Just the Zoo of Us (Ellen & Christian Weatherford)
Explorez tous les épisodes de Just the Zoo of Us
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
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| 05 Aug 2020 | 63: Waterfall Climbing Gobies w/ Kelly Diamond! | 00:54:14 | |
Join Ellen and special guest Kelly Diamond for a review of Hawaii's peculiar and charming waterfall climbing gobies, o'opu nopili! In this episode we talk about the unique adaptations that these gobies have developed to allow them to overcome some impressive obstacles, as well as the adaptations the scientists had to develop to overcome some unexpected challenges in studying these unique fish! | |||
| 20 May 2022 | 144: A Grand Scale Adventure | 01:34:12 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a fantasy roleplaying adventure as Christian plays a Dungeons & Dragons homebrew one-shot written by Ellen! In this week's episode, Monax Tufdert takes on a clandestine mission of the reptilian persuasion from a local government official. Along the way, he seeks to befriend a dog, rescue wildlife in peril, and restore ecological balance to the wetlands. All sounds used in this episode came from freesound.org & attribution can be found here. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! | |||
| 29 Dec 2021 | 125: Crested Gecko w/ Dominique DiFalco! | 00:55:33 | |
Join Ellen & reptile keeper Dominique DiFalco for a review of the fabulously lashed crested gecko! Learn all about the joys of loving and caring for reptiles, the mind-blowing physics that keeps geckos clinging even to smooth glass, and what makes these wide-eyed, velvety soft lizards such special little friends. Follow along with Dominique's work on Facebook (her group is currently on pause for the holidays but will be back soon) and Instagram! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Cover photo: sue29, via Getty Images | |||
| 25 Jan 2023 | 178: Vicuña & Cookie Cutter Shark | 00:50:13 | |
Ellen luxuriates in the vicuña & Christian takes a bite out of crime with the cookie cutter shark. We discuss adaptations to life in the Andes, vicuña wool as political bribery, suctorial lips, and how to play an Uno Reverse card on some of the ocean's top predators. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on TikTok! Cover photos: Tadas Jucys via Getty images & Paulo Oliveira via The Guardian | |||
| 14 Aug 2024 | Bugs Need Heroes: The Painbow | 01:32:00 | |
We're out traveling this week! In the meantime, please enjoy this episode of Bugs Need Heroes, in which Ellen joined hosts Amanda Niday and Kelly Zimmerman to settle a debate: are shrimps bugs? Are mantis shrimps shrimps? We discuss how they may or may not be turning into crabs and what they might think of sunsets. Tangents include Godzilla, weddings, pet store stories, internet memes, Sailor Moon and anime translations. Originally aired on the Bugs Need Heroes podcast on June 23, 2024. Links:
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| 01 Dec 2021 | 121: Nine-banded Armadillo w/ Carly Haywood! | 00:52:09 | |
Join Ellen & special guest Carly Haywood for a review of the scaly, pig-snouted friends of the underbrush: nine-banded armadillos! In this episode, we discuss whether you should be afraid of getting leprosy from an armadillo, what “pancaking” is and why they do it, and little tiny clone parades scuttling through the underbrush. You can follow Carly on Twitter at @MotherOfDasypus :) Cover photo: Svetlana Foote, via Getty images | |||
| 02 Oct 2019 | 22: Mata Mata & Emperor Penguin | 00:44:47 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Christian educates us on the mata mata turtle and Ellen praises the world's most dedicated dad bod, the emperor penguin. | |||
| 18 Sep 2019 | 20: Jaguar & Bearded Vulture | 00:51:07 | |
Join the Weatherfords for an animal review! In this week's episode, Christian spots South America's greatest overachiever, the jaguar, and Ellen "falls" in love with the clever bearded vulture. | |||
| 30 Aug 2021 | 108: Great Horned Owl w/ Ashley Bray! | 00:44:44 | |
Join Ellen & special guest, wildlife biologist Ashley Bray, for a review of the tigers of the sky: great horned owls! In this episode, we discuss fake ears, silent feathers, tactical pantaloons, and more. | |||
| 11 Jun 2019 | 7: Asian Elephant & Immortal Jellyfish | 00:54:06 | |
Join the Weatherfords for an animal review! In this episode, Ellen fawns over the Asian elephant and Christian introduces us to a true hero, Mr. Immortal Jellyfish Man. | |||
| 11 Oct 2023 | 210: Snowy Owl & Polar Bear | 00:57:24 | |
Christian turns heads with the snowy owl & Ellen lands a slam dunk with the polar bear. In this arctic-themed episode, we discuss why owls turn their head so much, feather acoustics, irruptions, fur fiber optics, and polar bear basketball. Links: | |||
| 10 Aug 2023 | 202: Basking Shark & Glass Frog | 00:52:49 | |
Christian basks in the glory of the basking shark & Ellen sees right through the glass frog. We discuss the origins of gills, livers full of oil AND blood, and making little gelatin frogs for science. | |||
| 16 Jan 2025 | 271: Box Jellyfish | 00:58:58 | |
Ellen pulls no punches with the box jellyfish. We discuss jellyfish venom, kingslayers, emergency vinegar, what not to do when you get stung, Snell's window, learning, balance, ocean jellification, and so much more. Links: | |||
