Explore every episode of the podcast Extinction Event
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lord Howe Island Tree Lobster | 17 Feb 2026 | 01:09:22 | |
Oh lord, prepare yourself. The story of howe the stick bugs on this island went extinct will send creepy crawlies down your spine. Find out what happened to Lord Howe's tree lobsters on this week's Extinction Event. Like the show? Rate Extinction Event 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts Say hi at extinctionpod@gmail.com or leave us a voice message ©2026 Extinction Event extinctionevent.buzzsprout.com | |||
| Pablo Escobar's Hippos | 02 Feb 2026 | 01:05:10 | |
Left to fend for themselves after Pablo Escobar’s death, the Hippos in his hacienda eventually break free and reign supreme in surrounding Colombian lagoons and rivers. As the population grows, authorities struggle to eradicate these non-native species from a region where they definitely don’t belong. But not to fear, Jack has a genius solution to this incredibly complicated problem! Find out what it is on this week’s Extinction Event. Like the show? Rate Extinction Event 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts Say hi at extinctionpod@gmail.com or leave us a voice message ©2026 Extinction Event extinctionevent.buzzsprout.com | |||
| Colossal Dire Wolves | 17 Apr 2025 | 00:44:02 | |
Colossal Biosciences is in the news again. This time with their 3 new dire wolf pups. Get our hot take on everything plus some solutions on how to improve their website, which you can find here: colossal.com/direwolf Say hi at extinctionpod@gmail.com or leave us a voice message at: speakpipe.com/extinctionevent ©2025 Extinction Event | |||
| Hanyusuchus Extinct Crocodilian | 03 Apr 2025 | 01:00:36 | |
A big ol' crocodilian with a slender mouth goes bye bye in South China around 300 years ago. Listen to/watch the Pupfish Song!
Say hi at extinctionpod@gmail.com or leave us a voice message at: speakpipe.com/extinctionevent ©2025 Extinction Event | |||
| Bird Flu | 17 Mar 2025 | 00:56:52 | |
Due to recent egg shortages, frittatas are taking a hard hit. But as the bird flu epidemic continues, poultry are the real casualties, with tens of millions being exterminated to stop its spread. The good news? Melissa & Jack are back with the latest updates on the evolving situation. | |||
| Thylacine | 26 Jul 2024 | 00:54:21 | |
We're back with some exciting updates! Our very first Extinction Event episode featured the thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger. And because we love this carnivorous marsupial so much, we’re giving you a recap of its demise, plus bringing you up to speed on the newest developments. Friggin’ pumped! Drop us a line at extinctionpod@gmail.com or leave us a voice message at: speakpipe.com/extinctionevent ©2024 Extinction Event | |||
| Invasive Parrots | 14 Jun 2024 | 00:56:56 | |
After the US made its own native parrots go extinct, we found ourselves wishing for those lovable chatterboxes once again. And so we got ‘em. We delve into the origin stories and survival techniques of red crowned parrots, monk parakeets and more on this week’s episode. Leave us a voice message at: speakpipe.com/extinctionevent | |||
| Invasive Burmese Pythons | 17 May 2024 | 01:02:20 | |
From escaped pets to snake rodeos, the Florida Everglades are a hotbed of bizarre occurrences. And these dwindling wetlands have become a reptile paradise for Invasive Burmese Pythons. But while these pythons thrive, native animal populations are being hunted to extinction before our very eyes. Join us as we delve into the real-time impact of these slithery invaders! | |||
| Cape Lion | 26 Apr 2024 | 00:47:47 | |
The black maned lions that roamed the southern most regions of South Africa, were reportedly so huge that they only preyed on large animals, including elephants, and they were also kind of outcasts. Find out what happened on this weeks episode!
Drop us a line at extinctionpod@gmail.com or leave us a voice message at: speakpipe.com/extinctionevent
©2024 Extinction Event ©2024 Peglegdeer | |||
| King Island Emu | 22 Mar 2024 | 00:42:09 | |
It's one of the fastest extinctions we've ever done on the show. An Emu half the size of its mainland brethren on Tasmania and Australia will completely disappear in just a handful of years. And somehow machine guns find their way into this story, too... Or drop us a line at extinctionpod@gmail.com | |||
| American Chestnut | 23 Feb 2024 | 00:58:42 | |
There’s a good chance you’ve never seen an American Chestnut Tree. That’s because they’re functionally extinct. 4 million of these giants were wiped out in a span of just 40 years! We haven’t seen numbers like that since the Passenger Pigeon episode. Or maybe the Rocky Mountain Locust episode. Or maybe another episode I’m forgetting. Tune in to find out what the heck happened. | |||
| Christmas Island Bat | 26 Jan 2024 | 00:51:28 | |
The Christmas Island Pipistrelle was a small bat that would see its life on the cozy tropical island it called home get utterly wrecked and overrun by a nightmarish group of vacationers…that never leave.
