about parrots and companion animal welfare, share this episode and help push the conversation forward. Support reputable rescues, learn before you adopt, and advocate for better access to avian veterinary care and education. Follow Parrot Partners  @ParrotPartnersCanada - YouTube | IG Support the show Our Mission: We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong. You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel YouTube: @SquawkGlobal Follow Gizmo the Grey Bird Instagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube:  @gizmothegreybird 🛒 Shop: https://squawkshop.com 📧 Contact: contact@squawkshop.com #ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacy If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙

    1시간 2분
  7. Building Trust with Parrots ft. Robin Horemans (Parrot SOS)

    2월 18일

    Building Trust with Parrots ft. Robin Horemans (Parrot SOS)

    Join us for an in-depth conversation with certified parrot behavior consultant Robin Horemans about building trust, understanding bird communication, and creating enriching environments for our feathered companions. Robin shares her expertise on positive reinforcement training, working with rescue parrots, and groundbreaking research on environmental enrichment. Guest: Robin Horemans, CPBC (Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant), Founder of ParrotSOS Key Topics Covered: What it means to be a Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant (CPBC)The evolution of parrot training over the past 20 yearsBuilding trust through communication and body languageWorking with rescue parrots and understanding individual needsProblem behaviors: biting, screaming, and cage reluctanceReinforcement beyond treats: creating a comprehensive reward systemWild macaws in Costa Rica and what we can learn from themNew research on greenery and environmental enrichment for captive parrotsHarness training and advanced skillsResources Mentioned: ParrotSOS Website: parrotsos.comDr. Susan Friedman's "Trust Bank Account" conceptUpcoming research paper on greenery enrichment (March publication)Free YouTube videos: Tap Tap Treat game, Harness trainingConnect with Robin: Website: parrotsos.comSocial Media: @ParrotSOS on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTokServices: One-on-one consultations, membership program, online coursesKey Takeaways: Birds are individuals - what works for one may not work for anotherTrust must be built before training can be effectiveCommunication is a two-way conversation through body languageEnvironmental enrichment (like adding greenery) can reduce problem behaviorsPositive reinforcement works best when paired with understanding the bird's needsSupport the show Our Mission: We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong. You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel YouTube: @SquawkGlobal Follow Gizmo the Grey Bird Instagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube:  @gizmothegreybird 🛒 Shop: https://squawkshop.com 📧 Contact: contact@squawkshop.com #ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacy If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙

    51분
  8. Exotic Vet Verified: The Parrot Care Standards We Ignore

    2월 11일

    Exotic Vet Verified: The Parrot Care Standards We Ignore

    Parrots are Oscar-winning actors at hiding illness, which is why “they seem fine” can turn into an emergency fast. In this episode of Squawk Global, we’re joined by Dr. Noémie Hoffman, an exotic veterinarian in Dubai, to break down seed diet dangers, “silent illness,” wing clipping risks, egg binding, and what real preventative parrot care looks like. If your bird is a seed junkie (or you’re trying to avoid becoming one), this is your wake-up call, with practical steps you can start using immediately. What you’ll learn  • Why seed-heavy diets cause long-term health problems  • Why parrots hide symptoms until things get serious  • How to transition a “seed junkie” to a healthier diet  • Enrichment + foraging ideas that make diet changes easier  • Wing clipping: the hidden health risks (and what to do instead)  • Egg binding: why it happens and how to prevent it  • How often to see an avian/exotic vet + what checkups should include  • The social media effect: impulse buys, rehoming, and the bigger welfare picture Follow / Guest Dr. Noémie Hoffman: @dr_noemie_exotics_vet (Instagram) Disclaimer: This episode is educational and not a replacement for veterinary care. If your bird is showing symptoms, contact an avian/exotic vet. Support the show Our Mission: We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong. You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel YouTube: @SquawkGlobal Follow Gizmo the Grey Bird Instagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube:  @gizmothegreybird 🛒 Shop: https://squawkshop.com 📧 Contact: contact@squawkshop.com #ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacy If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙

    46분
  9. Louie the 28-Year-Old Macaw: Rescue Story & the Truth About Parrot “Pets”

    2월 4일

    Louie the 28-Year-Old Macaw: Rescue Story & the Truth About Parrot “Pets”

    In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Kelsey from @noplucksgiven  to hear the incredible rescue story of Louie, a 28-year-old Blue and Gold Macaw who spent 26 years confined to a tiny cage, losing the ability to fully spread his wings. Louie’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s at stake. We get real about parrots as “pets,” why rescues are overwhelmed, and why parrot ownership needs to come with a higher standard of responsibility, for life. In This Episode: • Louie’s heartbreaking backstory and rescue journey • The long-term effects of 26 years in a cage • How to build trust with a rescue parrot • Managing hormonal behavior and aggression • The truth about parrot ownership that pet stores won’t tell you • Why social media can help (and hurt) parrot rescue efforts • Training tips and socialization strategies • The reality of fostering multiple macaws • Why rescue birds can form incredibly deep bonds Key Takeaways: ✅ Parrots are not domesticated pets, they’re wild animals with intense needs ✅ Many parrots are rehomed multiple times in their lifetime ✅ Rescue centers are overflowing and underfunded ✅ Responsible ownership means planning for decades, not months ✅ Volunteer at rescues before committing to adoption Resources Mentioned: •   @BirdTricks     YouTube Channel (training education) •   @parrotsos     - Robin (online training) • Local parrot rescues (volunteer opportunities) • Rolling Stones - Inside the Black Market Fueling TikTok's Grey Parrot Craze - https://bit.ly/4qfoRir •   @ExoticPetVet    - Dr. Rachel Siu, Exotic Pet Vet Follow Kelsey & Louie: Instagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube:  @NoPlucksGiven  Support the show Our Mission: We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong. You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel YouTube: @SquawkGlobal Follow Gizmo the Grey Bird Instagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube:  @gizmothegreybird 🛒 Shop: https://squawkshop.com 📧 Contact: contact@squawkshop.com #ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacy If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙

    37분

소개

Squawk Global is a podcast giving parrots a global voice. As parrots have risen in online fame, we’ve all seen the beauty and the joy, but we’ve also seen the crisis it can fuel. Impulse buying, misinformation, overwhelmed rescues, and birds paying the price. This show is our commitment to do better. We sit down with rescues, vets, educators, and creators for real conversations about parrot health, behavior, enrichment, and responsible ownership. No fluff. No fantasy. Just the truth, the lessons, and the stories that help birds live safer, happier lives. If you love parrots and want to be part of the solution, you’re in the right place.