Podcasts about field museum

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're catching up on our summer birding adventures!RJ and Amanda share stories from their trip to Maine, including birding around Bar Harbor and taking a wildlife cruise along the coast. They encountered some incredible seabirds, including Atlantic Puffins, Common Eiders, and Black Guillemots, and talk about what it was like seeing these iconic Maine birds in person.We also get into another fascinating part of coastal Maine: the lobster fishing industry. After spending time around lobster boats and learning more about the fishery, RJ and Amanda discuss some of the sustainability practices used by Maine lobstermen and how closely the industry is connected to the coastal ecosystem.Meanwhile, John and Shannon share stories from their summer, including meeting Tommy Siegel and Billy Libby from Extremely Accurate Bird Songs. We also look ahead to the Chicago Urban Birding Festival, where Birds of a Feather will be appearing for a live show.And before all of that, we kick things off with some incredible bird pins created by artist Jimmy Gonzalez.From Atlantic Puffins and Black Guillemots to lobster boats, bird art, Extremely Accurate Bird Songs, and the Chicago Urban Birding Festival, this episode is a celebration of a summer spent around birds.Birds of a Feather Talk Together is a conversational birding and ornithology podcast hosted by Field Museum ornithologists Dr. John Bates and Dr. Shannon Hackett alongside birders RJ and Amanda Pole. Each week, we explore birds, birding, ornithology, conservation, and the natural world.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

We're wrapping up our summer break with a revisit to one of North America's most iconic birds: the Common Loon!We'll be back next week with brand-new episodes, but before we do, we're heading back to one of our favorite conversations about this unmistakable bird. From their striking black-and-white plumage and incredible diving abilities to the haunting calls that echo across northern lakes, Common Loons are truly fascinating birds.And speaking of that famous sound—we're going to play a Common Loon call right before the episode begins! We talk a lot about their different vocalizations and that iconic call throughout the episode, so we wanted everyone to hear it before we dive in.Join Field Museum Curators of Birds Dr. John Bates and Dr. Shannon Hackett, along with RJ and Amanda, as we explore the biology, behavior, vocalizations, and natural history of the Common Loon.Whether you've heard a loon calling across a lake, spotted one while birding, or are just discovering what makes these birds so special, we hope you enjoy revisiting this episode with us.Birds of a Feather Talk Together is a birding and ornithology podcast for everyone—from experienced birders to people just beginning to discover the world of birds.

The Field Museum is in the process of repatriating 175 sacred objects to the Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People. Contributor Adora Namigadde digs into the museum's efforts to return objects and remains to Native American tribes. Plus, contributor PJ Walker is previewing some of Chicago's fall film fests, and executive producer Simone Alicea celebrates “Just Because” day. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 27 episode: TimeLine Theatre DCASE AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar are back for another round of geeky tech, gadgets, games, collectibles, and Pittsburgh happenings. The episode opens on a somber note with a tribute to Dolly Parton and the impact of her philanthropy, including her work supporting childhood literacy. Then the crew gets into everything from simulated RC racing and Apple's latest Macs to a life-size Grogu, Linux history, Pokémon fossils, GTA VI leaks, and gaming at Pittsburgh International Airport. Topics discussed include: Remembering Dolly Parton – The crew reflects on Parton's passing, her charitable legacy, her support of literacy programs, and the positive impact she made far beyond entertainment. RC racing meets full-size driving simulators – Sorg discovers first-person RC car racing setups that combine tiny vehicles, onboard cameras, and full simulator rigs. The conversation explores CloudRC, RC aircraft, and whether experiences like this could become the next arcade, mall, or Dave & Buster's attraction. Apple updates the Mac mini and Mac Studio – Dave breaks down Apple's new Mac hardware, including the M6 chip, pricing, local AI performance, and the ability to combine machines over Thunderbolt 5. The crew discusses why local AI processing could become increasingly important for businesses dealing with cloud costs, privacy, and sensitive data. Pokémon Fossils invade Chicago – Chachi reports from the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibit at Chicago's Field Museum, where fossils inspired by the games are compared with real paleontology. The exhibit even includes Pokémon GO bonuses and limited merchandise. Dungeon Crawler Carl and 3D printing – Katie opens her mysterious box of 3D-printed creations from Chachi's Plastic Fun Time shop, including Dungeon Crawler Carl characters, ornaments, magnets, Pokémon-inspired pieces, the infamous Rock Lobster, and more. Linux turns 35 – Dave traces the unlikely chain of events connecting AT&T antitrust action, UNIX, GNU, Linus Torvalds, and the operating system that became one of the foundations of modern computing. There's even a bonus discussion about Linux running on a Sega 32X. Kingdom Hearts expands – Chachi's Video Game Minute covers a 2027 release window for Kingdom Hearts 4 and a planned animated Kingdom Hearts series for Disney+. Mattel builds its own game studio – Mattel is expanding its internal video game operation with hundreds of developers and new games based on properties including UNO and Hot Wheels. GTA VI leaks and the digital ownership fight – The show looks at reported leaks of Grand Theft Auto VI material tied to protests over digital-only game distribution and the broader debate over whether players actually own their digital purchases. Transformers comes to Minecraft – Sorg and Katie explore the Transformers content available through the Minecraft Marketplace, including G1-inspired characters, story-based gameplay, combat modes, and plenty of temptation for Transformers fans. A nearly life-size Ultimate Grogu – Hasbro Pulse has a roughly 14.6-inch animatronic Grogu featuring movement, sounds, multiple interaction modes, cosplay-friendly settings, and a $599.99 price tag. Nature Calls restroom finder launches – The crowdsourced restroom-finding app discussed on an earlier AwesomeCast is now available, helping users locate bathrooms, water fountains, porta-potties, and other facilities. Gaming at Pittsburgh International Airport – Sorg checks out Gameway, a gaming lounge at Pittsburgh International Airport offering video games, snacks, drinks, and another option for travelers with time before a flight. Disney characters meet NFL teams – Disney and the NFL have teamed up for team-specific character merchandise. The Pittsburgh Steelers get Pete, while other combinations include Captain America with the Patriots, Thor with the Vikings, Darth Vader with the Raiders, and more. The crew also checks in on their recent Pittsburgh Shootout adventures and previews more of what's happening around the Sorgatron Media universe. RC Racing / CloudRC https://www.instagram.com/reels/Db2l4aVjpRO/ https://store.cloudrc.com/ Plastic Fun Time 3D Prints https://plasticfuntime.etsy.com/ Apple Mac mini / Mac Studio Updates https://www.wired.com/story/apple-announces-m6-and-m5-ultra-mac-mini-mac-studio/ 35 Years of Linux https://www.tomshardware.com/software/linux/linux-was-announced-by-linus-torvalds-35-years-ago-today-humble-os-started-with-10-000-lines-of-code-but-has-now-grown-to-40-million-dominates-global-infrastructure Kingdom Hearts Announcements https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/news/games-d23-digital-entertainment/ Mattel Game Studios https://kotaku.com/the-toy-maker-behind-barbie-and-hot-wheels-wants-to-make-its-own-video-games-2000724968 GTA VI Leak Story https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/hacker-leaks-gta-vi-gameplay-and-map-to-protest-digital-only-release-claims-pre-orders-are-a-legacy-of-physical-game-releases Transformers Minecraft https://www.facebook.com/reel/1056475313409694 Nature Calls Restroom Finder – iOS https://apps.apple.com/us/app/find-toilets-nature-calls-run/id6790583853 Ultimate Grogu https://www.hasbropulse.com/product/star-wars-ultimate-grogu/G44835S00 Pittsburgh Airport Gameway https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcbcVbCBU34/?igsi=MTJweXZ1N2N4cTZ1dg== https://www.facebook.com/reel/1089385550715987 Disney x Pittsburgh Steelers https://www.nflshop.com/pittsburgh-steelers/disney/t-36604861+c-1202616796+z-8-2894738209?ab=%7Bwt-static_graphic%7D%7Bpt-TLP%7D%7Bal-HMB%7D%7Bct-Pittsburgh_Steelers_disney%7D

Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar are back for another round of geeky tech, gadgets, games, collectibles, and Pittsburgh happenings. The episode opens on a somber note with a tribute to Dolly Parton and the impact of her philanthropy, including her work supporting childhood literacy. Then the crew gets into everything from simulated RC racing and Apple's latest Macs to a life-size Grogu, Linux history, Pokémon fossils, GTA VI leaks, and gaming at Pittsburgh International Airport. Topics discussed include: Remembering Dolly Parton – The crew reflects on Parton's passing, her charitable legacy, her support of literacy programs, and the positive impact she made far beyond entertainment. RC racing meets full-size driving simulators – Sorg discovers first-person RC car racing setups that combine tiny vehicles, onboard cameras, and full simulator rigs. The conversation explores CloudRC, RC aircraft, and whether experiences like this could become the next arcade, mall, or Dave & Buster's attraction. Apple updates the Mac mini and Mac Studio – Dave breaks down Apple's new Mac hardware, including the M6 chip, pricing, local AI performance, and the ability to combine machines over Thunderbolt 5. The crew discusses why local AI processing could become increasingly important for businesses dealing with cloud costs, privacy, and sensitive data. Pokémon Fossils invade Chicago – Chachi reports from the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibit at Chicago's Field Museum, where fossils inspired by the games are compared with real paleontology. The exhibit even includes Pokémon GO bonuses and limited merchandise. Dungeon Crawler Carl and 3D printing – Katie opens her mysterious box of 3D-printed creations from Chachi's Plastic Fun Time shop, including Dungeon Crawler Carl characters, ornaments, magnets, Pokémon-inspired pieces, the infamous Rock Lobster, and more. Linux turns 35 – Dave traces the unlikely chain of events connecting AT&T antitrust action, UNIX, GNU, Linus Torvalds, and the operating system that became one of the foundations of modern computing. There's even a bonus discussion about Linux running on a Sega 32X. Kingdom Hearts expands – Chachi's Video Game Minute covers a 2027 release window for Kingdom Hearts 4 and a planned animated Kingdom Hearts series for Disney+. Mattel builds its own game studio – Mattel is expanding its internal video game operation with hundreds of developers and new games based on properties including UNO and Hot Wheels. GTA VI leaks and the digital ownership fight – The show looks at reported leaks of Grand Theft Auto VI material tied to protests over digital-only game distribution and the broader debate over whether players actually own their digital purchases. Transformers comes to Minecraft – Sorg and Katie explore the Transformers content available through the Minecraft Marketplace, including G1-inspired characters, story-based gameplay, combat modes, and plenty of temptation for Transformers fans. A nearly life-size Ultimate Grogu – Hasbro Pulse has a roughly 14.6-inch animatronic Grogu featuring movement, sounds, multiple interaction modes, cosplay-friendly settings, and a $599.99 price tag. Nature Calls restroom finder launches – The crowdsourced restroom-finding app discussed on an earlier AwesomeCast is now available, helping users locate bathrooms, water fountains, porta-potties, and other facilities. Gaming at Pittsburgh International Airport – Sorg checks out Gameway, a gaming lounge at Pittsburgh International Airport offering video games, snacks, drinks, and another option for travelers with time before a flight. Disney characters meet NFL teams – Disney and the NFL have teamed up for team-specific character merchandise. The Pittsburgh Steelers get Pete, while other combinations include Captain America with the Patriots, Thor with the Vikings, Darth Vader with the Raiders, and more. The crew also checks in on their recent Pittsburgh Shootout adventures and previews more of what's happening around the Sorgatron Media universe. RC Racing / CloudRC https://www.instagram.com/reels/Db2l4aVjpRO/ https://store.cloudrc.com/ Plastic Fun Time 3D Prints https://plasticfuntime.etsy.com/ Apple Mac mini / Mac Studio Updates https://www.wired.com/story/apple-announces-m6-and-m5-ultra-mac-mini-mac-studio/ 35 Years of Linux https://www.tomshardware.com/software/linux/linux-was-announced-by-linus-torvalds-35-years-ago-today-humble-os-started-with-10-000-lines-of-code-but-has-now-grown-to-40-million-dominates-global-infrastructure Kingdom Hearts Announcements https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/news/games-d23-digital-entertainment/ Mattel Game Studios https://kotaku.com/the-toy-maker-behind-barbie-and-hot-wheels-wants-to-make-its-own-video-games-2000724968 GTA VI Leak Story https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/hacker-leaks-gta-vi-gameplay-and-map-to-protest-digital-only-release-claims-pre-orders-are-a-legacy-of-physical-game-releases Transformers Minecraft https://www.facebook.com/reel/1056475313409694 Nature Calls Restroom Finder – iOS https://apps.apple.com/us/app/find-toilets-nature-calls-run/id6790583853 Ultimate Grogu https://www.hasbropulse.com/product/star-wars-ultimate-grogu/G44835S00 Pittsburgh Airport Gameway https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcbcVbCBU34/?igsi=MTJweXZ1N2N4cTZ1dg== https://www.facebook.com/reel/1089385550715987 Disney x Pittsburgh Steelers https://www.nflshop.com/pittsburgh-steelers/disney/t-36604861+c-1202616796+z-8-2894738209?ab=%7Bwt-static_graphic%7D%7Bpt-TLP%7D%7Bal-HMB%7D%7Bct-Pittsburgh_Steelers_disney%7D

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes about one of North America's most beloved backyard birds: the Black-capped Chickadee.While we're taking a short summer break, we wanted to bring back this fun conversation about a bird that may be tiny in size but is remarkable in almost every way. Famous for its cheerful "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call, fearless personality, and incredible intelligence, the Black-capped Chickadee is a favorite among birders and backyard birdwatchers alike.Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole for a deep dive into Black-capped Chickadee behavior, bird identification, bird songs and calls, food caching, winter survival, nesting, and the astonishing memory that allows these birds to hide—and relocate—thousands of seeds each year.We also explore how chickadees communicate with one another, why they're among the most studied songbirds in North America, and what makes them such an important species for scientists researching bird cognition and behavior.To wrap up the episode, we answer a listener mailbag question about acclaimed nature writer Ellen Meloy and discuss the connection between birds, storytelling, and our appreciation for the natural world.Whether you're a lifelong birder, a backyard bird enthusiast, or simply curious about one of North America's friendliest birds, this episode is full of fascinating bird science, ornithology, and practical birding insights.If you love birding, birdwatching, backyard birds, songbirds, bird behavior, bird intelligence, bird identification, ornithology, wildlife science, and nature podcasts, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

Ornithologist Doug Stotz is a key player in the Field Museum of Natural History's strenuous effort to safeguard threatened landscapes, galvanize community stewards, and advance action-oriented science research. Doug's long tenure at the museum is on the verge of changing...

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're revisiting one of our most unforgettable episodes: the Alpine Accentor.While we're taking a short summer break, we couldn't resist bringing back this fascinating conversation about a bird that has one of the most unusual mating systems ever discovered. If you thought bird behavior couldn't surprise you, think again.Native to the high mountains of Europe and Asia, the Alpine Accentor has become famous among ornithologists for its extraordinarily complex breeding behavior. Unlike many birds that form simple pairs, Alpine Accentors have a highly flexible mating system involving multiple males and multiple females—making them one of the most studied species in behavioral ecology.This unique breeding strategy has led to one of the most remarkable biological adaptations in birds: male Alpine Accentors have exceptionally large testes relative to their body size, an evolutionary response to intense competition for reproduction. We explore the science behind this adaptation, why it evolved, and what it teaches us about bird behavior and evolution.Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole for one of our funniest and most surprising conversations as we dive into Alpine Accentor behavior, mating systems, bird evolution, reproductive biology, behavioral ecology, and the incredible diversity of strategies birds use to pass on their genes.Whether you're fascinated by bird behavior, evolution, ornithology, wildlife science, or simply enjoy discovering the strangest stories in the natural world, this episode is guaranteed to surprise you.If you love birding, birdwatching, bird behavior, evolution, animal behavior, ornithology, wildlife biology, behavioral ecology, and nature podcasts, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

In 1997, scientists travelled to Tsavo, Kenya, in search of a cave believed to have been the den of the man-eating lions that terrorised railway workers in 1898.The two lions stalked Indian and African men building the Uganda Railway, dragging victims from their tents at night. It was nine months before the officer in charge of the railway project, British Lieutenant-Colonel John Henry Patterson, could kill them.Nearly a century later, a team including scientists from Chicago's Field Museum, where the now taxidermied lions are kept, returned to Tsavo to search for the cave Patterson believed had been the lions' den.Thomas Gnoske, one of the scientists on the expedition, and Alan Patterson, John Henry Patterson's grandson, speaks to Stefania Gozzer about the hunt for the cave and the enduring legend of the Tsavo lions.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by and curious about the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from how the Excel spreadsheet was developed, the creation of cartoon rabbit Miffy and how the sound barrier was broken.We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: the moment Reagan and Gorbachev met in Geneva, Haitian singer Emerante de Pradines' life and Omar Sharif's legendary movie entrance in Lawrence of Arabia.You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, like the invention of a stent which has saved lives around the world; the birth of the G7; and the meeting of Maldives' ministers underwater. We cover everything from World War Two and Cold War stories to Black History Month and our journeys into space.(Photo: Tsavo lions in Chicago. Credit: Field Museum of Natural History)

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we dive into the fascinating world of the Baltimore Oriole—one of North America's most beautiful and recognizable songbirds.Famous for their brilliant orange-and-black plumage, rich, flute-like songs, and extraordinary hanging nests, Baltimore Orioles are among the most sought-after birds for backyard birdwatchers every spring. In this episode, we explore what makes these colorful birds so unique, from their incredible weaving skills and migration to their nesting behavior, diet, and remarkable adaptations.Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole for a deep dive into Baltimore Oriole behavior, bird identification, migration, nesting, bird songs, and why these iconic birds continue to captivate birders across North America.We also share a fun story about John hosting Chicago broadcasting legend Geoffrey Baer at the Field Museum, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's great natural history museums.Whether you're hoping to attract Baltimore Orioles to your backyard, improve your bird identification skills, or simply learn more about one of North America's most beloved birds, this episode is packed with fascinating bird facts, ornithology, wildlife science, and birding tips.If you love birding, birdwatching, backyard birds, songbirds, bird migration, bird behavior, bird nests, ornithology, conservation, and nature podcasts, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Link to see RJ on J Schwanke's Life In Bloom: https://schedule.wttw.com/series/28891/J-Schwankes-Life-In-Bloom/watch/get-outside-ZpiZD1Link to hear John on Ologies with Alie Ward: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oology-eggs-with-john-bates/id1278815517?i=1000417763781Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

Assistant Collections Manager in the Bird Division at the Field Museum and the Field Museum’s Director of the Chicago Peregrine Program Mary Hennen joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for Lisa Dent, to share the love story of how Josephine, their female peregrine falcon with no mate, was introduced to a new male falcon named after […]

How long can a bird stay in the air without landing?This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're diving into the incredible world of the Chimney Swift—one of North America's most unique birds. These aerial specialists spend nearly their entire lives on the wing, eating, drinking, courting, and even collecting nesting material while flying. Outside of nesting and nighttime roosts, they rarely land at all.And when they finally do stop flying, they don't perch on branches like most birds. Instead, their long, specialized claws allow them to cling to the vertical walls of chimneys, hollow trees, caves, and other upright surfaces, making them unlike almost any other bird you'll encounter.Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to explore the remarkable adaptations that allow Chimney Swifts to live almost entirely in the sky. We discuss their migration, nesting behavior, conservation challenges, and why these fascinating birds have become so closely associated with human-made chimneys.Along the way, the conversation takes a few unexpected turns. We discuss how wildfire smoke can affect birds and bird migration, the impacts of climate change on wildlife, the surprising history behind bird's nest soup, and answer a follow-up listener mailbag question inspired by our recent Carolina Wren episode.Whether you're a lifelong birder or just discovering the incredible birds flying overhead every summer evening, this episode is full of fascinating bird science, ornithology, and plenty of fun detours.If you enjoy birding, birdwatching, bird behavior, bird migration, backyard birds, wildlife science, conservation, and nature podcasts, subscribe for new episodes every week.Topics covered:Chimney SwiftsBird flight adaptationsBird migrationNesting behaviorChimneys and vertical roostingWildfire smoke and birdsClimate changeBird's nest soupCarolina Wren mailbagOrnithology and bird conservationHere are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're joined by ornithologist David Vander Pluym to explore a fascinating bird from Central America and South America: the Slate-throated Redstart—also known as the Slate-throated Whitestart.David is a graduate student at the Louisiana State University Museum of Natural Science whose research focuses on bird ecology and migration. Before beginning graduate school, he spent years studying birds along the Colorado River in Arizona and California, and he now researches the remarkable altitudinal migration of the Slate-throated Redstart.Together, we discuss why this colorful bird may now be called the Slate-throated Whitestart, what scientists have learned about its behavior and habitat, and how birds can migrate not just across continents, but up and down mountains in response to changing seasons.Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ Pole and Amanda Pole for a fascinating conversation about tropical birds, mountain ecosystems, bird migration, evolution, bird taxonomy, and ornithological research.We also catch up with David about this year's Birds of a Feather March Madness Bird Tournament. As one of the LSU graduate students who helped vote throughout the competition, he shares his thoughts on one of the tournament's biggest fan favorites—the Club-winged Manakin—and his opinion might surprise you.Whether you're interested in bird migration, tropical birds, ornithology, bird evolution, scientific research, or discovering beautiful species you've never heard of, this episode is packed with fascinating bird science and unforgettable stories from the field.If you love birding, birdwatching, bird behavior, tropical birds, migration, ornithology, wildlife science, bird evolution, and nature podcasts, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

Crystal Manich has directed over 90 productions of opera, plays, musical theatre, and circus across the USA, Argentina, Australia, and Europe. Her work has been acclaimed by the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and other major publications for her “lively” and “imaginative staging.” She wrote and directed her first opera libretto, Time to Act, written with composer Laura Kaminsky, which premiered at the Pittsburgh Opera in 2026. I saw Time to Act and found it to be well-written, hard-hitting, and compelling. She is also the writer-director for Triângulo: A Mixed Martial Arts Opera, which premieres in 2027.Crystal served as Artistic Director for Cirque du Soleil's Crystal and previously on Quidam. She directed the opera The Copper Queen as a western-thriller feature film for Arizona Opera, garnering an award at the 2021 Toronto International Women's Film Festival.She was nominated for a 2021 Chicago EMMY for a multi-camera livestream of Daniel Catán's Spanish-language opera La Hija de Rappaccini for Chicago Opera Theater at the Field Museum.Crystal holds a BFA in Drama-Directing and a Master's in Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University, a certificate in Business and Management of Entertainment from UCLA Extension, and a Professional Certificate in Screenwriting from UCLA.

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're taking a closer look at one of North America's most energetic and recognizable backyard birds: the Carolina Wren.This episode was inspired by listener Rebekah, who wrote to us asking if we could convince her to appreciate Carolina Wrens a little more. Like many birders, she noticed just how loud these tiny birds can be around your house—and wondered what makes them so special. Challenge accepted!Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to explore everything that makes the Carolina Wren such a remarkable species. We discuss Carolina Wren behavior, bird songs and calls, habitat, nesting, bird identification, migration, and the fascinating adaptations that have helped these charismatic songbirds thrive across much of the eastern United States.Along the way, we explain why Carolina Wrens seem so much louder than their size would suggest, what makes their personalities so memorable, and why they've become favorites among backyard birdwatchers. We also touch on the recent surge of interest in wrens, as these tiny birds continue to capture the attention of birders and nature lovers alike.Whether you're a lifelong birder, just getting started with birdwatching, or simply curious about the birds visiting your backyard, this episode is packed with fascinating bird science, ornithology, bird behavior, and fun facts that may just change the way you think about Carolina Wrens.If you love birding, birdwatching, backyard birds, songbirds, bird identification, bird behavior, ornithology, wildlife science, and nature podcasts, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

On this week's Monster Mondays, something is stalking the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. It's time for us to study 1997's The Relic. Find new episodes of the Film Seizure Podcast every Wednesday and a new Monster Mondays each Monday at www.filmseizure.com Like what we do? Buy us a coffee! www.ko-fi.com/filmseizure Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/filmseizure/ Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/filmseizure.bsky.social Follow us on Mastodon: https://universeodon.com/@filmseizure Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/filmseizure/ You can now find us on YouTube as well! The Film Seizure Channel can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/c/FilmSeizure

Ellen and Christian return from their travels to review the good, the bad, and the ugly of the mongooses. We discuss the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum, historical plurals, neurotoxin Darth Vader, checking in with Pliny the Elder, the most "mean girls" scientific study ever, mysteriously weird pupils, the global issue of mongoose-induced ecological destruction, and so much more.  Works Cited: "Mongoose" - Etymonline “How the mongoose can fight the snake: The binding site of the mongoose acetylcholine receptor” - Dora Barchan et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, August 1992 “Why the honey badger don't care: Convergent evolution of venom-targeted nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in mammals that survive venomous snake bites” - Danielle Drabeck et al., Toxicon, March 2015 Book 8, chapter 36 of Natural History - Pliny the Elder, 77 CE “Experimental evidence for delayed postconflict management behaviour in wild dwarf mongooses”  - Amy Morris-Drake et al, eLife, September 2021 Hawaii Invasive Species Council - Mongoose (Urva auropunctata) “Negative Impact of an Invasive Small Indian Mongoose Herpestes javanicus on Native Wildlife Species and Evaluation of a Control Project in Amami-Ohshima and Okinawa Islands, Japan” - Fumio Yamada & Ken Sugimura, Global Environmental Research, December 2004 Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, Schedule 2 - New Zealand government Links: For more information about us & our podcast, head over to our website! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on Instagram or BlueSky! Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinjustthezoo

Ellen and Christian return from their travels to review the good, the bad, and the ugly of the mongooses. We discuss the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum, historical plurals, neurotoxin Darth Vader, checking in with Pliny the Elder, the most "mean girls" scientific study ever, mysteriously weird pupils, the global issue of mongoose-induced ecological destruction, and so much more.  Works Cited: "Mongoose" - Etymonline “How the mongoose can fight the snake: The binding site of the mongoose acetylcholine receptor” - Dora Barchan et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, August 1992 “Why the honey badger don't care: Convergent evolution of venom-targeted nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in mammals that survive venomous snake bites” - Danielle Drabeck et al., Toxicon, March 2015 Book 8, chapter 36 of Natural History - Pliny the Elder, 77 CE “Experimental evidence for delayed postconflict management behaviour in wild dwarf mongooses”  - Amy Morris-Drake et al, eLife, September 2021 Hawaii Invasive Species Council - Mongoose (Urva auropunctata) “Negative Impact of an Invasive Small Indian Mongoose Herpestes javanicus on Native Wildlife Species and Evaluation of a Control Project in Amami-Ohshima and Okinawa Islands, Japan” - Fumio Yamada & Ken Sugimura, Global Environmental Research, December 2004 Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, Schedule 2 - New Zealand government Links: For more information about us & our podcast, head over to our website! Follow Just the Zoo of Us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram & Discord! Follow Ellen on Instagram or BlueSky! Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinjustthezoo

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we explore one of North America's most secretive and fascinating birds: the Black-billed Cuckoo.Often heard more than seen, Black-billed Cuckoos are mysterious forest birds known for their elusive behavior, unique adaptations, and surprising diet. In this episode, we dive into what makes this species so unusual, from its preference for hairy caterpillars that many other birds avoid to its remarkable migration and nesting behaviors.Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to discuss Black-billed Cuckoo behavior, bird identification, migration, habitat, evolution, bird vocalizations, and why these birds remain one of North America's most intriguing songbirds.We also explore the fascinating role Black-billed Cuckoos play in forest ecosystems, how they compare to other cuckoo species around the world, and why even experienced birders consider spotting one a special experience.Whether you're a lifelong birder, just getting into birdwatching, or simply curious about the hidden lives of birds, this episode is packed with fascinating bird science, ornithology, wildlife conservation, and unforgettable bird facts.If you love birding, birdwatching, cuckoos, bird behavior, bird migration, songbirds, ornithology, wildlife science, and nature podcasts, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Tagsblack billed cuckoo, black-billed cuckoo, cuckoo bird, birding, birdwatching, bird behavior, bird migration, bird identification, north american birds, songbirds, ornithology, wildlife podcast, bird podcast, bird facts, migration birds, forest birds, nature podcast, wildlife science, bird vocalizations, backyard birdingHere are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're joined by zoologist and science communicator Christian Flores (better known as @crikeyitschristian) for a deep dive into one of the greatest conservation success stories in modern history: the California Condor.Once soaring alongside mammoths, saber-toothed cats, giant ground sloths, and other Ice Age megafauna, California Condors have survived for tens of thousands of years—only to come perilously close to extinction in the 1980s. In this episode, we explore how one of North America's most iconic birds was saved through one of the most ambitious wildlife recovery programs ever attempted.Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole alongside Christian to discuss California Condor biology, evolution, scavenger ecology, conservation science, captive breeding, reintroduction programs, lead poisoning, and why these magnificent birds remain one of the greatest symbols of wildlife recovery.We also dive into the Condor's incredible evolutionary history, what North America looked like when they shared the landscape with mammoths and saber-toothed cats, and how scientists and conservationists are working to ensure their future.Whether you're a birder, wildlife enthusiast, conservation supporter, or simply fascinated by incredible animal comeback stories, this episode is packed with bird science, natural history, evolution, and inspiring conservation success.If you love birding, birdwatching, endangered species, wildlife conservation, evolution, ornithology, paleontology, rewilding, and fascinating bird facts, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Follow our guest Christian Flores for more wildlife content and science communication:Instagram: @crikeyitschristianHere are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

https://www.youtube.com/live/9ifXlOQWDEE?si=4VEu0Wxo4ZUODUpO https://youtu.be/-vYtwLvFTOU https://youtu.be/d8q3n5tgQfg เฉลย ข้อ 1 จริง ทีมที่ขุดเจอซูจ่ายให้เจ้าของที่ดิน 5000 $ หลังจากนั้น 2 ปีถูก FBI ตามมายึด บอกว่าเป็นสมบัติของชนท้องถิ่นอเมริกันเผ่าซู ต่อมาปี 1997 ซูจึงถูกนำไปประมูลสาธารณะได้ราคา 8.3 ล้าน $ ขายให้พิพิทธภัณฑ์ Field Museum ซึ่งได้รับสนับสนุนงบจากดิสนีย์และแม็คโดนัลด์ เกร็ดประวัติเรื่องการขุดเจอและแย่งชิงความเป็นเจ้าของฟอสซิล Sue https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sue_(dinosaur) ฟอสซิลที่ประมูลแพงที่สุดในประวัติศาสตร์ Stegosaurus ชื่อ Apex (44.6 ล้าน USD) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apex_(dinosaur) ฟอสซิล T-Rex ชื่อ Gus กำลังจะเปิดประมูล เผื่อใครสนใจ https://www.ft.com/content/4bfb07f6-5d1a-478f-b632-6a9b51bc82e2?syn-25a6b1a6=1 เฉลยข้อ 2 จริง งานวิจัยใหม่พบคำอธิบาย T-Rex แขนเล็กก็เพราะเอาพลังงานไปสร้างหัวโต https://edition.cnn.com/2026/05/25/science/t-rex-tiny-arms-function https://royalsocietypublishing.org/rspb/article/293/2071/20260528/481779/Drivers-and-mechanisms-of-convergent-forelimb Carnotaurus เป็นอีกตัวที่แขนสั้นกว่าT-Rex อีก ข้อ 3 หลอก สุสานทีเร็กซ์ไม่มี มีแต่ข่าวการค้นพบนครสุสานวาฬ whale necropolis https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-10546-z https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYDl4c7ZwhQ Beaked whale หรือวาฬเขี้ยว หนังตัวอย่าง Whalefall https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67ho3OxCmmM วิดิโอสั้นประกอบการทัวร์แล็บ https://youtu.be/mS6HBD7SxHQ https://youtu.be/h_Vj7qNZWRg เฉลย ข้อ 1 จริง งานวิจัยใหม่ เสนอวิธีวัดชีพจรระหว่างชีวิตประจำวัน ผ่านกล้องหน้าโทรศัพท์มือถือ https://research.google/blog/towards-passive-heart-health-monitoring-via-smartphone-camera/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-10507-6 ข้อ 2 หลอก ข่าวจริงคือตรงข้าม ยา GLP-1 ช่วยเพิ่มระดับเทสโทสเตอโรน และเสริมสุขภาพสเปิร์มในผู้ใช้ที่น้ำหนักเกิน https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-01867-0 ข้อ 3 จริง ข่าวใหม่รายงาน ผู้ป่วยอัมพาตใช้งานอุปกรณ์คอมพิวเตอร์เชื่อมต่อสมอง (Brain Computer Interface) แปลงความคิดเป็นตัวอักษร ใช้ที่บ้านมาแล้วนานเกือบ 2 ปี ถือว่าทำลายสถิตินานที่สุดตั้งแต่เคยมีมา https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-01863-4

We're officially back with a brand-new episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together!After a short break, the full crew returns to catch up on birding adventures, international travel, spring migration, and some exciting personal updates. Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole for a wide-ranging conversation that takes us from Australia and New Zealand all the way back to Chicago.John shares stories from his recent travels across three countries, including incredible birding experiences in Australia and New Zealand. We discuss some of the remarkable birds he encountered, what makes birding in those regions so unique, and the unforgettable wildlife, habitats, and birding adventures he experienced along the way.We also get an inspiring update from Shannon on her cochlear implant journey. Shannon shares some of the latest progress in her hearing restoration, how cochlear implant technology continues to change her daily life, and what it's been like rediscovering sounds as both a scientist and lifelong birder. For anyone interested in hearing loss, audiology, cochlear implants, accessibility, or birding with hearing challenges, this is a fascinating and personal conversation.Back home, RJ and Amanda share highlights from spring migration in Chicago, including some of the exciting birds they encountered during one of the best times of year for birdwatching in North America.We also answer a listener mailbag question about Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Golden-crowned Kinglets, leading to a discussion about bird identification, sexual dimorphism, crown patches, and why males and females can sometimes look so different. If you've ever wondered how to tell these tiny songbirds apart or why some birds display dramatic differences between the sexes, you'll enjoy this fascinating bird science conversation.If you love birding, birdwatching, Australia birds, New Zealand birds, kinglets, bird migration, wildlife travel, ornithology, cochlear implants, hearing restoration, bird behavior, and fascinating bird stories from around the world, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

A week before the Bears season kicks off, Soldier Field will be home to one of Chicago's most controversial sons, Kanye West. The Bully tour touches down Sept. 3 and 4. Host Jacoby Cochran asks City Cast contributors Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn, is Chicago over Kanye West and his most recent apology tour. Plus, Brave Space Alliance & Transformative Justice Law Project are hosting a name change clinic today. Ahead of the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center this week, we've got some of our favorite museum exhibitions across the city, including the National Museum of Mexican Art, MCA, Haitian American Museum, Dusable Museum, MSI, Wrightwood 659, Blanc Gallery, Elephant Room Gallery, and Field Museum.  Good News: Dragon Boat Race  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this June 17 episode: Enjoy Illinois Griffin MSI Broadway In Chicago Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Our thoughts on the Pokémon Fossil Exhibit at the Field Museum, including the gift shop. Pokémon Pokopia gets $35 DLC announced in three parts, with two of the parts having new areas to build in! We talk about what's free and what's paid, alongside the new updated that added more electricity. Pokémon Champions gets a mobile release date this week and we learn Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y's abilities for the game. Pokémon TCG shows off some of the 30th anniversary cards. We get news around Pokémon Day Out. TIMESTAMPS00:00:00-Introduction00:04:00-Pokémon Fossil Museum Thoughts00:39:10-Pokopia DLC Announcement01:02:55-Champions Mobile Release Date and Info01:17:05-Pokémon TCG News01:24:25-Pokémon Day Out, New York01:38:30-CreditsLINKS

