Creature Feature

Today I answer your emails! News about mice genetically modified with a candidate for the "human speech gene!" Then we discover why baby penguins are so cute, and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

An octopus riding a shark! I'm joined by comedian and writer Ella Yurman as we discuss the evolutionary biology concept of "phoresis," the symbiotic act of one organism riding another. Yeehaw!  Footnotes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

What happens in the mysterious, not-so-dusty behind-the-scenes of natural history museums? Today we're talking about how museum collections extend far beyond what's visible to the public, and how they are a repository of massive amounts of knowledge for amazing (and weird) research. I'm joined today by the assistant director of the Museum of Zoology at Cambridge University and author of the new book Nature's Memory: Behind the scenes of the world's natural history museums, Jack Ashby. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

All the pee-news that's fit to print! We're talking whale pee, soft-shelled turtles peeing (out of a place you wouldn't expect) and the animal whose pee smells like movie popcorn? I'm joined by Alex Schmidt of Secretly Incredibly Fascinating! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

I answer your questions, from potoos (aka, GHOST BIRDS), to bees who like perfume! If you have an evolutionary biology question you'd like answered, write to me at [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

Owl the news that's fit to print! We've got bird news stories today, including an orange snowy owl, owl tinder, and a real life "Wild Robot" situation! I'm joined by friend of the show, Bridgett Greenberg!    Episode ImagesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2025

From the shiny and splendiferous scale worms of the deep, to scuba diving lizards, these animals all have one thing in common: they are 100% glam. I'm joined by Danl Goodman to rock out!    Footnotes: Elvis worm! https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-elvis-worms-shimmer-and-sparkleand-fight-tough-180974989/ Elvis worms fighting, oh no!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgQvuYljX8g Scale worm jaws, extra oh no! https://anatomytoyou.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/openmouthteeth_2144136i.jpg?w=640 Living beetle jewelry https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/meet-makech-bedazzled-beetles-worn-living-jewelry-180955081/ Shiny diving lizards, oh my! https://www.eurekalert.org/multimedia/pub/web/196097_web.jpg Shiny diving lizards caught on video! https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-03/bu-lc032019.php#:~:text=Lindsey%20Swierk%2C%20assistant%20research%20professor,time%20to%20escape%20from%20predators  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

Today on the show, animals in medicine! This time we're not talking about mice, but the way amazing animal adaptations have inspired or directly contributed to medicine. From gila monster venom to the absurdity of giraffes, animals have a lot to teach us about medical science. I'm joined by real life gastroenterologist, and host of the medical podcast House of Pod, Kaveh Hodah!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2025

Today's show has some mature themes, like frank discussions of sex and bodily fluids, so if you have kids, maybe give it a listen before having them listen with you. Freaky animal fads! Animals can have culture, but sometimes, that culture is uncultured. From dolphin pee to a macaque on your back, these animals are definitely going to ruin your fancy dinner party. Discover this and more as we answer the age-old question: are cockatoos learning to be delinquents? I'm joined by segment director for the Daily Show, Carmen Angelica!    Sources:  https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/dolphin-aerial-urine-behavior https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/macaque-monkey-deer-mate-sex-ride https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2021-07-23/cockatoos-open-wheelie-bin-lid-social-learning-suburbs/100306786   Last week's mystery animal sound:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56O8pp-x8Zg  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2025

Today on the show I'm joined by Pallavi Gunalan to talk about some of the coolest animals you can find in U.S. National Parks! Our national parks are home to some of the most stunning species on the planet, and are incredibly important reserves that protect the biological jewels of America. From adorable little cat-like critters that look like they came straight out of a fantasy, to the GOAT of horns, to a spiky little guy with biological weaponry, these are just three examples of the amazing animals found in National Parks. Discover this and more as we answer the age-old question: When is a cat not a cat and a toad not a toad?  Episode ImagesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2025

Today on the show, big, adorable, playful babies who get into mischief! Baby elk, baby elephants, and the biggest baby on earth (insert your preferred joke person here). We're having mega-fun with these megafauna babies! I'm joined by proprietress of the website How To Eat LA, and host of the Smart Mouth podcast Katherine Spiers! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 February 2025

It's a listener questions episode! I answer your questions, from whether it's good to be a mutant, why dogs do little kickies after potties, to the difference between colonial organisms and multicellular organisms. What's the deal with zooids!?! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 February 2025

