Episode 213 – Sea Cucumber: Liquid Luck
“…and today we’re talking about the most romantic sea creature. A brown lump! But more on that later.” At the bottom of the ocean, a brown lump inches along the coral and sands, keeping its notable lack of eyes out for potential predators. But when trouble does come a-sniffin, the slow sea cucumber has a […]
Episode 212 – Black Widow Spider: Bad Reputation
“…And today we’re talking about a woman who doesn’t give a darn about her bad reputation.” The black widow spider is nature’s ultimate example of the femme fatale. An unyielding queen in the middle of her silken throne, waiting for the lowly male, driven to her by an instinct most basic. Though her signature red […]
Episode 211 – Reindeer: Lobos and Lichens
“…and today we’re talking about the titans of the tundra, the cervids of Santa. But more on that later.” Reindeer are famous for flying, being rude to those that are different from them, and fiercely defending Johnny’s Turbo Man action figure. But one reindeer has an unusual nose that’s even more famous. Researchers have spent […]
Episode 210 – Rock Hyrax: The Petra Pachyderm
“…and today we forgot to say an intro blurb because we had housekeeping stuff.” Life among the rocks provides cover from predators and a quick escape when necessary, but it also comes with its challenges. But the rock hyrax has accepted the task of adapting to this rugged terrain. For a nice warm spot to […]
Episode 209 – Giant River Otter: Apex in the Amazon
“…And today we’re walking about a lanky tooth missile that isn’t scared of nobody. But more on that later.” The Amazon is home to many of the western hemisphere’s most successful predators. But the most surprising apex predator isn’t the piranha, the anaconda, or even the legendary jaguar – it’s the giant otter! Alone, they […]
Episode 208 – Atlas Moth: To Kill a Mothingbird
“…and today we’re talking about an insect that wants you to think it floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee.” What would you do if you only had energy from the food you ate when you were a kid? You may move as little as possible, and only when you had to. That’s […]
Episode 207 – Wood Frog: Deep Freeze
“…and today we’re talking about a chill amphibian with a cool pair of sunglasses. But more on that later.” Being cold blooded is usually fine, as long as you live in a warm-ish area. But what about the chilly-bloods living in the less-than-warm regions of the world? Some dig into the ground, some just die, […]
Episode 206 – Boxer Crab: The Pom Pom Punch
“…and today we’re talking about yet another crustacean that packs a punch. More on that later.” For a small crab with very little claws, there’s a ton of pressure on the ocean floor. Bigger fish can swallow you up like you were supposed to be in Nineveh. But when the challenge of survival is laid […]
Episode 205 – False Deaths Head Cockroach: Survivability Over Cuteness
“…and today we’re talking about everyone’s favorite animal! But more on that later…” You know ‘em, you hate ‘em, you have ‘em – they’re cockroaches. Yes, it’s time for the interesting animal podcast to talk about everyone’s favorite scittering critter. Odds are good that you’ve encountered one of these pleasant house guests within the last […]
Episode 204 – Ribbon Eel: The Future is Female
“…and today we’re talking about the Christmas decoration of the sea. More on that later.” The ocean can be a dangerous place. There’s always a bigger fish waiting for an unsuspecting creature to become its next meal. One brightly colored eel avoids these threatening open maws by rarely leaving their homes in the crevasse of […]