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're revisiting one of the most extraordinary birds we've ever covered—and the official winner of our 2026 Bird of the Year tournament: the Club-winged Manakin.While we're getting ready to return with brand-new episodes next week, we couldn't resist taking another look at the bird that captured the hearts of our listeners and earned the title of 2026 Bird of the Year. Native to the cloud forests of South America, the Club-winged Manakin is famous for producing one of the strangest sounds in the bird world—not with its voice, but with its wings.Through an incredible evolutionary adaptation, male Club-winged Manakins create a high-pitched mechanical sound during courtship displays by rubbing specialized wing feathers together at astonishing speeds. The result sounds more like an insect, a machine, or a science-fiction sound effect than a bird, making it one of the most unique bird behaviors ever discovered.In this episode, Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to discuss Club-winged Manakin behavior, bird evolution, courtship displays, bird sounds, animal communication, and the remarkable adaptations that helped this species earn the title of Bird of the Year.The journey to the championship was a fun one. Students from LSU joined in voting throughout our Bird of the Year tournament, with results revealed across multiple episodes. In the end, the Club-winged Manakin emerged as the champion, defeating a field of incredible birds to claim the crown.If you love birding, birdwatching, weird birds, bird behavior, bird evolution, tropical birds, ornithology, wildlife science, and fascinating bird facts, this is an episode you won't want to miss!Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're revisiting one of our favorite interviews with legendary birder Peter Kaestner—the first person in history to see more than 10,000 bird species in the wild.While John continues his birding adventures in New Zealand and Australia, we thought it was the perfect time to revisit this incredible conversation. Peter recently came up on the podcast when Shannon recognized one of his recordings of a Rwenzori Turaco, reminding us just how remarkable his birding journey has been.Peter is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished birders in the world. Over decades of global travel, he has observed more bird species than anyone else in history, visiting remote corners of the planet in pursuit of rare birds, endemic species, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to talk with Peter about world birding, bird identification, rare birds, international birding travel, conservation, and the adventures that come with a lifetime spent exploring the natural world.From incredible sightings and close calls to lessons learned from thousands of birding expeditions, Peter shares fascinating stories, hard-earned wisdom, and a passion for birds that is impossible not to appreciate.If you love birding, birdwatching, rare birds, wildlife travel, ornithology, bird conservation, bird identification, and extraordinary birding stories from around the world, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

Weather with EnthusiasmZmanim, Chicago Storm Physics, and What the Sky Means for Your Day Show NotesToday's episode explores the intersection of halachic prayer times, atmospheric science, and severe weather across Chicago, Baltimore, Lakewood, Brooklyn, and St. Louis. We break down today's Zmanim for June 8, 2026, including dawn, sunrise, latest Shema, chatzo, sunset, and nightfall for each city, showing how geography and season shift the day. The weather discussion focuses on a very active setup in Chicago, where a stationary front, high theta-e, steep lapse rates, high precipitable water, CAPE, weak shear, and ambient vorticity create a serious flash-flood and wet microburst risk. The episode also explains key National Weather Service terms in plain English, including hydro concern, theta-e gradient, lapse rates, P-WAT, shear, vorticity, and shortwave troughs. A historical segment revisits the devastating Beecher, Michigan F5 tornado of June 8, 1953, and explains how that tragedy helped change U.S. tornado warning policy, expand radar use, and build the modern spotter network. The episode closes with practical indoor ideas for Chicago families on a stormy day, including the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, and the Field Museum. ## Hashtags#WeatherWithEnthusiasm #Zmanim #ChicagoWeather #SevereWeather #StormPhysics #FlashFlooding #Meteorology #NationalWeatherService #Halacha #TornadoHistory #ChicagoFamilyActivities #WeatherBriefing [1]Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes about the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher—one of North America's smallest, busiest, and most beloved songbirds.While John is off birding in New Zealand and Australia, we're taking a look back at this conversation about a bird that perfectly captures what makes birdwatching so rewarding. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers may be tiny, but their energetic behavior, buzzy calls, and constant movement make them unforgettable once you start noticing them.When we originally recorded this episode, we talked about how special it would be to spend a day surrounded by Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and how important it is not to take those moments in nature for granted. Recently, that exact experience happened again, serving as a reminder of one of the best lessons birding can teach us: slow down, pay attention, and appreciate the birds around you.In this episode, Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to discuss Blue-gray Gnatcatcher behavior, bird identification, migration, habitat, nesting, bird songs and calls, and why these tiny birds are such favorites among birders.We also answer a listener mailbag question about vultures and condors, exploring the fascinating world of scavenging birds and their important role in ecosystems.If you love birding, birdwatching, songbirds, backyard birds, bird behavior, bird identification, vultures, condors, ornithology, wildlife science, and fascinating bird facts, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

GO Fest Tokyo is already underway when this podcast airs. In this episode, JayTI7N and JackJack go over some info learned from Tokyo and deepdive into GO Fest Chicago, like the district maps, park layout, what items are and are not allowed at Grant Park, details on the Field Museum, raids/catches/hatches, park perks, what to bring, basics of traveling to Chicago, etc. Rest up and enjoy this mellow weekend without a major Pokemon Go event. GO Fest Chicago is less than a week away!

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we explore one of the most spectacular birds in Africa: the Rwenzori Turaco.Chosen by Shannon, this stunning bird is famous for its brilliant colors, striking crest, and almost unbelievable appearance. If you've never seen a Rwenzori Turaco before, you may want to look up a photo right now—its vibrant plumage makes it one of the most beautiful birds in the world and a favorite among birders, wildlife photographers, and ornithologists alike.John also shares stories from his birding adventures in Africa, including what it was like to see Rwenzori Turacos in the wild. The conversation expands into African birding, tropical forests, wildlife encounters, and the incredible diversity of birds found across the continent.Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to discuss Rwenzori Turaco behavior, habitat, bird identification, evolution, and what makes turacos such unique birds within the avian world.Whether you're fascinated by exotic birds, dreaming of birding in Africa, or simply love learning about beautiful and unusual species, this episode is packed with bird facts, ornithology, wildlife science, and unforgettable birding stories.If you love birding, birdwatching, African birds, tropical birds, bird behavior, ornithology, wildlife travel, conservation, and fascinating bird facts, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

Anna Davlantes, WGN Radio's investigative correspondent, joins Bob Sirott to share what happened this week in Chicago history. Stories include the swearing in of Chicago’s former Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the arrival of Sue at the Field Museum, Mr. T’s seventh inning stretch, and more.

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we explore the fascinating world of the Black-and-white Warbler—one of the most unique and behaviorally unusual warblers in North America.Unlike most warblers that hop through leaves and branches, Black-and-white Warblers climb tree trunks and branches much like nuthatches or woodpeckers, making them instantly recognizable to birders once you know what to look for. Their bold black-and-white striped plumage, energetic movements, and distinctive behavior make them one of the most charming songbirds in the forest.This episode was inspired by listener Kelsey, who asked us to do a full deep dive into these amazing birds—and we had a blast discussing them.Field Museum ornithologists and curators of birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda Pole to discuss Black-and-white Warbler behavior, migration, bird identification, foraging strategies, habitat, bird songs and calls, and why this species stands out among North American warblers.If you love birding, birdwatching, warblers, songbirds, bird behavior, ornithology, migration, wildlife science, and fascinating bird facts, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

