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The Zooquarium Podcast

The Zooquarium Podcast

Mike Bennett Studios 26 Episodes Aug 18, 2026

The Zooquarium Podcast is a deep dive into questions about animals and habitats of land, sea, and air. Hosted by artist Mike Bennett and biologist Chanel Hason, each episode answers listener questions and invites guests from wildlife and creative fields to explore the convergence of science and art. The podcast aims to be engaging and accessible to kids of all ages.

Episodes

Why Do Bookworms Eat Books?
Why Do Bookworms Eat Books? Aug 18, 2026 13:59 Gabriella asks: Why Do Bookworms Eat Books? That's such a fascinating question. It also makes us wonder, what isa bookworm?? Mike and Chanel get to the bottom of Gabriella's question with iconic musician Chris Ballew.Chris sings about bookworms and the entire animal kingdom on his children's albums under the name Caspar Babypants and in his music for grown-ups with The Presidents of the United Sta
Slime Time! More with Dr. Jann Vendetti
Slime Time! More with Dr. Jann Vendetti Aug 11, 2026 18:41 Mike and Chanel continue their conversation with Dr. Jann Vendetti, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County's Associate Curator of Malacology (AKA Snail & Slug expert). They discuss the difference between snails and slugs, the fascinating world of mollusk teeth, and GIGANTIC members of the snail & slug family.Dr. Jann Vendetti is the Associate Curator of Malacology (Mollusks) and
How Do Snails Make Slime?
How Do Snails Make Slime? Aug 4, 2026 17:57 Phoebe and Manaal ask: How Do Snails Make Slime? Not only is this an incredible question, but it's our first from the UK! It also gives Mike and Chanel an opportunity to chat with snail expert, Dr. Jann Vendetti!Jann is the Associate Curator of Malacology (Mollusks) and The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County's Twila Bratcher Chair in Malacological Research. She is a founding member of th
Carol Cleveland MEOWS! More on Cats & Creativity with Gretchen Lohse & Thomas Hughes!
Carol Cleveland MEOWS! More on Cats & Creativity with Gretchen Lohse & Thomas Hughes! Jul 28, 2026 10:55 Mike and Chanel continue their conversation with Gretchen and Thomas of Carol Cleveland Sings! They talk about cats, their ideal animal collaborators, and writing podcast theme songs.RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify!Gretchen Lohse and Thomas Hughes, collectively known as Carol Cleveland Sings, are a music, video, and art duo from Philadelphia, PA. Known for th
Why Do Cats Have Whiskers?
Why Do Cats Have Whiskers? Jul 21, 2026 11:27 Leta asks: Why Do Cats Have Whiskers? We've all seen them and they look so cool, but WHY are they there? Mike and Chanel are all set to answer Leta's question and talk all about cat whiskers with Gretchen Lohse and Thomas Hughes of Carol Cleveland Sings!Gretchen Lohse and Thomas Hughes, collectively known as Carol Cleveland Sings, are a music, video, and art duo from Philadelphia, PA. Known for th
BONUS: Leapin' Lemurs with Dr. Tim Eppley
BONUS: Leapin' Lemurs with Dr. Tim Eppley Jul 14, 2026 17:15 Mike and Chanel continue their conversation with ecologist Tim Eppley about aye-ayes, all other lemurs, what it's like to study animal and plant-life in Madagascar, and they learn about his journey from animal-lover to Chief Conservation Officer at Wildlife Madagascar.Dr. Timothy Eppley is a conservation biologist and primatologist who has spent nearly two decades studying wildlife in Africa, with
Why Are the Middle Fingers of Aye-Ayes So Long?
Why Are the Middle Fingers of Aye-Ayes So Long? Jul 7, 2026 13:56 Milo asks: Why Are the Middle Fingers of Aye-Ayes So Long? What a fascinating question about a fascinating animal! Mike and Chanel are joined by ecologist Tim Eppley, the Chief Conservation Officer for Wildlife Madagascar, to answer Milo's question and teach us more about these elusive animals!Dr. Timothy Eppley is a conservation biologist and primatologist who has spent nearly two decades studyin
BONUS: Books Are Magic with John Sazaklis
BONUS: Books Are Magic with John Sazaklis Jun 30, 2026 14:41 Mike and Chanel continue their conversation with author John Sazaklis about red-eyed tree frogs, Mad Magazine, the joy of animal education, and how John became a best selling children's book author!John Sazaklis is the New York Times bestselling author of over 100 titles. He has illustrated Spider-Man books for Marvel, made pop-culture props for MAD magazine, written for the BEN 10 animated series
Why Do Red-Eyed Tree Frogs Have Multiple Eyelids?
Why Do Red-Eyed Tree Frogs Have Multiple Eyelids? Jun 23, 2026 12:19 Maybellene asks: Why Do Red-Eyed Tree Frogs Have Multiple Eyelids?That's such a great question. It's a good thing that Chanel has the answer, plus a few extra red-eyed tree frog facts for Maybellene, Mike, and special guest John Sazaklis, author of My Life as a Red-Eyed Tree Frog!John Sazaklis is the New York Times bestselling author of over 100 titles. He has illustrated Spider-Man books for Marv
BONUS: Talkin' Tigers with Megan Hagedorn
BONUS: Talkin' Tigers with Megan Hagedorn Jun 16, 2026 10:58 Mike and Chanel continue their conversation with Zoologist Megan Hagedorn about tigers, what inspired her to study animals, and how she blends the classics with animals as an artist! Megan Hagedorn is a zookeeper at the Oregon Zoo. Although she has a background in Marine Biology, Megan has gotten a chance to work with almost all areas of the zoo! She is originally from southern Illinois, and moved
Why Do Tigers Have Stripes?
Why Do Tigers Have Stripes? Jun 9, 2026 14:48 Henley asks: Why Do Tigers Have Stripes? Tigers do have such a distinct look, so let's find out why! Mike and Chanel welcome tiger expert Megan Hagedorn to the Podcast to answer Henley's question and tell us all even more about our stripey feline friends.Megan Hagedorn is a zookeeper at the Oregon Zoo. Although she has a background in Marine Biology, Megan has gotten a chance to work with almost a
BONUS: Crickets, Clay, and the City of Roses with Chuck Duke
BONUS: Crickets, Clay, and the City of Roses with Chuck Duke Jun 2, 2026 08:43 Mike and Chanel chat with legendary animator Chuck Duke about his background with Will Vinton Studios, observing actual dogs for Wes Anderson's Isle of Dogs, animating special characters for Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), and more!Chuck began his professional career in animation in his early twenties and has since contributed to a wide range of feature films and television productions in the

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