| 06 Nov 2019 | 27: Sentry Dragonfly & Leafy Sea Dragon | 00:51:27 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's dragon-themed episode, Ellen focuses her complete attention on the sentry dragonfly and Christian spotlights the decorated diva of the sea, the leafy. | |||
| 29 Apr 2020 | 50: Moose & Desert Rain Frog | 00:43:33 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Christian reviews the towering moose & Ellen squeals over the desert rain frog. | |||
| 24 Jun 2020 | 57: Snow Leopard w/ Charlotte Hacker! | 00:46:00 | |
Join Ellen and special guest Charlotte Hacker for a review of the elusive fluffball of the mountains, the snow leopard! In this week's episode we talk about what makes these beautiful cats so hard to find and so worth protecting. ***Photo: Dennis W. Donohue*** | |||
| 22 Mar 2023 | 185: Megalodon & Thylacine | 01:16:46 | |
It's a special trip in the time machine for the MaxFunDrive! Christian chomps on the megalodon & Ellen laments for the thylacine. We ask the important questions: What were they like? Are they really gone? Should we bring them back? Links:
Cover photos via the Smithsonian Institution | |||
| 06 Oct 2021 | 113: Freshwater Sponges w/ Mallory McNulty! | 00:42:58 | |
Join Ellen & special guest Mallory McNulty for a review of our porous friends, freshwater sponges! Get the real answers to your burning sponge questions, like what a sponge feels like in your hands, how a completely stationary animal gets to new places, what kind of role they play in their ecosystem & why freshwater sponges have earned their chance in the spotlight! | |||
| 04 Apr 2025 | 282: Brooke Hartman's Top 3 Cutest Killers! | 00:56:08 | |
Join Ellen & special guest, author Brooke Hartman, for a look at some of the animal kingdom’s most deceptively adorable assassins. We discuss evolutionary arms race, hot ones for mice, Mr. Yuck, an insect isekai, a toxic honeypot, and so much more. These cuties are slaying more than just their prey. Links:
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| 21 Jun 2023 | 198: California Condor | 00:56:11 | |
Ellen takes off with the story of the California condor and their miraculous return to the southwestern skies. We discuss how their bodies are adapted to scavenging, their unwavering dedication to parenthood, their plummet towards extinction, and triumphant recovery with a little help from their friends on the ground. Links:
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| 09 Dec 2020 | 77: Orb Weavers & Wolf Spiders w/ Madison Bush! | 00:52:51 | |
Join Ellen & special guest, field biologist Madison Bush, for a review of a couple of very leggy friends, orb weavers & wolf spiders! In this episode we discuss the World Wide Web, moustaches made out of eyes, and buff Tom Holland. | |||
| 23 Nov 2023 | 216: Sturgeon w/ Brenda Pracheil! | 00:47:36 | |
Join Ellen & special guest, fish biologist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Brenda Pracheil, for a review of the gentle giants that have been swimming up and down our rivers since the dinosaur age: sturgeon. We discuss being a fish lawyer, ancient genetics, scales, whiskers, caviar, woosh tubes, and more. Links: | |||
| 15 Jul 2020 | 60: Wolverine & Suriname Toad | 00:48:15 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen squares up with the wolverine & Christian takes us on a leisurely stroll down Nightmare Lane with the Suriname toad. Check it out! Photos: Jonathan Othén (wolverine) & Matthieu Berroneau (Suriname toad) | |||
| 17 Aug 2022 | 156: California Sea Lion & Giant Isopod | 00:59:02 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Christian barks about the loud wet dog of the Pacific coast, the California sea lion, and Ellen gets to know her bottomfeeding best friend, the giant isopod. In this episode, we discuss our recent trip to Monterey Bay, pinniped evolution, whale falls, and Hello Kitty Darth Vader. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord & join Ellen for weekly video game streams on Twitch! Cover photos: cwinegarden via Getty images (sea lion), Monterey Bay Aquarium via Twitter post (giant isopod) | |||
| 20 Jul 2022 | 153: Sandhill Crane w/ Tommy Siegel! | 00:56:04 | |
Join Ellen & special guest musician from Jukebox the Ghost, comic artist behind "Candy Hearts" and "I Hope This Helps," and birder Tommy Siegel for a review of the touring musicians of the North American skies: sandhill cranes. We talk about the mental health benefits of birding, how crane couples keep the romance alive, what a musical interpretation of their iconic call might sound like, and more. Follow Tommy on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Learn more about his work on his website. Calendars, prints and stickers of Extremely Accurate Birds can be ordered here! Learn more about Jukebox the Ghost at their website & listen to their new album Cheers wherever you get your music! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord & join Ellen for weekly video game streams on Twitch! Tune in to Science & Sorcery at 2pm eastern on Friday, July 22nd for a D&D adventure! Cover photo: bookguy via Getty images Crane sound effect recorded by Tim Kahn, obtained via freesound.org | |||
| 13 Nov 2024 | 263: American Lobster | 00:48:05 | |
Christian gets snippy with the American lobster. We discuss New England, split colors, immortality, flirting with pee, big meaty claws, grocery store tanks, and so much more. Links: | |||
