
Advertise on podcast: Animals, Nature, and You
Rating
4.9from
This podcast has
86 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Rick SchwartzExplicit
No
Date created
2026/01/27
Latest episode
2026/11/10
Average duration
30 min.
Release period
4 days
Description
“Animals Nature and You” celebrates the curiosity around the connection we have with the natural world. In this podcast, we will be looking at the science and the personal experiences of experts, and everyday people. From conservationist and animal care staff to filmmakers and authors. We’ll talk to backyard birders, wildlife experts, naturalist, animal behaviorists, veterinarians and so much more. Join us on this curious odyssey, let’s explore and reconnect together! It’s all about the connections we feel and the connections we long for. It’s about Animals, Nature, and You!
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Check latest episodes from Animals, Nature, and You podcast
Orangutan REPLAY: A Conversation with the Founder of The Orangutan Project
2026/11/10
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In honor of Orangutan week, today's 10-minute Tuesday is a replay of our interview with Leif Cocks, founder of The Orangutan Project.
Most conservation efforts focus on facts and figures—but what if the key to saving endangered species also involved love, empathy, and understanding? Leif Cocks reveals how genuine connections with orangutans shaped his approach to conservation, advocating for a solutions rooted in compassion rather than conflict. This inspiring conversation uncovers the profound intelligence and autonomy of these remarkable primates and why understanding their complex social systems demands a shift in how we see all wildlife.
In his conversation with host Rick Schwartz, Leif shares stories from his decades of work rescuing and rehabilitating orangutans. Leif also explains the vital importance of habitat conservation, ecosystem integrity, and cultural respect for indigenous communities.
Animals, Nature, and You on IG
Book mentioned: Wild Lessons (no link available yet)
The Orangutan Project on IG
The Orangutan Project on FB
The Orangutan Project on Linkedin
The Orangutan Project
International Tiger Project
International Elephant Project
Forest For The People
Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com
Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky
Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
The Gentle Barn - How Kindness and Compassion Heals (Part2)
2026/11/06
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(This is Part 2 of 2)
Ellie shares her inspiring journey of rescuing animals, starting the Gentle Barn, cow hug therapy and exploring the deep emotional and spiritual connections between humans and animals. Discover how animal communication, compassion, and nature can transform lives and foster a more connected world.
Ellie Laks has also authored three books (all available at your favorite book seller)
"Gentle" (kids book discussed in this episode)
"Cow Hug Therapy"
"My Gentle Barn"
Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram
Find The Gentle Barn Here:
The Gentle Barn's website
The Gentle Barn on Instagram
The Gentle Barn on Facebook
The Gentle Barn on LinkedIn
The Gentle Barn on YouTube
Find Ellie Laks Here:
Ellie Laks Website
Ellie Laks on Instagram
Ellie Laks on Facebook
Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com
Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky
Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
The Gentle Barn - How Kindness and Compassion Heals (Part1)
2026/11/05
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick
(This is Part 1 of 2)
Ellie shares her inspiring journey of rescuing animals, starting the Gentle Barn, cow hug therapy and exploring the deep emotional and spiritual connections between humans and animals. Discover how animal communication, compassion, and nature can transform lives and foster a more connected world.
Ellie Laks has also authored three books (all available at your favorite book seller)
"Gentle" (kids book discussed in this episode)
"Cow Hug Therapy"
"My Gentle Barn"
Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram
Find The Gentle Barn Here:
The Gentle Barn's website
The Gentle Barn on Instagram
The Gentle Barn on Facebook
The Gentle Barn on LinkedIn
The Gentle Barn on YouTube
Find Ellie Laks Here:
Ellie Laks Website
Ellie Laks on Instagram
Ellie Laks on Facebook
Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com
Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky
Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
Your Local Animal Shelter Needs You More Than You Think
2026/11/03
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In this 10-Minute Tuesday, host Rick Schwartz highlights Animal Shelter Appreciation Week and shares how you can support animal shelters and rescue centers. Drawing on his own experience of working the night shift in an animal shelter, he explains how volunteering, fostering, targeted donations, and adoption can help animals while underscoring shelter pets need patience and care; just like we do.
Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram
Links mentioned in this epsiode:
Tracking Domestication Signals... Raccoons
Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
Bonus
Animal Help Now
Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com
Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky
Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
Why Leaving the Leaves is Kind of a Big Deal
2026/10/29
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In this episode, David Mizejewski from the National Wildlife Federation discusses the importance of leaving leaves in your yard to support wildlife, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainable gardening practices. David shares how leaving the leaves saves you money and time, benefits your yard and helps promote healthy native wildlife all year.
Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram
Find David Here:
David's Website
David on Instagram
David on Facebook
David on TikTok
National Leave the Leaves Month (website)
Garden for Wildlife (website)
Find National Wildlife Federation Here:
NWF Website
NWF on Instagram
NWF on Facebook
Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com
Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky
Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
Stop Obsessing Over the Goal: Why Your Starting Line Matters More
2026/10/27
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In this 10-minute Tuesday of Animals, Nature, and You, host Rick Schwartz reflects on how goal-oriented thinking can keep people planning instead of beginning. Drawing on the story of launching Animals, Nature, and You after a layoff, he urges listeners to define a starting line, take the first step, and let passion and planning shape what comes next.
Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram
Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com
Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky
Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
What Is Happening to the Amazon River Dolphins?
