The Micro Universe: Insights from A Real Bug's Life

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/CREATURES and get on your way to being your best self. First released in 2020, we are going back to this oldie, the Red Kangaroo! Was such a fun episode and we learned so much! **We also learned that Aussies do eat Kangaroo, so please excuse our American ignorance!!** But so much to love with this species. Red Kangaroo History The term ‘kangaroo’ comes from the Aboriginal word “gangarru”, from the Guugu Yimithirr language, which is spoken in far north Queensland. Kangaroos are marsupials, whose evolution dates back nearly 125 million years. Marsupials first arrived in Australia around 70 million years ago. Australian marsupials evolved in many ways to meet the challenges of drier habitats over the last 15 million years. Teeth, for example, reflect adaptive changes from browsing (on woody vegetation in moist climates) to grazing (on grasses in arid climates). Kangaroo ancestors were quadrupedal (walking on four legs most of the time) in forested habitats and became progressively more bipedal as habitats dried out and opened up. An example of an early kangaroo can be found in the rainforests of Queensland. There lives the tiny clambering musky rat-kangaroo, weighing not much more than half a kilogram. This species is a living fossil, having been around for tens of millions of years. There are over 60 species of Kangaroos that belong to the Family of Macropodidae (Macropods- large foot). These can be broken down into: Wallabies- smaller of the typical “kangaroo” Wallaroos- size in between wallabies and kangaroos Tree Kangaroos- smaller tree-dwelling kangaroos Kangaroos- largest of all the species and considered the “true” kangaroo Red Kangaroos range over most of Australia in the semi-arid plains, grasslands, woodlands and open forests. You can learn more by visiting our website HERE ------------------------------------------------------------- Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5 Elo 20241h 8min

This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/CREATURES and get on your way to being your best self. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode Angie speaks with Dr. Zoleka Filander, a pioneering marine biologist and National Geographic Explorer. Dr. Philander shares her unique journey into ocean sciences, detailing her significant work such as documenting the Cape Canyon, co-producing the 'OceanXplorer' series with James Cameron, and authoring a children's book titled 'Where the Weird Things Are.' She discusses her path to becoming an influential figure in marine biology, overcoming challenges as a black woman in a predominantly white and male field, and her collaborations with iconic figures like James Cameron. The conversation also delves into her recent completion of a PhD in zoology, her thoughts on ocean health, and her commitment to inspiring the next generation of ocean explorers. Podcast Timeline 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Zulekha Philander 01:22 Zulekha's Journey into Marine Biology 04:24 Fascinating Ocean Creatures 07:11 Challenges as a Black Woman in Marine Science 11:59 Exploring the Cape Canyon 14:37 Becoming a Nat Geo Explorer 18:48 The Ocean Explorer Series 35:40 Advice for Aspiring Ocean Explorers 40:14 Conclusion and Farewell ------------------------------------------------------------- Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

31 Heinä 202443min

This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/CREATURES and get on your way to being your best self. From one of our earliest interviews, here is the repeat of Dr. Kim Goetz and her work in tracking Blue Whales off New Zealand, as well as her other work. It is scientists like Dr. Geoetz who is helping us understand these oceanic creatures better! Dr Kim Goetz is a marine ecologist at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric research where she specializes on the movement and foraging behavior of marine mammals and seabirds. Dr Goetz is passionate about making the results from her scientific research accessible to both the public and policy makers so that conservation and management plans are data driven. She grew up in Colorado earning her bachelors degree with an interest in conservation. Her Master’s research from Duke University took her to the Arctic where she studied Beluga whales, among other species. Once she completed her PhD from the University of California at Santa Cruz she soon relocated to New Zealand to begin her research career. Enjoy another incredible episode with another expert working hard to help us better understand our oceans and how to conserve them. ------------------------------------------------------------- Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