| 10 Feb 2021 | 84: Cheetahs w/ Gabi Fleury! | 00:43:48 | |
Join Ellen and special guest, conservation biologist Gabi Fleury, for a review of the punk nerds of the big cat family, cheetahs! In this episode we discuss how cheetahs go so fast, what sets them apart from the rest of the cats, and conflict between humans and wildlife. | |||
| 26 Jan 2022 | 129: Icefish & Wombat | 00:48:51 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen chills out with icefish & Christian tells us why the wombat really shines. Topics include Crystal Pepsi, secret fish cities, poop cubes and blacklights. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Cover photo: keiichihiki via Getty images (wombat), Marrabbio2 via Wikipedia (icefish, Chionodraco hamatus) | |||
| 04 Sep 2019 | 18: Giant Manta Ray & Red Panda | 00:47:15 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode inspired by the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta, Christian reviews the alien spaceship of the sea, the giant manta ray, and Ellen gushes over the "original" panda. | |||
| 28 Aug 2019 | 17: Veiled Chameleon & Kea | 01:00:57 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen explains how and why the chameleon changes its colors and Christian educates us on the Punk Rock Icon of New Zealand, the kea. | |||
| 29 Jul 2020 | 62: Golden Mole & Red-Bellied Piranha | 00:57:19 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Christian gives us the lowdown on a shimmering jelly bean, the golden mole, and Ellen sets the record straight on piranhas. | |||
| 02 Aug 2021 | 105: Fossa w/ Asia Murphy! | 00:28:13 | |
Join Ellen & special guest, ecologist Asia Murphy, for a review of the fossa! In this episode, we discuss their catlike (but not feline!) features, an unusual bachelor-deterring disguise, and what makes the buffed-up fossa such a unique and gorgeous animal. This episode was made in collaboration with the Lemur Conservation Network! Learn more about the wildlife of Madagascar & how we can help protect them at www.lemurconservationnetwork.org | |||
| 29 Jan 2020 | 37: Common Cuttlefish & Giant African Land Snail | 00:59:29 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's mollusc mania, Christian hypnotizes us with cuttlefish wisdom and Ellen confronts some biases against snail intelligence. | |||
| 23 Oct 2024 | 261: Ogre-Faced Spider & Honduran White Bat | 00:55:16 | |
Ellen gets a really good look at the ogre-faced spider & Christian gets cozy with Honduran white bats. In this festively themed episode, we discuss ephemeral eyes, hearing with legs, casting nets, rowing through the air, huddling under leaves, navigating with sound, and so much more. Links: | |||
| 23 Nov 2022 | 170: Wild Turkeys | 00:55:15 | |
Ellen goes on an odyssey through history with the wild turkey. We discuss their path alongside humans for thousands of years, from prehistoric America to praise from Benjamin Franklin, the brink of extinction and nets fired out of cannons. Further viewing: Rocket Netting Turkeys, a video demonstration by the LSU AgCenter Paul Kelly's Gobbling Demonstration Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Cover photo: svetlanafoote via Getty images | |||
| 20 Jan 2022 | 128: Ground Squirrels w/ Stephanie Martinez! | 00:59:26 | |
Join Ellen & conservation biologist Stephanie Martinez for a review of the little deceptively adorable critters tunneling through the grasslands: ground squirrels! We talk about the hazards of field work, sleeping your problems away, the science of splooting, jiu jitsu matches, squirrel romance, tippy taps and furry little neighborhood watch programs. Follow Stephanie on Twitter! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Cover photo: Pancaketom via Getty images | |||
| 09 Sep 2020 | 68: Pigeon & Banded Sea Krait | 00:55:46 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen brings it home with the common pigeon & Christian explains what makes the sea krait a real spicy noodle. | |||
| 21 Sep 2023 | 207: African Lion w/ Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant! | 00:45:20 | |
Join Ellen & wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant for a review of savannah royalty: African lions! We discuss what it’s like to be an ecologist working in the field alongside truly awe-inspiring wildlife, what makes lions such iconic big cats from their impressive mane all the way down to their surprisingly tactical tail, and why their relationship to us is so important for inspiring passion for conservation and learning to live peacefully with our wild neighbors. Links: | |||
| 19 Mar 2025 | 280: Eastern Gray Squirrel & Budgerigar (aka Parakeet) | 01:21:59 | |
Ellen goes nuts for the eastern gray squirrel & a little bird told Christian about the budgerigar (AKA parakeet). We discuss the MaxFunDrive, Pikachu, the e-nut, squirrel crime, fluorescent feathers, spicy air, Bluey, and so much more. Links: | |||
| 21 Feb 2025 | 276: Jules Léon's Top 3 Pinnipeds! | 01:13:34 | |
Join Ellen & marine biologist Jules Léon for a review of his top 3 favorite pinnipeds. We discuss galumphing, Prada eels, a species made up entirely of geminis, walkout songs, beachmasters, super weaners (don't worry, it makes SO much more sense in context) and so much more. Links: | |||
| 07 Sep 2022 | 159: Moon Jellyfish w/ Sophie Wolvin! | 01:03:54 | |
Join Ellen & special guest, marine biologist Sophie Wolvin, for a review of the ocean's little jello casseroles full of live bees: moon jellyfish! We’re gonna talk about what to do if you get stung by a jellyfish, what it’s like to care for the delicate jellies, their vortex of death, jellybeans and blooms, and I confess to some heinous jellyfish crimes. Follow Sophie on Twitter and learn more about her work at her website! Listen to Sophie discuss young adult fiction with biologists on the Midlight Crisis podcast! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! | |||
| 10 Jun 2020 | 55: Naked Mole Rat w/ Benjamin Lancer! | 00:52:42 | |
Join Ellen & special guest Benjamin Lancer for a review of the sand puppy, AKA the naked mole rat! In this week's episode, we dig in to what makes these wrinkly little guys such marvels of nature and what unexpected adaptations they've developed that lets them thrive in their crowded underground burrows. | |||
| 24 Nov 2021 | 120: Acorn Woodpecker & West African Lungfish | 00:54:21 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Christian brings the acorn woodpecker to trial for its rampant vandalism & Ellen goes for a ride in a time machine with the West African lungfish. Along the way, we discuss the physics of using your face as a jackhammer, snot cocoons, and Sonic hedgehog. Cover photos: Luis Echeverri Urrea via Getty images (woodpeckers), voltan1 via Getty images (lungfish) | |||
| 06 Feb 2025 | 274: Dr. Alyson Brokaw's Top 3 Bats! | 01:07:27 | |
Join Ellen & special guest, bat biologist Dr. Alyson Brokaw, for an up-close look at some of the furry friends fluttering through our night skies. We discuss tortilla chip aroma, anatomically accurate Edward Cullen, screaming into the void, butt blankies, and so much more. Links:
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| 04 Dec 2019 | 31: Sudan Plated Lizard & Orca (LIVE) | 00:40:12 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's special live episode at Cultivate in Jacksonville Florida, Ellen meets a Sudan plated lizard face-to-face and Christian tells us why we would not want to meet an orca face-to-face. | |||
| 20 Mar 2024 | 232: Chinchilla & Walrus | 01:12:21 | |
Ellen softens up to the chinchilla & Christian breaks the ice with the walrus. We discuss Jackie Chan Adventures, fur slips, dust baths, tusks, whiskers, bells & whistles, Odysseus, and Lewis Carroll. Goo goo g'joob. Links: | |||
| 16 Jun 2023 | 197: Pterosaurs w/ Adele Pentland! | 01:16:44 | |
Ellen & special guest, paleontologist Adele Pentland, review the reptiles who once ruled our planet’s skies: pterosaurs! Even though they’ve been gone for millions of years, the fossils they left behind can tell fascinating stories about how they lived. We discuss what life was like for the largest creatures to ever fly, where Pokemon got paleontology right and wrong, and how knowledge of the present can inform theories about the past. We also get some insight into what it’s like to study fossils in Australia and use snapshots of the past to bring these bizarre and fascinating animals back to life, from digging in the Outback to naming an entire species. If you think having to get your laptop out of your bag is annoying, try getting pterosaur bones through airport security. Links: | |||
| 26 Jun 2024 | 246: Giant Pacific Octopus w/ Sy Montgomery! | 00:45:36 | |
join Ellen & special guest, naturalist and author of Secrets of the Octopus Sy Montgomery, for a look into the life and mind of some of the ocean’s most mystifying aliens: the giant Pacific octopus. We discuss an octopus’s least favorite texture, what happens when an arm goes rogue, the underwater city of Octopolis, how to make interspecies friendships, and so much more. Links:
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| 02 Nov 2022 | 167: Huntsman Spiders w/ Caitlin Henderson! | 00:52:10 | |
Join Ellen & special guest, invertebrate photographer, zookeeper and science communicator behind "She's Got Legs" Caitlin Henderson, for a review of the best huggers of the arachnid world: huntsman spiders. We’ll discuss why your yard glitters at night, fake webs for real spiders, cartwheels, backflips, spider unions, spider spaghetti, and why the most dangerous thing about these little guys is how much we fear them. Follow Caitlin's work on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Tiktok! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Cover photo provided by Caitlin Henderson :) | |||
| 06 Jan 2021 | 80: Sea Stars w/ Dr. Christopher Mah! | 01:07:32 | |
Join Ellen and marine biologist Dr. Christopher Mah for a review of the mysterious, complicated, many-armed predators of the deep, sea stars! In this episode, we discuss why sea stars are so important to marine ecosystems, their secret drama playing out in slow motion, and their captivatingly unfamiliar beauty. | |||
| 23 Aug 2023 | 204: Leaf Sheep & Basilisk | 00:53:22 | |
Ellen soaks up the sun with the leaf sheep & Christian gets biblical with the miraculous basilisk. We discuss photosynthesis, losing your head over parasites, outrunning physics, and mythology. | |||
| 03 Aug 2023 | 201: Hoary Bats w/ Sophiane Nacer! | 01:07:07 | |
Ellen & special guest, ecologist Sophiane Nacer, review the powdered donuts of the skies: hoary bats. We discuss frosted tips, tree roosters, bat memes and why you should care about bats all year long and not just for Halloween. If you haven’t fallen in love with bats yet, I think you will by the time we’re done. | |||
