Explore every episode of the podcast Squawk Global
Dive into the complete episode list for Squawk Global. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
The Truth About Special Needs Parrots: Why Personality Trumps Performance
24 Apr 2026
00:34:16
In this moving episode of Squawk Global, Kyle Kaplanis and Emily Vincent sit down with Jennifer, the caretaker of Sammy and Thumper, two African Gray parrots who prove that "special needs" doesn't mean broken. Despite losing their toes as hatchlings and lacking the "performer" traits many seek in parrots, these brothers have found a flourishing life that challenges the industry's obsession with perfection.
Resilience Over Perfection: Sammy and Thumper were the last birds left at their rescue because they couldn't be handled and didn't talk. Jennifer discusses the importance of seeing past physical disabilities to respect a bird's complex soul.
The Story of "Ballerina Feet": The brothers lost their toes in the nest due to overzealous preening by their parents, likely caused by stress or inexperience. Jennifer describes their unique "ballerina feet" and how they have adapted remarkably well to their environment.
Adaptive Care & Innovations:
The Fireman Slide: Because they cannot grip traditionally, the birds use their beaks to clamp onto objects or slide down their cages—a move Jennifer calls the "fireman slide".
Cage Setups: Their habitat features horizontal bars, flat perches, and heavy padding with paper towels to prevent injury during frequent, unpredictable falls.
Health Maintenance: Without claws to clean their own nares (nostrils), Jennifer must take them for professional nasal flushes to clear out dust and debris.
The "Talking Parrot" Myth: The hosts and Jennifer tackle the "dark side" of the parrot industry—the disappointment owners feel when a bird doesn't talk. Jennifer emphasizes loving birds for their unique personalities rather than their ability to perform.
The Power of Community: Jennifer shares how her social media page has connected her with hundreds of other owners of disabled birds, providing a platform for education that even some veterinarians haven't encountered.
Sammy
The "sweet" brother; slightly more independent but loves music.
Loves cardboard shredding, whistling, and "good air" when he chooses to fly.
Thumper
The "ham" of the flock; very attached to Jennifer.
Loves wood-destroying toys and jamming out to "Thunder" by Imagine Dragons.
"Intelligent isn't always loud and special needs doesn't mean broken." — Kyle Kaplanis
"They're beings that rely on you and they're part of your family. They're not something that you're just gonna give up... they're not there to be your temporary entertainment." — Jennifer
Follow the Boys: Find Jennifer, Sammy, and Thumper on Instagram @twograyguys.
Listen to Gizmo’s Song: "Who Let the Birds Out" by Jetty Rachers (available on Spotify and Apple Music).
Support & Education: Learn more about avian rescue and responsible guardianship through visiting us at squawkglobal.com
The Global Cage: Unmasking the "Companion Bird" Industry with Little Beaks Sanctuary
15 Apr 2026
00:30:58
In this episode of Squawk Global, Kyle and Emily are joined by Fiona, the founder of Little Beaks Sanctuary in Perth, Australia. Fiona shares the "unfiltered truth" behind her decade-long journey evolving from a budgie lover to the operator of a registered sanctuary that provides a permanent home for birds discarded by the industry.
We dive deep into the disturbing realities of the pet trade, including the "disposal" of birds with deformities that shops and breeders deem "un-sellable". Fiona exposes the deceptive marketing of "hand-raised" birds, explaining how wing clipping is often used to simulate tameness in terrified babies.
The conversation also tackles the devastating emotional toll on both the animals and their caretakers, highlighting the high suicide rates among avian veterinarians who witness preventable suffering daily. From the unique "Weiros" of Western Australia to the global crisis of "post-COVID" surrenders, this episode challenges every listener to ask: Is bird captivity for their benefit, or just our own?.
The "Un-sellable" Truth: Fiona discusses how birds with disabilities or deformities are often killed by breeders or disposed of by shops because they lack commercial value.
The Clipping Lie: A critical look at how wing clipping hinders physical development and is used to keep "tame" birds from fleeing.
A Sanctuary, Not a Shelter: Why Little Beaks refuses to adopt birds out, choosing instead to prioritize the stability of the flock and the peace of mind of surrendering guardians.
Veterinary Crisis: A somber discussion on the mental health crisis within the avian veterinary field due to the trauma of treating mistreated captive birds.
What is a "Weiro"? Learning about the West Australian term for the cockatiel, derived from indigenous language.
