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Animals, Nature, and You

Animals, Nature, and You

Rick Schwartz 69 Episodes Sep 17, 2026

Animals, Nature, and You explores the curiosity and connection people feel with the natural world. The host talks with conservationists, animal care staff, filmmakers, authors, backyard birders, wildlife experts, naturalists, animal behaviorists, and veterinarians. Each episode blends science with personal experiences and stories from both experts and everyday people. Listeners are invited to join a curious odyssey and reconnect with animals and nature.

Episodes

Im-PAW-ssibly PAW-some Black Bear Facts with the Sequoia Park Zoo
Im-PAW-ssibly PAW-some Black Bear Facts with the Sequoia Park Zoo Sep 17, 2026 1902 Send "Fan Mail" to RickJoin us on Animals, Nature, and You, as we explore the fascinating world of black bears with Erin Corrigan from Sequoia Park Zoo. Fun fact: Black bears are not always black! And the three bears at Sequoia Park Zoo prove it; from a chocolate brown, true black, or even a flaxen honey-blonde color. Erin also explains how to tell black bears from brown bears, what thei
Autumn is Coming: The Subtle Clues That Animals Know
Autumn is Coming: The Subtle Clues That Animals Know Sep 15, 2026 814 Send "Fan Mail" to RickIn this 10-minute Tuesday episode of Animals, Nature, and You, Rick Schwartz explores the subtle environmental cues that signal the arrival of fall. And we are not just talking about the rush to "pumpkin-spice" all the things. From changes in daylight to animal behaviors and more, nature offers a rich tapestry of signs that autumn is on its way.Animals, N
The Hidden Life Cycle of the Red Octopus Uncovered
The Hidden Life Cycle of the Red Octopus Uncovered Sep 10, 2026 2700 Send "Fan Mail" to RickIn this episode we dive into the fascinating story of the red octopus life cycle. Something never seen with this species of octopus, until now! Maddy Tracewell, Senior Aquarist of Animal Health at the Birch Aquarium joins host Rick Schwartz, sharing the groundbreaking work done in raising red octopus from egg to juvenile, revealing new insights into their early dev
No Lyin' - Mountain Lions are Beneficial!
No Lyin' - Mountain Lions are Beneficial! Sep 8, 2026 750 Send "Fan Mail" to RickThis 10-minute Tuesday episode of Animals, Nature and You explores the ecological importance of mountain lions and other large predators. Data shows we can easily debunk myths, and highlight the mountain lion's role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.Animals, Nature, and You on IGLinks mentioned in episode:Website for Mountain Lion FoundationArticle "Prote
Can a Board Game Save Rhinos? Global Conservation Force Updates
Can a Board Game Save Rhinos? Global Conservation Force Updates Sep 3, 2026 2220 Send "Fan Mail" to RickIn this episode, Mike Veale from Global Conservation Force shares updates on their recent activities, innovative conservation tools like a rhino-themed board game, and upcoming events supporting rhino conservation efforts. Discover how education, community involvement, and strategic funding are making a difference in protecting endangered species. And of course, do
Why Bother Saving Pandas, Cheetahs, and Condors Anyway?
Why Bother Saving Pandas, Cheetahs, and Condors Anyway? Sep 1, 2026 618 Send "Fan Mail" to RickIn this episode, Rick Schwartz explores the complexities of wildlife conservation, focusing on species like cheetahs, giant pandas, and California condors. He discusses the importance of understanding ecosystem roles, animal behavior, and human impact to foster sustainable conservation efforts.Animals, Nature, and You on IGLinks to look at:CheetahsGiant Pandas Cali
Why Cheetah Conservation Starts with Dogs, Not Fences
Why Cheetah Conservation Starts with Dogs, Not Fences Aug 27, 2026 2278 Send "Fan Mail" to RickIn this episode, Janet Rose-Hinestroza discusses the vital work of the Cheetah Outreach Trust in South Africa, focusing on cheetah conservation, community involvement, and innovative strategies to support free-ranging cheetahs amidst habitat fragmentation. Discover how community efforts, scientific research, and targeted programs are making a difference for this ic
Battle for the Throne: How Naked Mole-Rats Pick Their Queen
Battle for the Throne: How Naked Mole-Rats Pick Their Queen Aug 25, 2026 640 Send "Fan Mail" to RickIn this episode, host Rick Schwartz digs into the royal archives of naked mole-rats. How do they pick their queen? How does the queen stay in charge? What exactly is this "eusocial behavior" that naked mole-rats live by, and is it the same as honey bees and ants?Animals, Nature, and You on IGLinks mentioned in this episode:Phsy.org: "NMR Queens Produ
Gentle Giants of the Galapagos Islands
Gentle Giants of the Galapagos Islands Aug 20, 2026 2259 Send "Fan Mail" to RickIn this episode, Christian Flores shares his insight and knowledge of the Galapagos tortoises, their evolution, behavior, and conservation efforts. Christian discusses some of the scientific theories about these ancient giants, from how they likely reached the islands in the first place to why some developed the iconic saddleback shell while others stayed dome-shap
What Happens When AZA & Non-AZA Facilities Work Together?
What Happens When AZA & Non-AZA Facilities Work Together? Aug 13, 2026 2266 Send "Fan Mail" to RickIn this episode, we explore the importance of community involvement in wildlife conservation, the benefits of collaboration between AZA and non-AZA facilities, and practical ways for local communities to engage with their ecosystems. Jacob Reiter shares insights from his work at Pace University and discusses how local actions can make a global impact.Animals, Natur
RePlay - Everything You Thought You Knew About Bees Is WRONG!
RePlay - Everything You Thought You Knew About Bees Is WRONG! Aug 6, 2026 3703 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 tha
The Emotional Cost of Loving Animals for a Living Pt.2
The Emotional Cost of Loving Animals for a Living Pt.2 Jul 31, 2026 2935 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 w

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