Life, Death, and Taxonomy

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Learn about all things animalia in this family friendly podcast. Each week Joe and Carlos dive deep into nature to find animals that have at least one amazing talent they use to survive. Gather up some animal knowledge and crazy nature facts to drop on your friends at parties with each new episode o…

Life, Death, and Taxonomy


    • May 31, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 37m AVG DURATION
    • 381 EPISODES

    5 from 50 ratings Listeners of Life, Death, and Taxonomy that love the show mention: attenborough, animal facts, measure, animals, family friendly, entertaining and educational, informative and funny, good show, cool, extremely, guys, humor, hosts, learning, interesting, always, friends, favorite podcast, great job, nice.


    Ivy Insights

    The Life, Death, and Taxonomy podcast is a hidden gem in the world of podcasts. Hosted by Carlos and Joe, this show combines humor, education, and the fascinating world of animals in a way that is both entertaining and informative. As a new listener, I have quickly become hooked on this podcast and find myself binging all the episodes.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the chemistry between Carlos and Joe. Their friendship shines through in their conversations, making it feel like you're listening to two best friends chatting about their favorite topic. Their banter and laughter are infectious, making for an enjoyable listening experience. Additionally, their ability to make complex topics accessible is commendable. They have a knack for breaking down scientific concepts and presenting them in a way that is easy to understand.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is its educational value. Each episode focuses on a different animal, providing in-depth information about its taxonomy, behavior, and unique characteristics. From obscure creatures to well-known animals, there is always something new to learn from Carlos and Joe's extensive research. The hosts have a talent for delivering facts in an engaging manner that keeps listeners entertained throughout the episode.

    The only downside to this podcast is that sometimes the humor may overshadow the educational content. While the banter between Carlos and Joe adds entertainment value, there are moments when it feels like they veer off-topic or spend too much time joking around rather than delving deeper into the subject matter. This can be frustrating for listeners who are seeking more detailed information or those looking for a more serious exploration of animal taxonomy.

    In conclusion, The Life, Death, and Taxonomy podcast is a must-listen for animal lovers and anyone interested in learning something new about the natural world. With its blend of humor and education, Carlos and Joe create an engaging atmosphere that keeps listeners coming back for more. Despite occasional moments of frivolity that detract from the educational content, this podcast is a delightful way to spend your time and expand your knowledge about the animal kingdom.



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    Latest episodes from Life, Death, and Taxonomy

    Episode 376 – Velvet Worm: Glue Gun

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2025 37:12


    “And today were talking about something that's not real velvet but it is a real worm. It is actual worm. It lives like a worm.” A wanderer in the undergrowth, glides along the leaf litter, searching for prey to tuck into the cradle of decay. This plush creature hides a secret silk used to knit […]

    Episode 375 – Spotted Garden Eel: The Grassy Goal

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2025 30:32


    “…and today we're talking about another, more different spotted noodle. But more on that later.” Slithering silently in the sandy shallows, the garden eel sways like a living blade of seagrass, rooted yet restless in the ocean's endless ebb. Picture a creature that's half snake, half shrub, playing peek-a-boo with the tides while pretending to […]

    Episode 374 – Proboscis Monkey: Slaparazzi

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 40:12


    Picture a primate with a penchant for plunging.The proboscis monkey, with its pendulous schnozz and a physique built for aquatic acrobatics, is the rainforest's resident daredevil. This long-nosed leaper doesn't just swing through the mangroves; it hurls itself into the drink with the grace of a 10-year old at the Y, making a splash that […]

    Episode 373 – Pink-Fairy Armadillo: Sand

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 31:15


    “…and today we're talking about an armadillo that's having wicked dreams of leaving Tennessee. But more on that later.”  A rose-hued sprite is found on the Argentine plains. This fae surfs the rippling waves of xeric sands, past the islands of desert scrub. A pointed nose cuts a channel through the substrate, while paddle claws […]