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| Turnspit Dogs | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:59:42 | |
After years of people begging us to do it…we finally present to you: Turnspit Dogs. These pups were a staple in wealthy households and a bonafide breed of their own for hundreds of years. Now, they’re entirely 100% gone. Find out what happened on this week’s Extinction Event! Like the show? Rate Extinction Event 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts Say hi at extinctionpod@gmail.com or leave us a voice message ©2026 Extinction Event extinctionevent.buzzsprout.com | |||
| Black-footed ferret | 05 Jan 2024 | 00:56:35 | |
It’s the black-footed ferret episode. Finally! This week we uncover how North America’s only native ferret species skittered right up to the very brink of extinction, until an unlikely hero walked them right back from that terrible ledge. | |||
| Martinique Muskrat | 22 Dec 2023 | 00:38:47 | |
On this week’s episode we delve into the odor abundant world of the Martinique muskrat and find out why things get too hot to handle for this stowaway turned island-dweller. | |||
| Harambe | 01 Dec 2023 | 00:54:17 | |
We’re baaaack! Season 7 behbeh. On this episode, the life, death, and aftermath of pop culture's beloved Harambe. Get ready to get deep into the crime scene for this western lowland gorilla. And since this is a show about extinction we’ll also talk about how gorillas are going extinct in the wild, but also how some are doing alright, actually. Let’s do this! | |||
| Indian Cheetah | 09 May 2023 | 00:54:30 | |
Prized for its hunting prowess and beautiful fur, the Indian cheetah served as a hunting companion and pet to Indian rulers for thousands of years. Despite being the world’s fastest land animal, speed alone won’t be enough for this big cat to outrace extinction. The usual culprits are at play in this week’s episode, but tune in for some interesting info about the famous ruler, Akbar The Great, and his impressive menagerie of cheetahs. | |||
| Baiji River Dolphin | 25 Apr 2023 | 00:42:05 | |
This nearly blind river dolphin that relied almost exclusively on sonar, entered a living hell when motorized boats, along with a host of other messed up stuff, started taking over its home, the Yangtze River system. Though not official, the 20 million year reign of the “goddess of the Yangtze” is likely over. Dive in to this weeks episode as Jack & Melissa have an honest conversation about their discomfort of river dolphins, being electrocuted, and falling in love with the baiji’s unofficial mascot, QiQi. Topic suggestions, comments: extinctionpod@gmail.com | |||
| Bad Bass | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:43:38 | |
Get ready for an epic battle of survival in the heart of Guatemala! The Atitlán Grebe, also known as the “poc” by local Maya, is facing off against some killer big mouth bass! After these vicious predators were airdropped into the lake, the brave Lake Atitlán birds must team up with an American grad student to wage war against the unwelcome fish. It’s a fierce battle for survival. Not just for the Grebe’s, but the airline that started the whole thing: PanAm. Topic suggestions: extinctionpod@gmail.com | |||
| Fungus | 16 Mar 2023 | 00:50:30 | |
Welcome to the magical world of fungus. From the spooky to the trippy, it’s all things fungi on this week’s episode. We talk about fungus outbreaks following extinction events, the cordyceps fungus on The Last Of Us and a bunch of other random stuff. | |||
| P22 | 28 Feb 2023 | 00:52:25 | |
Extinction Event moonlights as a true crime podcast in this cross-genre special episode. It’s nature-meets-murder mystery as we delve into the unsolved disappearance of the famous mountain lion known as P22 (Puma 22). Join our under qualified and overly speculative detective squad as we explore the mysterious circumstances surrounding the killing of Los Angeles’s beloved big cat, and with the help of AI, provide some alternative theories of our own. | |||
| Camel Corps | 09 Feb 2023 | 00:57:28 | |
The Camel Corps was an elite team of Arabian camels used by the American army. These hardy creatures were all set to replace horses and burros as the country’s top beasts of burden, until the entire camel corps quickly went extinct. | |||
| Xerces Butterfly | 24 Jan 2023 | 00:40:28 | |
This vibrant blue invertebrate and San Francisco resident that fell victim to the city's development. We’re talking streetcars, sand dunes and sayonara for this beautiful insect on this episode of Extinction Event. | |||
| Chernobyl Animals | 05 Jan 2026 | 00:54:09 | |
In 1986, Reactor 4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded, causing a radioactive fallout with catastrophic effects on people and wildlife. We check in 40 years later to see how the critters in Pripyat and the surrounding area are faring. Brace yourself for some ooey gooey wolves and jacked up arachnids. This one’s gonna get weird! Like the show? Rate Extinction Event 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts Say hi at extinctionpod@gmail.com or leave us a voice message ©2026 Extinction Event extinctionevent.buzzsprout.com | |||
| Killer Whales | 09 Jan 2023 | 00:51:28 | |
Killer Whales AKA orcas. They’re not going extinct in the wild, but as captive performers in theme parks and aquariums around the world, that’s another story. Learn all about famous whales like Keiko (Free Willy) and Tilikum. Plus, find out what living in captivity does to a killer whale and learn why they’re going extinct in captivity. | |||
| California Grizzly Bear | 13 Dec 2022 | 00:50:59 | |
Admired for their strength and size, our fascination with these bears was endless, until we ended them entirely. Get ready for some mild gore and extreme talent with our star apex predator this week, the California Grizzly Bear. | |||
| Ivory-Billed Woodpecker | 29 Nov 2022 | 00:44:03 | |
Many believe this stunning bird is already gone. And while it could be declared extinct in the United States in the next couple months, continued sightings would call any official ruling into question. | |||
| Exeter Exchange & Formosan Clouded Leopard | 15 Nov 2022 | 00:50:16 | |
This funky building in London housed an indoor zoo on the second floor. All kinds of exotic animals were on display here, including the now extinct Formosan Clouded Leopard. | |||
| Frogs & Toads | 11 Oct 2022 | 01:12:57 | |
**TASMANIAN TIGER UPDATE!! Stay tuned to the end for a special thylacine announcement!** The much anticipated frog & toad episode is finally here! Golden toads, poison dart frogs, gastric brooding frogs. You want ‘em and we got ‘em! Jump on in for a long, wild, amphibious ride. Leave us a message at: speakpipe.com/extinctionevent | |||
| The Beast of Champawat | 27 Sep 2022 | 00:45:17 | |
*Warning: graphic descriptions involving a man-eating tiger.* We’re switching things up this week. For the first time ever Jack tells Melissa a story! In his debut man-eaters series, Jack surprises our regular host with a cunning tale about a Bengal tigress that killed over 400 people. Leave us a message at: speakpipe.com/extinctionevent | |||
| Western Black Rhino & Man of the Hole | 02 Sep 2022 | 00:45:16 | |
**Stay tuned after the rhino story for a special Man of the Hole update!** Plus rhinos and their flashy horns! Do they hold magical powers? Will they cure a hangover? The answer is no and no, but that won’t stop humans from hunting down every last one of them until we know for sure. Leave us a message at: speakpipe.com/extinctionevent ©2022 Peglegdeer | |||
| Lobo | 24 Aug 2022 | 01:00:09 | |
One super smart wolf in New Mexico protects his pack from hunters and evades the pesky Ernest Thompson Seton. Leave us a message at: speakpipe.com/extinctionevent ©2022 Extinction Event | |||
| Javan Tiger | 05 Aug 2022 | 00:48:52 | |
Strong and extra stripey, these island dwelling tigers were surprisingly resilient in the face of rapid human expansion. | |||
| 9/11 Hero Dog | 25 Jul 2022 | 00:42:47 | |
We’re turning the tables this episode and delving into de-extinction! Find out how Trakr, the famous german shepherd who found the last 9/11 survivor, got a second chance at heroism through dog cloning. | |||
| Heath Hens: Dancing Devils of the Prairie | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:52:03 | |
This week join us for an electrifying avian extinction dance off! But wait, wasn’t the heath hen just your typical prairie chicken? But wait, nope, you’re wrong. Actually it was a downright HEATHEN when it came to lekking and booming. We’re talking mating rituals so extreme and so powerful that anyone within their grassy perimeter was rendered helpless. What the heck are we talking about? Gonna have to listen to this thrilling episode to find out! Watch a historical film of the heath hen here: Like the show? Rate Extinction Event 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts Say hi at extinctionpod@gmail.com or leave us a voice message ©2025 Extinction Event extinctionevent.buzzsprout.com | |||
| Giant Monitor Lizard | 30 Jun 2022 | 00:39:44 | |
Marveling at Australian megafauna. Featuring Megalania, the biggest terrestrial lizard of all time. WARNING: We brutally mispronounce many things and try to grapple with the metric system in this episode. | |||
| War Pigeons | 14 Jun 2022 | 00:42:31 | |
The story of Cher Ami and other wartime carrier pigeon heroes. This once widely used form of communication is now extinct. ©2022 Extinction Event, PegLegDeer | |||
| Extinct Herb | 26 May 2022 | 00:46:07 | |
Silphium was a highly prized herb in ancient times. Used in the kitchen and the bedroom, this mysterious plant was a must have for Mediterranean cultures. Then one day it disappeared without a trace. Visit speakpipe.com/extinctionevent to leave us a message about this weeks topic or anything on your mind. This weeks question: Should the pigeon replace the bald eagle as the national bird? Or tell us your weird pigeon story. | |||
| Megalodon | 23 Jul 2021 | 00:54:32 | |
The biggest shark of all time not only reigned supreme for millions of years, but had the most powerful bite force of any creature ever! So, what happened? Plus, our World Famous End of Season Round Up! | |||
| Hitler Beetle | 30 Jun 2021 | 00:42:51 | |
Except for the occasional spelunker, these quiet cave beetles enjoyed a pretty solitary existence. But when the scientific community finally got around to classifying and naming them, eons of tranquility would finally be disrupted. | |||
| Zanzibar Leopard | 03 Jun 2021 | 00:51:41 | |
Mystical powers permeate the extinction story of these compact island leopards. Despite having coexisted with humans for over 20,000 years, witchy forces led to their swift end. | |||
| The Mink Of Denmark | 12 May 2021 | 00:42:52 | |
Humans usually kill mink for their silky soft fur. Not this time! This time we’re on a mission to save all humanity. | |||
| Tibbles The Cat | 28 Apr 2021 | 00:46:08 | |
This legendary cat was rumored to have single-handedly wiped an entire species of bird (Lyall Wren) off the face of the Earth. Was this mysterious creature a demon from the deep blue, or just a regular old house cat? | |||
| Man Of The Hole | 14 Apr 2021 | 00:44:53 | |
This guy has been surviving by himself in the Amazon Rainforest for over 20 years. When he dies, he will become an endling to his tribe. His people and their language lost forever. Discover all the juicy details of what happens when humans start hunting their own species in this unsettling episode. | |||
| Hawaiian Tree Snail | 31 Mar 2021 | 00:44:42 | |
Get an intimate peek inside the private life of the world’s most famous snail. Plus, discover how an entire species of yellow-tipped tree snails fall victim to an unlikely predator. | |||
| Haast's Eagle | 18 Aug 2025 | 00:55:46 | |
Holy heck how'd we miss this one. This giant New Zealand bird was the biggest eagle to have ever lived! And its extinction is linked to the Giant Moa, which if you haven't heard is being resurrected by Colossal Biosciences with the help of Peter Jackson. Yes the Lord of the Rings one. Woah we have a lot to catch up on! Also a big apology to our regular extincty fans for taking so long to get a new episode up. WE'LL TRY HARDER NEXT TIME Check out this great video by “FRANK” that help informed this episode: https://youtu.be/yTU76_gQeQc?si=DnsvOOYPSPJQAT8X Learn more about the Giant Moa de-extinction here: Like the show? Rate Extinction Event 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts Say hi at extinctionpod@gmail.com or leave us a voice message ©2025 Extinction Event | |||
| Rat Island | 17 Mar 2021 | 00:50:24 | |
Over 200 years ago a family of shipwrecked rats found refuge on a small Aleutian island. As their colony grew, so did their thirst for the blood of local birds. With the birds on the brink of extinction, it’s up to humans to step in and exterminate the rats before it’s too late. | |||
| Colorado Grizzlies | 03 Mar 2021 | 00:46:14 | |
The bears who called the San Juan Mountains their home were hermits who hibernated a lot of the year. The ultimate laid-back neighbors. But when some whiny ranchers moved in with their noisy sheep and loud-ass shot guns, the Colorado Grizzlies would never know peace again. Plus, we rant way too much about Grizzly Man. | |||
| Dire Wolf | 17 Feb 2021 | 00:36:49 | |
These yoked woofers ate mastodon for breakfast, but they had a soft side, too. Did these misunderstood pups fall victim to early humans, or were divine forces at play? All this and more on the season 4 premiere. | |||
| Saber-Toothed Tiger | 30 Nov 2020 | 00:46:39 | |
Smilodon was a powerful precision killer with wicked teeth, capable of taking down mammoths. Find out what caused this beast-slayer to kick the bucket. Plus, our season 3 round up! | |||