For the Love of Nature

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A podcast that tells you everything you need to know about nature, and probably more than you wanted to know.

Laura Fawks Lapole & Katy Reiss

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    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 41m AVG DURATION
    • 155 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from For the Love of Nature

    The Volcano That Won't Quite Sleep: Vesuvius' Eruption History

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 13:53 Transcription Available


    Send us a textSubscribe and let your brain go on a weekly field trip. No permission slip required.In this Volcano Minisode, Laura and Katy dive into the dramatic, deadly, and never-quite-dormant history of Mount Vesuvius, one of the most iconic volcanoes on Earth. From burying Pompeii in ash and pyroclastic waves to raining debris across the Mediterranean during WWII, Vesuvius has earned its title as the angriest volcano in history.

    This Snail Built Its Own Metal Armor (Thanks, Volcanoes)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 8:09 Transcription Available


    Send us a textIn this Volcano Minisode, Katy introduces one of the most extreme animals on Earth: the scaly-foot gastropod, a deep-sea snail that literally builds metal armor from volcanic hydrothermal vents. Found over a mile below the ocean's surface, this snail survives crushing pressure, toxic heat, and total darkness—all thanks to a symbiotic relationship with bacteria and its one-of-a-kind iron shell.

    Obsidian: The Sharpest Rock on Earth (and in Surgery)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 7:44 Transcription Available


    Send us a textSubscribe and unleash your inner science goblin. We see you. We respect it.In this third Volcano Minisode, Katy digs into one of the coolest things a volcano has ever made: obsidian—a rock so sharp it's been shaping human history for 30,000 years and is still used in modern surgery.

    The Hidden Caves Beneath Antarctica's Volcanoes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 7:31


    Send us a textIn this second Volcano Minisode, Laura dives deep (literally) into one of Antarctica's strangest secrets: how volcanic heat has carved out entire networks of hidden ice caves—warm, alien worlds tucked under the frozen surface.

    A Volcano Buried the World's Largest Pyramid?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 13:42 Transcription Available


    Send us a textIn the first Volcano Minisode of our season break, Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole uncover one of the wildest stories you've probably never heard: how an active volcano in Mexico accidentally buried—and preserved—the world's largest pyramid. Yes, really.

    Volcanoes: Agents of Chaos or Planet Builders?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 39:52 Transcription Available


    Send us a textSubscribe and unleash your inner science goblin. We see you. We respect it.In this Season 11 finale of Wildly Curious, Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole blow the lid off volcanoes—literally and figuratively. From earth-shaking eruptions and blue lava to the creation of entirely new islands, this episode dives into the molten madness of how volcanoes destroy, preserve, and even give life.

    Cosmic Critters: The Chimp Who Survived Space—and Changed Everything

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 17:23 Transcription Available


    Send us a textIn this out-of-this-world episode of Wildly Curious, Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole tell the incredible—and deeply emotional—story of Ham the Chimp, the first hominid to survive spaceflight.

    Cosmic Critters: The Spiders Who Spun Webs in Space

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 7:27 Transcription Available


    Send us a textIn this out-of-this-world episode of Wildly Curious, Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole unravel the story of two unexpected astronauts: Anita and Arabella, the garden spiders launched aboard Skylab 3 in 1973.

    Why We Sleep, Dream, and Lose Our Minds Without It

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 52:57 Transcription Available


    Send us a textWhy do we sleep? What's going on in our brains while we dream about flying bagels and dolphin taxis? In this episode of Wildly Curious, Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole stay up late to explore the science of sleep, REM cycles, lucid dreaming, and why getting less than 5 hours can mess with your memory, mood, and metabolism.

    Cosmic Critters: The Monkey-nauts Who Paved the Way for Space Travel

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 13:46 Transcription Available


    Send us a textBefore astronauts, there were monkeynauts. In this episode of Wildly Curious, Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole dive into the bizarre and often tragic history of the first primates sent to space—Albert I, II, III, and IV.The U.S. was determined to test the limits of space travel, and what better way than by strapping a rhesus macaque to a rocket? Unfortunately for the Alberts, early spaceflight engineering wasn't exactly foolproof (seriously, how hard is it to pack a working parachute?!). From launch failures to unexpected explosions, these monkeys became unwilling pioneers in the quest to understand weightlessness, high-altitude survival, and just how many things can go wrong in a single mission.Join us as we unpack the history, science, and ethics of these doomed primate test pilots. If you love space history, weird animal experiments, and questioning past scientific decisions, this episode is for you!Support the show

    Weather Gone Wild: Lightning, Haboobs, and Animal Rain—Oh My!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 59:09 Transcription Available


    Send us a textFrom sky-high lightning bolts that span hundreds of miles to walls of sand swallowing cities whole, extreme weather is wild—and sometimes, just plain weird.