The Ethics of Captivity: The team discusses why birds—even small species like budgies—should never have been made captive due to their complex social and flight needs.
Social Media: Find them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Email: info@littlebeaks.org
Did this episode change your perspective on bird ownership?
Exotic Vet Verified: The Parrot Care Standards We Ignore
11 Feb 2026
00:45:32
Parrots are Oscar-winning actors at hiding illness, which is why “they seem fine” can turn into an emergency fast. In this episode of Squawk Global, we’re joined by Dr. Noémie Hoffman, an exotic veterinarian in Dubai, to break down seed diet dangers, “silent illness,” wing clipping risks, egg binding, and what real preventative parrot care looks like.
If your bird is a seed junkie (or you’re trying to avoid becoming one), this is your wake-up call, with practical steps you can start using immediately.
What you’ll learn • Why seed-heavy diets cause long-term health problems • Why parrots hide symptoms until things get serious • How to transition a “seed junkie” to a healthier diet • Enrichment + foraging ideas that make diet changes easier • Wing clipping: the hidden health risks (and what to do instead) • Egg binding: why it happens and how to prevent it • How often to see an avian/exotic vet + what checkups should include • The social media effect: impulse buys, rehoming, and the bigger welfare picture
Our Mission: We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.
You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel
If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙
Louie the 28-Year-Old Macaw: Rescue Story & the Truth About Parrot “Pets”
04 Feb 2026
00:37:24
In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Kelsey from @noplucksgiven to hear the incredible rescue story of Louie, a 28-year-old Blue and Gold Macaw who spent 26 years confined to a tiny cage, losing the ability to fully spread his wings.
Louie’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s at stake. We get real about parrots as “pets,” why rescues are overwhelmed, and why parrot ownership needs to come with a higher standard of responsibility, for life.
In This Episode: • Louie’s heartbreaking backstory and rescue journey • The long-term effects of 26 years in a cage • How to build trust with a rescue parrot • Managing hormonal behavior and aggression • The truth about parrot ownership that pet stores won’t tell you • Why social media can help (and hurt) parrot rescue efforts • Training tips and socialization strategies • The reality of fostering multiple macaws • Why rescue birds can form incredibly deep bonds
Key Takeaways: ✅ Parrots are not domesticated pets, they’re wild animals with intense needs ✅ Many parrots are rehomed multiple times in their lifetime ✅ Rescue centers are overflowing and underfunded ✅ Responsible ownership means planning for decades, not months ✅ Volunteer at rescues before committing to adoption
Resources Mentioned: • @BirdTricks YouTube Channel (training education) • @parrotsos - Robin (online training) • Local parrot rescues (volunteer opportunities) • Rolling Stones - Inside the Black Market Fueling TikTok's Grey Parrot Craze - https://bit.ly/4qfoRir • @ExoticPetVet - Dr. Rachel Siu, Exotic Pet Vet
Our Mission: We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.
You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel
If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙
The Parrot Industry Exposed! The Unsolvable Paradox of the Exotic Pet Trade
08 Apr 2026
00:12:00
The Wild Cannot Be Manufactured.
On paper, the laws protecting exotic birds in Germany and the United States look rigorous—idealized attempts to mandate the conditions of the wild using the rigid language of federal law. But a law is only as strong as its enforcement. In this hard-hitting investigative episode, we peel back the "clinical" curtain of the Animal Welfare Act to reveal the hollow reality of the multi-billion dollar exotic pet trade.
From undercover investigations into high-volume breeding mills to the front lines of global conservation, we explore the "unsolvable paradox" of the parrot industry: the attempt to treat a complex, sentient biological organism like a factory widget.
In this episode, we cover:
The Hollow Law: How breeders exploit "telemedicine" loopholes to bypass physical veterinary exams, and why inspectors often turn a blind eye to horrific conditions to protect the financial viability of breeders.
The 80% Failure Rate: Why 8 out of 10 parrots are rehomed within the first three years due to "false expectations" set by social media and a lack of owner education.
Biological Mismatch: Why the standard human home—filled with Teflon pans and ceiling fans—functions as a hazardous cage for an animal evolved to fly miles every day.
The "Desert of Parrots": The devastating global impact of poaching, including the 1.3 million African Greys taken from the wild in the last 40 years.
