All Creatures Podcast

Chris and Angie dive deep into the world of horses, marking 2026 as the Year of the Horse.

They explore the monumental impact horses have had on human history, from their domestication over 5,000 years ago to their roles in warfare, transportation, and agriculture. Chris and Angie discuss the unique physiological and behavioral traits of horses that make them exceptional athletes and companions, their evolutionary history, and how they have influenced technology and human civilization. The episode also highlights therapeutic benefits provided by horses and their solid social dynamics, emphasizing their intricate communication skills and strong human bonds. The hosts share personal anecdotes and scientific insights, celebrating the profound connection between humans and horses.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts
00:40 The Significance of Horses in Human History
01:21 Personal Stories and Connections with Horses
03:40 Horses as a Technology and Their Global Impact
05:32 Domestication and Evolution of Horses
10:04 Feral Horses and Their Ecological Impact
11:25 Why Horses Matter Today
18:14 Comparing Horses to Other Domesticated Animals
33:36 The Unique Evolution of Odd-Toed Ungulates
38:24 The Evolutionary History of Horses
39:00 Understanding Equine Physiology
39:25 The Athleticism of Horses
41:28 The Role of Horses in Human History
43:41 Equine Anatomy and Physiology
54:20 The Unique Senses of Horses
01:02:43 Equine Behavior and Social Dynamics
01:08:47 The Horse-Human Bond
01:13:36 Equine Reproduction
01:17:54 The Lifespan and Impact of Horses
01:22:22 Celebrating the Year of the Horse

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Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode dates back to 2020, but the Galápagos tortoise is one of the most iconic animals on Earth. Not only for its immense size and extraordinary lifespan, but for what it reveals about time, resilience, and the deep interconnectedness of life.

These tortoises are true ecosystem engineers. As they move across the islands, they shape landscapes, create pathways, disperse seeds, and help maintain the balance between grasslands and forests. Many native plants rely on tortoises for survival.

With lifespans exceeding 100 years, they are masters of survival, adapted to endure harsh conditions and long periods without food or water—embodying a slower, more efficient way of living.

Today, Galápagos tortoises range from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered, depending on the population. While they were once pushed to the brink by overharvesting, habitat loss, and invasive species, long-term conservation efforts have helped several populations recover—one of conservation’s most hopeful success stories.

===========================================================

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris engages in a profound discussion with Dr. Johnny Hanson, an environmental social scientist at Queen's University Belfast.

Dr. Hanson, who has extensive experience in conservation and farming, shares his journey and insights from working on Snow Leopard conservation in Nepal and reintroducing large carnivores like lynx and wolves to the British Isles. They underscore the complexity of conservation, noting the importance of communication, long-term planning, compromise, and community-led initiatives. The conversation also emphasizes the role of ecotourism and financial compensation schemes in promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Dr Jonny Hanson Website HERE

Timeline

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
03:36 Dr. Hanson's Background and Early Influences
06:38 The Intersection of Conservation and Farming
08:03 Pivotal Moments and the Path to Nepal
11:44 Challenges and Realities of Conservation
16:59 Youth Perspectives on Reintroducing Carnivores
21:24 Cultural Perceptions and the Role of Media
26:05 Romanticizing and Demonizing Wildlife
27:20 Reintroducing Wolves and Lynx in the British Isles
28:58 Challenges and Debates on Lynx Reintroduction
29:47 Political and Social Aspects of Reintroduction
33:16 Ecological and Social Suitability for Reintroduction
35:54 Personal Experiences and Historical Context
36:49 Risks and Perceptions of Wolves
39:03 Comparing Conservation Models in Nepal
43:16 Financial Schemes and Ecotourism in Conservation
48:18 Hope and Principles for Coexistence
55:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

===========================================================

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We first released this episode in 2019 and the story of the Bison, hunted to near extinction, and then brought back is one you must not miss!

Once numbering in the tens of millions, bison shaped the grasslands of North America through their movement, grazing, and sheer presence. Then, in the late 1800s, they were driven to the edge of extinction—reduced to fewer than 1,000 animals in just a few decades through industrial hunting, westward expansion, and the deliberate dismantling of Indigenous food systems.

In this episode, we explore one of conservation’s most powerful comeback stories: how bison were brought back from the brink, and why their return matters far beyond the species itself.

===========================================================

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Angie welcomes Dr. Yoshi Jovel, an ecologist and neurobiologist, to discuss his new book 'The Genius Bat: The Secret Life of The Only Flying Mammal.'

They delve into the fascinating world of bats, highlighting their intelligence, sophisticated social structures, and remarkable evolutionary traits. Dr. Jovel shares insights from his research, covering topics like echolocation, bat migration, and their robust immune systems. They also discuss the essential role bats play in ecosystems, the challenges they face due to human activities, and the importance of educating the public on bat conservation.

00:00 Introduction to the World of Bats
00:26 Meet Dr. Yoshi Jovel
01:58 Dr. Jovel's Background and Early Interests
04:46 Bats: Fascinating Facts and Misconceptions
10:51 The Importance of Bats in Ecosystems
13:56 Dr. Jovel's Multidisciplinary Approach
23:06 Echolocation: The Superpower of Bats
29:12 Understanding Doppler Shifts in Bats
30:35 AI and Bat Communication
33:29 Social Behavior and Navigation in Bats
39:22 Bats' Immune Systems and Their Secrets
44:27 Conservation Challenges and Efforts
51:36 Engaging the Public and Future Scientists

===========================================================

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices