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Every episode
The Zooquarium Podcast
30 episodes
Slime Time! More with Dr. Jann Vendetti
Aug 11, 2026 · 19 min
Mike and Chanel continue their conversation with Dr. Jann Vendetti, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County's Associate Curator of Malacology (AKA Snail & Slug expert). They discuss the difference between snails and slugs, the fascinating world of mollusk teeth, and GIGANTIC members of the snail & slug family. Dr. Jann Vendetti is the Associate Curator of Malacology (Mollusks) and The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County's Twila Bratcher Chair in Malacological Research. She is a…
How Do Snails Make Slime?
Ep 15 · Aug 4, 2026 · 18 min
Phoebe and Manaal ask: How Do Snails Make Slime? Not only is this an incredible question, but it's our first from the UK! It also gives Mike and Chanel an opportunity to chat with snail expert, Dr. Jann Vendetti! Jann is the Associate Curator of Malacology (Mollusks) and The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County's Twila Bratcher Chair in Malacological Research. She is a founding member of the Urban Nature Research Center. Jann's focus is on collections-based research and the Snails and sl…
Carol Cleveland MEOWS! More on Cats & Creativity with Gretchen Lohse & Thomas Hughes!
Jul 28, 2026 · 11 min
Mike and Chanel continue their conversation with Gretchen and Thomas of Carol Cleveland Sings! They talk about cats, their ideal animal collaborators, and writing podcast theme songs. RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify! Gretchen Lohse and Thomas Hughes, collectively known as Carol Cleveland Sings, are a music, video, and art duo from Philadelphia, PA. Known for their clever toy instrument videos across social media, Carol Cleveland Sings combines their talents…
Why Do Cats Have Whiskers?
Ep 14 · Jul 21, 2026 · 11 min
Leta asks: Why Do Cats Have Whiskers? We've all seen them and they look so cool, but WHY are they there? Mike and Chanel are all set to answer Leta's question and talk all about cat whiskers with Gretchen Lohse and Thomas Hughes of Carol Cleveland Sings! Gretchen Lohse and Thomas Hughes, collectively known as Carol Cleveland Sings, are a music, video, and art duo from Philadelphia, PA. Known for their clever toy instrument videos across social media, Carol Cleveland Sings combines their talents…
BONUS: Leapin' Lemurs with Dr. Tim Eppley
Jul 14, 2026 · 17 min
Mike and Chanel continue their conversation with ecologist Tim Eppley about aye-ayes, all other lemurs, what it's like to study animal and plant-life in Madagascar, and they learn about his journey from animal-lover to Chief Conservation Officer at Wildlife Madagascar. Dr. Timothy Eppley is a conservation biologist and primatologist who has spent nearly two decades studying wildlife in Africa, with a particular focus on the lemurs and ecosystems of Madagascar. As Chief Conservation Officer for W…
Why Are the Middle Fingers of Aye-Ayes So Long?
Ep 13 · Jul 7, 2026 · 14 min
Milo asks: Why Are the Middle Fingers of Aye-Ayes So Long? What a fascinating question about a fascinating animal! Mike and Chanel are joined by ecologist Tim Eppley, the Chief Conservation Officer for Wildlife Madagascar, to answer Milo's question and teach us more about these elusive animals! Dr. Timothy Eppley is a conservation biologist and primatologist who has spent nearly two decades studying wildlife in Africa, with a particular focus on the lemurs and ecosystems of Madagascar. As Chief…
BONUS: Books Are Magic with John Sazaklis
Jun 30, 2026 · 15 min
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 tw…
Why Do Red-Eyed Tree Frogs Have Multiple Eyelids?
Ep 12 · Jun 23, 2026 · 12 min
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 voice…
BONUS: Talkin' Tigers with Megan Hagedorn
Jun 16, 2026 · 11 min
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…
Why Do Tigers Have Stripes?
Ep 11 · Jun 9, 2026 · 15 min
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…
BONUS: Crickets, Clay, and the City of Roses with Chuck Duke
Jun 2, 2026 · 9 min
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 includ…
Where Are Crickets' Ears Located?
Ep 10 · May 26, 2026 · 15 min
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 product…
BONUS: Chanel in the Wild - Animal conversations with kids!
May 19, 2026 · 6 min
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 Po…
Why Are Orcas So Deadly?
Ep 9 · May 12, 2026 · 25 min
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 knowledg…
BONUS: Animating Animals - More With Stop Motion Animator, Adam Taylor
May 5, 2026 · 9 min
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…
Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?
Ep 8 · Apr 28, 2026 · 12 min
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 t…
BONUS: In Living Color - The Wild World of Chameleons with Jenna Lamping
Apr 21, 2026 · 6 min
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! Visit the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden's website! Listen to the Cincinnati Z…
How Can Chameleons Change Color?
Ep 7 · Apr 14, 2026 · 11 min
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 w…
BONUS: Act Like an Animal - More with actor Derrick Baskin from Disney's The Little Mermaid on Broadway
Apr 7, 2026 · 17 min
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! Visit Derrick's website Follow Derrick…
Why Are Moray Eels' Faces So Long?
Ep 6 · Mar 31, 2026 · 19 min
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…
BONUS: Deep Dive on SHARKS with Alex McInturf!
Mar 24, 2026 · 7 min
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! Visit Alex's website Learn more about Big…
Do Sharks Sleep With Their Eyes Open or Closed?
Ep 5 · Mar 17, 2026 · 15 min
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 c…
BONUS: Centipedes & Stop-Motion with Chuck Duke!
Mar 10, 2026 · 9 min
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…
Why Do Centipedes Have So Many Legs?
Ep 4 · Mar 3, 2026 · 12 min
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 ani…
BONUS: TOUCAN TALK - More from Aimee Owen's interview from The Zooquarium Podcast
Feb 24, 2026 · 11 min
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! Learn…
What Are Those Giant Beaks on Toucans About?
Ep 3 · Feb 17, 2026 · 10 min
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 mate…
BONUS: Puppets Talk: More on Sea Otters, Puppets, and MORE with Moddy Himmel
Feb 10, 2026 · 7 min
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! Visit Moddy’s Website Learn about the Portland Aquarium Shop th…
How Long Can Sea Otters Hold Their Breath?
Ep 2 · Feb 3, 2026 · 17 min
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,…
BONUS: Sloth Talk - Our exclusive interview with Sloth Conservationist, Dr. Rebecca Cliffe
Jan 26, 2026 · 22 min
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 S…
Why Do Sloths Poop on the Ground?
Ep 1 · Jan 20, 2026 · 11 min
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! Learn about the Portland Aquarium Shop the Mike Bennett Studios store Follow us on Instagram: @thezooquari…
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