    Cosmic Critters: The Frogs That Went to Space

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 13:54 Transcription Available


    Send us a textFrogs. In. Space. Yep, you read that right! In this episode of Wildly Curious, Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole take you on a hilarious and mind-blowing journey into the weirdest space experiment you've probably never heard of—the Orbiting Frog Otolith mission.Back in the 1970s, NASA decided that launching two bullfrogs into orbit was a great idea. Why? To study how weightlessness affects the inner ear and balance. But the story doesn't stop there—these amphibian astronauts, named Pierre and Tinam, endured some wild conditions, from pressure changes to a rather unfortunate fate.Join us as we dive into the bizarre, laugh at the absurd, and uncover why frogs were chosen for space travel in the first place. If you love strange science, history's quirkiest experiments, or just want to hear about a frog named Pierre floating in space, this episode is for you!Want to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

    Could You Train a Dinosaur? Science Says… Maybe!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 75:58 Transcription Available


    Send us a textCould dinosaurs be the next great delivery workers, pest control experts, or even search-and-rescue heroes? In this episode of Wildly Curious, Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole take a deep dive into the wild world of dinosaur training—imagining what it would take to turn prehistoric creatures into modern-day workers. From speedy compies delivering packages through city streets to armored Borealopelta stopping high-speed car chases, they explore the science behind animal training, intelligence, and behavior.Packed with humor, science, and the ultimate “what if” scenarios, this episode is a must-listen for dinosaur lovers, science buffs, and anyone who's ever wondered: Could you actually train a dinosaur?Want to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

    Cosmic Critters: The Spacefaring Cat Who Defied Gravity

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 9:21 Transcription Available


    Send us a textBlast off into the strange world of space-bound critters with Wildly Curious! In this episode, Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole uncover the bizarre true story of Félicette—the first (and only) cat launched into space. From rigorous astronaut training (including high-G centrifuge spins) to a suborbital flight with no windows, Félicette's journey was as weird as it was historic.Why did France decide to send a stray tuxedo cat into the cosmos? What did scientists hope to learn? And how does Félicette's story compare to other space animals like Laika? With a mix of humor and deep dives into science history, this episode explores one of the most unexpected tales of the space race.Whether you're a space buff, science enthusiast, or just love a wild story, this episode has something for everyone!Want to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

    Dinosaurs Uncovered: Myths, Misconceptions, and Mind-Blowing Discoveries

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 66:56 Transcription Available


    Send us a textIn this episode of Wildly Curious, Katy and Laura dive deep into the prehistoric past to separate dinosaur fact from fiction. From Hollywood myths to groundbreaking discoveries, they explore how our understanding of dinosaurs has evolved over time. Were all dinosaurs cold-blooded? Did they all go extinct at the same time? What even is a dinosaur? Prepare to have your dino knowledge challenged as they break down the latest fossil evidence, debunk common misconceptions, and reveal the fascinating science behind these ancient creatures. Want to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

    Cosmic Critters: Laika—The Stray Who Became a Space Pioneer

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 10:01 Transcription Available


    Send us a textBlast off with Wildly Curious as Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole launch into the incredible story of Laika, the first living creature to orbit Earth. This fearless stray dog from the streets of Moscow became a space pioneer aboard Sputnik 2, forever changing our understanding of space travel. But her journey wasn't just about science—it was a tale of sacrifice, Cold War competition, and the early days of the space race.From the first fruit flies sent skyward to the wild world of animal astronauts, this episode kicks off our  explores the unexpected ways animals shaped human spaceflight. With a mix of humor and history, Katy and Laura unravel the legacy of Laika and the groundbreaking (and sometimes heartbreaking) missions that paved the way for human exploration beyond our planet.Whether you're a space enthusiast, science history buff, or just love a good underdog story, this episode is a must-listen!Want to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