| 08 Sep 2023 | 24: Tardigrade & Platypus (REPLAY) | 00:53:14 | |
In this week's re-broadcast of an episode from October of 2019, Christian zooms in on the tardigrades & Ellen demystifies the unique platypus. Links: | |||
| 14 Apr 2022 | 140: Pangolins w/ Jack Baker! | 01:03:35 | |
Join Ellen & special guest, conservationist and podcaster Jack Baker, for a review of the charming and humble pangolin! We discuss how the pangolin’s unique adaptations tip the scales in favor of this walking pinecone and what challenges they face in the world today. Check out Pangolin: The Conservation Podcast and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Cover photo: 2630ben via Getty images | |||
| 10 Aug 2022 | 155: Dolphins w/ Drew Smith! | 01:06:42 | |
Join Ellen & special guest, anthropologist & cetologist Drew Smith, for a review of the adorable little apex predators zipping through the waves: dolphins! We talked about animal charisma, dolphin culture and society and play, a West Side Story-style rivalry, a whale’s favorite ice cream flavor, and how these animals so different from us have flipped and whistled their way into our human hearts. Follow Drew on Twitter! Learn more about upcoming Paleolithic historical fiction novel Jih's Journey here! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord & join Ellen for weekly video game streams on Twitch! Cover photo provided by Drew Smith | |||
| 23 Jan 2025 | 272: Dr. Chelsea L. Wood's Top 3 Parasites! | 00:46:45 | |
Join Ellen & parasite ecologist Dr. Chelsea L. Wood for a review of some bizarre and fascinating creatures that, despite their tiny size, impact our world and even our very selves in more surprising ways than you might expect. We discuss Osmosis Jones, frogs with too many legs, disco-eyed snails, mind control, an existential crisis, a ghost from Cretaceous oceans, fossil poop, and so much more. Links: | |||
| 09 Nov 2023 | 214: Pigs w/ Kendall Long! | 00:46:34 | |
Ellen & special guest, Bachelor star turned science communicator Kendall Long, review pigs! In this episode, we discuss pigs and their achievements in some surprising endeavors, from digging up truffles and thriving in the wilderness to playing video games and basking on the beaches of the Bahamas. Links: | |||
| 25 Dec 2024 | 269: Christmas Island Red Crab & Elf Owl | 01:04:55 | |
Christian leaves out milk and cookies for the Christmas Island red crab & Ellen goes for a silent night flight with elf owls. We discuss inside-out lungs, crab plows, yellow crazy ants, special eyes, silent feathers, TikTok trends, and so much more. Links: | |||
| 07 Aug 2019 | 14: Botfly & Cownose Ray | 00:45:10 | |
Join the Weatherfords for an animal review! In this week's episode, Christian profoundly disturbs literally everyone by talking about the human botfly, and Ellen lightens the mood with some adorable sea puppies, the cownose rays. | |||
| 01 Mar 2023 | 183: Octopuses w/ Chelsea Bennice, the OctoGirl! | 00:56:48 | |
Join Ellen & special guest, marine biologist Chelsea Bennice, for a review of the multifunctional, multicolored, multi-armed aliens of the ocean: octopuses! We discuss octopus handshakes, donut brains, swiss army mouths, goat eyes, toxic friendships and Eiffel towers. Links: Follow Chelsea on Facebook or Instagram! Learn more about octopuses at OctoNation.com, where you can find educational resources, merch and connect with the octopus fan community! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on TikTok! | |||
| 30 Apr 2021 | 94: American Black Bear & Scaly-foot Snail | 00:42:48 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Christian teaches us why you should resist that urge to feed the bears & Ellen takes a deep dive into the heavily fortified extremophile, the scaly-foot snail. | |||
| 06 Jul 2022 | 151: Nominating the National Bird w/ Nick Lund! | 01:07:54 | |
Join Ellen & special guest, science writer Nick Lund, for a special episode nominating our very own top 3 candidates for the national bird of the United States of America! In addition to our bird selections, Nick gives us insight into the process that actually goes into designating official state birds, the history behind the bald eagle’s use as the country’s symbol and why the turkey was once famously suggested to be America’s Next Top Wattle. Follow The Birdist on Twitter! Check out our guest's books: The Ultimate Biography of Earth: From the Big Bang to Today! - Told in a lively, illustrated biography form to deliver its cutting-edge science in the most compelling way, here is the story of Earth, from the chaotic Hadean eon with its huge oceans of molten rock to today’s Cenozoic era, aka the Age of Mammals (and that includes us humans). Great for young curious minds! American Birding Association Field Guide to Birds of Maine -A photographic field guide with one bird featured per page. Each concise species account includes measurements, scientific name, identification description, voice, behavior, and the habitat it is likely to be found in. Photographs by Brian E. Small. More of Nick's writing and science communication work can be found at his website. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram & join Ellen for weekly video game streams on Twitch!