29 Heinä 20241h 3min

This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/CREATURES and get on your way to being your best self. Chris and Angie explore the amazing world of the starfish. From its unique physiology, such as its water vascular system and ability to regenerate limbs, to its various reproductive methods, this episode is packed with fascinating facts about this ancient and bizarre ocean invertebrate. They discuss the threats starfish face, including climate change and the devastating sea star wasting syndrome. They also highlight the importance of starfish as a keystone and indicator species in marine ecosystems. Listeners are encouraged to support conservation efforts and learn more about these intriguing creatures through their local aquariums. Podcast Timeline 00:00 Introduction to the Creatures Podcast 00:31 Diving into Starfish Physiology 02:21 Starfish Species and Characteristics 12:35 The Importance of Starfish in Marine Ecosystems 15:53 Starfish Wasting Syndrome and Environmental Impact 23:37 Evolution and Longevity of Starfish 28:09 Starfish Movement and Myths 30:16 Starfish Anatomy Basics 30:52 Invertebrate Characteristics 31:20 Starfish Endoskeleton and Ossicles 31:56 Starfish Sensory and Movement 33:41 Water Vascular System Explained 35:32 Starfish Respiration 37:27 Tube Feet Functionality 42:49 Starfish Digestive System 47:27 Starfish Predators 48:13 Regeneration and Reproduction 01:01:51 Starfish Conservation 01:04:26 Conclusion and Call to Action ------------------------------------------------------------- Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

24 Heinä 20241h 9min

This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/CREATURES and get on your way to being your best self. We are releasing this oldie but goodie! Our interview with good friend Stephanie Arnie. Since this interview first aired a few years ago we have kept in touch and become good friends. Stephanie continues to work hard in wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability. We hope to have Stephanie on soon in an update to what she has been doing. But to follow up our African Penguin Episode we wanted to release this interview as a follow up. You can visit Stephanie's Home Page HERE Show notes HERE ------------------------------------------------------------- Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

22 Heinä 20241h 35min

This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/CREATURES and get on your way to being your best self. For our Monday Flashback episode, we bring back the African Penguin. YOU can directly help by going to the African Penguin Nest Project and purchase an artificial nest to help them survive HERE For $50 USD you can buy your own nest for a pair of penguins. We have sent money in the past and will be sending more once this episode drops. The African Penguin is one of the best examples of how humans have driven many species to extinction, or as in the African Penguin to the brink. Isolated to the southern portion of the African continent. Multiple pressures such as over fishing off the African coast, humans destroying African Penguin guano nests and using it for fertilizer, climate change, ocean pollution and many other pressures all have led to a massive decrease in African Penguin populations. Today they are listed as Endangered by the IUCN with around 10,000 breeding pairs!! This is down from 42,000 in 1991. ------------------------------------------------------------- Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

15 Heinä 20241h 25min

In this episode, Angie interviews Jasmin Graham, a marine biologist specializing in the study of Smalltooth sawfish and Hammerhead sharks. Jasmin co-founded 'Minorities in Shark Sciences' (MISS), an organization supporting women of color in shark biology. The discussion covers Jasmine's background, her favorite shark species, and her efforts to debunk common myths about sharks. Jasmine shares her experiences as a Black female scientist in a white male-dominated field, the importance of diversity in scientific research, and highlights her organization's initiatives to foster inclusivity and collaboration in marine science. The episode also delves into her new book, 'Sharks Don't Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist,' and her participation in PBS Shark Week and National Geographic’s Shark Fest. You can learn more about Jasmin Graham and WWF HERE You can learn more about MISS HERE You can learn more about Jasmin's book Sharks Don't Sink HERE Podcast Timeline 00:00 Welcome to All Creatures Podcast 00:13 Introducing Jasmine Graham: Marine Biologist Extraordinaire 01:51 Jasmine's Early Life and Love for the Ocean 04:09 Favorite Shark Species and Research Stories 05:55 Debunking Shark Myths and Misunderstandings 14:25 Relating to Sharks: Overcoming Stereotypes 19:42 Challenges in Academia and the Birth of MISS 28:21 MISS: Empowering the Next Generation of Marine Scientists 33:17 Understanding the Enemy Perception 33:44 Diversity in Shark Science 35:41 Challenges and Realities of Community-Based Conservation 39:44 Innovative Approaches in Shark Research 44:02 Rogue Shark Science: Breaking the Mold 46:15 Current Projects and Future Directions 59:05 Inspiration and Advice for Aspiring Scientists 01:03:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ------------------------------------------------------------- Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10 Heinä 20241h 8min

Another throwback episode to one of the world's most venomous creatures, the Blue-Ringed Octopus. This gorgeous creature inhabits the Indian and Southern Pacific Ocean. While it has some of the world's deadliest venom to humans, it is very shy and not aggressive. You can learn more about the Blue Ringed Octopus by vising our website HERE ------------------------------------------------------------- Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8 Heinä 20241h 21min