Maria's Mutts & Stuff

Maria chats with Nat GEo Kids' Kathryn Williams about the-over-300-paged National Geographic Kids Weird But True! WORLD 2024. Learn about the world's strangest ANIMALS, NATURAL WONDERS and more!! This info-packed hardcover book will fascinate adults as well (I love it!) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with Shelter Animals Count (the National Database )'s Executive Director Stephanie Filer about the current crisis facing shelters across the country. Since 2012, they've been collecting and sharing data to help animals and communities. Shelters are still feeling the effects of the pandemic. Give a listen and learn what YOU can do: Adopt, Foster, Volunteer, Donate . See omnystudio.com/l...

Maria chats with Nat Geo Kids editor Christina Sauer (who really really loves horses) about the Nat Geo Kids book Can't Get Enough Horse Stuff! Yes it's aimed at kids but there's lots you can learn about horses, plus fun facts that you probably don't know! And take the quiz to see what horse breed matches your personality! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn all about the Purrfectly Clean Paws Ramp created by Kevin and Patti Weber. It keeps cat litter and dust in the cat litter box and not tracked all over your house! And it's only $28.99! Give a listen and learn about its creation! And more at simplypawsdesign.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Award-winning photographer and author Aliza Eliazarov discusses how to take photos with your phone or camera that will help get shelter animals adopted! (Simple things like taking the pic outside!) Aliza shares her tips in honor of INTERNATIONAL HOMELESS ANIMALS DAY which is tomorrow August 19th. Aliza and her partner Edward Doty have a new book The Best Dog: Hilarious to Heartwarming Portraits of...

Maria chats with S4EGlobal President and Board Member Robyn Beasley. Originally Stews 4 Elephants , Robyn founded the organization with fellow flight attendants to raise awareness about the ethical treatment of animals, especially elephants. As their website states "If an animal doesn't do it in the wild, don't pay to see the animal do it in captivity." Listen to the interview and learn how you ca...

Maria chats with frequent guest Dr. Amber Karwacki (from Heart+Paw) about essential travel tips when you take your pet(s) along on your summer trips! I learned something, hope you will as well so you have a safe and fun trip with your pet this summer! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with author Jennifer Ackerman about her latest book What An Owl Knows: The New Science of the World's Most Enigmatic Birds. Did you know that owls first appeared on Earth 56--65 MILLION years ago?? And an owl's ears are like a dog's nose? Learn so much more about owls in this episode and in the book! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with Isla Animals Rescue founder Alison Sawyer about the history, and recent eviction of Isla Animals shelter. Since 2001, they've helped hundreds of thousands of animals in Mexico. And as Alison explains "Caring is global"!!! To help Isla Animals build a new shelter: https://www.islaanimals.org/ Or their GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-isla-animals-rescue See omnys...

Maria chats with owner Danielle Mania about Udder Chaos Farm Sanctuary and how it came to be! From a beef cattle farm, the sanctuary is now a home to animals in need. Celebrating two years, she's looking forward to rescuing more animals, hosting events, educating, and providing a voice for the voiceless. For more info and/or to donate: UdderChaos.org (Their 2nd Annual (co-host event) Blueberry Fes...

Maria chats with author and rescue dog handler Scott Hammond about his book Finding Caleb: Search and Rescue Dog Series . Scott talks about how he and his dog Boo help find lost people, and gives tips on what to do if you find yourself lost. Finding Caleb is the first of a series (second and third books are already done!) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with Senior Editor Ariane Szu-Tu about the ALL NEW National Geographic Kids Almanac 2024 . A great way to keep your kids (and you as well cuz I'm fascinated by these facts!) interested this summer. Lotsa fun animal facts, nature, science, games and a challenge too! Pick up a copy at kids.nationalgeographic.com! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with Nat Geo explorer and photographer Carlton Ward Jr about his breath-taking and informative book PATH OF THE PANTHER . We get a glimpse into the life of the Florida panther and what's being done to save it. PS The interview was done before the Stanley Cup Finals; the Florida Panthers are currently IN the Stanley Cup Finals! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with Nat Geo Kids Editor Kathryn Williams about WEIRD BUT TRUE! SHARKS. As they say "300 fin-nomenal facts to dive into" about sharks. Did you know that unborn sharks can sense danger?! And sharks don't blink! Learn about sharks in a fun way--give a listen! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with frequent guest veterinarian Dr Amber Karwacki from Heart+Paw. With the warmer months ahead, Dr Karwacki talks about fun ways to exercise your dog; gradual exercise if your pet has been sedentary; and lots more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with explorer, field biologist and conservationist DAN O'NEILL about GIANTS, Curiosity Stream's original 5-part series premiering May 18th! Dan travels from Africa to South America and Australia in search of giant species while hopefully finding out their evolutionary secrets. The 5-part series includes Elephants, Lions, Sharks, Anacondas and Saltwater Crocodiles! GIANTS Premieres May...

Maria chats with evolutionary biologist Jonathan B. Losos about his book "The Cats Meow" Jonathan talks about how cats evolved and why they do the things they do! It's a fun read and perfect if you're a cat lover or just want to learn more about cats! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was just Earth Day (which should be EVERY day!) and Maria chats with Sandra Postel, Director of the independent Global Water Policy Project about our current water condition in the world and what we can all do to preserve and protect it! This is all tied in to Nat Geo Kids book "Water!! Why Every Drop Counts and How You Can Start Making Waves To Protect It"!! See omnystudio.com/listener for pri...

Maria chats with with author and illustrator Brian Selznick about his latest book (a "big" book of 528 pages with about 300 illustrations!) "Big Tree', a story about two seedlings and their journey to save the world! The idea originally came from Steven Spielberg--Brian's book "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" was made into the movie Hugo by Martin Scorcese--hear how this book came to be and what lie...

Maria chats with National Geographic photographer, author, conservationist and returning guest Joel Sartore about his latest book "Photo Ark Insects". Joel explains how the pandemic affected his work; how the book came to be; how he photographed such teeny tiny beings; and his fave photos too! Learn more (and get the book!) at joelsartore.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria's chats with Ledy Van Kavage, Best Friends Animal Society's Senior Legislative Attorney, about their new interactive online map that shows BSL (breed-specific laws) and ordinances across the country! This map helps you if you're moving or thinking of living in a community where BSL exists. It also helps to know where we need to make change! A pet should NOT be targeted because of its breed....

Maria chats with AnimalZone's host and executive producer Arthur von Wiesenberger about the award-winning animal show ANIMALZONE, now streaming on TUBI.TV. ANIMALZONE features animal rescues, sanctuaries and animal welfare experts reaching millions of animal lovers! For more info, visit ANIMALZONE.ORG. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with Dr. Michael Pinkus, author of "Pressure Point Therapy for Pets". We can help our furry pals with a gentle touch of the finger, how cool is that! From nervousness to an ear infection and more, check out the interview and the book and LEARN! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with Mission Meow founder Sally Williams (a returning guest; Sally is the founder of The Brodie Fund) about her new non-profit Mission Meow. Mission Meow partners with businesses to crowd-fund donations for smaller feline-focused non-profits. An example: Raising money for Catsbury Park's (NJ) expansion. Learn more at missionmeow.org! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with Co-Founder and Vice President Brian Reyngoudt of Operation K9 Beethoven , an non-profit organization that rescues and trains shelter dogs, then gives them to veterans, family members and first responders with PTSD, Free of charge! They also have a Pet Therapy Dog Program which visits VA homes and hospitals. Give a listen and learn how you can help--they survive on donations: opera...