Episodes

  • Episode 12: Tiny Tragedies with Eddie Pence
    Jan 23 2025

    Comedian Eddie Pence brings his signature humor to Wild Tails as he shares stories about his lifelong history of pets and the unfortunate ends some of them met. In this episode, we explore the highs and lows of pet ownership with a humorous yet thoughtful discussion about death, loss, and the special connections we share with animals.

    Eddie Pence is a celebrated comedian known for blending sharp wit with relatable storytelling. This conversation offers a heartfelt mix of laughter and reflection, making it a must-listen for animal lovers and comedy fans alike.

    Follow Eddie Pence on IG: @Eddiepence

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    Email the show at wildtailspod@gmail.com

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    34 mins
  • Episode 11: Getting cancelled with Taylor Williamson
    Jan 9 2025

    On this episode of Wild Tails, comedian Taylor Williamson—best known for his hilarious performances on America’s Got Talent—shares the story of his beloved dog, Betty, and how she became part of his life. From heartwarming moments to laugh-out-loud anecdotes, this episode is packed with humor, dog lover vibes, and Taylor’s signature wit.

    Taylor also talks about his new persona of trying to be a "bad guy", dragging host Mike down with him. Hopefully we both don't get cancelled. If you love comedy, dogs, or both, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

    PS: This episode was recorded on Dec 26, hence any reference to Hanukkah.

    Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

    Follow Taylor Williamson on Instagram: @Taylorcomedy

    Follow Betty the Puppy Dog: @Bettythepuppydoggy

    Watch: Taylor Williamson - Live At The Comedy Store | Full Special

    Follow Wild Tails podcast in Instagram @Wildtailspod

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    Email the show at wildtailspod@gmail.com

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    46 mins
  • Episode 10: Eland Excitement in South Africa with Madison (Zoogirlq)
    Dec 26 2024

    This week on Wild Tails, we’re joined by Madison, better known as @zoogirlq, a passionate wildlife advocate with hands-on experience in conservation and animal care. Madison’s journey has taken her to South Africa, where she worked with Vets Go Wild, learning essential skills for wildlife veterinary care in the field.

    In this episode, she also recounts an unforgettable adventure involving the transportation of an eland—a massive and unpredictable antelope—where things didn’t go quite as planned. Tune in for an exciting behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work with wildlife in challenging situations.

    Whether you’re a conservation enthusiast or love hearing incredible animal stories, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

    Follow Madison on Instagram: Zoogirlq

    Follow Wild Tails podcast in Instagram @Wildtailspod

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    Email the show at wildtailspod@gmail.com

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    43 mins
  • Episode 9: Hand-Raising a Pangolin with Bob Cisneros
    Dec 12 2024

    In this exciting episode of Wild Tails, host Mike Bona welcomes Bob Cisneros, a wildlife expert with decades of experience in animal care and conservation. Bob’s impressive career includes time as an animal keeper in San Diego, director of Utah’s Hogle Zoo, and USA board member for Action for Cheetahs in Kenya.

    Bob shares an extraordinary story about hand-raising a pangolin at the San Diego Zoo—a rare and complex task that highlights the challenges of caring for one of the world’s most endangered and unique animals. Pangolins, often targeted by poachers for their scales, are notoriously difficult to care for in captivity, making Bob’s success all the more remarkable.

    Listen as Bob dives into the process of nurturing this elusive mammal and explains why pangolins play such a critical role in global conservation efforts. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about wildlife, conservation, zookeeping or the incredible work being done to save species on the brink of extinction.

    Available now on all major podcast platforms!

    Follow Wild Tails podcast in Instagram @Wildtailspod

    Follow Wild Tails Podcast on Bluesky Email the show at wildtailspod@gmail.com

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    36 mins
  • Episode 8: Trapping a Tapir with John Scaramucci
    Nov 28 2024

    In this episode of Wild Tails, join host Mike Bona as he sits down with experienced zookeeper John Scaramucci to share an extraordinary story of wildlife conservation. John takes listeners deep into the Amazon rainforest, recounting his work with the Lowland Tapir Conservation Initiative in Brazil. From the challenges of navigating dense jungle terrain to the meticulous process of safely trapping a tapir, John’s story highlights the critical efforts needed to protect these gentle and often-overlooked creatures.

    Discover the fascinating world of tapirs, why they’re vital to the ecosystem, and the conservation work being done to save them from extinction. Whether you’re passionate about wildlife or just love a thrilling story from the field, this episode is a must-listen!

    Tune in on your favorite podcast platform now!

    Donate to IPÊ - Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas

    Follow Wild Tails podcast in Instagram @Wildtailspod

    Follow Wild Tails on Bluesky @Wildtails

    Email the show at wildtailspod@gmail.com

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    25 mins
  • Episode 7: Inside the Rhino Trade with Jacob Calle
    Nov 14 2024

    In this episode of Wild Tails, I sit down with filmmaker and conservationist Jacob Calle, who’s taking a bold approach to uncover the reality behind rhino poaching. Jacob shares stories from his work on his upcoming documentary in which he befriends rhino poachers to gain insight into their world and motives. It’s a raw and eye-opening look into the human side of wildlife trafficking and the complex forces driving the illegal trade.

    Tune in for a conversation that challenges assumptions and digs deep into one of conservation’s toughest battles.

    Follow Jacob Calle on Instagram @Jacobcalle

    Follow Wild Tails podcast in Instagram @Wildtailspod

    Email the show at wildtailspod@gmail.com

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    33 mins
  • Episode 6: Showbiz Surprises with Mara Rodriguez
    Oct 31 2024

    In this episode of Wild Tails, Mara Rodriguez, Zoo Development Coordinator for America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College, takes us behind the scenes of the entertainment industry. Mara shares a memorable story from the 90s, when she brought a trained sea lion to perform on a Nickelodeon show with an up-and-coming host. As she recounts the experience, we get a glimpse into the challenges and joys of training animals for TV and film, and what it takes to make everything run smoothly on set. Learn More about America's Teaching Zoo at www.https://www.moorparkcollege.edu/current-students/teaching-zoo/home

    Follow Wild Tails podcast in Instagram @Wildtailspod

    Email the show at wildtailspod@gmail.com

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    26 mins
  • Episode 5: Protecting Giants with Julian Fennessy
    Oct 17 2024

    This week on Wild Tails, we welcome Julian Fennessy, the president and founder of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. Julian shares an intense and eye-opening story from the frontlines of wildlife conservation, recounting a tense encounter with poachers while conducting a giraffe survey in the remote wilderness of Ethiopia. His dedication to protecting these majestic creatures takes him into dangerous and unpredictable territory. Don’t miss this gripping episode, where Julian reveals the challenges and triumphs of conserving giraffes in the wild. Follow Giraffe conservation Foundation on IG: @giraffe_conservation and learn more on their website www.giraffeconservation.org

    Follow Wild Tails podcast in Instagram @Wildtailspod

    Email the show at wildtailspod@gmail.com

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    36 mins