Explore every episode of the podcast The Zooquarium Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introducing The Zooquarium Podcast | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:01:53 | |
Art and Science collide on The Zooquarium Podcast! Meet Mike Bennett - he's an artist and educator originally from Pennsylvania. After moving to Portland, OR, Mike began creating large-scale cartoon characters cut out of wood. Now, he's the brains behind a number of cartoon establishments, popular yard signs, and art partnerships all over the world. Meet Chanel - she's the marine biologist and wildlife expert behind the biomes at The Portland Aquarium and the Director of Outreach & Community Relations for the Elakha Alliance, an organization committed to bringing sea otters back to Oregon! The Zooquarium Podcast debuted in January 2026 and participation is always welcome! Kids of all ages are encouraged to submit their very own questions about animals and their habitats. Information on how to submit is at thezooquarium.com/podcast. It's art! It's educational! IT'S IMAGUCATIONAL! yjhDCIMgcgimci58bFdO | |||
| Why Do Sloths Poop on the Ground? | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:10:38 | |
Fitz asks: WHY DO SLOTHS POOP ON THE GROUND? Hosts Mike Bennett and Chanel Hason answer Fitz’s question, share some other cool sloth facts, and discuss Mike’s iconic sloth Slow Down signs. Visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download activity sheets and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!
The Zooquarium Podcast releases every other Tuesday. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on YouTube and Spotify. Bonus videos for episodes are released one week after the relevant episode drops exclusively on YouTube or by visiting the show page at thezooquarium.com/podcast Credits
Special thanks to
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| How Long Can Sea Otters Hold Their Breath? | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:16:58 | |
Calvin asks: How long can sea otters hold their breath? Great question, Calvin! Hosts Mike Bennett and Chanel Hason answer Calvin’s question, share some other cool sea otter facts, and invite guest Moddy Himmel to share their experience educating through puppetry! Visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download Moddy’s Sea Otter Puppets (using Mike’s artwork), quizzes, activity sheets and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!
The Zooquarium Podcast releases every other Tuesday. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on YouTube and Spotify. Bonus videos for episodes are released one week after the relevant episode drops exclusively on YouTube or by visiting the show page at thezooquarium.com/podcast Credits
Special thanks to
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| What Are Those Giant Beaks on Toucans About? | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:10:12 | |
Izzy asks: What Are Those Giant Beaks on Toucans About? Yeah, what ARE they about?! Luckily, Mike and Chanel are friends with Aimee Owen, the Cincinnati Zoo's Aviculture Senior Keeper (bird keeper), to tell us ALL ABOUT toucans and their giant beaks. And since The Zooquarium Podcast smushes science and art, Mike makes sure to ask about some fictional toucans in movies, tv shows, and breakfast cereal commercials. Visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!
The Zooquarium Podcast releases every other Tuesday. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on YouTube and Spotify. Bonus videos for episodes are released one week after the relevant episode drops exclusively on YouTube or by visiting the show page at thezooquarium.com/podcast Credits
Special thanks to Izzy & Izzy's family, Our friends at the Cincinnati Zoo, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, Toucans in general | |||
| Why Do Centipedes Have So Many Legs? | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:12:19 | |
Sloane asks: Why Do Centipedes Have So Many Legs? Seriously, there's SO MANY! Mike and Chanel get down to the bottom of Sloane's question, explain the difference between centipedes and millipedes, and invite special guest Chuck Duke to talk about his experience animating Mr. Centipede for the 1996 movie, James and the Giant Peach. Chuck began his professional career in animation in his early twenties and has since contributed to a wide range of feature films and television productions in the animation and visual effects departments. Aside from James and the Giant Peach, his credits include Fantastic Mr Fox, Isle of Dogs, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, as well as stop-motion animation and effects on Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015), Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019), and Star Wars: Mandalorian and Grogu. Visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!
The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast Credits
Special thanks to Sloane & Sloane's family, Chuck Duke, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, Centipedes in general | |||
| BONUS: Act Like an Animal - More with actor Derrick Baskin from Disney's The Little Mermaid on Broadway | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:17:03 | |
This bonus episode features more of Mike and Chanel’s conversation with Derrick Baskin all about EELS! They continue their conversation about eels, the experience of performing on stage for kids, and embodying all different types of animals. PLUS, Chanel and Mike share their own experiences acting on stage for a live audience. Visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download activity sheets and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions!
The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube so you’re informed when new episodes come out! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify! Credits
Special thanks to Agatha & Agatha's family, Derrick Baskin, Tyler Maynard (Flotsam), Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, eels in general. | |||
| Why Are Moray Eels' Faces So Long? | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:18:42 | |
Agatha asks: Why Are Moray Eels' Faces So Long? Seriously - they're SO LONG! But why? Mike and Chanel answer Agatha's question with the help of actor Derrick Baskin, who played Jetsam in Disney's The Little Mermaid on Broadway. Together, they discuss scientific facts about eels in addition to learning how Derrick embodied one of fiction's most famous eels for a live audience. Derrick Baskin is a Grammy and Tony Award-nominated actor best known for his performance as Otis Williams in the Broadway hit Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations. His Broadway credits include Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Memphis the Musical , and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. His television and film appearances include Law & Order: SVU, The Good Lord Bird, The Offer, and Marshall. As a former cast member of The Little Mermaid, he feels uniquely qualified to talk about life under the sea…including eels. Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!
The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast Credits
Special thanks to Agatha & Agatha's family, Derrick Baskin, Tyler Maynard (Flotsam), Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, eels in general Footage of the Rose City Raindrops courtesy of the Rose City Raindrops. Video filmed by Dane Sawyer. | |||
| BONUS: Deep Dive on SHARKS with Alex McInturf! | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:06:48 | |
This bonus episode features more of Mike and Chanel’s conversation with Alex McInturf all about SHARKS! They continue their conversation about shark sleeping habits and talk more about sharks in pop culture (Sharknado!), how to study sharks, Alex's favorite shark, and Oregon's new "Vibrant Ocean" license plates. Visit https://www.thezooquarium.com/podcast to download activity sheets and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions!
The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or here on YouTube so you’re informed when new episodes come out! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify! Credits
Special thanks to Griffin & Griffin's family, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, Sharks in general | |||
| Do Sharks Sleep With Their Eyes Open or Closed? | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:14:35 | |
Griffin asks: Do Sharks Sleep With Their Eyes Open or Closed? What a great question! Mike and Chanel get down to the bottom of Griffin's question with the help of shark expert, Alex McInturf from Oregon State University's Big Fish Lab. Not only do they answer Griffin's question, but they also talk about other shark facts that will blow your minds! Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Alexandra McInturf received her PhD in Animal Behavior from the University of California, Davis in 2021 and is currently a Research Associate at Oregon State University’s Big Fish Lab and Graduate Faculty in OSU’s Departments of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences and Environmental Sciences. Her research generally focuses on how marine organisms respond to biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) environmental variables and uses this information to contextualize and predict behavior, movement patterns, and survival. Alex explores this topic in threatened marine fishes. She is currently examining the foraging ecology of salmon sharks in Oregon and Alaska (including microplastic ingestion), the distributions of Chinook salmon and their overlap with salmon sharks, the movements of Pacific spiny dogfish, the social lives of sharks generally, and many more species and topics! SO COOL! Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!
The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast Credits
Special thanks to Griffin & Griffin's family, Alex McInturf, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, Sharks in general | |||
| BONUS: Centipedes & Stop-Motion with Chuck Duke! | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:09:12 | |
This bonus episode features more of Mike and Chanel’s conversation with legendary animator Chuck Duke, who helped bring Mr. Centipede to life in James and the Giant Peach(1996). They also talk about Chuck's experience animating Jack Skellington and working with Wes Anderson on Fantastic Mr. Fox. For more of their conversation, be sure to check out Episode 4 of The Zooquarium , "Why Do Centipedes Have So Many Legs?" Visit https://www.thezooquarium.com/podcast to download activity sheets and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions!
The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or here on YouTube so you’re informed when new episodes come out! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify! Credits
Special thanks to Sloane & Sloane's family, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, Centipedes in general | |||
| BONUS: Puppets Talk: More on Sea Otters, Puppets, and MORE with Moddy Himmel | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:06:34 | |
This BONUS video features more of Mike and Chanel’s conversation with Moddy Himmel, an educator and puppeteer using their craft to engage with students through the arts. For more of their conversation, be sure to check out Episode 2 of The Zooquarium Podcast, “How Long Can Sea Otters Hold Their Breath?” Visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download activity sheets and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions!
The Zooquarium Podcast releases every other Tuesday. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Bonus episodes are released one week after the relevant episode drops on your preferred podcast platform. RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify! Credits
Special thanks to Calvin & Calvin’s family, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, Otters in general | |||
| Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg? | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:11:49 | |
Maggie asks: Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg? Ah yes, the age old question! Hosts Mike Bennett and Chanel Hason can certainly handle that one, along with a special guest - Adam Taylor, a stop motion animator who worked on Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget! Adam Taylor is a stop-motion animator from the Pacific Northwest who has animated lots of animals in quite a few movies, including Wendell and Wild (Octopus), Guillermo del Torro's Pinocchio (monkey, and cricket), Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget(Chickens!, and rats), Wildwood (rabbits, coyotes, and an owl), and Shaun the Sheep: The Beats of Mossy Bottom (sheep, a dog, and a raven!) Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!
The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast Credits
Special thanks to Maggie & Maggie's family, Adam Taylor, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, chickens in general | |||
| BONUS: In Living Color - The Wild World of Chameleons with Jenna Lamping | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:06:28 | |
This bonus episode features more of Mike and Chanel’s conversation with Jenna Lamping all about CHAMELEONS! They continue their conversation about these fascinating reptiles, including their unique eyes and hands. PLUS, they talk about other animals that can change color. Visit https://www.thezooquarium.com/podcast to download activity sheets and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions!
The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or here on YouTube so you’re informed when new episodes come out! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify! Credits
Special thanks to Bianca & Bianca's family, Jenna Lamping, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, chameleons in general | |||
| BONUS: Sloth Talk - Our exclusive interview with Sloth Conservationist, Dr. Rebecca Cliffe | 26 Jan 2026 | 00:21:52 | |
This BONUS video features Dr. Rebecca Cliffe, a conservationist specializing in sloths in Costa Rica. The Zooquarium Podcast's Mike and Chanel chat with Dr. Cliffe about her work with sloths and get her take on Fitz's sloth poop question from Episode 1 of the podcast. Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!
The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast Credits
Special thanks to Fitz & Fitz's family, Dr. Rebecca Cliffe, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, The Sloth Conservation Foundation, Teddy Albertson, sloths in general | |||
| How Can Chameleons Change Color? | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:10:36 | |
Bianca asks: How Can Chameleons Change Color? What an amazing question! It's pretty well known that they can change color, but how they do it is definitely a mystery. Luckily hosts Mike and Chanel know a lizard expert, Lenna Lamping from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, who can help explain this unique characteristic. Jenna has been a Reptile Keeper at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden since 2018. Jenna's passion/goal in life is to encourage people to understand and appreciate all wildlife, especially those that are greatly misunderstood - just like her favorite, the American Alligator. Reptiles have such a special and important part to play in our ecosystem. Jenna loves getting outside, observing these animals in their natural environments, and teaching others why they are to be revered instead of feared. Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!
The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast Credits
Special thanks to Bianca & Bianca's family, Jenna Lamping, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, chameleons in general | |||
| BONUS: TOUCAN TALK - More from Aimee Owen's interview from The Zooquarium Podcast | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:10:30 | |
This BONUS video features more of Mike and Chanel’s conversation with Aimee Owen, the Cincinnati Zoo's Aviculture Senior Keeper (bird keeper). For more of their conversation, be sure to check out Episode 3 of The Zooquarium Podcast, “What Are Those Giant Beaks on Toucans About?” Visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!
New Zooquarium Podcast episodes are released every other Tuesday with bonus episodes dropping the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on YouTube and Spotify. Credits
Special thanks to Izzy & Izzy's family, Our friends at the Cincinnati Zoo, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, Toucans in general | |||
| BONUS: Animating Animals - More With Stop Motion Animator, Adam Taylor | 05 May 2026 | 00:08:54 | |
This bonus episode features more of Mike and Chanel’s conversation with Adam Taylor all about his experience as an animator! They continue their conversation about chickens, but also discuss octopuses, monkeys, and bunnies. Adam Taylor is a stop-motion animator from the Pacific Northwest who has animated lots of animals in quite a few movies, including Wendell and Wild (Octopus), Guillermo del Torro's Pinocchio (monkey, and cricket), Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget(Chickens!, and rats), Wildwood (rabbits, coyotes, and an owl), and Shaun the Sheep: The Beats of Mossy Bottom (sheep, a dog, and a raven!) Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!
The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast Credits
Special thanks to Maggie & Maggie's family, Adam Taylor, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, chickens in general | |||
| Why Are Orcas So Deadly? | 12 May 2026 | 00:24:31 | |
Eva asks: Why Are Orcas So Deadly? Great question, Eva. Are killer whales truly KILLER WHALES? Luckily, Mike and Chanel are joined by Orca conservationist, Kendra Nelson. Kendra Nelson is a marine conservationist focued on species recovery and coastal restoration in British Columbia. She is the Board Secreary for Orca Conservancy. With a background in biology, she’s worked with sharks, coral, salmon, and killer whales. Passionate about advocacy and ecosystems, Kendra combines scientific knowledge and outreach to protect ocean life and support healthy coastal communitiues. Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!
The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast Credits
Special thanks to Eva & Eva's family, Kendra Nelson, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, orcas in general | |||
| BONUS: Chanel in the Wild - Animal conversations with kids! | 19 May 2026 | 00:06:18 | |
Chanel interviews kids at Mike Bennett Studios in Portland, OR about their favorite animals & animal facts! A big thanks goes out to all of the kids who participated, as well as their families. And shout out to Goat It Solutions for letting their furry friends join in on Chanel's interviews 🐐 Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!
The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast Credits
Special thanks to All of our participants, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, Goat it Solutions, orcas in general, all of the animals mentioned in this bonus episode | |||
| Where Are Crickets' Ears Located? | 26 May 2026 | 00:15:16 | |
Willa asks: Where Are Crickets' Ears Located? Are the on their heads? Their wings? Someplace else?? Chanel answers Willa's question and tells Mike more cricket information than he ever though he'd need to know. Then, they welcome back guest Chuck Duke to talk about his experience animating Sebastian J. Cricket for Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio. Chuck began his professional career in animation in his early twenties and has since contributed to a wide range of feature films and television productions in the animation and visual effects departments. Aside from James and the Giant Peach, his credits include Fantastic Mr. Fox, Isle of Dogs, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, as well as stop-motion animation and effects on Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015), Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019), and Star Wars: Mandalorian and Grogu (2026). Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify!
The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast Credits
Special thanks to Willa & Willa's family, Chuck Duke, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, crickets in general | |||
| Why Do Tigers Have Stripes? | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:14:48 | |
Henley asks: Why Do Tigers Have Stripes? Tigers do have such a distinct look, so let's find out why! Mike and Chanel welcome tiger expert Megan Hagedorn to the Podcast to answer Henley's question and tell us all even more about our stripey feline friends. Megan Hagedorn is a zookeeper at the Oregon Zoo. Although she has a background in Marine Biology, Megan has gotten a chance to work with almost all areas of the zoo! She is originally from southern Illinois, and moved to Oregon in 2013 to work with the animals. Tigers became a fast favorite and I've she's gotten to know several! They all have unique personalities and it's especially rewarding for Megan to build relationships with them. Working at the Oregon Zoo gave her the opportunity to learn that tigers really ARE all that they're cracked up to be! What a fun and dynamic animal! Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify!
The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast Credits
Special thanks to Henley & Henley's family, Megan Hagedorn, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, tigers in general | |||
| BONUS: Crickets, Clay, and the City of Roses with Chuck Duke | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:08:43 | |
Mike and Chanel chat with legendary animator Chuck Duke about his background with Will Vinton Studios, observing actual dogs for Wes Anderson's Isle of Dogs, animating special characters for Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), and more! Chuck began his professional career in animation in his early twenties and has since contributed to a wide range of feature films and television productions in the animation and visual effects departments. Aside from James and the Giant Peach, his credits include Fantastic Mr. Fox, Isle of Dogs, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, as well as stop-motion animation and effects on Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015), Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019), and Star Wars: Mandalorian and Grogu (2026). Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify!
The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast Credits
Special thanks to Willa & Willa's family, Chuck Duke, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, crickets in general | |||
| BONUS: Talkin' Tigers with Megan Hagedorn | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:10:58 | |
Mike and Chanel continue their conversation with Zoologist Megan Hagedorn about tigers, what inspired her to study animals, and how she blends the classics with animals as an artist! Megan Hagedorn is a zookeeper at the Oregon Zoo. Although she has a background in Marine Biology, Megan has gotten a chance to work with almost all areas of the zoo! She is originally from southern Illinois, and moved to Oregon in 2013 to work with the animals. Tigers became a fast favorite and I've she's gotten to know several! They all have unique personalities and it's especially rewarding for Megan to build relationships with them. Working at the Oregon Zoo gave her the opportunity to learn that tigers really ARE all that they're cracked up to be! What a fun and dynamic animal! Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify!
The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast Credits
Special thanks to Henley & Henley's family, Megan Hagedorn, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, tigers in general | |||
| BONUS: Books Are Magic with John Sazaklis | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:14:41 | |
Mike and Chanel continue their conversation with author John Sazaklis about red-eyed tree frogs, Mad Magazine, the joy of animal education, and how John became a best selling children's book author! John Sazaklis is the New York Times bestselling author of over 100 titles. He has illustrated Spider-Man books for Marvel, made pop-culture props for MAD magazine, written for the BEN 10 animated series, and even voiced The Grinch for a Dr. Seuss audiobook. John loves to learn. Art and Science are two of his favorite subjects. He loves animals and nature and creatively combines them in his work. John lives in New York City with his wonderful wife, dazzling daughter, and a bunch of books! Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify!
The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast Credits
Special thanks to Maybelline & Maybelline's family, John Sazaklis, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, and red-eyed tree frogs all over the world! | |||
| Why Do Red-Eyed Tree Frogs Have Multiple Eyelids? | 23 Jun 2026 | 00:12:19 | |
Maybellene asks: Why Do Red-Eyed Tree Frogs Have Multiple Eyelids?That's such a great question. It's a good thing that Chanel has the answer, plus a few extra red-eyed tree frog facts for Maybellene, Mike, and special guest John Sazaklis, author of My Life as a Red-Eyed Tree Frog! John Sazaklis is the New York Times bestselling author of over 100 titles. He has illustrated Spider-Man books for Marvel, made pop-culture props for MAD magazine, written for the BEN 10 animated series, and even voiced The Grinch for a Dr. Seuss audiobook. John loves to learn. Art and Science are two of his favorite subjects. He loves animals and nature and creatively combines them in his work. John lives in New York City with his wonderful wife, dazzling daughter, and a bunch of books! Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions! RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify!
The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast Credits
Special thanks to Maybellene & Maybellene's family, John Sazaklis, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, and red-eyed tree frogs all over the world! | |||