2026/10/22
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In this episode of Animals, Nature and You, host Rick Schwartz talks with Suzanne Smith, Founder and Executive Director of Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation. Suzanne shares her journey from working with marine mammals to following her curiosity and diving into river dolphin conservation. She highlights the unique challenges faced by Amazon River dolphins and how community involvement is vital for their preservation.
ARDCF's Mission Statement: To conserve the Amazon river dolphin and its environment through research, education and collaboration.
Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram
Find Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation Here:
ARDCF Website
ARDCF on Instagram
ARDCF on Facebook
Suzanne Smith on LinkedIn
Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com
Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky
Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
Time to Speak Up for Wolves - Wolf Awareness Week
2026/10/20
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In this episode, Rick Schwartz discusses the importance of wolf conservation, ecosystem balance, and how cultural attitudes towards large carnivores are shifting worldwide and in the United States. He emphasizes the need for public awareness and action during Wolf Awareness Week.
Click HERE to let the Secretary of Interior know you want wolves to have room to roam.
Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram
Website mentioned in episode:
Project Coyote Website
Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com
Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky
Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
How Joel Sartore Turned His Passion Into a Global Conservation Mission (Part 2)
2026/10/16
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(Part 2 of 2)
In this episode, Joel Sartore shares his journey from aspiring wildlife photographer to conservation advocate through his Photo Ark project. Discover how his work raises awareness about endangered species and what individuals can do to help protect our planet. Joel also shares his updated Photo Ark book that celebrates the 20th anniversary as well as his children's books and upcoming biography.
Animals, Nature, and You on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/animalsnatureandyou
Find Joel Here -
Joel's website: https://www.joelsartore.com/
Joel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelsartore/
Joel on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sartorephoto/
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How Joel Sartore Turned His Passion Into a Global Conservation Mission
2026/10/15
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick
In this episode, Joel Sartore shares his journey from aspiring wildlife photographer to conservation advocate through his Photo Ark project. Discover how his work raises awareness about endangered species and what individuals can do to help protect our planet. Joel also shares his updated Photo Ark book that celebrates the 20th anniversary as well as his children's books and upcoming biography.
Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram
Find Joel Here:
Joel's website: JoelSartore.com
Joel Sartore on Instagram
Joel Sartore on Facebook
Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com
Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky
Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
Exploring the Depths of Our Animal Connections
2026/10/13
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In this 10-Minute Tuesday episode, host Rick Schwartz explores the connections humans have with animals and nature, emphasizing that these bonds are meaningful despite skepticism from some. He shares personal stories from his decades of experience working with animals and encourages listeners to acknowledge their own relationships with animals and nature
Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram
Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com
Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky
From Nursing to Nature: Taylor Rabe's Journey with Wolves
2026/10/08
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick
In this episode, Taylor Rabe shares her journey from childhood fascination with wildlife to becoming a nursing student, and then finding her way to wolves. Taylor discusses her past work in Yellowstone, the social dynamics of wolf families, coexistence challenges, and the importance of education and community engagement in conservation. And get this, Taylor also enlightens host Rick Schwartz about ranchers in Montana that coexist with wolves and bears successfully, and teach others how its done.
Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram
Find Taylor Rabe on Instagram
Find Taylor Rabe on LinkedIn
Links mentioned in this episode:
Tom Miner Basin Association (website)
Conservation Nation (website)
Yellowstone Adventure Tours (website)
Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com
Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky
Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
This Superpower Can Save the World!
2026/10/06
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In this 10 -minute Tuesday episode of Animals, Nature, and You, host Rick Schwartz discusses the importance of the well informed voter in the upcoming midterm elections and how it impacts conservation efforts, wildlife protection, and ecosystems - and therefore, you too. Yes, the old saying, "Conservation works when we work together," is true. And your individual act of informed voting can also help preserve natural spaces and countless species; including humans.
Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram
Article mentioned in episode:
What Makes Yellowstone Unique is at Risk
Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com
Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky
Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
Why Migratory Birds Need Our Lights Out at Night
2026/10/01
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick
In this episode of Animals, Nature, and You, Corina Newsome shares her journey into avian science, the importance of migratory birds, and how environmental justice intersects with wildlife conservation. Discover practical ways you can support birds and protect their habitats while understanding the broader ecological and social implications of healthy ecosystems.
Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram
Find Corina here-
Corina Newsome on Instagram
Corina Newsome on Linkedin
Websites mentioned in episode-
Deja Perkins - Naturally Wild
American Birding Association
National Audubon Society
BirdCast
Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com
Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky
Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
Burnout, Compassion Fatigue & You
2026/09/29
Send "Fan Mail" to Rick
Host Rick Schwartz explores the importance of self-care, recognizing burnout, and maintaining balance in the demanding world of animal care and conservation. He shares personal insights and practical advice on how to prioritize oneself without guilt, emphasizing that caring for others starts with caring for oneself.
Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram
Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com
Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky
Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.
Podcast reviews
Read Animals, Nature, and You podcast reviews
tsoak 2026/08/01
I’m not a zookeeper
I started following Rick after discovering the SD Zoo. I’ve followed him on Instagram for a few years now. When this particular podcast started I deci...
22DragonEggs22 2026/06/06
2 Shows in 1
I really like that you do the short episodes and longer interview episodes each week. The interviews are always so good. But the short solo episodes a...
AreJay1111 2026/02/02
Rick!!! Love the new show
Rick has always had the ability to break down complex topics around animals and conservation so easily. I was missing him when he was no longer on the...
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