    Freaky Freshwater Giants: Vampire Fish, Giant Salamanders, and More

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 65:39


    Send us a textDive into the mysterious world of freshwater ecosystems with Wildly Curious! In this episode, Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole uncover some of the strangest and most fascinating creatures lurking in rivers and lakes worldwide. From the razor-toothed vampire fish of the Amazon to the ancient Chinese giant salamander, and even the armored Arapaima of the Amazon River Basin, each bizarre species has evolved incredible adaptations for survival. With a mix of humor and deep dives into science, this episode reveals why freshwater ecosystems are home to some of the most freaky and fascinating creatures on Earth. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, science buff, or just curious about the weird wonders of water, this episode has something for everyone!Want to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

    The Gundestrup Cauldron: Mysteries of an Ancient Silver Treasure

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 10:22 Transcription Available


    Send us a textIn this final episode of the Bog Banter mini-series, hosts Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole uncover the story of the Gundestrup Cauldron—a massive silver artifact found buried in a Danish bog. Dating back to 150 BC, this intricately carved cauldron features mysterious depictions of gods, warriors, and mythical creatures from Celtic and Thracian cultures. Was it a sacred offering, war treasure, or something even more ominous? Katy and Laura delve into the theories behind its dismantling, burial, and its journey from southeastern Europe to Denmark. Join them as they explore the fascinating blend of archaeology, mythology, and history surrounding this incredible find.Perfect for history lovers, archaeology enthusiasts, and anyone captivated by ancient mysteries and cultural connections!Want to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

    Pickled Dinosaur Brains: A Fossilized Glimpse into Prehistoric Intelligence

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025 5:56 Transcription Available


    Send us a textIn this episode of Wildly Curious, hosts Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole dive into a truly mind-boggling discovery—literally! Learn about the astonishing find of a fossilized dinosaur brain, uncovered in a tide pool in southern England. Preserved by bog-like conditions over 133 million years, this rare fossil reveals intricate details of a plant-eating dinosaur's brain, including its cortex, capillaries, and even the folds and wrinkles. Katy and Laura explore how the unique chemistry of bogs led to this extraordinary preservation and what it tells us about dinosaur intelligence and evolution.Perfect for paleontology fans, science enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the marvels of fossilization and prehistoric life!Want to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

    The Tale of Tollund Man: Unraveling Rituals and Mysteries of Iron Age Bogs

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 10:05 Transcription Available


    Send us a textIn this eerie mini-sode of Wildly Curious, hosts Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole dive into the hauntingly well-preserved story of the Tollund Man. Found in a Danish peat bog in 1950, this Iron Age figure still has intact skin, facial features, and even his last meal in his stomach! Katy and Laura explore the mysterious rituals surrounding his death, why bogs preserve bodies so well, and what his discovery reveals about Iron Age life. Was he a human sacrifice to appease the gods, or does his peaceful expression suggest something more profound?Perfect for fans of archaeology, history buffs, and anyone fascinated by the macabre wonders of our natural world.Want to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

    Food Science for the Holidays: Staying Safe and Healthy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024 46:07 Transcription Available


    Send us a textIn this festive episode of Wildly Curious, Laura sits down with food scientist Sarah Oster to explore the science behind staying safe in the kitchen during the holidays. From understanding the microbial risks of your favorite dishes to food safety tips that can prevent holiday disasters, Sarah shares insights from her 10+ years in food science. Learn about the surprising truths of food contamination, the "danger zone," and why cross-contamination is a bigger issue than you think. Whether you're hosting a feast or simply reheating leftovers, this episode is packed with practical advice and quirky science facts to keep you informed (and healthy!) this season. Perfect for anyone curious about the science of food or looking to avoid food poisoning over the holidays!Want to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

    Bog Mysteries: Mummified Bodies and Frankenstein-Like Discoveries

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 11:18


    Send us a textIn this fascinating episode of Wildly Curious, hosts Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole unravel the eerie tale of ancient bog bodies found in South Uist, Scotland. These Bronze Age remains aren't your typical archaeological find—they're stitched-together puzzles of multiple individuals, preserved in bogs and buried beneath a 3,000-year-old house. Explore the mysteries behind these Frankenstein-like creations, how bogs preserve bodies with their unique chemistry, and the theories about why ancient people may have created such bizarre ancestral fusions.Perfect for history buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a strange, unsolved mystery, this episode will leave you wondering about the secrets bogs still hold.Want to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

    Bog Chronicles: Butter, Bodies, and Bizarre Finds Beneath the Peat

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 13:42


    Send us a textIn this  episode of Wildly Curious, Katy Reiss teams up with a special guest (her son, Lukas!) to kick off a mini-series exploring the bizarre and fascinating things found in bogs. Discover the strange world of bog butter—a 3,500-year-old lump of butter preserved so well that it's technically still edible. Learn why bogs are nature's refrigerators, the ecological importance of these wetland wonders, and the cultural significance of butter in ancient times. Packed with fascinating insights and hilarious commentary brought by Lukas, this episode is perfect for curious minds and those who love a good laugh with their science.Perfect for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the oddities of our world.Want to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

    Exploring the World's Largest Cave: Son Doong's Hidden Wonders

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 18:33


    Send us a textIn this episode of Wildly Curious, hosts Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole wrap up their cave mini-series with an awe-inspiring journey into Son Doong, the world's largest cave located in Vietnam. Discovered in 1990 and mapped just over a decade ago, this cave is a geological marvel with skylights revealing lush rainforests, rivers winding through its depths, and colossal stalagmites towering 80 meters high. Join Katy and Laura as they delve into the science, history, and sheer wonder of this breathtaking underground world. From exploring its endemic species to dreaming of visiting its unspoiled beauty, this episode takes you straight into the heart of one of Earth's most extraordinary places.Perfect for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone captivated by the unknown!Want to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

    ADHD Unmasked: Understanding Strengths, Struggles, and Science

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 82:06 Transcription Available


    Send us a textIn this insightful episode of Wildly Curious, hosts Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole dive deep into the world of ADHD. From the brain's unique wiring to the day-to-day challenges and incredible strengths of those with ADHD, this episode explores it all. Learn about the science behind impulsivity, forgetfulness, and hyperfocus, as well as how reframing ADHD can uncover the power and potential within. Whether you have ADHD, love someone who does, or simply want to learn more, join Katy and Laura for a heartfelt and humorous exploration of what it means to live with an ADHD brain.Perfect for anyone curious about neuroscience, personal growth, or strategies for thriving with ADHD!Want to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

    Unearthing Cheddar Man: Britain's Ancient Mystery and Modern Connections

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2024 9:36


    Send us a textIn this captivating episode of Wildly Curious, hosts Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole delve into the ancient history of Cheddar Man, a 9,000-year-old skeleton discovered in the Cheddar Gorge caves of England. Known for his unexpectedly dark skin, blue eyes, and curly hair, Cheddar Man has puzzled scientists and enthusiasts alike. Uncover the story of his discovery, what his remains reveal about Mesolithic life, and the astonishing connection to a modern-day descendant still living in Somerset. Join Katy and Laura as they explore the fascinating world of ancient Britain and the surprising clues that human remains can hold about our past.Perfect for fans of archaeology, British history, and mysteries that bridge the ancient and modern worlds!Want to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

    Glow in the Dark: Bioluminescence Wonders of the Deep and Beyond

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 52:44


    Send us a textIn this episode of Wildly Curious, hosts Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole dive into the mesmerizing world of bioluminescence, exploring how animals, plants, fungi, and even bacteria light up the natural world. From deep-sea fish with built-in flashlights to fungi glowing in forests, discover the surprising science and evolution behind nature's glow. Why do creatures glow? Is it a defense mechanism, a hunting tactic, or a way to find love? Uncover the fascinating reasons bioluminescence has evolved and how these light-producing marvels use their radiance to survive. Perfect for anyone enchanted by the mysteries of nature or curious about what lights up our planet in the dark!Want to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

    Inside Mexico's Giant Crystal Cave: Science and Survival Below the Surface

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 10:42 Transcription Available


    Send us a textIn this episode of Wildly Curious, hosts Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole venture into one of Earth's most extreme environments: the Cave of Crystals in Naica, Mexico. Discovered in 2000, this surreal underground world holds colossal gypsum crystals, some reaching over 30 feet in length and weighing as much as 55 tons. With temperatures soaring up to 122°F and nearly 100% humidity, the cave is as hostile as it is mesmerizing. Discover the science behind these mammoth crystals, the unique conditions that allowed them to form, and the challenges scientists face while studying them. Join Katy and Laura as they delve into the mysteries of this geological wonder.Perfect for science enthusiasts, geology buffs, and anyone captivated by the extreme and unusual wonders of our planet!Want to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