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| 17 Nov 2021 | 119: Pigeons w/ Rosemary Mosco! | 01:01:30 | |
Join Ellen & special guest, science writer & naturalist Rosemary Mosco, for a review of the little grey guy strutting down a street near you: the pigeon! We discuss the history of why pigeons live alongside us, how they evade the clutches of even the world’s fastest predator, ways pigeon couples keep the romance alive, and the joy of appreciating these metropolitan doves. You can find Rosemary's work, including her brand new book A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching at her website: rosemarymosco.com Cover photo by Junichi Yamada, via Getty Images. | |||
| 30 Oct 2019 | 26: Black Widow & Vampire Squid | 00:45:42 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's very special very spooky episode, Christian debunks some myths about the black widow spider & Ellen illuminates the mysterious vampire squid. | |||
| 08 Jul 2020 | 59: Planarians w/ Prof. Oné R. Pagán! | 01:00:18 | |
Join Ellen and special guest, the bookworm with a worm book, Prof. Oné R. Pagán for a review of the mysterious squiggles straight out of science fiction, planarians! In this episode we learn about what makes these worms so fascinating and how they serve as research models that could help save human lives. | |||
| 18 Jan 2023 | 177: American Crocodile w/ Alec Baines! | 00:53:07 | |
Join Ellen & paleontology researcher and fellow Floridian Alec Baines for a review of the saltwater guardians, American crocodiles. We discuss the archosaur family tree, flower-picking and other crocodilian leisure activities, what to do if you find yourself in the chompin’ zone, and falling in love at a punk croc concert. Follow Alec on Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about their science communication work: Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Cover photo: zmeel via Getty images | |||
| 02 Sep 2020 | 67: Sawfish w/ Jasmin Graham! | 00:47:06 | |
Join Ellen and special guest Jasmin Graham for a review of the most dangerous snoot in the water, the sawfish! In this episode we discuss what's up with that wild saw on their face, what makes them such impressive predators, how they're affected by human activity, and what we can do to help. | |||
| 06 Nov 2024 | 97: Sea Otter & Blue-Ringed Octopus (REPLAY) | 00:48:31 | |
In this week's re-broadcast of an episode from May of 2021, Ellen reviews the ocean's most adorable monsters, sea otters, & Christian rates the dazzling blue-ringed octopus. Links: | |||
| 22 Apr 2020 | 49: Bobtail Squid w/ Dr. Sarah McAnulty! | 00:52:16 | |
Join Ellen and special guest Dr. Sarah McAnulty for a review of the sparkly dumpling of the sea, the Hawaiian bobtail squid! In this episode we talk about the amazing inner workings of these soft round friends, their complex relationship with very special bacteria, and the amazing science communication project Skype a Scientist! | |||
| 10 Nov 2021 | 118: Ocean Sunfish & Tanuki | 01:05:05 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode inspired by Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Ellen basks in the unexpected glory of the ocean sunfish & Christian pays respect to the mischievous tanuki. You'll learn what to bring to a sunfish's dinner party and how the tanuki earns the title of power couple. | |||
| 27 Oct 2021 | 116: Painted Bat & Dracula Parrot | 00:47:08 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's festively spooky episode, Christian kicks off the celebration with the painted bat & Ellen counts up points for the iconic Dracula parrot. Photos: Merlin Tuttle (painted bat), Ondrej Prosicky (Dracula parrot) | |||
| 17 May 2024 | 240: Zebras & Honey Badger | 01:09:28 | |
Ellen earns her stripes with zebras & Christian DOES care about the honey badger. We discuss the mysteries of stripes, video games as scientific experiments, the important role of cool jackets in wildlife rehabilitation, zebras in unusual places, viral videos from 2011, venom resistance, cheetah mimicry, and so much more. Links: | |||
| 09 Mar 2022 | 135: Egyptian Vulture & Eastern Spotted Skunk | 00:48:25 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's especially odoriferous episode, Christian gives high marks to the Egyptian vulture and Ellen gives props to the grandstanding, handstanding eastern spotted skunk. We discuss where the pharaoh's chicken ranks in the scavenging pecking order, how to ACTUALLY get rid of the smell from a skunk spray using chemistry, and why it's important to appreciate even our stinkiest friends. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Cover photos: Byrdyak via Getty images (Egyptian vulture) & Weber via Getty images (spotted skunk) | |||
| 09 Apr 2025 | 283: Paddlefish & Pigbutt Worm | 01:16:06 | |
Christian is up a creek without a paddlefish & an unusual deep-sea worm becomes the butt of Ellen's jokes. We discuss a previous guest getting electrocuted for shark science, hot takes on the whole direwolf de-extinction thing, the unexpected hybridization of the sturddlefish, why pigbutt worms are like that, statistically insignificant haters, and so much more. Links: | |||
| 24 May 2023 | 194: Antlions & Trap-jaw Ants | 00:48:04 | |
Christian explains the pitfalls of antlions & Ellen snaps back with the trap-jaw ant. We discuss metamorphosis, structural engineering, sand doodles, the Sarlacc, Darwin's thoughts on Australia, Pokémon, sticky babies, and a literal scientific arena. Links: | |||
| 13 Oct 2021 | 114: Amazon Molly & Aardvark | 00:50:13 | |
Ellen inspects an army of fish clones, the Amazon molly, and Christian finally digs in to the details of the inimitable aardvark. Learn how clones are made in nature, what's going on inside the aardvark's porcine snout, and why it's so crucial to never leave home without tippy-tappies. Amazon molly photo by Manfred Schartl. Aardvark photo by Michael Viard via Getty Images. | |||
| 27 Apr 2022 | 141: Bigfoot w/ Elliot Helmer! | 01:10:42 | |
Join Ellen & special guest, archaeologist and cryptid enthusiast Elliot Helmer, on a search for the truth about our most mysterious neighbor: Bigfoot. We discuss hominid evolution, cryptid ecology, the importance of oral history and traditional knowledge, and what Bigfoot can teach us about ourselves and our own relationship with nature wherever you fall on the spectrum of skepticism. Visit the Black Trowel Collective to learn more about & support their mutual aid initiative for archaeology students, as well as the Na'ah Illahee Fund to support their organization's work regenerating Indigenous communities. Follow Elliot on Twitter! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Be a part of the MaxFunDrive & sign up to become a supporting member of the network and get access to exclusive content!
