I'm David Farrier in New Zealand to accidentally marooned in America, and I want to figure out what makes this country tick.

If you've been listening to this podcast for a while, you'll probably be aware that I like animals.

And at times that's landed me in trouble. be aware that I like animals.

And at times that's landed me in trouble, as documented in the rabies episode from last year.

The thing is, whenever I see a squirrel, it seems like a small miracle they exist at all.

They're like a cute cartoon come to life.

But I also know that to an American, a squirrel is about as interesting as a pigeon.

I think it boils down to the fact that there are certain animals

Americans seem to view as pests. I'm talking squirrels, coyotes, raccoons, and I'm talking

opossums. The first time I saw an American possum, I thought

it was one of the most arranged looking things I'd ever seen. Bulging red eyes, disgusting long rat-like tail, a hissing mouth filled with razor-sharp teeth.

It's like God had gotten bored on day seven, putting all his left over bad ideas into the one remaining creature.

Back in New Zealand, possums look totally different.

If you're not driving now, Google New Zealand possum and take a look.

They're smaller, they're smaller, they're much,

match cuter looking, the polar opposite to what exists here in

America. I needed to find out more about the American possum.

A creature that once walked alongside dinosaurs 70 million years ago.

So lock up your rubbish and prepare to play dead because this is the possum episode. This bird touchdown in America.

I'm a fly this bird touchdown in America. Okay, we've got a lot to talk about, and I think this is going to be quite a contentious

episode because you don't like animals, and I love animals.

And this is all about me loving animals. I respect your love. To be honest, I respect your dislike. It's bold to say I don't like this thing.

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