Learning to live a life free of limits with Michael Hingson • Animals & Us E15
Michael was born blind and grew up in Chicago and California. His early years lacked access to braille, but he learned math in his head and stayed curious about science. Michael got proper braille education in fourth grade. With his mother’s support and a new resource teacher, he caught up in school, joined the Boy […]
The Healing Power of Bees: 50 Years of Beekeeping with Russell Zabel | Animals & Us | Episode 25
Episode Summary What can a tiny insect teach us about resilience, community, and the art of slowing down? When Russell Zabel first caught a swarm of bees in a chaff bag in the late 1960s, he didn’t realize it would spark a 50-year journey of discovery. In this episode of Animals & Us, Natalie Stockdale […]
How pets can become a reminder that life is worth living with Rachael McDermott • Animals & Us E09
Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of abuse, sexual assult, suicide, death, grief, and loss. Please consider whether listening may impact your wellbeing. If you need support, reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14. Rachel’s story is one of resilience shaped by both visible and hidden traumas. Outwardly, Rachel grew up in a loving […]
Ian Redmond: Gorillas, Elephants and 50 Years in African Conservation | Animals & Us
Ian Redmond describes himself as a naturalist by birth, fascinated by nature from childhood despite growing up in the English countryside far from the tropical wildlife he dreamed of. A chance letter to Dian Fossey in 1976 changed everything: he arrived at Karisoke Research Center in the Virunga Mountains as a research assistant and dog’s […]
Building awareness and advocating for wildlife with Sandy Steers • Animals & Us E14
Sandy Steers is a biologist, energy healer, writer, and entrepreneur. With a degree in biology, she has led 14 trips to the Galapagos Islands; run the environmental educational nonprofit, Friends of Big Bear Valley, for 24 years; and written hundreds of high-engagement educational social media posts describing the lives of the local bald eagles. During […]
A voice for the whales with Nan Hauser • Animals and Us E24
Nan Hauser grew up in Pennsylvania and Bermuda, surrounded by animals and inspired by her nature-loving grandmother. With a background in nursing and midwifery, Nan applies science and compassion from human healthcare to whale research, combining accurate methodology, emergency care, and a passion for helping both people and animals. A whale researcher in the Cook […]
Working with horses to turn adversity into purpose with Sue Spence • Animals and Us E08
Sue grew up in New Zealand loving horses, always asking for a white pony and feeling happiest when spending time riding and caring for her first ponies and her horse, Lady. As a child with autism and ADHD, Sue felt awkward around humans but found peace and confidence with horses, using time in nature to […]
Sharks for Kids founder Jillian Morris: eye contact with apex predators and rewriting the shark n…
Jillian grew up obsessed with the ocean and marine life, sparked by an encounter with a nurse shark at age 8 in Florida. As she became a marine scientist, she noticed a stark disconnect: people hated and feared sharks intensely despite knowing nothing about them. Rather than accept this narrative, she committed to becoming a […]
Finding hope through adopting a pet with Michael de Haan • Animals & Us E13
In this episode of Animals and Us, we’re joined by Michael de Haan – a Certified Money Behaviour Coach, author, and former financial planner – who shares a deeply personal story about finding purpose and healing through the bond with his rescue dog, Missy. Michael has spent over 25 years in the financial services sector, […]
From outback freedom to animal minds with Shane Gehlert • Animals and Us E23
Shane Gehlert grew up in Adelaide with lots of freedom. He explored sheep stations, rode motorbikes, camped, and developed a lifelong love of animals while enjoying the Australian outback and wildlife. Living on a property with alpacas, goats, and chickens, Shane’s bond grew deeper after caring for a baby goat called Rosie. This experience sparked […]