Animals, Nature, and You

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Elizabeth Johnson shares her journey of starting the Mothering Wildlife podcast, exploring the unique challenges faced by moms in the zoo and conservation field. Our conversation on Animals, Nature, and You covers physical, mental, and emotional challenges, societal pressures, and the importance of community support for working mothers in niche professions. Link t...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, host Rick Schwartz shares insights on wildlife behavior, specifically focusing on the young animals we tend to see out and about this time of year. Rick is always happy to encourage everyone to take the time to observe wildlife; as long as it is from a safe and respectable distance. After all, observations often lead to better understanding and ap...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Discover the transformative power of pet therapy as Robin Cohen from Helen Woodward Animal Center shares stories that bring joy, and foster profound human-animal connections. Whether it’s a children finding comfort in an unexpected animal encounter, or a someone reconnecting to memories of a pet skunk from the past; this episode reveals how animals not only heal b...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this 10 Minute Tuesday, host Rick Schwartz shares his "Is this even real life"experiences from a recent trip to the Redwoods. And he explores the scientific benefits of nature on well-being, and emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with the natural world for our health, not just conservation. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Links for Mentioned......

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Discover how collaborative efforts make the difference in wildlife conservation. In this insightful interview, Andrew Mooney from Dublin Zoo shares the multifaceted approach to conservation, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, native species projects, and the role of zoos in global conservation efforts. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Links mentione...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick This is a RePlay of Episode 14 from March 2026... In this episode Rick discusses the media's misguided headlines and articles about a scientific study on raccoon that looked at domestication signals. Rick offers up information from the published paper and explains what the research actually indicates about raccoon evolution and domestication. While the idea o...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick This is a RePlay of Episode 06 from February 2026... In this episode, Mike Veale, the founder and CEO of Global Conservation Force, discusses the organization's multifaceted approach to wildlife conservation. Global Conservation Force brings together a team of experts, volunteers, and community members to work towards saving endangered species. Mike shares th...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this 10 Minute Tuesday episode of Animals, Nature, and You, explore the fascinating world of turkey vultures, their social behavior, unique adaptations, and vital role in the ecosystem, inspired by Rick Schwartz's personal experiences and insights. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Learn more about Turkey Vultures: All About Turkey Vultures Vultures of the Wo...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Join host Rick Schwartz as he reunites with former cohost Marco Wendt as they explore wildlife conservation, bird personalities, and the importance of collaboration in zoos and conservation efforts across borders. Discover insights from decades of experience, including work with cassowaries, bird behavior, and overcoming burnout in the wildlife care field. Animals...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick This 10 Minute Tuesday episode explores the incredible adaptations and superpowers of rabbits; highlighting their speed, agility, and survival strategies that make them true super-powered superheroes of the animal kingdom.   Animals, Nature, and You on IG Learn more about Rabbits: PBS Nature - Rabbits Facts Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick (This is Part 2 of 2) Most people underestimate how deep their connection to nature really is—and how the smallest action can reshape our relationship with the environment. Imagine discovering that your passion for animals and wildlife could be your pathway to influencing conservation, even if your career path didn’t follow the traditional route. Join host, Rick S...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick (This is Part 1 of 2) Most people underestimate how deep their connection to nature really is—and how the smallest action can reshape our relationship with the environment. Imagine discovering that your passion for animals and wildlife could be your pathway to influencing conservation, even if your career path didn’t follow the traditional route. Join host, Rick S...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this 10 Minute Tuesday, Rick explores how human activity impacts wildlife behavior, highlighting recent scientific studies and personal insights. Discover how animals adapt to human presence and what this means for conservation efforts.  Rick also discusses the use of drone technology to deploy environmental monitoring tools with little human impact, giving res...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Join Rick in a fascinating discussion with Woodland Park Zoo's Chief Engagement Officer, Rebecca Whitham as she shares the concepts, ideas and opening of the new habitat, Forest Trailhead. From community involvement and input to the importance sharing the stories of the ecosystem, you will discover how Woodland Park Zoo is telling global stories through local...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, Rick Schwartz explores the fascinating world of snakes, debunking myths, sharing interesting facts, and offering practical advice for coexisting with these vital creatures. Learn how to identify, respect, and live alongside snakes safely and responsibly. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Find Rick here: ZoologyRick.com Rick's social media stuff....

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, host Rick Schwartz explores the hidden wonders of state parks with husband and wife duo, Chris and Moe. Their journey from theater and television to nature and state parks, reveals how simply getting outside led them to discover the vibrant life in California’s state parks and more. They share insights on identifying native plants and the importan...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Zebra-deer? Forest giraffe? Explore the fascinating world of the Okapi, its unique adaptations, characteristics, and conservation efforts. Learn how this elusive animal was "discovered," its adaptations for survival in the thick forest, and the importance of conservation projects in protecting this rare species. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Links menti...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this engaging interview, Alexis Fitch shares her inspiring journey from zookeeper to founder of Animals Anonymous Apparel, highlighting her passion for lesser-known animals and supporting conservation efforts. Discover how her innovative approach combines education, community building, and fundraising to make a significant impact on wildlife conservation. Alexi...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this 10 Minute Tuesday, Rick discusses the reason we celebrating Endangered Species Day, and why awareness around conservation efforts really does help. He highlights the importance of community support, reaching out to law makers, and personal curiosity in protecting endangered species. Any one can help animals, nature and in turn, help all of us. Animals, Nat...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, Regina Mossotti, VP of Animal Care at the St. Louis Zoo, shares behind-the-scenes insights into wolf conservation; highlighting how science, partnerships, and bold strategies like pup fostering are making a real difference. You'll discover how the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone transformed entire ecosystems, from regulating deer and...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Discover mind-blowing facts about what happens inside the butterfly's chrysalis. From egg to butterfly, there are usually 4 stages of metamorphosis; but in this episode, Rick explores the fascinating processes inside the chrysalis. From enzymes to imaginal cells and the "primordial goop" that becomes a butterfly... It sounds like science fiction, bu...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick 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 than ever thanks to NWF's Garde...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Rick dives into the first round of fan mail with a little Q and A from listeners. He shares insights on his career journey, spills some tea about being on national television and  gives a few practical tips for aspiring zookeepers. From scooping poop and doing media appearances to podcasting and advocating for our everyday conservation heroes, this 10 minute Tuesd...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Join Rick Schwartz in an insightful conversation with Kathayoon Khalil, Vice President and Director of the Columbus Center for Wildlife Conservation at the Columbus Zoo. They explore the multifaceted world of conservation, empathy, and systemic change. Discover how innovative strategies, community engagement, and a deep understanding of animal perspectives are sha...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Discover fascinating facts about the North American opossum, including its unique thumbs, behavior, and ecological role. Learn how this remarkable marsupial adapts to urban environments and why it’s vital for our ecosystem. Animal Help Now - For sick or injured wildlife Opossum Society of the United States Animals, Nature, and You on IG Find Rick here: ZoologyRick...