Maria chats with author Susan Tyler Hitchcock about the language of trees and how they influence our lives in her book "INTO THE FOREST: The Secret Language of Trees". The 150th Anniversary of Arbor Day is Fri April 29th so pick up this book and read!

Maria chats with author Juli Berwald about her book "Life On The Rocks", about the struggle to keep coral reefs alive and why we need coral reefs! Learn about restoration projects around the world. *99% of coral reefs will die if climate change isn't altered by 2050!!

Maria chats with photographer David Liittschwager about his book "Octopus Seahorse Jellyfish"; filled with amazing photos (like a male seahorse giving birth!!) that he took from all over the world They talk about his fascination with these creatures including jellyfish--which most of us hate!

Undercover Animal Investigator Pete Paxton is back talking about his undercover work in pet shops and puppy mills across the country. We chat about internet breeders and sellers; an update on greyhound training ("live luring") and more. His stories are horrific and fascinating yet uplifting and hopeful.You can help support his work by donating to Companion Animal Protection Society at caps-web.org or Grey2k at grey2kusa.org.

Did you know one grape can take down an 80 lb. dog?? Or giving a cat a bowl of milk isn't a good idea?! Maria chats with veterinarian Dr. Katie Pagan of Heart + Paw about what foods and plants are poisonous for our pets. *Keep the National Animal Poison Control Center's # on hand: 1-888-426-4435.*

Maria chats with Michal Harrison, a radio friend who's the editor and publisher of TALKERS. He's also a member (vocals and writing) of the classic rock group Gunhill Road--they're currently working on the band’s fifth album due for release this summer. His song “I Know You’re Real” (IKnowYouAreReal.com) is a tribute to one of his personal passions, animal welfare. You can hear the song at the end of this podcast.

Maria chats with Dr. Amber Karwacki of Heart + Paw about our pets' dental health, plus foods that can be dangerous and/or fatal to our pets! And you'll learn some tips as well!

Curiosity Streams "Evolve" is a six part docuseries; Biologist Patrick Aryee shows us how biomimicry can help solve some of the world's biggest problems.Maria chats with Patrick about the series and so much more!

Maria read a piece in the NY Times "A Slaughter of Wolves Like This Hasn't Been Seen in a Century" then chatted with the author Thomas McNamee about the unnecessary slaughter of wolves in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. Listen and learn how to stop the slaughter and #ReListWolves to the Endangered Species List.

Maria chats with celebrity dog trainer and former host of Animal Planet's "Good Dog U" Joel Silverman about keeping your pets safe this holiday season and winter!