The Safety Net: The systemic collapse of the rescue system and the desperate need for a "Parrot Pension Plan" to provide for birds that outlive their owners.
Featured Voices:
Pete Paxton: Director of Investigations at SEED, revealing firsthand accounts of "bird mills" with 3,000 parrots in cramped, rusted wire cages.
Dr. LoraKim Joyner: Wildlife Veterinarian (One Earth Conservation) on the 40-year "parrot crisis" and the loss of ancient traditions in countries of origin.
Dr. Rachel Siu & Dr. Noémie Hoffman: Exotic veterinarians detailing the "seed junkie" health crisis and the psychological toll of wing clipping.
Judith Tennant: Executive Director of Parrot Partners Canada, on the "Rehoming Roulette" and the impending "Baby Boomer" ownership crisis.
Take Action:We are trying to solve a biological problem with paperwork. The only real solution starts with you.
Choose the ethical path: Adopt, don't shop. Don't buy, sell, or breed.
The Dark Side of the Bird Trade: An Undercover Investigation with Pete Paxton
01 Apr 2026
00:49:55
Episode 9: Inside the Bird Mills with Pete Paxton
In this eye-opening episode, Kyle and Emily sit down with Pete Paxton, Director of Investigations for SEED and a veteran undercover investigator who has been exposing animal cruelty since 2001. Pete shares his harrowing journey from investigating puppy mills and factory farms to his most recent work with World Animal Protection in uncovering the "bird mill" industry.
We dive deep into the uncomfortable realities of commercial bird breeding—from the lack of enrichment and "cage crazy" behavior to the shocking methods of disposal for birds that cannot be sold. Pete explains why federal oversight often fails and how the "reputable breeder" narrative can be a mask for systemic neglect.
Key Topics Discussed:
The Transition to Birds: How Pete’s background in puppy mill investigations led him to partner with World Animal Protection to capture the first-ever undercover footage of commercial parrot breeding facilities.
Life Inside a Bird Mill: A description of facilities housing 3,000+ parrots in conditions identical to puppy mills, featuring "cages on stilts" and zero mental stimulation.
The Failure of Regulation: Why USDA inspectors often "let things slide" and how facilities maintain clean paper trails despite active cruelty.
The "Adopt, Don't Buy" Message: Why promoting reputable breeders often plays into the hands of smugglers and mill owners.
Climate Change and Birds: The increasing burden on rescues due to natural disasters and pet displacement.
Our Mission: We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.
You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel
If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙
Mona the Macaw: A Rescue Story About Trust, Rehoming & Life With a Scarlet Macaw
25 Mar 2026
00:41:06
In this episode of Squawk Global, we sit down with Sara Gannon, guardian of Mona the Macaw, an 18-year-old Scarlet Macaw rescue whose story is equal parts beautiful, heartbreaking, and eye-opening. Sara shares how she met Mona while volunteering at a bird sanctuary, how their bond formed over time, and why adopting a parrot should never be a rushed decision.
We get into the realities of parrot rescue, rehoming, and what life is really like with a large bird. From hormonal behavior and partner preferences to property damage, screaming, poop, training, enrichment, and long-term care planning, this conversation tells the truth about macaw ownership and responsible bird guardianship.
Sara also opens up about the emotional side of living with a rescue parrot, the patience it took for Mona to trust both her and her husband, and why parrots are not “starter pets.” The episode also explores the bigger mission behind Squawk Global: raising awareness about the parrot rehoming crisis, the ethics of keeping birds in homes, and why education matters if we want real change for parrots in captivity.
In this episode:
Mona’s rescue and adoption story
How Sara met Mona at a sanctuary
Why parrots choose their people
The truth about living with a Scarlet Macaw
Bird behavior, hormones, bites, and body language
Why there is no such thing as a “starter bird”
Rehoming, sanctuary life, and rescue realities
Travel, enrichment, routine, and household challenges
Long-term planning for parrots with long lifespans
Why Squawk Global is advocating for better futures for parrots
About the Guest
Mona is an 18 year old Scarlet Macaw that was adopted from Free Flight Birds in 2019 by her guardian Sara.
Our Mission: We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.
You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel
If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙
Yorka the Macaw: A Rescue Parrot Story
19 Mar 2026
00:43:02
Claire joins Kyle and Emily to share the story of Yorka, her 23-year-old blue-and-gold macaw, and the rescue journey that brought them together. They talk about trust, second chances, and the realities of life with a parrot — from bonding and behavior challenges to enrichment, training, and long-term care.
