Maria's Mutts & Stuff

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...

Maria chats with Heart+Paw's Dr Amber Karwacki (4th time guest, now the Leader!) about how to enjoy your Super Bowl party while also keeping your pets safe. From what foods to keep out of your pet's reach to knowing when to keep your pets in another room...listen and learn! Then have fun! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with Best Friends Animal Society's Legislative Attorney Kelsey Gilmore Futeral about the exorbitant fees people in public housing have to pay in order to keep a pet! Learn more about this issue by listening, and please reach out to HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge asking HUD to issue guidelines to landlords so pet owners can afford to keep their pet! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...

Did you know there are over 40 million senior dogs living in the US (and that's a dog over the age of 7!) Maria chats with nationally respected veterinarian Dr. Albert Ahn on caring for your aging dog: signs to look for; winter hazards; and more. And most important? TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS! Listen and learn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sure it's all about turkeys this time of year, but there are amazing birds flying around in your own backyard! Maria chats with author, slow-birder and animal behaviorist Joan E. Strassman about birds, their behavior and how to enjoy them! Learn more in her book "Slow Birding: The Art and Science of Enjoying the Birds in Your Own Backyard" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Returning guest and author Carlyn Montes de Oca ("Dog As My Doctor, Cat As My Nurse") talks about her new book: "Junkyard Girl: A Memoir of Ancestry, Family Secrets and Second Chances", her true story of discovering she was adopted at the age of 57! And how the comfort of her dogs helped her throughout her life and today! **Carlyn is donating 10% of book sales to Animal Protection New Mexico!** Se...

Maria chats with The Hero's Benefit Founder Gabrielle Puglia about her organization that raises funds for veterans through her fundraisers, along with Patriot Paws Development Coordinator Sarah Mathers. Patriot Paws is the benefactor of this year's fundraiser. Patriot Paws provides service dogs for free to veterans across the country!! Learn about these two great organizations!! Follow @theherosbe...

Maria chats with Heart + Paw's Dr. Amber Karwacki (Third Time Guest! Only one other member: Pete Paxton!) about keeping your pets safe and sound while you enjoy Halloween! Remember just because it's fun for you doesn't mean it's good for your pet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with with Julie Beer, a long-time contributor to Nat Geo Kids about "Why? Animals: Cool Questions and Awesome Answers!" It's a kids book that answers common questions about animal behavior. Why does a cat always land on four feet? Why do flamingos stand on one leg? Check it out, even an adult can learn something new! (I did) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with director Abby Fuller about her latest documentary "Shepherd's Song", a film about graziers Jenya Schneider and Jack Anderson who use their flock of sheep to rejuvenate land in CA that was ravaged by wild fires! What a fascinating and genius solution! Learn more at cuyamalamb.com. You can see "Shepherd's Song" on The North Face's You Tube channel as of Oct. 13th! See omnystudio.com...