Nick welcomes Dr. Keith Lipinski from AAW Pro Wrestling back to the podcast for a full wrestling conversation, including a recap of WrestleMania, a preview of Backlash, and plenty of WWE talk. They also get into AEW, MJF's championship run, and their thoughts on Darby Allin as the current title holder. Keith shares what went down at the latest AAW show in Berwyn and what fans can expect next. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to catch up on weekend plans before the conversation turns to movies filmed in Chicago, especially scenes shot at the Field Museum. They talk about films like The Relic, Damien: Omen II, Flatliners, and more. [Ep 453]

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're diving into one of the most dazzling birds in North America—the Costa's Hummingbird. After a listener wrote in with a question, we decided this tiny desert specialist deserved a full episode—and it does not disappoint.From its iridescent purple crown to its high-speed aerial displays, the Costa's Hummingbird is a master of survival in some of the harshest environments. We explore its unique behavior, desert habitat, feeding strategies, and what makes it stand out among hummingbirds.We also revisit the Black-backed Woodpecker, connecting back to our earlier episode with Ryan, who shared his experience birding on the autism spectrum. That conversation opened up an important discussion about how birding can be more inclusive—and how the birding community can create space for everyone to enjoy nature in their own way.Whether you're a beginner learning your first birds or a seasoned birder looking to go deeper, this episode blends science, storytelling, and real-world perspectives.As always, it's married ornithologists and Field Museum curators John Bates and Shannon Hackett, alongside birding enthusiasts RJ and Amanda Pole, bringing you birds through both expert insight and curious discovery.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're joined by birder Ryan Shostack to talk about the incredible Black-backed Woodpecker—and how birding can be more inclusive for everyone.The Black-backed Woodpecker is a fascinating species known for its unique relationship with burned forests, and Ryan shares his firsthand experiences seeing this bird multiple times in the wild. We explore its behavior, habitat, and why it's such a special find for birders.Ryan also opens up about his experience birding on the autism spectrum (including Asperger's), and what birding means to him. It leads to a thoughtful and honest conversation about accessibility, inclusion, and how the birding community can better support people of all backgrounds and abilities.With Shannon's own experience with hearing loss, this is a topic we've been wanting to explore for a while—and this conversation really delivers. We also go on a few fun tangents (including wolves), making this a wide-ranging and meaningful episode.As always, it's Field Museum ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett, alongside RJ and Amanda learning right along with you.If you're interested in birding, bird behavior, inclusion in nature, or just love great conversations about the outdoors—this is an episode you won't want to miss.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're diving into stories about two fascinating (and very different) blackbirds: the Rusty Blackbird and the Brown-headed Cowbird.The Rusty Blackbird is one of the fastest-declining bird species in North America, and we explore what makes this bird so unique, and RJ and Amanda's recent sighting of them. Then we shift to the Brown-headed Cowbird, one of the most controversial birds in birding, known for its unusual nesting behavior and brood parasitism.We also reveal the Final Four results of our Bird Championship tournament. Plus, we officially announce our Bird of the Year, and break down how it all played out.And in a really fun behind-the-scenes moment, we hear about the Listers filmmakers, the Reiser brothers, visiting John and Shannon at the Field Museum.As always, it's married ornithologists and Field Museum curators John Bates and Shannon Hackett, alongside RJ and Amanda learning right along with you.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

We're nearing the end of tour exploration of the Plan of Chicago. This week we look at the final chapter, The Heart of Chicago. Show notes here!Send us Fan MailSupport the showIf you have anything you'd like us to talk about on the podcast, food or history, please email us at ⁠admin@77flavors.orgWATCH US ON YOUTUBE ⁠HERE⁠!Visit our *NEW* website ⁠https://www.77flavors.orgFollow us on IG:77 Flavors of Chicago ⁠@77flavorschi⁠Dario ⁠dariodurhamphotoSara @sarafaddah

Learn about the Green Heron, one of the only birds known to use tools to hunt, and how it uses bait to catch fish. This birding and birdwatching podcast explores heron behavior, wetland habitats, and surprising bird intelligence for beginners and experts alike. We also share a really special moment—RJ and Amanda came across a Green Heron nest and got to see a group of baby herons up close, which led to some fun conversation about nesting behavior, habitat, and what makes these birds so unique.If you're into birding, birdwatching, backyard wildlife, or just love learning about surprising animal behavior, this is a super fun episode you won't want to miss.As always, it's married ornithologists and Field Museum curators John Bates and Shannon Hackett, alongside RJ and Amanda learning right along with you.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky

Learn about Long-Eared Owls, one of the most fascinating owl species in birding, and why they gather in massive communal roosts. This birdwatching podcast breaks down owl behavior, migration, and ecology for beginners and experts alike. This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're diving into one of the most mysterious and underrated owls out there—the Long-eared Owl. Known for its secretive behavior and incredible camouflage, this owl is a true master of staying hidden… until you know where to look.John brings an amazing story from Serbia, where hundreds of Long-eared Owls gather to roost together in one place—an absolutely mind-blowing sight for birders and nature lovers alike. If you've ever wondered where to find owls or how they behave in the wild, this episode is packed with fascinating insights.We're also continuing our March Madness-style Round Robin Bird Tournament, featuring votes and hilarious commentary from Nick Mason's LSU students, along with our own picks. Who's advancing? Who's getting knocked out? You'll have to listen to find out.As always, the show is hosted by married Field Museum ornithologists and Curators of Birds John Bates and Shannon Hackett, alongside bird enthusiasts RJ and Amanda Pole, blending expert knowledge with beginner curiosity to make birding fun and accessible for everyone.If you love owls, birdwatching, ornithology, wildlife behavior, and fun science-driven conversations, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

We came across a recent article suggesting that birdwatching might actually help slow the aging process, and naturally we had to dig into it. As it turns out, tracking down the original scientific paper isn't exactly easy, which led us into a fun exploration of what the research actually says—and what it might mean.Along the way, the conversation took a really personal turn as Shannon shared her experience with her cochlear implant and what it's been like to relearn how to hear the world again—from identifying bird calls to rediscovering music like the Talking Heads. It sparked a fascinating discussion about how our brains process sound, observation, and learning—something that birding constantly challenges us to do.So this episode is a mix of science, personal stories, and a lot of curiosity about how birding shapes the way our brains work. It's thoughtful, a little nerdy, and still very much the kind of conversation our bird-loving crowd will enjoy.Hosted by Field Museum ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett and birding enthusiasts RJ Pole and Amanda Pole. Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're diving into the subtle but fascinating world of the Eastern Wood-Pewee—one of North America's most recognizable (yet often overlooked) flycatchers. Known for its iconic “pee-a-wee” call echoing through eastern forests, the Eastern Wood-Pewee is a bird that many people hear long before they ever see.With the pewee fresh on their minds, Field Museum ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett join RJ and Amanda to explore what makes this bird so unique—from its distinctive song and migration patterns to how scientists identify it among other similar flycatchers.John and Shannon are also heading over to the wildly entertaining Extremely Accurate Bird Songs podcast, where hosts Tommy Siegel and Billy Libby celebrate birds through music and comedy. The duo even wrote an entire song about the Eastern Wood-Pewee, and recently performed their signature bird rock at the San Diego Bird Festival—so make sure to follow their show and listen for the upcoming pewee track!Link to Extremely Accurate Bird Songs Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/extremely-accurate-bird-songs-the-podcast/id1809194651Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're diving deep into the remarkable world of the Black-billed Magpie—one of North America's most intelligent and visually striking birds.Hosts RJ Pole and Amanda Pole share firsthand stories from their time living in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where encounters with Black-billed Magpies were part of everyday life. Known for their bold personalities, problem-solving skills, and dazzling black-and-white plumage with iridescent blue-green feathers, these birds are anything but ordinary.Field Museum ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett join the conversation to break down what makes Black-billed Magpies so fascinating—from their advanced intelligence and social behavior to how they thrive across western landscapes. Whether you're a dedicated birder or just curious about wildlife, this episode offers expert insights and engaging storytelling you won't want to miss.Plus, we answer a fun listener question in our Q&A segment: wombat poop vs. bird poop—yes, we really go there.Have a question you'd like us to answer on a future episode? Send it our way at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com and you might hear it on the show!Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

This week, we're diving into one of North America's most unforgettable birds: the Acorn Woodpecker.After spotting Acorn Woodpeckers near the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, RJ couldn't stop thinking about these bold, clown-faced birds—and for good reason. Known for their incredible food-storage behavior, some Acorn Woodpeckers have been documented hoarding hundreds of pounds of acorns, drilling thousands of perfectly spaced holes into trees, utility poles, and even the sides of people's homes. It's one of the most extreme examples of avian teamwork and planning in the bird world.Joining the conversation as always are Field Museum ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett, alongside birding enthusiasts RJ Pole and Amanda Pole, bringing both expert insight and curious questions to the table. Together, we explore Acorn Woodpecker behavior, social structure, intelligence, and what makes this species such a standout among North American woodpeckers.Along the way, there's also a little Midwest sports banter—including the surprising realization that the Indiana Hoosiers might actually have a real football team this year.If you love woodpeckers, bird behavior, ornithology stories, or just enjoy fun, science-driven conversations about nature, this episode is for you. Whether you're a seasoned birder or brand new to birdwatching, this Acorn Woodpecker deep dive is equal parts educational and entertaining.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

Discover the beauty and biology of the Cedar Waxwing, one of North America's most elegant songbirds, in this week's episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together. Join hosts and Field Museum ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett along with RJ Pole and Amanda Pole as they explore Cedar Waxwing identification, behavior, habitat, and the fascinating feather structure that creates the bird's signature wax-like wing tips. Learn why Cedar Waxwings travel in flocks, what they eat, where to find them across North America, and how their unique plumage evolved.Whether you're a beginner birder, backyard birdwatcher, or lifelong ornithology enthusiast, this episode offers expert insights, fun facts, and field-ready tips to help you spot and understand the stunning Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum).Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

Join Ellen & special guests, power couple Shannon Hackett and John Bates from the Field Museum, here to talk about the intersection of science, history, and of course, birds in a love letter to the natural history museum. We discuss working alongside SUE the T. rex, specimen pickles, harlequin romance novels, and explore bigger questions like how museum collections can reveal evolution happening around us right now in real-time and help us look into the future, what the average everyday person can learn about themselves and what science actually looks like from a museum, and the hotly contested debate as to whether grey vireos are interesting or not.Links:Check out Birds of a Feather Talk Together on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Instagram!Learn more about the Field Museum on their website!For more information about us & our podcast, head over to our website!Follow Just the Zoo of Us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram & Discord!Follow Ellen on Instagram or BlueSky!

Ray and Dave discuss the amazing biota of the Mazon Creek Lagerstätte with Arjan Mann, Assistant Curator of Fossil Fishes & Early Tetrapods at the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois

Excuse me, why do you have teeth? How did they get in your mouth and where did they come from? Let's ask researcher, tooth enthusiast, and Paleohistologist Dr. Yara Haridy.  She opened up the archives at Chicago's Field Museum to chat about ancient skulls, drawers of bones, and the evidence that changed how we think about chompers. Drop your jaws as we discuss the origins of teeth, why yours hurt, the long-debated rumors of extinct species, how particle accelerators and paleontology worlds collide, what tools fossil pickers rely on, teeny tiny mysteries, why you should hug a tree before it kills you, and why a catfish might become your overlord. Visit Dr. Yara Haridy's website and follow her on InstagramA donation went to the Sameer ProjectMore episode sources and linksOther episodes you may enjoy: Osteology (SKELETONS/BODY FARMS), Selachimorphology (SHARKS), Elasmobranchology (MORE SHARK STORIES), Paleontology (DINOSAURS), Evolutionary Biology (DARWINISM), Functional Morphology (ANATOMY), Genicular Traumatology (BAD KNEES), Castorology (BEAVERS), Urban Rodentology (SEWER RATS), Biomineralogy (SHELLS), Scorpiology (SCORPIONS), Garology (LONG CUTE ANCIENT PATIENT BOOPABLE NIGHTMARE FISH)400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topicSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesSponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!Follow Ologies on Instagram and BlueskyFollow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTokEditing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake ChaffeeManaging Director: Susan HaleScheduling Producer: Noel DilworthTranscripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Allison chats with Daisy Foko Granson - a content creator and biomedical inventor with multiple patents who also happens to be married to Eagles tight end Kylen Granson. From surviving spinal surgery at 19 to filing THC device patents, navigating free agency stress, and getting married under dinosaurs at the Field Museum, Daisy proves you can be brilliant in the lab AND the stadium. Sponsors:Vivrelle: Go to www.vivrelle.com ond apply for a membership today using code SSC for your first month of membership FREE - the code will also allow you to skip the vivrelle waitlistAvocado Mattress: With code sunday, you'll save an extra $25 on Crib and Kids Mattresses on top of their holiday sale! Stash: Go to get.stash.com/ssc to see how you can receive TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS towards your first stock purchase and to view important disclosures. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For Halloween, we bring you an ode to three quintessentially creepy creatures: bats, arachnids, and snakes. First, bat researcher Elena Tena joins Host Flora Lichtman to describe tracking the greater noctule bat in flight and learning that it can feed on migratory birds. Then, arachnologist Paula Cushing describes the camel spider, which is neither a camel nor a spider. And herpetologist Sara Ruane highlights one of her favorite snakes, the tiger keelback, which is both venomous and poisonous. Plus, what makes a lake spooky? A pond possessed? Flora talks with Geo Rutherford, creator of the Spooky Lake Month series on TikTok and Instagram, to learn about some of the spookiest, most mysterious lakes on the planet. Guests:Dr. Elena Tena is the national coordinator for the Spanish Bat Atlas project.Dr. Paula Cushing is senior curator of invertebrate zoology at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Sara Ruane is curator of herpetology at the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois. Geo Rutherford is the author of Spooky Lakes: 25 Strange and Mysterious Lakes That Dot Our Planet and the creator of Spooky Lake content TiKTok and Instagram. You can find her @geodesaurus. Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.

If you're a moth trying to stay uneaten, there are competing strategies. Some moths rely on camouflage, trying to blend in. Other moths take the opposite approach: They're bold and bright, with colors that say “don't eat me, I'm poison.” Biologist Iliana Medina joins Host Flora Lichtman to describe a study that placed some 15,000 origami moths in forests around the world to investigate which strategy might work best. Then, mammologist Anderson Feijó and evolutionary biologist Rafaela Missagia join Flora to dive into another evolutionary conundrum: why so many rodents have thumbnails. Guests: Dr. Iliana Medina Guzman is a Senior Lecturer in the School of BioSciences at the University of Melbourne in Australia.Dr. Anderson Feijó is a mammal curator at the Field Museum in Chicago. Dr. Rafaela Missagia is an assistant professor at the University of São Paulo in Brazil.Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com.  Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.