Claire reflects on Yorka’s past, their quick connection, and the patience it took to help him settle into family life. The episode also highlights the joys of living with Yorka, from pistachios and foraging games to sofa cuddles and public outings on his harness.
At its heart, this is a story about rescue, responsibility, and why Claire believes so strongly in adopt, don’t shop.
Key Topics
Yorka’s rescue story and rehoming journey
Why Claire chose adoption over buying from a breeder
Building trust and bonding with a rescue macaw
Managing jealousy and family dynamics with parrots
Reading parrot body language and understanding warning signs
Diet, treats, enrichment, and foraging
Household destruction and the realities of parrot ownership
Harness training and social outings
The shortage of avian vets and emergency preparedness
Why long-term planning matters for parrots with long lifespans
Memorable Moments
Claire choosing Yorka after reading his cheeky rescue bio
Yorka’s habit of swearing, saying hello, and blowing kisses
The story behind his name changing from “Majorca” to “Yorka”
Yorka attacking magazines like they personally offended him
Claire describing sofa cuddles before bedtime as her favorite moment
Yorka’s love for pub visits and attention from strangers
Our Mission: We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.
You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel
If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙
Parrot Hormones Explained with Exotic Vet Dr. Rachel Siu
12 Mar 2026
00:47:17
In this episode of the Squawk Global Podcast, we’re joined by exotic veterinarian Dr. Rachel Siu to talk about one of the biggest challenges parrot owners face: hormones.
We dive into why so many parrots are rehomed once they reach sexual maturity, the common hormonal behaviors owners mistake as “cute,” and what bird parents can do to reduce triggers at home. Dr. Siu also shares insight on egg laying, mating behaviors, sleep, diet, unsafe toys, Teflon dangers, rescue advocacy, and why parrots often arrive at the vet too late.
This episode is packed with practical education for both new and experienced bird owners.
In this episode:
Why parrots often change as they mature
Common signs of hormonal behavior in male and female birds
Egg laying, nesting, and species differences
How owners accidentally reinforce hormonal behavior
Why parrots get rehomed
The role of rescue, rehabilitation, and advocacy
Household dangers like Teflon and unsafe toy hardware
Diet mistakes owners commonly make
How much sleep parrots really need
Dr. Siu’s thoughts on wing clipping
Guest: Dr. Rachel Siu
Exotic veterinarian and exotic pet educator based in Dallas, Texas
Our Mission: We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.
You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel
If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙
The Pet Parrot Industry Is Fueling a Global Crisis
04 Mar 2026
00:43:30
Parrots are in crisis — in the wild AND in captivity. In this episode of Squawk Global, we pull back the curtain on the global parrot crisis: poaching, trafficking, commodification, and the massive (often ignored) captive parrot overflow problem.
We’re joined by Dr. LoraKim Joyner (One Earth Conservation) — a wildlife veterinarian and longtime parrot conservation leader with decades of field experience, and Josh Anderson from the International Alliance for the Protection of Parrots (IAPP). Together, we connect the dots between poverty, demand, policy, and the story people don’t see behind “pet parrot” culture.
This is a tough conversation, but it’s one we need to have, because parrots can’t advocate for themselves.
What We Cover
•Why parrots are wild animals, not products — and why the “parrots are pets” narrative causes harm •The captive parrot crisis: long lifespans, overwhelmed rescues, and nonstop breeding •How the illegal trade devastates parrots (and why so many don’t survive trafficking) •Why “none are free until all are free” really means free from harm, not “release pet birds” •Real, practical actions anyone can take — starting today 
What You Can Do (the short list)
If you care about parrots, the most powerful choices are: Never buy one. Never sell one. Never breed one. Adopt, don’t shop. Volunteer. Support sanctuaries and conservation in countries of origin.
Join the movement
📅 Parrot Crisis Awareness Day: March 10 — share your story, spread the truth, and help shift the culture.
Our Mission: We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.
You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel
If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙
The Parrot Crisis: Why Rescues Are Reaching a Breaking Point
25 Feb 2026
01:01:58
Parrot rescues are quietly approaching a breaking point, and Judy Tennant (Founder of Parrot Partners Canada) says the pressure is about to spike. In this episode, we dig into the real drivers behind the “parrot crisis,” from aging owners and economic strain to limited access to avian vets and a lack of infrastructure for parrots compared to cats and dogs. Judy lays out why the traditional adoption model isn’t enough, and what a sustainable, community-supported system could look like.
What You’ll Learn
• Why the aging baby boomer wave could trigger a surge of parrots needing rescue • How inflation and economic instability are squeezing rescues and pet owners • Why the shortage of avian veterinarians creates a major welfare bottleneck • How rehoming stress can impact parrot health and long-term behavior • What a “humane society for parrots” could look like — and why it matters • Why education + community support are the missing pieces in bird ownership
About the Guest
Judy Tennant is the founder of Parrot Partners Canada, focused on improving welfare outcomes for companion parrots through education, support, and new models that go beyond traditional rescue and adoption.
Get Involved
If you care about parrots and companion animal welfare, share this episode and help push the conversation forward. Support reputable rescues, learn before you adopt, and advocate for better access to avian veterinary care and education.
Our Mission: We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.
You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel
If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙
Building Trust with Parrots ft. Robin Horemans (Parrot SOS)
18 Feb 2026
00:50:58
Join us for an in-depth conversation with certified parrot behavior consultant Robin Horemans about building trust, understanding bird communication, and creating enriching environments for our feathered companions. Robin shares her expertise on positive reinforcement training, working with rescue parrots, and groundbreaking research on environmental enrichment.
Guest: Robin Horemans, CPBC (Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant), Founder of ParrotSOS
Key Topics Covered:
What it means to be a Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant (CPBC)
The evolution of parrot training over the past 20 years
Building trust through communication and body language
Working with rescue parrots and understanding individual needs
Problem behaviors: biting, screaming, and cage reluctance
Reinforcement beyond treats: creating a comprehensive reward system
Wild macaws in Costa Rica and what we can learn from them
New research on greenery and environmental enrichment for captive parrots
Our Mission: We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.
You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel
If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙
Consent-Based Touch for Parrots: Why Birds Bite and How to Build Trust
06 May 2026
00:09:29
Episode Summary
In this episode of Squawk Global, Kyle speaks with Rachel Slater about consent-based touch, parrot body language, and why biting is often misunderstood.
Rachel shares the story of Tikki, a cockatiel who had already been through four homes in his first year of life. When Tikki arrived, he was shut down, physically weak, wary of hands, and unable to fly properly. Through patience, trust, and consent-based handling, Rachel helped Tikki begin to feel safe again.
Together, Kyle and Rachel explore why biting is not “bad behaviour,” but communication. Rachel explains how birds use body language before escalating to a bite, including signs like pulling the crest back, opening the beak, leaning away, or making harsh warning sounds.
The episode also breaks down Rachel’s “stop and check” method — a simple way to ask a bird for permission before touch, pause during the interaction, and give the bird the choice to continue or walk away.
They also discuss attention-seeking bites, why punishment does not help, and why safe touch should stay around the head and neck to avoid triggering hormonal stress.
The central message is simple:
When a bird is allowed to say no, they become far more willing to say yes.
In this Episode
Kyle and Rachel discuss:
Why birds are often passed from home to home when their behaviour is misunderstood
Tikki’s story and how early neglect affected his confidence, diet, and ability to fly
Why biting is communication, not a moral failing
How to read parrot body language before a bite happens
The difference between fear-based biting and attention-demanding biting
How to use the “stop and check” method
Why birds need the right to say no
How to ask for consent before touching a bird
Why head and neck tickles are safer than touching the back, wings, or body
How consent-based handling builds trust and emotional safety
Key Takeaways
A bite is rarely the beginning of the conversation. It is often the final signal after quieter signs have been missed.
Consent-based touch gives birds a safe way to say yes, no, or “I’ve changed my mind.”
When a bird bites for attention, punishment can make the problem worse. Calmly removing your hand teaches the bird that biting does not work, while polite “green light” behaviours can be rewarded.
Even when a bird says yes to touch, where you touch matters. Rachel recommends keeping tickles to the head and neck area, because touching the back or wings can mimic mating behaviour and contribute to hormonal stress.
Trust is built when the bird learns that their choices matter.
About the Guest
Rachel Slater brings a background in animal care, behaviour science, and education. She earned her Animal Behaviour degree at the University of Sheffield and is now a Charter-qualified dog trainer working towards her Clinical Animal Behaviourist accreditation to work with avian companions.