Today on the show, HOT FUZZ! We're taking about fluffy animals who manage hairdoos without *hair* persay, that's right, these are furries without the fur, critters that look really pettable (but you probably shouldn't). How do you get fuzzy without being mammalian? Joining me today is friend of the show, friend to all animals and host of Just the Zoo of Us, Ellen Weatherford!  Footnotes  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 January 2025

Today on the show, more listener questions! Why are crow and raven beaks covered in feathers? What the heck is up with carrion bees? Dog sneeze democracy, tales of curly hair, and a ramble about animal neurodivergence!  If you have a question you can write to me at [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2025

Today I answer your questions, about everything from the weirdest self-inflicted ear mite study, to starfish parasite piñatas! If you have a question you'd like to ask, you can email me at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2025

Happy New Year! Please enjoy this episode of my other podcast, Secretly Incredibly Fascinating, with Alex Schmidt. This time, we learn all about turkeys! Why are they called turkeys? Who does the best turkey gobble? All the questions you never thought to ask about turkeys answered.  Check out more of the SIF podcast here! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 January 2025

Happy Creaturekringletimes! Today we're getting cozy and snuggly with animal tips on how to stay warm. From bee cuddles, to round fluffy birds, we're gettin' toasty with some cuties. Plus, what a frozen sabertooth cat-cicle can tell us about these ancient kitties! I'm joined by Kelly Weinersmith to warm ourselves by the fire of evolutionary biology facts!  Footnotes:  Piping Hot Bees and Boisterous Buzz-Runners Sabertooth kitten preserved in Siberia Last week's mystery animal sound sourceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 December 2024

Happy holidays! While I'm frantically making gingerbread apes, enjoy this Kringletimes special from last year! From hibernations to teeny naps, these wintery animals know how to catch a few z's! I'm joined by guest Jeff May.  Footnotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dEiKigGPXidNf5Jaa_LQ8HvJkP0h-9Tz6KNzC-OkFds/edit?usp=sharingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2024

Today on the show: They're not dinosaurs, they're from BEFORE the dinosaurs, and they're very, very, very strange. Giant apex predator shrimp thingies, centipedes you could ride on, the tully monster, evolution's most amazing mistakes! I'm joined by paleontologist and science educator Dane Pavitt. Check him out at www.theaveragescientist.co.uk  and  www.youtube.com/danepavitt  Footnotes: Last week's mystery animal sound sourceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2024

A rerun classic about not freezing to death! Today we'll be talking about how animals prepare for winter! From hibernation, to magical wardrobe changes, to cryogenic freezing! Discover this and more as we answer the age old question: when, if ever, is the right time to breathe through your butt? With guest, Caitlin Durante!  Ads: 19:42; 32:19 Footnotes: My frozen bear heart: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110207142625.htm Calendar cells: https://phys.org/news/2015-09-seasonal-body-clock-animals.html Arctic fox faceplanting into snow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EiV-ERKRRs Arctic fox's awkward wardrobe malfunctions: https://a-z-animals.com/media/animals/images/470x370/arctic_fox10.jpg Arctic fox shedding its coat: https://external-preview.redd.it/yFIfslfvQOZezp2EoX48ZArPc1B48xAh6IfRcZpT3k0.jpg?auto=webp&s=abaec6cc70925d3441a05b55f238ab6f5f114523 Ancient snow goggles: http://www.beyondbuckskin.com/2012/04/some-history-slick-inuit-shades.html Frozen wood frog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLPeehsXAr4 Siberian salamander: https://amphibiaweb.org/cgi/amphib_query?where-genus=Salamandrella&where-species=keyserlingii Painted turtles breathe through their butts: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2019/03/animals-winter-hibernation-turtles/ Wild Yakut horses: https://eaq.org.au//wp-content/uploads/2017/05/yacut-horses.jpg MORE. FLUFFY. HORSES: https://siberiantimes.com/PICTURES/OTHERS/Tipsy-deer-and-horses/2.jpg Kulning video by Jonna Jinton: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc7F_qv3eI8&t=0m40sSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2024

It's a poopisode! I've got a serious case of poop brain, so let's learn about some fascinating evolutionary biology facts vis a vis poop! Penguin defensive poop turrets, snake poop acting, and the medicinal pooping of bees. Discover this and more as we answer the age old question: why hasn't there been a movie about vampires getting pooped on? I'm joined by comedian & actress Kimia Behpoornia!  Footnotes:  Penguin defensive poop Penguin poop diagram Snake poop paper Bee poop Last week's mystery animal sound sourceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2024

