Cool Facts About Animals

Learn all about the milk snake, including its cool defense mechanisms, how to tell it apart from its dangerous cousins, and lots more. Plus, some "funny" jokes from Jaguar. 

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2024

In this episode we learn about a super cool sea bird, the albatross. The albatross has a huge wingspan, can soar for hundreds of miles, and has an unusual mating dance. Check it out here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EYNazaodHg We learn about all these things and more in this episode! Contact us at [email protected] or support us on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals Thanks for listening! 

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2024

In this episode, we learn all about the amazing star-nosed mole. This super-smeller has one of the most incredible noses in the animal kingdom - and one of the oddest looking. It's also an excellent hunter - and eater.  Thank you to Penny for the suggestion and for being our Patreon sponsor! You can sponsor us here: https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals  Reach out to us at [email protected]   

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2024

We're back! With a brand new episode on the Cochineal Beetle.  This beetle has an ancient past - and has been used to do everything from make ink for the Aztecs to coloring Starbucks Frappuccinos. It also has a really cool trick to stay cool in the heat. Plus, we learn some cool facts about the male beetle - and it's lack of an important body part.  Thanks for your patience during our busy spring!  We'd love to hear from you - [email protected]  

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2024

Hello friends! It's been a while! We've been on hiatus while the kids have been busy with various school and personal obligations, but we're looking forward to putting out a new episode in May! In the meantime, please enjoy this rebroadcast of our cicada episode. Although this one is about Brood X, you'll still find lots of similarities with the two new broods of cicadas emerging across the US right now. 

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2024

We're back with a new episode on the Portuguese Man of War. Wow, this is one cool animal/colony of organisms, with super long tentacles, a deadly sting, and an interesting backstory.  Thanks to our Patreon sponsors! If you'd like to be a Patreon sponsor, head here.  And if you think you know the answer to the creature quiz or the riddle, send us an email at [email protected]. 

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2024

Here in Portland, Oregon, we're lucky to live so close to a world-class science museum, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, which we all affectionately call OMSI. A few weeks ago, we got the chance to take a tour of their latest exhibit, Staying Alive: Defenses of the Animal Kingdom, with Sarah, the exhibit's curator. We learned about all sorts of animal defenses, including speed, size, camoflauge, and lots of others. We hope you enjoy this virtual tour - and if you're in Portland, definitely check out this exhibit! It's up through April 2024.     

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2023

Way back in our first episode - over 5 years ago now! - Grady chose cheetah for our first episode. We've learned a lot more about cheetahs since then, and introduced two new podcasters - Jaguar and Corduroy! So, we decided to bring you this reboot of our original episode. We hope you enjoy it. Here's the video we mentioned about cheetahs running in slow motion: https://rangerrick.org/rr_videos/slow-motion-cheetah/ If you think you know the answer to our creature quiz or riddle, send us an email at [email protected] and we will send you a bookmark.  Thank you to our Patreon sponsors! If you would like to support us financially, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals  

Transcribed - Published: 9 November 2023

These little arachnids pack a mean sting. But how dangerous are they? What does a scorpion sting feel like? And how many times can Jaguar evolve in one episode? Learn all about scorpions in our latest episode.  Thank you to our Patreon sponsors! If you'd like to support us financially, please head to our Patreon page here. https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals We love to hear from you! Send us an email at [email protected]

Transcribed - Published: 14 September 2023

Jaguar is starting his own podcast! Listen to the promo on this episode, and then listen to universe premiere of World of Jaguar wherever you find your podcasts.  Apple link here.  MAKE ME RICHER AND FAMOUSER MINIONS!  p.s. Scorpion episode coming soon!

Transcribed - Published: 28 August 2023

You’re in for an adorable treat on this sea otter episode of Cool Facts About Animals! Learn about their special fur, tool use, and an ancient lion-sized otter. We’d love to hear from you! Send us your creature quiz answers, let us know you did the kid power challenge, or take a guess on our next episode. Send us an email at [email protected] Thank you to our Patreon sponsors Cardiff, Grace, and Evie! If you’d like to be a Patreon sponsor, head here. https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals And if you want to buy your own Cool Facts About Animals gear, check out our store.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2023

On this special episode of Cool Facts About Animals, we got to interview one of the scientists who changed the world! Dr. Bill Ritchie was one of the scientists behind the cloning of Dolly the Sheep. We talk about why this was so important, and how it has helped to change medicine today. We also have lots of cool facts about sheep, courtesy of Clara. We hope you enjoy the episode! 

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2023

We're almost done with our episode on sheeps, featuring a very special interview with a scientist who was involved with perhaps the most famous sheep of all.  In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this rebroadcast of a very silly episode with our friend Mr. Eric of the excellent podcast What If World. 

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2023

We had so much fun with our last four truths and a lie (ocean animals) that we decided to do it again! This episode features five unbelievable bugs. Four are real, one is fake. Can you spot the fake? Let us know what you guessed by emailing us at [email protected]! Thanks to our Patreon sponsors Loretta and Bennett! If you’d like to be a Patreon sponsor and help financially support our podcast, head over to https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals Thanks for your support!

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2023

Every once in a while, Jaguar prevails and we take a break from our regularly scheduled programming for an All About Cooking episode. This is one of those times. In this episode, Jaguar prepares Dinosaur with the essence of Turkish bay leaf. He also teaches us some pretty incredible science. Kids, DO NOT try this at home!! We’ll be back soon with a four truths and a lie about bugs! Thanks for listening! *The full episode didn't upload the first time. If you're having trouble, please redownload the episode.  Want to support Jaguar’s All About Cooking? Order your very own All About Cooking apron here: https://www.zazzle.com/all_about_cooking_apron-154817884147573023

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2023

We've had some sickness in our house that has interfered with our podcast schedule. (Don't worry, we're all ok!) So this month we're reaching into our archives to replay an episode you may have missed the first time. This is one of our favorite episodes, and one of our most popular. It's an interview with Dr. Justin Schmidt who has been stung by over 100 different insects and created a scale of how much each one hurts. He tells us about what it feels like to get stung by a bullet ant (OUCH!) versus a bee, why insects sting, why some insects die after they sting you, and lots more.  We will be back soon with bug edition of four truths and a lie and, by Jaguar's demand, an episode of All About Cooking.   

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2023

Axolotls are territorial, regenerative, and maybe hold the secret to eternal youth. Oh, and they're suuuuper cute. In this episode, we share 10 cool facts about axolotls, then we share our interview with Dr. S. Randal Voss. Dr. Voss is one of the leading experts on axolotls, and he shares all sorts of facts about what makes them unique, why they are critically endangered in the wild, and how kids can help protect them.  Find out more about Dr. Voss's lab here: http://www.vosslab.com If you want to financially support our podcast, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals  Want some CFAA merch? Get it here: https://www.zazzle.com/store/coolanimalspod/products 

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2023

In this episode, one of the most fearsome predators of all time and a living tank go head-to-head. Yes, the T-Rex and the Ankylosaur battle! Before these two face off, we learn key facts to better predict who will take the crown. Which was faster? Which was smarter? Which was best equipped to survive? We gave a few different battle scenarios. What do you think would have happened? Send us an email at [email protected] with your answers, and we will send you a bookmark. We also want to hear from you if you solved our riddle or if you did the kid power challenge. Thank you to Murphy and Eli for being our Patreon sponsors! If you’d like to be a Patreon sponsor, you can check out our page here. https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals The holidays may be over, but you can still show your CFAA pride. Check out our gear store here. https://www.zazzle.com/store/coolanimalspod

Transcribed - Published: 28 December 2022

If you are a regular listener of our show, you know that we LOVE cats – we even have three! In this episode, we learn all about domestic cats – how smart they are,  how much they sleep, how well they communicate, some strange jobs they’ve had, and of course, how cute they are! Thanks to our Patreon sponsors, Maelynn, Coralynn and Atesh! If you’d like to help financially support us – and get a shout out on our show – head here. Also, with the holidays coming up, now is a good time to show your CFAA pride! Get your merch here. Finally, if you want to answer our creature quiz, guess our riddle, or do the Kid Power, let us know and we will send you a bookmark! Email us at [email protected].

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2022

In this bonus mini episode, Corduroy tries to teach Jaguar the ABCs... but it doesn't go quite according to plan. 

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2022

In this episode, we dive into the world of rats. Sure, they can crawl up sewer pipes into your toilet and may have been at least partly responsible for the deaths of tens of millions of Europeans. But - they're also really smart, feel regret, and can show emotion with their ears.  This is a special episode. In our first half, we share cool rat facts. And in the second half, we interview Professor Monica Green, who studies plague. We learned so much from her about plague, how it was spread, and even that it is still around today.  We couldn't fit our whole interview with Professor Green into this episode, so we're including a longer interview on our feed. You should see it right behind this one.  Thanks to our Patreon sponsor Henry for getting us excited about rats! If you'd like to be a Patreon sponsor, please click here: https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2022

In this episode, we include many of the facts from our interview with Professor Green that we couldn't fit in our Rat episode. We do go into some detail about the plague and its continued existence, so please use discretion in whether you feel comfortable listening to this episode.  Don't miss our rat episode that accompanies this episode, which includes additional facts about rats and also includes lots of interesting information from Professor Green.

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2022

In this episode, we speak with National Geographic author about all sorts of cool animals facts. We talk about why pandas are black and white, why t-rexes have short arms, and some of her favorite animal myths to debunk. Julie is the author of almost 50 books, including a number of Weird But True books, and her new book - Why? Animals.  Thank you to Paul and Evelyn for being our Patreon sponsors. If you'd like to support us financially, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals Did you know we have a gear store? Get your animal lover a Cool Facts About Animals shirt, sweatshirt, or All About Cooking apron here: https://www.zazzle.com/store/coolanimalspod/products 

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2022

Today we are rebroadcasting our mega plastic episode. We’re replaying this episode now because we just found out that one of the people we interviewed for this episode, Dr. Jenna Jambeck, was named as one of the 25 MacArthur Genius Grant recipients for 2022. This is a really big honor! We have a lot planned in the next few weeks. Stay tuned for an episode with Weird But True author Julie Beer about all sorts of animal trivia. And then – our episode about rats. As part of that episode, we’ll speak with historian Monica Green about the black death. But for now, we hope you learn a lot and gets lots of great ideas after hearing from Dr. Jambeck and our other guests about plastic pollution.  

Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2022

In this special episode, Jaguar and Teddy play some games. You'll never guess who wins!  Thanks to our Patreon sponsors, Magdalena, Kellan, and George! If you'd like to be our Patreon sponsor, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2022

It was a long time coming, but we finally made it to the Redwoods! We got to learn all about this amazing habitat and see the forest in person, as well as meet with two California State Park rangers, Marnin Robbins and Kyle Buchanan. In our discussions with them, we learn about the unusual way Redwood trees reproduce, the animals that live there, solve a Redwoods mystery, discover how to keep the habitat safe, and lots more. Thanks to our Patreon sponsors for making this episode possible! If you would like to support us financially, head here: https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals. Patreon sponsors also get access to our newsletter about the Redwoods and our back issues about honeybees and anaconda v. crocodile! We will have videos up on our YouTube page soon. Check back here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt89IP0pdPUfvETol8qHKjg  In the meantime, you can find some Redwoods videos and pictures on our Twitter page: https://twitter.com/coolanimalspod   

Transcribed - Published: 31 August 2022

In this bonus episode, the Cool Facts About Animals Crew gets the chance to speak with National Geographic author and wildlife vet Dr. Gabby Wild. We speak about her new book, How to Speak Animal, and learn a lot about the different ways animals communicate. Unfortunately, she couldn’t tell us how to tell our cat Fuzzy to stop bullying our other cats. Alphas gonna alpha. We think you’ll enjoy learning all sorts of fun animal communication facts, including how crickets can tell us the temperature, how sharks communicate through magnetic forces, whether ducks speak in a French accent, and lots more. You can find more about Dr. Wild here: https://gabbywild.org

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2022

It’s an episode swap! Today we’re sharing an animal-themed newsy podcast from our Kids Listen pals Newsy Pooloozi! You’ll hear stories about animals, plastic trees, and, well, poo. We think you’ll enjoy it. If you do, be sure to check out their podcast wherever you get your podcasts. https://www.newsypooloozi.com Don’t forget about our Patreon sponsor meetup on Saturday, August 13 at 10 am pacific! We hope you can join us. https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals

Transcribed - Published: 3 August 2022

In this special episode, Cool Facts About Animals and the Past and the Curious team up to learn all about sled dogs! We learn ten cool facts about sled dogs while also learning the history of two very special sled dogs who saved the town of Nome, Alaska.  Don't forget out meetup on August 13 at 10 am Pacific for Patreon sponsors! Become a sponsor here: https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals Also, we have merch! Want a tshirt? An All About Cooking Apron? Find it here: https://www.zazzle.com/store/coolanimalspod

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2022

In this episode, we learn all about honeybees! Learn about the waggle dance, how furry bees are, and other fun facts about these amazing and important pollinators. We are having another Patreon meetup! Patreon sponsors at any level (beginning at $1) are invited to join us for a Zoom on August 13 at 10 am pacific/1 pm eastern. Zoom details will be available on our Patreon page.  https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals Our kid challenge this episode is to build a home for mason bees. Here’s a link to how to do that: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c40e967372b96739edad511/t/5e9b98b339f0f40fc8528b2c/1587255480757/Mason+Bee+House+DIY.pdf If you do the kid challenge, know the answer to the creature quiz or want to take a guess at the riddle, send your answer to [email protected] and we will send you a bookmark. Thanks for listening! And thanks to RACC for the podcasting equipment! 

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2022

Not to be confused with International Jaguar Day, we celebrate World Jaguar Day with Jaguar, his best friend Lunch the spider monkey burrito, and the rest of the crew.  Not a lot of learning in this one, but lots of giggles. 

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2022

Two kings of reptiles meet in our mock meetup ... anaconda versus crocodile (versus Jaguar). First, learn cool facts about the anaconda and salt water crocodile, and then let us know if you agree with our crowned winner(s).  Thanks to our Patreon sponsors James and Millie! If you would like to be a Patreon sponsor (and start getting our newsletter!) head over here: https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals To answer our creature quiz, riddle or to let us know about your kid power challenge, send us an email at [email protected] or Tweet us at @coolanimalspod Thanks as always to Andrew of Ear Snacks for the theme music! 

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2022

During our research of the arctic fox, we discovered Dr. Maarten Loonen, a biologist who studies in the Arctic Circle. We learned so many cool things that we hadn't known about before, not just about the arctic fox but about other animals, too. Like the amazing journey of the arctic tern, and how to tell whether Rudolph is a boy or a girl reindeer.  We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed speaking to Dr. Loonen. 

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2022

Ready to learn about the pint-sized, fluffy-tailed arctic fox? Yes, the arctic fox is adorable. But it’s also tough. It's highly evolved to withstand the -50 degree temps of the arctic circle. We’ll learn about these traits and more facts that make these animals so cool in this episode. Thanks to our $10 Patreon sponsor Tessa for the suggestion! If you’d like to support us financially, check out our Patreon page here: https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals You can show your Cool Facts About Animals podcast pride with some merchandise! We’ve got tshirts, sweatshirts, and some other fun stuff at our Zazzle store here: https://www.zazzle.com/store/coolanimalspod Want to get a glimpse of how cute they are for yourselves? Check out this video of a young arctic fox learning how to pounce: https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/arctic-fox-dive-bombs-lemmings-hidden-snow/14872/ Finally, we hope you check out our buddy Dan Saks and his musical, silly, genius podcast Noodle Loaf. We love this show, and we think you will too! Here’s a link to the podcast: https://www.noodleloaf.com

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2022

Hello listeners! We know you've heard us talk about Kids Listen before. Well, we're excited to announce that they're putting out a new podcast series called Mashups. And we're in the first episode! The podcast "mashes up" two different podcasts. We were mashed with Ms. Lynn of the Good Words podcast. We talk about our podcasts, play a game together, and share some bloopers at the end.  Here's the first episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep1-good-words-about-animals/id1502915722?i=1000554610996 And here's a link to Ms. Lynn's excellenet podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-good-words-podcast/id1390655167  Hope you enjoy it! We'll be back very soon with our next episode!

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2022

We’re very excited about this episode of Cool Facts About Animals. We’re breaking format to present “Four Truths and a Lie.” Four of these sea animals are real. One is not. Can you figure out which one is the lie? Thank you to our Patreon sponsors! If you would like to be a Patreon sponsor, head here: https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals We’ve also created a Cool Facts About Animals merchandise store! You can buy a t-shirt, sweatshirt, or canvas bag. Jaguar has also added an All About Cooking apron. https://www.zazzle.com/store/coolanimalspod (If this link to the products adoesn’t work, try again in a few hours – it takes the store a bit of time to set up.)  

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2022

In this episode, we learn about the trickster coyote. At the end of this episode, you’ll know their defense mechanisms, how dangerous they really are to humans, and what’s so cool about their noses. We’ll also learn a Native American story about coyotes. Plus, find out all about Latin from Jaguar. Thanks to our Patreon sponsors for your support! We are using the funds to travel to the Redwoods to learn more about different animals and speak with experts. If you’d like to support us financially, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/creator-home. You can get access to our outtakes (this episode has a LOT) and to our Zoom meetups. We hope you check out the podcast Warrior Kid Podcast. It’s a really cool podcast about Indigenous people and cultures. You can find it here, or wherever you get your podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/warrior-kid-podcast/id1371964204 If you think you know the answer to our Creature Quiz, or if you do the Kid Power challenge let us know! Send us an email at [email protected], or Tweet us at @coolanimalspod. Thanks to the Regional Arts & Culture Council for funding our audio equipment! And thanks to Andrew Barkan of Ear Snacks for our theme music!  

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2022

In this episode, we learn about one of the most endangered animals in the world, the vaquita. Vaquitas are the smallest existing porpoise and there are only about 10 o them left. We learn about the vaquita, the reason why they are in such danger, and how to help. We meet with two vaquita experts – Dr. Barbara Taylor and conservationist Jonathan White – to help us better understand the plight of the vaquita. Be sure to check your feed for our stand-alone interviews with them too. Thanks to listener Max for bringing the vaquita to our attention. If you think you know the answer to our Creature Quiz or our riddle, or take part in the Kid Power challenge, send us a note and we’ll send you a bookmark! Email us at [email protected] or tweet us at @coolanimalspod. Thanks also to Maude and Jiggy, our Patreon sponsors. If you would like to support us on Patreon, head over here: https://www.patreon.com/creator-home. Funds raised will go toward traveling to meet with scientists in person, once it’s safe to do so. Thanks to Regional Arts & Culture Council for our podcasting equipment. And thanks to Andrew Barkan of Ear Snacks for our theme music!

Transcribed - Published: 2 January 2022

In this companion episode to our vaquita episode we speak with scientist Dr. Barbara Taylor. She tells us even more interesting facts about the vaquita than we could fit into our vaquita episode. She also tells us about a real life polar bear encounter! Spoiler: she survived. Be sure to check out our interview with conservationist Jonathan White and our vaquita episode too!

Transcribed - Published: 2 January 2022

In this companion episode to our vaquita episode, we speak with conservationist Jonathan White. He tells us about his own vaquita spotting, how dangerous it is out there on the Gulf of California, and we discuss why saving the vaquita matters. Also check out our interview with Dr. Barbara Taylor and our vaquita episode!

Transcribed - Published: 2 January 2022

Unfortunately for Jaguar, the cassowary escaped. So this all about cooking is all vegetarian. 

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2021

You guessed it listeners! This episode is about the Australian flightless bird the cassowary. Learn about why this bird has been termed the world’s deadliest bird, what that horn thing is all about, and just how big they get. If you think you know the answer to our creature quiz or riddle, or if you did our kid challenge, let us know! Send us an email at [email protected] or tweet us at @coolanimalspod and we will send you a bookmark. Patreon sponsors! We are having a Zoom meet up on December 4th! Check our Patreon page for details. Do you want to be a Patreon sponsor? You can sign up here. https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals Your donations will go towards traveling to meet with a scientist to learn more about animals. Thanks to RACC for funding our audio equipment! Thanks to Andrew from Ear Snacks for our theme music! Thanks to all of you for listening!

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2021

We’re featuring a creepy, Halloween-worthy animal in this bonus episode! The Goblin shark gets its name because it really does look like a goblin. Learn more about its impressive mouth gape, lightning fast jaw speed, and more. We mentioned the videos of the goblin shark eating – there are links to both videos in this informative article. https://australian.museum/learn/animals/fishes/goblin-shark-mitsukurina-owstoni/ One of our kid challenges this episode is to try to find plastic-free candy wrappings if you’re giving out candy for trick or treating. Here’s a list of some options: https://www.treehugger.com/ideas-plastic-free-halloween-treats-4857928 If you do the kid challenge, or know the creature quiz answers, send us an email at [email protected] or tweet us at @coolanimalspod. Thanks Frannie for being our Patreon sponsor! If you’d like to financially support our podcast, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals Thank you to RACC for the funds for our podcasting equipment! Jaguar’s entrance and exit music would not be here if not for you. And thanks to Andrew Barkan of Ear Snacks for our theme music! Finally, don’t forget to check out the other Halloween episodes from our friends at Kids Listen. You can head to the Kids Listen app the week of October 24 to find a big playlist of Halloween/spooky episodes. https://app.kidslisten.org

Transcribed - Published: 20 October 2021

It's taken a bit longer than we wanted to get our next episode out. We found this goofy recording on my phone from the summer and thought you might enjoy. See you soon with our next episode!

