Creature Feature

Happy Creaturekringletimes everyone! Today on the show I'm joined by Just the Zoo of Us host Ellen Weatherford, and we talk about animals who manage to keep their babies cold despite freezing temperature! Bears, walruses, snowy owls, and penguins, all who make great sacrifices to ensure their babies survive cold weather and don't become pup-sicles. And a personal announcement from me!  Festive intro/outro music by Aaron Kenny. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2025

In this listener questions episode, I talk about how fish smell smells, whether hyenas grow winter coats, and animals who don't mind spending a lot of time to get the job done, even thousands of years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2025

This is a buggy listener questions episode as I answer your queries about insect vision, ants outsmarting our poisons, and the impacts of insect farming! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2025

I'm having some minor medical shenanigans, I should return shortly! In the meantime, to stick with the theme of medicine, here's one of my favorite episodes on how animals deal with illness. I'm joined by naturalist, educator and author Heather Montgomery as we talk about her book "Sick" and the fascinating world of animal immune systems (and poop). Guest: Heather MontgomerySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2025

I'm getting excited for the new season of Fallout, so here's one of my favorite episodes where we look 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: 12 November 2025

Halloween early release special! Today on the show: KILLER BATS! Bats with very spooky dietary habits. From vicious carnivores that have a soft side, to the strangest sight you'll sea on the seashore. I'm joined by Kimia Behpoornia to discuss these adorable, murderous bats.  Footnotes/images  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2025

Today on the show, ALIENS! I'm joined by particle physicist Daniel Whiteson to discuss whether it would be possible to talk to aliens, the difficulties of alien communication, using real examples of animal communication and sensory differences right here on planet earth. Why do hermit crabs have a death cult? Do dogs think in smells? Are pigeons actually physics geniuses? All this and more as we use real earth biology to discuss how an alien encounter might go down. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2025

On today's show I subject my guest to a gauntlet of strange oddities, and he (and you) must guess whether these are animals, minerals, vegetables, or something else entirely... Guest: DJ Danl Footnotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rRUT2Ywx6B9XF-1SyNJ8lxVyLX94eY2n06FjiE4x-O8/edit?usp=sharing Mystery animal sound credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMwAgft_kZ8See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2025

All the weirdest ways in which humans rescue animals! From throwing babies off cliffs, to saving hitchhikers, sometimes you gotta act a little freaky for the sake of the animals. Discover this and more as we answer the age old question: why is there a man in a dirty panda suit? I'm joined by Robert Brockway and Seanbaby of 1-900 Hotdog!  FootnotesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2025

Today on the show, we talk about what a cool lady and incredible scientist Jane Goodall was. A innovative primatologist with a great sense of humor, who started out only with a fierce love for animals, and ended up shaping what we know about chimps! Also, chimps can be jerks! I'm joined by Chris Crofton to spread a little love about Jane. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2025

I answer your questions: animals who switch sexes, the world's smallest sharks, and marmots, as in, what's their deal?!  If you have a question you'd like me to answer, you can write to me at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2025

I'm joined by Lauren Augustine, the curator of reptiles and amphibians at the Philadelphia Zoo, for an exciting Galapagos tortoise announcement, cool facts, and the wild (and sometimes glittery-poop filled) details behind-the-scenes at zoos. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2025

I'm joined by science journalist and author Cara Giaimo, to meet some of the real-life sea monsters from her book, Leaving the Ocean Was a Mistake. From tent-mouthed fish who kiss each other competitively, to ping-pong ball sponges that fooled the navy, these animals from every layer in the ocean have both cool life advice and freaky adaptations. Discover all this and more as we answer the age-old question: how do you enforce your boundaries when you're spineless? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2025

I answer your amazing questions! From ephemeral pools, to ants who clone other species. And what's up with invasive species, is culling really the answer?  If you have a question you want answered, you can write to me at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 September 2025

I'm back from my break with hot, fresh, new, full episodes! This one is about the weirdest appendages in the deep sea! From a spider that is (literally) all legs, to a cryptid squid, we look at abyssal legs, arms, and whatnots! Also, 3D-printing worms! I'm joined by Bridgett Greenberg as we dive into the deep ocean and take a look at some ghoulish gams. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 September 2025