    Uncovering Subterranean Secrets: The Ancient Underground City of Derinkuyu

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 10:30 Transcription Available


    Send us a textIn this episode of Wildly Curious, Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole explore the ancient underground city of Derinkuyu, a massive subterranean metropolis in Turkey. Accidentally discovered in the 1960s, this hidden city could house up to 20,000 people and features everything from stables to chapels. Learn how this Byzantine-era marvel was used as a refuge from invaders and natural disasters, and uncover the innovative engineering that still amazes archaeologists today. Tune in as Katy and Laura dive deep into this underground wonder and discuss what life would have been like for its ancient inhabitants.Perfect for history enthusiasts and anyone curious about underground mysteries!Want to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

    Could You Jump That? Sneaking Up on Nature's Most(ly) Elusive Creatures

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 58:16 Transcription Available


    Send us a textIn this laugh-out-loud episode of Wildly Curious, Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole put their stealth skills to the test in a hilarious exploration of what animals they think they could sneak up on and jump. From cows to quokkas, and even houseflies, the duo breaks down the science, strategy, and surprises behind the animals' senses and reflexes. They dive into fun animal facts and make bold claims—could you really jump a deer, or maybe even a manatee? Whether you're a nature lover or just curious about bizarre challenges, this episode is packed with humor and wild possibilities!Wild Times: Wildlife EducationWildlife mysteries, crazy news, and daring animal stories—listen now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyWant to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

    Unveiling the Qumran Caves: The Dead Sea Scrolls and Their Secrets

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 13:11 Transcription Available


    Send us a textIn this episode of Wildly Curious (formerly For the Love of Nature), hosts Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole dive into the Qumran Caves, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls, one of the most significant finds in biblical archaeology. Discover the ancient Jewish sects, including the Essenes, who may have lived in these caves, and the remarkable manuscripts they left behind. From the Isaiah Scroll to the mysterious Copper Scroll—a treasure map etched in metal—Katy and Laura explore the religious, cultural, and historical significance of these 2,000-year-old artifacts. Whether you're fascinated by ancient history, archaeological treasures, or the mysteries of the past, this episode is packed with insights into the rich legacy of the Dead Sea Scrolls.Want to see behind the scenes and unedited footage?!

    Mastering the Skies: The Secrets of Bird Flight Revealed

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 44:25


    Send us a textIn this episode of Wildly Curious, we dive into the fascinating world of bird flight and explore the physics behind it. From the elegant gliding of the albatross to the record-breaking speed of the peregrine falcon and the astonishing agility of the hummingbird, these birds have evolved extraordinary adaptations that allow them to navigate the skies with ease. We'll break down how feathers, wings, and body shape evolved to create these flying pros. Plus, we'll tackle some fun hypotheticals—like what happens when you drop an elephant from a plane! Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a physics fan, this episode is sure to soar to the top of your playlist.Wild Times: Wildlife EducationWildlife mysteries, crazy news, and daring animal stories—listen now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showBe sure to check us out and support us on Patreon!

    Why We're Changing Our Name: From For the Love of Nature to Wildly Curious

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 15:24 Transcription Available


    Send us a textIn this special episode, hosts Katy Reiss and Laura Fawks Lapole dive into the big decision behind changing the podcast name from For the Love of Nature to Wildly Curious. After 3.5 years of exploring quirky nature facts, science, and conservation, the hosts share why this renaming was crucial for expanding their reach and improving discoverability. Listen in as they discuss their roots in nature education, their success climbing the podcast charts, and how they stumbled upon the new name. If you've been part of the Nature Nerd Nation, don't worry—same science, same stories, same goofy cohost duo. Join the conversation and stay curious as Laura and Katy take Wildly Curious to the next level!Support the showBe sure to check us out and support us on Patreon!

    Unicorns of the Ice Age: The Cave That Rewrote History

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 13:44 Transcription Available


    Send us a textIn this episode of For the Love of Nature, Katy and Laura continue their Cave Chronicles series, uncovering one of nature's coolest and most unexpected secrets—the Siberian Unicorn! Found in a remote cave in Kazakhstan, this massive creature is more rhino than fairy tale, boasting an 8-foot-tall, 15-foot-long frame with a 6-10 foot keratin horn.Join the duo as they dive into the science of this prehistoric beast, its Ice Age survival, and its mysterious extinction. Was it climate change, human interference, or something else? Discover how this find changed everything we thought we knew about the timeline of ancient megafauna. Plus, Katy hilariously attempts to pronounce its scientific name (and fails)!

    Odd Animal Friends: Heartwarming Stories of Unlikely Companions

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 36:11


    Send us a textIn this feel-good episode of For the Love of Nature, Laura and Katy explore the unexpected friendships between animals that defy the laws of nature. From capybaras cuddling with all kinds of creatures to the famous bond between Koko the gorilla and her beloved kitten, All Ball, get ready for heartwarming tales of animals showing that friendship knows no species. Whether it's a protective donkey guiding a blind cow or a giraffe and ostrich forming an unusual bond, these odd animal pairs will melt your heart. Tune in for some "chicken soup for the soul" nature stories!Support the showBe sure to check us out and support us on Patreon!

    Secrets of a Sunless World: Inside Earth's Most Isolated Cave

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 10:22 Transcription Available


    Send us a textExplore the hidden wonders of Movile Cave, a 5.5 million-year-old subterranean world cut off from sunlight and life as we know it. Join Laura and Katy as they dive into the mysteries of this unique ecosystem, where life thrives through chemosynthesis and over 51 species have adapted to an extreme environment. Discover the fascinating science behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the astonishing creatures that call it home. Tune in for this thrilling episode of 'For the Love of Nature.'Support the showBe sure to check us out and support us on Patreon!

    We're Back! And with Pocket-Sized Ecosystems!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 42:14 Transcription Available


    Send us a textAfter a 10-month break, Laura and Katy return with a deep dive into the fascinating world of microecosystems. In this episode, they explore the tiny but mighty environments of epiphytes and mosses, revealing how these miniature ecosystems are teeming with life and play a crucial role in larger ecological systems. Discover the incredible biodiversity of these small worlds, from tardigrades to moss piglets, and learn how these overlooked habitats contribute to our planet's health. Join us as we kick off the new season of For the Love of Nature with laughter, science, and a renewed passion for the wonders of nature's tiny miracles.Support the showBe sure to check us out and support us on Patreon!

    Call to Climate Action

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2023 40:32 Transcription Available


    We've all heard of climate change, but what does that really mean? Katy and Laura explain what climate change is and human-induced climate change is the largest threat our world faces right now. Don't worry though, it isn't all bad news! Learn about how we can all take actions toward making a better future.Support the show

    Mournful Creatures

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2023 34:23 Transcription Available


    For over 100,000 years, humans have developed a wide variety of rituals and practices after the death of their loved ones. But are humans the only animals that have these practices or exhibit grief? Katy and Laura dig into how elephants and lemurs are just two species that show that non-human animals mourn their dead in ways very similar to us.Warning: this episode contains examples and anecdotes of death and loss regarding both humans and animals.Support the show

    Tiny But Lethal

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2023 47:58 Transcription Available


    Not all top predators have to be as large as tigers and bears. As "fun size" humans, Katy and Laura have an appreciation for animals that are small but fierce. In this episode, they discuss some of nature's most incredible and deadly tiny  predators.Support the show

    Beastly Ballers Week…Idk

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2023 18:36 Transcription Available


    Join Laura and Katy for....we don't know what week it is.....but this week on Beastly Ballers we're going to face off University of Georgia vs. University of Kentucky for college football. For the NFL this week, the Philadelphia Eagles take on the LA Rams......or is it the other way around? Find out who Laura and Katy pick and why they suddenly have become mini Tennessee Titans fans. Support the show

    Beastly Ballers - Week 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2023 12:33 Transcription Available


    Week 3 of the football mascot battle is here! This week in college football it's Colorado State vs Colorado, and in the NFL, Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts. Mascot Chaos vs Actual Reason, is tied in the series, so let's see who will come out victorious in today's episode!Support the show

    Two Truths and a Lie: Shark Edition

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2023 45:19 Transcription Available