    Episode 372 – Common Genet: Rhino Ride Sharing

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 41:29


    Picture a sneaky, slinky shadow darting through the African savanna, a nocturnal ninja with a knack for nabbing prime real estate on the move. This crafty critter isn't just scampering through the grass—it's catching rides on the biggest beasts around, like a furry freeloader hitching a lift on a living tank. With a face like […]

    Episode 371 – Dire Wolf: Un-Extincted?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 53:18


    “..and today we're talking about a pup from the past but more on that later.” When a species is long forgotten underneath ancient permafrost, things start to look dire. But new scientific efforts are tapping into long forgotten DNA to build a bridge to the past. The question is, are we able to see the […]

    Episode 370 – Moorland Hawker Dragonfly: Drop Dead Gorgeous

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 38:19


    “…and today we're talking about a Tom Sawyer bug. But more on that later.”  Some guys just can't take the hint. For Moorland Hawker Dragonfly females, this can be a bit more than a simple inconvenience. When the suitors come knocking, this lady doesn't just dodge the drama—she takes it to a whole new level. […]

    Episode 369 – Smooth Box Crab: Toolkit

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 30:50


    “…and today we're talking about a smooth operator. But more on that later.” In the strange underwater world of the reef, many creatures develop weapons of war to fight off enemies. But one crab has entered the ocean's arms race with a refined approach. The smooth box crab has a pair of pinchers specialized for […]

    Episode 368 – African Dwarf Crocodile: Orange You Glad I Said Savannah?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 39:22


    “…and today we're talking about a petite predator– relatively speaking. But more on that later.” Slithering through the shadows of swampy secrecy, the African dwarf crocodile is a pint-sized predator with a penchant for peculiarity. This crafty critter lurks in the murky margins of rivers and wetlands, a miniature menace shrouded in mystery. Some whisper […]

    Episode 367 – Gold-Mouth Sea Squirt: Roam No More

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2025 40:45


    “…and today we're talking about an active kid that grows into a lazy adult. But more on that later.” A tiny tadpole freely glides along ocean currents, going where it wills, seeking its thrills. The ocean is its oyster. But when a larva is on an adventure, it dreams of home, and when it's home, […]

    Episode 366 – Polar Bear: Marathon Mammal

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 279:21


    “…and today we're talking about the original member of a group that likes to go swimming in the winter in Coney Island.” The Arctic is an unforgiving place—cold, desolate, and covered in ice as far as the eye can see. It's a freezing wasteland where only the toughest survive, and no one does it quite […]

    Episode 365 – Clownfish: Reef Witherspoon

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 31:56


    “… and today we're talking about a funny little fish. But more on that later.” They say the enemy of my enemy is my friend, but that might mean putting up with some prickly traits to band together against a common foe. The clown fish makes an alliance that requires a thick skin. But what […]

    Episode 364 – Tiger Shark: Swim Shady

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2025 34:45


    “..and today we're talking about something that jealousy took two of the coolest animals for its name.” If you've ever found yourself watching a toddler shove random objects into their mouth, you've witnessed a fraction of the chaos that is the tiger shark. With an appetite as indiscriminate as a black hole and the curiosity […]

    BONUS – Water Anole REDUX

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2025 37:58


    “…and today we're talking about little swimmers. And not the aquatic diaper brand.” Let's dive right into the cool, calm, and collected world of a lizard that's not afraid to get its scales wet. Most reptiles avoid water like it's hot lava, but not this daredevil. Imagine a scuba diver, a magician, and a survivalist […]

    Episode 363 – Red Wood Ants: Clean Builder

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 32:25


    “…and today we're talking about something that's sticky. What is it?!” Mold, grime, and disease are plagues that the human world does it's best to keep at bay. But animals have to worry about these things too – even ants. The Red wood ant has found a true multi-purpose cleaner that they use to keep […]

    Episode 362 – Capybara: A Rodent of Unusual Size

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 45:27


    “…and today we're talking about a rodent of unusual size.” In the verdant wetlands of South America the world’s largest rodent lives a serene, communal life. The capybara’s day is spent basking in the early morning sun or submerged in cool, refreshing water, their eyes above the surface, watching for signs of predators. But these […]

    Episode 361 – Peacock Flounder: Pile Drive Pancake

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 37:42


    “…and today we're talking about an NBC branded fish. But more on that later.” Flat and fabulous, the peacock flounder is the Picasso of the seafloor. But beneath its cool, camouflaged exterior lies a wild anatomical twist that would make even the most seasoned contortionist wince. You thought you looked different as a kid, the […]

    Episode 340 – Reed Warbler: The Least Known Bird

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 33:22


    “…and today we're talking about something you probably haven't ever heard of. But more on that later.” You may think the age of exploration is over. Human beings have seen everything there is to see–at least on land right? But what if you knew there was an animal so rare that people didn't think it […]

    Episode 359 – Black-Tipped Hanging Fly

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 38:36


    “…and today we're talking about an animal that sounds more sinister than it is. Bot more on that later.” Step into the insect world where everything is weird and brutal…including courtship. Imagine a tinyl Casanova what brings the snacks to the party. If you've ever thought dating apps were transactional, wait until you hear about […]

    Episode 358 – Lion’s Mane Jellyfish: Peril of the Bell

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025


    Ah, the ocean. It's full of mysteries, marvels, and creatures that look like they were designed during a fever dream directed by HR Gieger. Among them swims a gelatinous giant with flowing, fibrous tentacles that seem to stretch into infinity. Meet the lion's mane jellyfish, a giant egg yolk that can ruin your day with […]

    Episode 357- Wild African Donkey: From Desserts to Mangers

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2024 39:41


    “…and today we're talking about a humble stead that once had a grand rider. But more on that later.” Few animals gain widespread cultural significance in the human world. But a creature known for stubbornness, hardiness, and humility, also once shared its manger on a very important birthday. Today, it's name is proclaimed with the […]

    Episode 356- Mute Swan: The Song of Dissent

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 32:04


    “…and today we're talking about a bird that make a great gift if you can get them a-swimming. But more on that later.” Nothing makes the Lords a-leap and the Ladies dance like the regal mute swan. But royal veneration and beautiful snow white feathers doesn't change the fact they are wild animals, ready to […]

    Episode 355 – Red-Bellied Piranha: The Red Menace

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 42:28


    “…and today we're talking about how when a red belly rises it means blood has been spilled this night. But more on that later.” Description of the Red-Bellied Piranha The red-bellied piranha is a small to medium-sized fish, well-known for its striking appearance and infamous reputation. Here’s a more detailed description: Color: Their most distinctive […]

    Episode 354 – Pumpkin Toadlet – Thankful for Poison

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 39:01


    “…and today we're talking about a pumpkin spiced tic tac toad. But more on that later.” If attacking you would be automatically deadly to your enemies, you might lead a charmed life–free from worry. Such an easy going atmosphere might make you grow complacent. Things that were once important to survival become optional. And why […]

    Episode 353 – Stoplight Loosejaw: Black Soft Bones

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 36:24


    “…and today we're talking about another disgusting deep sea creature. But more on that later.” Deep in the dark recesses of the ocean, where the sun's rays are only a memory, lurks a creature with an interesting talent. It's a fish with a flash, a beast with a beacon, a predator with a peculiar penchant […]

    Episode 352 – Irrawaddy Dolphin: Spy Hopper

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 38:34


    “…and today we're talking about a little ocean hopping spy. But more on that later.” A dolphin dipping in deep abyss must allow the sun to have its kiss When scouting schools of succulent fish a trick ensures they will not miss. What vantage a high place can be! What new things can you see? […]

    Episode 351 – Vampire Squid: Mariner Monroe

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2024 45:15


    “…and today we're talking about something that I've sworn we've done before but I guess we haven't. But more on that later.” Deep in the inky abyss where sunlight dares not shine, lurks a creature that's equal parts nightmarish and misunderstood—like that hipster kid from high school who just listens to bands you've never heard […]

