The Metazoa Podcast
The Metazoa Podcast
Phoebe Carnes and Jacob Dunford
The Metazoa Podcast is a show about nature by those who love nature. Join Phoebe, a passionate biology student and resident ELK-aholic, and Jacob, a "biology flavored comp-sci major," as they talk about anything and everything planet earth! From wildlife news across the globe to the secret lives of fungi, this podcast is for anyone who loves animals or exploring the outdoors. New episodes are uploaded biweekly! Opening and Closing Music: "Cinematic Documentary" by Lexin_Music "Animal Trivia" Theme: "Big Band Show" by Music_For_Videos
Cicada Apocalypse, Lions Thwarted by Ants, and a Baby Great White
In this news-heavy episode, Phoebe and Jacob talk about the discovery of a "shark graveyard" deep within Mammoth Cave National Park and the world's first sighting of a baby great white shark! We talk about the terrifying cicada apocalypse and the unique way that alligators survive freezing temperatures. We also look at a new species of snake in the Andes and discuss a pod of orcas that were recently trapped in drift ice off the coast of Japan. To end the episode, Phoebe nerds out about a recent find from researchers studying the blue whale genome, which reveals significant hybridization with fin whales!
Feb 13, 2024
1 hr 2 min
California Lions at Risk, the Pacific Owl Conundrum, and Sperm Whales
In this episode, Phoebe and Jacob talk about the recent discovery of sperm whale cultures and democracies and the news that South Korea will be banning the dog meat trade. They also discuss the unusual discovery of a new Tyrannosaur species, a sighting of a rare "two-sexed" bird, and the unfortunate realization that California's mountain lion population is much lower than originally thought. In this week's "Animal Trivia," Jacob quizzes Phoebe on animal group names. In "Weird, Wacky, and Wondrous," we talk about a tiny carnivorous marsupial whose bite is much stronger than its bark. To end the episode, they have a conversation about the US Fish and Wildlife Service's controversial decision to cull 500,000 barred owls in order to save the threatened Northern Spotted Owl.
Jan 30, 2024
1 hr 3 min
Rhinos on a Plane, Return of the Mighty Auroch, and Neil the Seal
In this episode, Phoebe and Jacob talk about the recent relocation of five critically endangered eastern black rhinos and the discovery of a beautiful new seal species. They discuss a sighting of a new jaguar in the US and the implications of a polar bear dying of highly-contagious avian flu. They also geek out over the historic return of the auroch! In this week's "Animal Trivia," we learn about what animal has the highest blood pressure, what mammal is the smallest, and more. In "Weird, Wacky, and Wondrous," Phoebe quizzes Jacob on an eerie lemur-like animal with the ability to glide. To end the episode, we talk about the recent reign of an adolescent elephant seal named "Neil."
Jan 16, 2024
1 hr 9 min
A Brief History of Wolves in the US: A Battle for Coexistence
In this episode, Phoebe and Jacob take a deep dive into the history of wolves in the US, from the religion-fueled preconceptions of early colonists to the historic and momentous reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone. This conversation is complex with stigmas and political drama abound, but we believe that it is important! Coexistence should always be our goal.
Jan 10, 2024
1 hr 8 min
Wolves Return to Colorado, Vampire Bats in the US, and Two New Squids
In this episode, we celebrate Jonathan the Tortoise's 191st birthday, look at rare images of a piebald moose in Norway, and discuss the likelihood of vampire bats moving northward into the Southern US. We also talk about a playful group of orcas that have been hanging around off the coast of San Diego. To end the episode, we begin our in-depth discussion about the reintroduction of wolves into Colorado, which has sparked political turmoil.
Jan 9, 2024
49 min
Zombie Deer in Yellowstone, Sand-Swimming Moles, and Snoozing Penguins
In this episode, Phoebe and Jacob discuss the discovery of a new dwarf gecko species in India and the rediscovery of a sand-swimming mole in Africa. They also do a deep-dive into Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and its recent spread into Yellowstone National Park. Jacob quizzes Phoebe on animal trivia, and she introduces him to a mysterious gelatinous animal in "Weird, Wacky, and Wondrous." To end the episode, in celebration of the holiday season, they talk all about reindeer and their strange winter adaptations!
Jan 3, 2024
1 hr 11 min