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| 15 Jun 2022 | 148: Japanese Spider Crab & Saharan Silver Ant | 00:52:46 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Christian reads the manual to the Japanese spider crab & Ellen turns up the heat with the Saharan silver ant. We discuss optical physics, exoskeletons, and the highs and lows of arthropod life from the dunes of the Sahara desert to the bottom of the ocean. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram & join Ellen for weekly animal-themed video game streams on Twitch! Cover photo: Arrlxx via Getty images (Japanese spider crab) & Bjørn Christian Tørrissen via Wikipedia (Saharan silver ant)
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| 30 Aug 2023 | 205: Aardvark w/ Kailey Hart! | 00:52:54 | |
Ellen & special guest, zookeeper Kailey Hart, review the humble earth pig. We discuss their evolutionary loneliness, unique hodge-podge of surprising traits, tube-teeth, Pokemon, the PBS cartoon Arthur, and pro tips for planning your next zoo trip. | |||
| 23 Apr 2021 | 93: Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle w/ Alex Troutman! | 00:42:23 | |
Join Ellen & special guest wildlife biologist Alex Troutman for a review of the most dedicated beach babes of all, Kemp's ridley sea turtles! In this episode, we discuss what we can learn about life from sea turtles, why it's so important to be kind to our beaches, and how we can all make the shores a little friendlier to the wildlife that we love. | |||
| 08 Dec 2021 | 122: Tarantula Hawk & Vulture Bee | 00:50:08 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen squares up with the formidable tarantula hawk & Christian gives the buzz on vulture bees. We discuss why you should give the tarantula hawk plenty of personal space, their video game boss fight strategy, and putting meat back on the menu for some very interesting little bees. | |||
| 25 Sep 2019 | 21: Coquí & Bombardier Beetle | 00:42:24 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen sings the song of the coquí and Christian blasts us with some hot & spicy knowledge on the bombardier beetle. | |||
| 26 May 2022 | 145: Owl Monkeys w/ Alexi Grousis! | 01:03:34 | |
Join Ellen & special guest, zookeeper & host of the We Out Here podcast Alexi Grousis, for a review of a unique and mysterious creature bouncing around rainforest canopies by the light of the moon: owl monkeys! We talk about how owl monkeys have adjusted to thriving in the twilight, what’s going on behind those big bright eyes, and what it’s like to work with these little fluffy forest sprites. Check out The We Out Here Podcast on your podcast app & follow them on Twitter and Instagram! Follow Alexi on Twitter! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! | |||
| 05 Jan 2023 | 175: Cane Toad w/ Bethany Brookshire! | 00:54:34 | |
Join Ellen & science journalist Bethany Brookshire for a review of the lumpy little tide pods disrupting ecosystems all over the globe: cane toads. We discuss toxic shoulder pads, retro nature documentary excellence, poison butts and teacher toads, ugly animals, and the complicated relationships humans have with the wildlife around us. Further viewing: Learn more about Bethany's work at her website and follow her on Twitter! Check out her new book, Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains and her podcast, Science for the People! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! | |||
| 16 Oct 2024 | 260: Ross Seal w/ Griffin McElroy! | 00:47:58 | |
In this week’s episode, we are joined by comedy podcasting and tabletop roleplaying legend Griffin McElroy for a review of the squishy pugs of the Antarctic seas: Ross seals. We discuss which ninja turtle we are, the Victorian era magnetic crusades, haunting siren calls below the ice, bagpipes, thick raptors, and so much more. Links:
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| 09 Nov 2022 | 168: Velvet Worms & Binturong | 00:54:50 | |
Christian sticks to velvet worms & Ellen hangs out with binturongs. We discuss sticky situations, some unconventional means of reproduction, prehensile tails, and popcorn-scented pee. Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Cover photos: Geoff Galice via Wikipedia (velvet worm) & exs via Getty images (binturong) | |||
| 20 Nov 2019 | 29: Delacour's Langur & Komodo Dragon | 00:44:34 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen reviews Vietnam's best-dressed citizens, Delacour's langur, and Christian backs up the Komodo dragon's swagger. | |||
| 17 Jul 2019 | 11: Meerkat & Warthog | 00:46:18 | |
Join the Weatherfords for an animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen & Christian review the problem-free philosophies of the famous meerkat and warthog. | |||
| 26 Mar 2025 | 281: Field Notes (2025) | 01:13:17 | |
Ellen & Christian share stories, observations and inspiration from special guest: you! We discuss Benedict Cumberbatch's turkey gang, my squirrel mech grandma, Twitch plays deep sea ROV dives, hear me out cakes, smuggling budgies, house vultures, and more. Links: | |||
| 13 Jul 2022 | 152: Rough-Skinned Newt & Pumpkin Toadlet | 00:56:13 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's poisonous amphibian showcase, Christian takes competition to a whole new level with the rough-skinned newt and Ellen takes a leap of faith with the pumpkin toadlet. We discuss an evolutionary grappling match, the drawbacks of being too tiny, and glowing bones. Learn more about how you can help the Atlantic Forest by visiting Copaíba's website. Check out Ellen's guest appearances this week: "Don’t Go in the Water: A Guide to the Wonderful & Wacky Animals of Florida" on Pangolin: The Conservation Podcast "Manatees" on Secretly Incredibly Fascinating "Top 10 Most Popular Animals in the World" on the 10ish Podcast Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Join Ellen for weekly video game streams on Twitch! Cover photos: Carlos Otávio Gussoni via iNaturalist (pumpkin toadlet), randimal via Getty images (newt) | |||
| 12 Jul 2023 | 133: Slow Loris & Cassowary (REPLAY) | 01:00:58 | |
In this week's re-broadcast of an episode from February of 2022, Ellen hangs out with the slow loris & Christian observes leg day with the southern cassowary. We discuss armpit alchemy, the pitfalls of cute animal videos, rumbles in the jungle, and real life dinosaurs. Links: | |||
| 22 Feb 2023 | 182: Greater Sage Grouse & Pistol Shrimp | 00:48:27 | |
Ellen struts with the greater sage grouse & Christian pops off about the pistol shrimp. We discuss what happens at a lek, whether or not the sage grouse poses a threat to the United States military, what pistol shrimps can teach you about your pressure cooker, and the Shrimp of Theseus. Links: Vox: "This goofy bird vs. the fossil fuel industry" Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on TikTok! | |||
| 04 May 2022 | 142: Questions, Answers and Stories | 01:15:14 | |
For the second and final week of the MaxFunDrive, we're answering your questions and sharing your stories! We share some deeply personal intimate details like our inspirations behind the podcast, what the journey has been like to make it over the last 3 years, and how much ham we could eat in one sitting. Be a part of the MaxFunDrive & sign up to become a supporting member of the network and get access to exclusive content and beautiful gifts! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on our membership goals and news about upcoming livestreams. Follow @ginkgozee on Instagram for beautiful, Just the Zoo of Us inspired artwork!
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| 14 May 2019 | 3: Praying Mantis & Giant Panda | 00:45:05 | |
Join the Weatherfords for an animal review! In this episode, Ellen kinkshames praying mantises and Christian exposes the truly limitless laziness of the giant panda. LISTENER DISCRETION: We talk about reproduction in this episode. | |||
| 08 Mar 2023 | 184: D&D Classes w/ Eric Silver! | 00:55:21 | |
Join Ellen & tabletop roleplaying game podcaster and expert game master Eric Silver for an exploration of Dungeons & Dragons character classes and the real-world animals that embody them. We discuss animals with maxed out dexterity, charisma and strength. If you’ve never played D&D, don’t worry! We give explanations of the basics along the way so that anybody can enjoy. Links: Follow Eric on Twitter and Instagram! Check out Eric's podcasts: Join the Party, Games and Feelings, Tell Me About It, and more over at his website! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on TikTok!
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| 02 Mar 2022 | 134: Hyenas w/ Dr. Christine Wilkinson! | 00:57:32 | |
Join Ellen & special guest, conservation biologist Dr. Christine Wilkinson, for a review of the oft-maligned powerhouses: hyenas! We discuss the diversity of the hyena family, eating bones, girlbossing, how pop culture has missed the mark on hyena representation, and compassionate conservation. Follow Christine on Twitter and check out their website for more! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Cover photo: David O'Brien via Getty images | |||
| 25 Dec 2020 | 79: Reindeer (aka Caribou) w/ Olivia deBourcier! | 00:45:13 | |
Join Ellen and special guest, environmental scientist & host of the Beyond Blathers podcast Olivia deBourcier, for a review of a festive icon, the reindeer (also known as caribou)! In this episode, we talk about what makes reindeer so lovable (spoiler alert: so many things), what it's like to work with them, and the challenges they're facing in their native habitats. | |||
| 10 May 2023 | 192: Proboscis Monkey & Sarcastic Fringehead | 00:44:35 | |
Ellen nose what's up with the proboscis monkey & Christian sizes up the sarcastic fringehead. We discuss the form and function of a uniquely bizarre nose, the impact memes can have on conservation, and why you might want to think twice before reaching into a hole in the sea floor. Links: | |||
| 31 Jul 2019 | 13: Aye-aye & Raven | 00:38:41 | |
Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's very superstitious 13th episode, Ellen demystifies Madagascar's tree goblin the aye-aye, submitted by Dustin Barnett, and Christian sings some praises for our spooky bird friend, the raven. | |||
| 14 May 2019 | 1: American Alligator & Florida Manatee | 00:49:25 | |
Join the Weatherfords for an animal review! In this episode, Ellen recalls her gator coven and Christian rejects the cetology of sea pigs. | |||