    Episode 350 – Garden Snail: Silly Sleeper

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2024 41:38


    “…and today we're talking about something you might have felt bad about stepping on before.” Did you know there is a vast jungle just outside your door? Though, vastness is relative to size of course. A garden is a big place for a mollusk that's less than two inches long. The garden snail is a […]

    Episode 349 – Yam Hawkmoth: Yam Bam

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 39:02


    “…and today we're talking about a bug with a very funny name. But more on that now.” In the dead of night, amidst the hum of crickets and the flutter of wings, there's one creature that buzzes around like a stealthy, flying ninja with a twist. It glides from flower to flower like a hummingbird […]

    hawkmoth
    Episode 348 – Rocky Mountain Elk: Makes No Scents

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2024 35:12


    “…and today we're talking about a certain cervus. But more on that later.” When you're born into a prey animal species, it's important to get up and running as soon as possible. But elk calves need a little time to unwind before they start bounding through the meadows. What can they do to avoid predators […]

    rocky mountains scents rocky mountain elk
    Episode 347 – Parrotfish: Maestro of Mucus

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 50:32


    “…and today we're talking about a puffy stabber. But more on that later.” The pufferfish has the incredible ability to inflate itself up like a balloon as a defense mechanism. But the interesting thing about this creature is that that's not the only thing interesting about it. If you’re a fish, the easiest thing to […]

    maestro mucus parrotfish
    Episode 346 – Javelina: The Family that Stinks Together 

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 35:25


    “…and today we're talking about a forest pig that can clear the hacienda after every meal. But more on that later.” When you're a small pork family in the forest, staying together is the key to a happy life. But it's easy to get separated among the thick foliage and tall trees. How can you […]

    Episode 345 – Parachute Frog: Rendezvous With Destiny

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 33:23


    “…and today we're talking about a frog that could have dropped into Normandy. But more on that later.” In the canopy high, where the tall trees sway, Lives a frog who glides in a daring display. With webbed fingers spread, like wings in the breeze, He leaps from the branches with elegant ease. The wind […]

    Episode 343 – Acorn Weevil: You Know The Drill

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 35:44


    “…and today we're talking about a drill-faced fuzzy bug. But more on that later.” Foodies pride themselves on variety and quality, but what if your face was designed around finding a single food item. The acorn weevil has a face that is specially designed to find, evaluate, and consume acorns– and that's not all they […]

    Episode 343 – Flukeworm: House Hunting

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 42:50


    “…and today we are talking about something extraordinary, but it might be just a fluke. But more on that later.” Description Galactosomum spinetum is a type of fluke, and like many flukes, It has a flattened, oval shape. The metacercaria stage is spherical. It is translucent, and slightly elongated organism. The adult fluke, which resides […]

    Episode 342 – Oarfish: A Ribbon on the Wind

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 37:15


    “…and today we're talking about a fish as long as the day is long. But more on that later.” The ocean is huge. It's probably bigger than you think. To cover it, you'd actually need 36 United States of America, and that's not even mentioning its depth. At that is to say that the ocean […]

    Episode 341 – Honey Bee: Dancing Democracy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2024 46:07


    “…and today we're talking about a species that is the cornerstone of civilization. But more on that later.” It's voting season here in the US. As humans, we get our ballots and our pens to participate in democracy, but honey bees do things a bit differently. When they want to vote on something that affects […]

    Episode 340 – Pufferfish: Spike Chomp

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 34:21


    “…and today we're talking about a puffy stabber. But more on that later.” The pufferfish has the incredible ability to inflate itself up like a balloon as a defense mechanism. But the interesting thing about this creature is that that's not to onlythin interesting about it. If you’re a fish, the easiest thing to catch […]

    Episode 339 – Bone House Wasp: There Is Thy Sting

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2024 38:00


    “…and today we're talking about an insect that would probably shop at Hot Topic. But more on that later.” When you're a spider wasp, you don't have time to raise kids. They're expensive, a liability, and they never stop asking for more spider gut snacks. So rather than deal with all that, it's best to […]

    Episode 338 – Giant Desert Centipede:

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 38:38


    “…and today we're talking about a killer that offers sweet nectar to its prey. More on that later.” There is a certain dread that strikes the human heart when you learn about an insect that expands its diet to include things like frogs, birds, and–worse yet–mammals. The giant desert centipede is just giant enough to […]

    Episode 337 – Kelp Gull: Two Whales Don't Make Right

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2024 30:22


    “…and today we're talking about an aerial ace, fry thief. But more on that later.” On the cliffs where oceans wail, The kelp gull tells a fishy tale. With eyes so keen and beak so bright, It spies a meal that’s quite a sight. A right whale feasts on plankton small, The kelp gull swoops, […]

    Episode 336 – Bush Dog: Petite Pack

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2024 34:36


    “…and today we are talking about a petite pack hunter. But more on that later…” Canines are usually smaller than their prey. That's because they've decided to work together as a team, and teams mean more mouths to feed. But what if you’re not the size of a wolf or even a coyote? What if […]

    Episode 335 – Argentine Ant: Continental Super Colonies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2024 43:19


    “…and today we're talking about an invading hoard that isn't even supposed to be here. But more on that later.” If you didn't already, you should know that there are millions of ants living under your feet. With an estimated 20 quadrillion of these little guys on the planet, you're never very far away from […]

    Episode 334 – Red-Backed Poison Dart Frog: Team on Your Back

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 19:23


    “…and today we are talking about a tiny slimy father. But more on that later.” Doting fatherhood is often a rarity in the animal kingdom. For most species, the lack of the maternal physical connection between fathers and offspring means that dads are relegated to nest protectors or they simply move on. But the red-backed […]

    Episode 333 – Dana Octopus Squid: Two-Headlights

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2024 44:22


    “…and today we're talking about a rising star in the sea. But more on that later.” Imagine you're swimming a casual 4000 feet below the waves in the inky blackness of the bathypelagic zone when you come across a pair of what seems like headlights. Is it a car? Is it a plane? No, it's […]

    Episode 332 – Yellowhead Jawfish Main: Nursery Face

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2024 35:32


    “…and today we're talking about the Listerine dad fish. But more on that later.” The bright and colorful coral reefs are home to a wide variety of fish, but very few can be considered decent parents. The yellowhead jawfish is, however, an exception. Taking care of kids is never easy, but try doing it without […]

    Episode 331-Colugo: Falling with Style

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 32:20


    “…and today we're talking about a bug-eyed pseudo bird. But more on that later.” Arboreal creatures are built to get around in trees, and in the rainforest, that's an extremely helpful adaptation. But what if your so great at getting around the branches that your no good on the ground. The Colugo is in such […]

    Episode 330 – Texas Ringtail: All-Terrain Climber

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2024 39:24


    “..and today we are talking about an American mammal that you might not already know about.” If you're a denizen of North America, you probably think you know every furry critter in these parts. You've got your bears, cats, wolves, and even a muskrat or two. But there is a lesser known mammalian that may […]

    Episode 329 – Coati: Insect Repellant

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2024 33:11


    “…and today we're talking about a rainforest weasel. But more on that later.” It seems that, no matter where you live, you have to deal with mosquitoes. Whether you're in the Alaskan mountains or the jungles of Panama, biting boys are everywhere. Long ago, the white nosed coati said “enough is enough” and found an […]

    Episode 328 – Water Springtail: Pond Jumping Bean

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2024 28:20


    Episode 327 – Crab Hacker Barnacle: Master of Puppets

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2024 36:15


    “…and today we're talking about an animal hacker of animals. But more on that later.” They say the best defense is a good offense. But they rarely say the opposite. Crabs are little armored warriors scuttling around on the ocean floor, but even their rigid carapace isn't immune to a little subterfuge. Enter the crab […]

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