Transcribed - Published: 12 October 2021

Piranhas get a bad rap. They’re thought of as vicious, human killing machines. While piranhas do have some impressive teeth and an even more impressive bite force, they’re really not quite as dangerous as they’re made out to be. In this episode, we do some piranha myth busting and learn more about this impressive creature. Thank you to RACC for our audio equipment. We really think you can tell the difference! We’re so glad to be able to share some clearer audio with you. Thank you also to Andrew Barkan of Earsnacks for our theme music. Do you know the answer to our creature quiz or riddle? Did you do the kid power challenge? Let us know and we’ll send you a bookmark! Email us at [email protected] or tweet us at @coolanimalspod Finally, if you would like to support us financially,  head on over to our Patreon page! We are using the money raised there for some in-person trip (once safe to do so) to meet with scientists and share our interviews with you.

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2021

On this episode, we learn all about the venomous (not poisonous) rhinoceros viper. Learn about its cool retractable fangs, the not one but TWO types of venom it has, and take a listen to Jaguar's new evolution music.  Thank you to the Regional Arts & Culture Council for our awesome new podcasting equipment! We are excited to give you better and better audio as we learn the tricks of our new equipment.  Thank you also to Nora for being our Patreon sponsor! If you would like to be a Patreon sponsor, head here: https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals  If you know the answer to our creature quiz or riddle, send us the answers at [email protected] or Tweet us at @coolanimalspod.  Thanks Andrew of Ear Snacks for our theme music!

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2021

Hello listeners! We are doing an episode swap with Newsy Jacuzzi! We think you’ll love this podcast, another kid-grownup collaboration. They help find some of the coolest news stories from all across the world and share them with their listeners. There are often stories about animals, the environment, and other things that I know our listeners care about. We hope you like this episode, which has news stories about hangry fruit flies, air purification, and lots more. If you like Newsy Jacuzzi, add it to your feed! https://www.newsyjacuzzi.com We will be back soon to talk to you about a new animal, on our new podcasting equipment thanks to RACC.

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2021

Have you ever watched ants hurry busily along and wonder what they're doing? Dr. Moffett did, and decided to turn that interest into ants and other bugs into a career. In this episode, we learn about ants - from the kind in your backyard to the kind that can eat people, how Dr. Moffett almost got trampled by elephants, hit by blowdarts, and other adventures. We also are joined by his wife Melissa, who tells us about their travels and more.  Thanks to Andrew Barkan of Ear Snacks for our theme song!  Our next episode will be recorded on our new audio equipment! Thanks to the Regional Arts & Culture Council for awarding us our grant!  Questions? Want to reach out? You can find us on Twitter at @coolanimalspod or email us at [email protected]

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2021

We asked, you answered! In this episode, we hear facts about sea slugs, lions, zombie caterpillars, wild horses, and lots more. And of course, Jaguar evolves to become even more powerful. Thanks to Ari, August, Cristian, Gracelyn, Lucy, Oliver, Sally, Tristan, Quinn, Harry, Iris, and Theo for their facts! Be sure to check out the Kids Listen podcast Best Day Yet for positivity, affirmations, and animal explorations. You can find the podcast here: https://www.bestdayyetpodcast.com Thanks to Andrew Barkan for our theme song!  Don't forget to check out our mega plastic episode. We encourage you to try out one or more of our kid challenges!  And if you'd like to support us financially on our Patreon page, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/coolfactsaboutanimals

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2021

Our plastic episode is here! In this episode, we learn about how much plastic is in the ocean, why that’s a problem for animals, how it all got there, and, most importantly, how you can help. We talked to so many experts to make this episode. Thank you to: Senator Jeff Merkley Dr. Jenna Jambeck, University of Georgia Christopher Joyce, NPR Rachel Giles, Chelsea Rochman’s lab Shaye DiPasquale, Terracycle David Clark, Amcor Thank you also to our fabulous editor, Eric Klein. If you need editing help, send him an email at [email protected] Thank you to Andrew Barkan of Ear Snacks for our theme music. Thank you also to our Patreon sponsors who made this possible! We really appreciate you! We have a lot of show notes on this one: Want to do a waste audit? Here’s the link to the waste audit Rachel mentioned: https://rochmanlab.com/waste-audit/ Here’s a link to Terracycle’s website, where you can figure out what to collect and recycle: https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/ Learn more about Senator Merkley’s Break Free from Plastic Act: https://www.breakfreefromplastic.org/pollution-act/ Don’t know whether it’s recyclable? Check out: http://recycleornot.org And be sure to download the Marine Debris Tracker app: https://debristracker.org Please let us know what steps you’re taking to battle plastic pollution and we can share our progress together! Send us an email at [email protected] or tweet us at @coolanimalspod Spread the word about this episode! The more kids helping, the more of a difference we can make.

Transcribed - Published: 4 July 2021