One of my favorite past episodes, Ellen Weatherford and I talk about wild human inventions inspired by animal designs! Footnotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZEGyyeNn8trH-FmcchVthmmppq8-XiQlKILt-9fIISk/edit?usp=sharingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2025

One of my favorite episodes! You can be a citizen scientist in your own backyard! Broods! Birds! And mushroom butts! I'm joined by podcaster and voice actress Janet Varney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2025

A feed drop from the Secretly Incredibly Fascinating podcast, with me and Alex Schmidt! On this very Creaturey-featurey episode, we talk about the history of zoos, and tons of cool zoo facts! Baby pygmy hippos definitely mentioned! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2025

I answer your questions, from pigeons telling time, to whether cats can taste sugar or not! And in the middle I try to discuss yard maintenance, how to have a wild yard without gosh dern rats!  If you have an evolutionary biology or animal related question you'd like answered, you can email me at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2025

One of my favorites from past summer! 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: 30 July 2025

You're kiddin me with these echidnas! My buddy Alex and I discuss echidnas over on Secretly Incredibly Fascinating, and they're too weird not to share over here on Creature Feature! The history, the species, the... interesting anatomy.  Check out Secretly Incredibly Fascinating if you haven't already! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2025

I answer your animal biology and behavioral questions. Do mosquitos sleep? The mystery of a crocodile with an s-shaped spine. And how do cuckoos know they're cuckoos?  If you have an evolutionary biology or animal behavior question, you can email me at [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2025

I'm taking a brief summer break, I'll be back soon! In the meantime, I'm hand-selecting some of my favorite episodes to feature.  They're in the air! There's billions of them! And they're tiny! We're talking about aeroplankton, what they're doing up there, and what happens when they get in your nose. I'm joined by Soren Bowie! Last week's mystery animal sound source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8Phip5U-WoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2025

Today on the show, I answer your animal behavior questions! Why do birds sound like robots? What's up with two-headed animals? And do cats like to be meowed at? If you have an animal question you'd like answered, you can email me at [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2025

New episodes starting next week! But here's one of my favorite classics dug up from the dirt!  We’re taking on scary urban legends about animals, and showing you that there’s nothing to fear! Well… okay, maybe there is, but it's not what you think! Join us with special guest Maggie Mae Fish. Footnotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zPY_hNdmrgUy8GgrctKEBmwielWQNYfv080KVAxzjDo/edit?usp=sharing   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025

Katie's taking a brief break (she'll be back soon!!), so here's a favorite episode!  Don't worry, these critters haven't been mutilated, but rather through evolution, they've ditch certain appendages. Legs? Don't need 'em. Wings? Forget about it. Tails? Lose 'em. Sometimes efficiency requires sacrifice, and body parts have go to go!  Guest: Joelle Monique Footnotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1v9AWcvOv1K2ailxCWHMD-LMOWn2DtGcAPD5udVNdNiE/edit?usp=sharing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

LIPS! The lovely luscious lips of living and extinct animals. Who has the best pout? Plus, a talking beluga! Discover this and more as we answer the age-old question: if you have a real long tongue, where do you keep it?  Guest: Anna Hossnieh  Footnotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hKwcP67esS0xOVIWmWJI9SXHbOByADpRbRMghZMCZHY/edit?usp=sharingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025

Primates have been found to be three times faster than humans at healing, so what's up with that? Plus, there's a mouse out there who can regrow ears and survive 60% of its skin being ripped off—turns out, it's a feature, not a bug! I'm joined by (medical) Dr. Kaveh Hoda to discuss why we're the best (at being the worst) at wound healing! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2025

Please enjoy one of my favorite episodes, especially with the new season of that fungus zombie show! In this interview with infectious diseases expert Professor David Boulware, we discuss the real impact ophiocordyceps  has on ants, and whether we humans should be concerned.  Guest: Professor David Boulware See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2025

Nightmare noodles! Terror tubes! We talk about some of the strangest, creepiest, most ghoulish caterpillars and worms in the world! From the dreaded bone collector with a morbid fashion sense, to worms with a mouth full of copper. Discover this and more as we answer the age-old question: who is a squid's midwife? Joining me is friend of the show and comedy writer for American Dad, Soren Bowie! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

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