Today on the show, interspecific animal friendship! These are special friends who don't care about their species! Can lions, tigers, and bears be buds? What of the shrimp?! Who will be friends with shrimp!?? My guest is standup comedian Pallavi Gunalan!   Footnotes: Animal friendship PBS Animal friendship KBPS Pistol shrimps and gobies Mongooses and warthogs Sea robin sound Sea robin walking  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2024

Regular programming will return shortly, but in the meantime enjoy this classic episode!  I'm joined by Tiktok's favorite zoologist Mamadou to talk about animals who seem cute... right up until they absolutely wreck you.  FootnotesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2024

Moo Deng! Pesto! What do they have in common? They're big babies!! We talk about these giant babies, and also, the tiniest babies who grow to enormous sizes. I'm joined by comedy writer Lydia Bugg! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2024

Happy Creatureween! We're getting scary and spooky (but not really) with a special bat episode! Bats may not be the horrible halloween monster that they're made out to be, but they're still one of my favorite orders of animals in the world! Then, just for more fun, we'll talk about a who's who list of halloweeny critters and why they're so special! Joining me to talk about the most incredible, unusual bat species, as well as separating bat fact from bat libel, is science journalist and co-author of the new book, Atlas Obscura Wild Life, Cara Giaimo!    Footnotes:  Bats & Pesticides study Last week's mystery animal soundSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2024

We're talking about animals who belong on stage at Eurovision! Or not, I suppose, I'm being told that's against the rules! I'm very excited to be joined by the hosts of Eurovangelists, Jeremy Bent, and Dimitry Pompee!   Footnotes 1. Frigatebirds 2. Red howler monkey 3. Fruit flies  4. Ducks eating peas 5. Animals on the Eurovision stage! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2024

It's another 'ween classic! This one comes from 2023, and has a story in it that'll really make your skin crawl! I'm joined by Seanbaby & Robert Brockway to discuss factual Halloweeny tales of animal biology! Undead fish skin, vampire mice, and flying zombies! Stay tuned for new episodes this month, including our 2024 Creatureween spooktacular! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2024

OooOOooO the spookiest scare of all: a rerun! Please enjoy this return of a Halloween episode from 2022! Don't worry, we'll celebrate Halloween this year with a very scary spooky episode the day before Halloween, plus all new episodes leading up to it! But for now, enjoy these ghosts of Halloween past! Hags, slime, frogs, and the boogie woogies who can kill you with a touch! Discover this and more as we answer the age-old question: can we use ectoplasm as a substitute for egg-whites in baking? With guest, David Bell!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 October 2024

What's slimy, has a home, and four legs? I answer your animal questions, exonerate black cats, and I do NOT invite you to check out the bear buffet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 October 2024

Today we talk about animals who escape after being eaten! There's only a few exits to choose from, but these Houdinis make sure not to end up being dinner, even after all hope seems lost. But it's a race against the clock to not be burned alive in the most horrifying way possible. Also, we mention Moo Deng, everyone's favorite little pygmy hippo, yay! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2024

Enjoy one of my favorite old episodes: animals who live the trash lifestyle, pretend to be trash, live inside trash, or are generally having a crappy day (and that's how they like it)! With guest, Pallavi Gunalan! Stay tuned for the results of last week's Mystery Animal Sound next week! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 September 2024

Today on the show, Weird little guys! Animals that are a wee bit freaky, and also, a bit wee. We're going to get progressively littler, and weirder as we go on. From a cryptid that is essentially a tiny sandworm from Dune, to an even smaller animal that likes to get ahead of home security, these animals have devised some odd evolutionary strategies. Featuring Molly Conger of the new podcast Weird Little Guys! Footnotes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 September 2024

Crocodilians may have a somewhat intimidating appearance, but that doesn't mean they don't have feelings! We talk about why it's not cool to bop crocs on the nose with a shovel unless you're about to get eaten. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 September 2024

I answer your questions! Why are some cats born without tails? Can dogs play fetch in space? What's the deal with leafcutter ants, and what are cool insects wings not used for flight? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 August 2024

Today on the show we continue hot shark summer with shark biologist and author of the book, "Sharks Don't Sink," Jasmin Graham! Guest: Jasmin Graham Footnotes: Minorities in Shark Science website: https://www.misselasmo.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 August 2024

Everything you could possibly ever want to know about camels! Plus: flesh balloons (romantic flesh balloons)! Guest: Bridgett Greenberg Footnotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wzSqttUixtTsUlLPKKKmXWuHRQyUgko7TT9UUz6y33I/edit?usp=sharingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2024

Sharks on cocaine? Embryonic sharks with super powers? Stomach eversion!? We talk hot shark summer. Discover this and more as we answer the age-old question: how much musk can a musk duck chuck? Guest: Chris Crofton Footnotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oIBqVnzRnWU0dk2eUqPueCsMxlJyxc7-jEMLgvh6l14/edit?usp=sharingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 August 2024

The weirdest, wildest animals you can find in bodies of freshwater! From mysterious lumpy orbs, to the largest living pancake in the world, we're talking about all that's wet, fresh, and slimy. Discover this and more as we answer the age-old question: how many baby bjorns can you carry at once? Guest: Abe Epperson Footnotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MMRHJvxBAZB6O-LaiV9X-0mBMNVeybNZ1yAFNfE5rUM/edit?usp=sharingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2024

I answer your questions! From debunking bigfeet to wascally wabbit phywogeny, and whether aliens could be revived after billions of years (and then kill us).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2024

Beat the summer heat with these worm facts! Some worms like it cold, some like it hot, but what they all have in common is living life as a basic tube. That's right we're talking about worms who live in the most extreme places on earth, able to endure temperatures and chemicals that would easily kill a human. Guest: Soren Bowie Footnotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_0sOAU6eIBMyVGfW6KFU2IDu3TMVBnJ5kQLI1pW3FEI/edit?usp=sharingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2024

Today on the show, earth! Is it a spaceship? Is it a blue marble? A giant egg? A hologram projected by aliens? Or is it a living, breathing organism? I'm joined by science writer Ferris Jabr to talk about his new book "Becoming Earth" and whether the planet is alive! Guest: Ferris Jabr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2024

Katie is hiding under her bed from the fireworks, so here's one of her favorite summer episodes: Top ways animals stay cool in the heat, your results may vary! From gular fluttering to a stinky cool down method, bee fans and mucus cocoons, there are all sorts of ways to stay chill in the summer heat! Guests: Ella Hubber, Tom Lum, and Caroline Roper Footnotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/197ka55555R0ejpocBcPs4je_ZKXen1aDLbwqcwfw9rY/edit?usp=sharingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2024

How do zebras get stripes? How does Mike Wazowski keep his eyeball moist? And how come a group of crows is called a "murder?" I answer your questions! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2024

From clownfish to bonobos, biology and the animal world is far more complex than prudes like to think it is. Joining me today are Laine and Owen, hosts of the podcast A Field Guide to Gay Animals, a podcast exploring queerness in the natural world! Guests: Owen Ever & Laine Kaplan-Levenson Footnotes: Last week's mystery animal sound source See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2024

These animals steal the food right out of your mouths! The most daring (and grossest) thieves in the world. Discover this and more as we answer the age old question, should there be spider butt dentists? Guest: Katherine Spiers Footnotes: This week's mystery animal sound source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPiFdOStVkMSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2024

Today we're looking at the mutated creatures of the Fallout franchise and discussing whether they could actually exist in a nuclear wasteland! It's a real optimistic episode and we discuss BIG BUGS! How can we bring back big bugs?! Guest: Will Poole See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2024

These animals did NOT forget leg day! From leg battles, to deadly runway assassins, to miraculous thighs. Guest: Joey Clift Footnotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uMXBcVWbP2SsR00Gh4NUuXFZbPKlRpSFo2GOtjznN7k/edit?usp=sharingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2024

These animals have figured out how to treat their own ailments with the medicine available to them in their habitats. Plus, what can we learn from animals about human medicine? Discover this and more as we answer the age old question, does swallowing a rough leaf a day keep Doctor Zaius away? Guest: Dr. Kaveh Hoda Source for last week's mystery animal sound: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/v_rSygXA1lwSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2024

I answer your questions, like why do animals act weird during an eclipse? How do animals know what to eat? What's the deal with dino penises? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2024

The Wise owl, the lazy sloth, and the courageous lion, how much do these animals live up to their names, or should we not judge a book by its cover or a sloth by its algae? Discover this and more as we answer the age-old question: is owls stupid? Guest: Adam Todd Brown Source of last week's mystery animal sound: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TDMftMtr5toSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2024