    How much do you really know about sharks? Can you tell fact from fiction? In this week's episode, Laura and Katy go snout to snout to see who can spot the lies when it comes to these amazing aquatic predators!Support the show

    Beastly Ballers - Week 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2023 19:31 Transcription Available


    Join Laura and Katy, hosts of For the Love of Nature, for a fun miniseries: Beastly Ballers. They will be joined by a special guest Donnie "Hail Mary Hootenanny" Martin, a football analyst, as they dive into the quirky world of college football and NFL predictions based on mascots. In this episode, they dissect the showdown between Alabama Crimson Tide and Texas Longhorns, followed by the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns.  Get ready for hilarious mascot battles and some football insights. Who will emerge victorious on the field and in the cage? Tune in to find out!Support the show

    Beastly Ballers - Week 1

    Play Episode Play 35 sec Highlight Listen Later Sep 2, 2023 17:13 Transcription Available


    Join Laura and Katy, hosts of For the Love of Nature, for a fun miniseries: Beastly Ballers. They will be joined by a special guest Donnie "Baton Rouge Bruiser" Martin, a football analyst, as they dive into the quirky world of college football predictions based on mascots. In this episode, they dissect the showdown between North Carolina's Tar Heels and South Carolina's Gamecocks, followed by the clash between Penn State's Nittany Lion and West Virginia University's Mountaineer. Get ready for hilarious mascot battles and some football insights, with a touch of Southern charm and humor. Who will emerge victorious on the field and in the cage? Tune in to find out!Support the show

    Green Energy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2023 42:26 Transcription Available


     In this episode of For the Love of Nature, hosts Laura and Katy dive into the world of renewable energy, spotlighting geothermal and solar power. Discover the process of harnessing Earth's heat for clean energy and explore how much Laura and Katy really don't know about electricity. Join us in understanding these eco-friendly energy sources and their role in nurturing nature.Support the show

    Animal Misconceptions

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2023 39:59 Transcription Available


    Discover the truth behind common animal myths in this engaging episode of 'For the Love of Nature.' Hosted by Laura and Katy, this nature comedy podcast takes a dive into the world of animal misconceptions. From bear hibernation to chameleon color-changing abilities, lone wolf behaviors, and even Ted Lasso's slip-up about goldfish memory, Laura and Katy separate fact from fiction with a humorous twist. Tune in to unravel the mysteries of nature and have a laugh along the way. Get ready to challenge what you know about animals in this enlightening and entertaining podcast episode.visit our website and merch!Support the show

    The Science Behind Disney: Separating Fiction from Reality

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2023 72:34


    Step into the world of Disney as we explore the accuracy of nature in films like The Emperor's New Groove, Robin Hood, A Bug's Life, and The Jungle Book. From waterfalls to prehistoric animals being brought back to life, join Laure & Katy  as they separate fact from fiction and discover the true wonders of the natural world behind these beloved classics. Support the show

    Throwback! Could You Fight That?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2023 59:50 Transcription Available


    Let's do a throwback episode to one of our more aggressive episodes... Another "Could You...?" episode. This time Laura and Katy ask each other "Could You Fight That?" They're not looking to pick a fight, but could they survive one if the fight comes to them? Listen to find out!*No animals were harmed in the research done for this episode.*Support the show

    Animal Chiropractic Care with Dr Lauren Alexander

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2023 44:04 Transcription Available


    While many of us have seen a chiropractor for our aches and pains, did you know that animals can see a chiropractor too? In this episode, Laura interviews Dr Lauren Alexander, co-founder of Champion Chiropractic Clinic. Lauren explains how similar chiropractic care is for both humans and animals, how it can improve overall quality of life and how to tell if your animal companion could use a visit. From snakes to horses, and all animals in between, animal chiropractic care might be just what your pet needs.For more information check out:www.championchiropracticclinic.comwww.facebook.com/championchiropracticofarkansaswww.animalchiropractic.orgivca.deSupport the show

    The Science of Fireworks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2023 35:13 Transcription Available


    Fireworks have entranced humans for over 2000 years and continue to be a part of many celebrations. Join Katy and Laura as they go over the origin of fireworks and the science behind what creates those beautiful, loud explosions. Happy Independence Day to all our American listeners! Because nothing says "America" like blowing stuff up...Support the show

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