At Last: The Prehistoric Planet Ice Age We Dreamed Of

We have asked someone, somewhere to make a show about all these incredible ancient animals, and here it is! Chris introduces Mike Gunton, the executive producer of the upcoming Apple TV series 'Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age'. They discuss the inspiration, challenges, and production process behind the series, which brings to life fantastical Ice Age creatures through groundbreaking visual effects merged with real-world landscapes. The conversation covers specific extinct species featured in the series, the scientific methodologies applied, and the emotional impact of witnessing these ancient animals in their natural habitats. The episode provides a unique peek into the technical and narrative elements that make 'Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age' a compelling watch. Podcast Timeline 02:00 Introduction to Our Creatures Podcast 02:53 Meet the Executive Producer: Mike Gunton 03:42 The Evolution of Prehistoric Planet 06:37 Challenges of Recreating Ice Age Mammals 05:55 Scientific Insights and Realism in Filmmaking 11:48 The Emotional Connection to Extinct Creatures 17:14 Environmental Changes and Extinction 22:42 Choosing the Species to Feature 23:08 Crafting the Narrative: Building Stories with Unique Creatures 26:35 The Power of Family and Social Bonds in Animal Stories 28:53 The Art of Filming: Blending CGI with Realism 32:55 Collaborating with John Favreau: Balancing Drama and Realism 34:22 Jaw-Dropping Moments: Bringing History to Life 37:15 The Importance of Science Explainers 40:41 Concluding Thoughts and Future Prospects =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris and Angie step back into deep time with us as we revisit one of our most fascinating episodes, New Zealand’s iconic tuatara. Often called a “living fossil,” the tuatara isn’t just another reptile; it’s the sole surviving member of an ancient lineage that walked the Earth alongside dinosaurs. In this episode, we explore what makes the tuatara truly extraordinary, from its third “parietal” eye to its incredibly slow growth and one-of-a-kind evolutionary history. We dive into its natural habitat, behaviours, and ecological role, and highlight why its story matters now more than ever. You’ll also hear about ongoing conservation efforts that are helping tuatara reclaim parts of their former range, offering hope for one of the world’s most ancient species. Whether you love evolutionary biology, unique wildlife stories, or New Zealand’s incredible biodiversity, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and rediscover the magic of the tuatara—an animal that has survived for over 200 million years and continues to inspire conservation today. =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris and Angie explore the fascinating origins of modern house cats by delving into the African Wildcat's history and features. The discussion highlights the wildcat’s behavior, physiology, and domestication journey that began over 10,000 years ago, leading to the friendly felines many have as pets today. They cover the super-sensory abilities of these wild cats, their role in ecosystems, and the challenges they face, such as habitat loss and hybridization with domestic cats. The duo also touches on important conservation efforts and the differences between wild African Wildcats and common domestic cats, emphasizing the complex dynamics and importance of these remarkable creatures. Podcast Timeline 02:00 Introduction to the Podcast 02:07 The African Wildcat: Origins and Domestication 04:00 YouTube Announcement and Personal Stories 07:17 Physical Characteristics of the African Wildcat 11:40 The African Wildcat's Range and Habitat 15:34 The Role of Cats in Human History 25:38 The Impact of Feral Cats on Wildlife 32:22 Evolution and Lineage of the African Wildcat 37:57 Guessing the Age of the Oldest Cat 38:28 Cream Puff and Grandpa Rex Allen: Record-Breaking Cats 39:01 The Secret to Long-Lived Cats 39:37 Indoor vs. Outdoor Cats: Lifespan Differences 40:05 Speed and Agility of Wildcats 41:04 Surviving Extreme Heat: Wildcats' Adaptations 43:32 Super Senses: Hearing, Sight, and Smell 46:09 The Unique Purring Mechanism of Wildcats 49:32 Flexibility and Agility: The Anatomy of Cats 51:22 Whiskers: The Built-In Sensors 52:22 Hunting and Survival Strategies 59:38 Breeding and Raising Kittens 01:06:41 Conservation and Threats to Wildcats 01:09:26 Why Wildcats Don't Make Good Pets 01:10:00 Adopting and Caring for Domestic Cats =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Step back into one of our favourite stories from the wild as we revisit the extraordinary pronghorn , one of North America’s most unique and misunderstood mammals. Chris and Angie explore the physiology that makes them the continent’s unrivalled speedsters, trace their deep evolutionary history alongside now-extinct predators, and look at the conservation journey that helped bring their numbers back from the brink. Their story is a powerful reminder of why protecting open landscapes and wildlife corridors matters now more than ever. Tune in to rediscover why pronghorns still hold such an important place in the ecosystems they call home. This episode was first released in January 2021 and wanted to bring them back into the spotlight. =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris interviews renowned environmental journalist and author Elizabeth Kolbert. They discuss her impactful books, 'The Sixth Extinction' and the upcoming 'Life on a Little Known Planet,' which highlight the global biodiversity crisis caused by human activity. Elizabeth shares stories from her travels around the world, including Greenland, New Zealand, and Florida, examining environmental challenges and the resilience of nature. The conversation covers pressing topics like climate change, species extinction, and innovative scientific efforts to combat these issues. Despite the grim realities, the episode emphasizes the importance of continued scientific research, public awareness, and policy changes to foster hope and drive positive environmental action. Podcast Timeline 02:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 02:12 Elizabeth Colbert's Impactful Work 04:24 Discussing 'The Sixth Extinction' 05:06 Hope and Inspiration in 'Life on a Little Known Planet' 07:37 The Importance of Every Species 11:22 Climate Change and Its Impact 15:30 AI and Conservation 19:01 Greenland's Melting Ice Sheets 24:19 Innovative Scientific Solutions 26:27 Challenges in Scientific Research 27:08 The Importance of Science Funding 30:13 Beekeeping Adventures and Challenges 32:02 Colony Collapse Disorder 35:30 Impact of Colonization on New Zealand's Wildlife 38:05 Conservation Efforts in New Zealand 42:01 Rights for Nature Movement 44:44 Reflections on Environmental Journalism 49:20 Final Thoughts and Book Promotion =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dingoes are among Australia’s most iconic yet misunderstood animals. Believed to have arrived on the continent around 5,000 to 10,000 years ago, these wild canines have become an essential part of Australia’s ecosystems. As apex predators, dingoes help regulate populations of kangaroos, rabbits, and feral species, maintaining balance across fragile landscapes. Despite their ecological importance, dingoes face significant threats, from habitat loss and persecution to hybridization with domestic dogs. Their conservation status varies by region, but many wild populations are declining. Here we explore their origins, their role in shaping Australia’s ecosystems, and why protecting pure dingo lineages matters for the future of biodiversity. This episode first aired in 2021. =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris and Angie revisit green sea turtles, focusing on their remarkable journey from being endangered to 'least concern’ under the IUCN classification. Originally covered in 2018, the conversation updates listeners on the latest developments, highlighting the role of science, legislation, and community in conservation success. They share personal experiences of snorkeling with sea turtles and discuss various facts about their behavior, migration, and navigation. The episode dives deep into the history of their near-extinction, the collaborative global efforts that aided their recovery, and the broader implications for other endangered marine species. Celebrating this conservation success, Chris and Angie stress the importance of continued efforts and individual actions in protecting these ancient, resilient creatures. Podcast Timeline 02:00 Introduction and Podcast History 02:35 The Green Sea Turtle's Comeback 03:24 Personal Encounters with Sea Turtles 03:51 The Importance of Conservation 04:40 Green Sea Turtle Characteristics 14:46 Global Distribution and Habitat 15:30 Conservation Efforts and Success Stories 21:35 Challenges and Ongoing Efforts 35:25 Evolution and Ancient Lineages 43:37 Ancient Lineage of Sea Turtles 44:27 Human Impact and Conservation Efforts 45:13 Life Cycle and Longevity 49:41 Survival Challenges from Hatchlings to Adults 51:26 Climate Change and Sex Ratios 58:51 Migration and Natal Homing 01:16:13 Reproduction and Nesting 01:23:43 How You Can Help Save Sea Turtles =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re thrilled to re-release one of our favorite conversations with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant — a wildlife ecologist, National Geographic explorer, and all-around conservation rock star. In this inspiring episode, Dr. Wynn-Grant takes us behind the scenes of her incredible journey studying some of the world’s most iconic carnivores — from grizzly bears in Yellowstone to African lions across Kenya and Tanzania. Her work uncovers how human activity shapes carnivore behavior and habitat use, and how we can better coexist with wildlife in a changing world. We also chat about her passion for science communication and her role as host of PBS’s acclaimed podcast, Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, where she brings listeners along on her adventures in the field and explores what it truly means to connect with the wild. A native Californian, Dr. Wynn-Grant shares how childhood curiosity and representation in science inspired her career, and how she’s using her platform to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity within the conservation movement. =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris and Angie revisit the world of bats, focusing on the fascinating ghost bat. Known for its distinctive pale color and incredible hunting abilities, the ghost bat is a unique carnivorous species native to Australia. The episode discusses the ghost bat's behavior, echolocation abilities, and conservation status, emphasizing the threats they face from habitat destruction and predators like feral cats. With dwindling populations and various conservation efforts underway, Chris and Angie highlight the importance of protecting these intriguing creatures to maintain ecological balance. Also included are fun facts about bat anatomy and behavior, along with listener shoutouts and updates on their YouTube channel. Podcast Timeline 02:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts 03:04 Spooky Species of the Year: The Ghost Bat 03:29 Global Celebration of Halloween and Bat Conservation 04:56 Threats to Bat Species and Conservation Efforts 05:34 Unique Characteristics of the Ghost Bat 06:03 Shoutout to a Listener and YouTube Announcement 07:04 Physical Description of the Ghost Bat 10:02 Ghost Bat's Habitat and Range 13:14 Importance of Bats in Ecosystems 22:08 Conservation Challenges and Efforts in Australia 31:53 Evolution and Classification of Bats 38:31 Ancient Bats: The Wyoming Fossil Discovery 39:58 Evolution of Echolocation in Bats 41:10 Ghost Bats: An Ancient Species 42:20 Ghost Bats' Speed and Flight Mechanics 43:32 The Fascinating Anatomy of Bat Skeletons 45:49 Why Are Ghost Bats White? 50:47 Echolocation: The Superpower of Ghost Bats 57:44 Ghost Bats' Social and Hunting Behaviors 01:07:35 Reproduction and Maternal Care in Ghost Bats 01:15:31 Conservation Efforts and Final Thoughts =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back to the vault for you to meet the Aye-aye — Madagascar’s most misunderstood primate. With its eerie, skeletal fingers, giant eyes, and nocturnal habits, it’s often called creepy, but in truth, it’s one of nature’s most fascinating survivors. This lemur has evolved to fill the same niche as a woodpecker, tapping trees to find hidden grubs with its elongated middle finger — a feeding behavior found nowhere else on Earth. Sadly, the Aye-aye’s ghostly reputation has made it a target of superstition and fear, and deforestation continues to threaten its fragile home. In this episode, we explore the Aye-aye’s bizarre adaptations, its crucial role in Madagascar’s ecosystem, and why this “creepy” creature is actually one of the coolest examples of evolution in action. =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices