Pod Meets World — "Terri Irwin"

Podcast: Pod Meets World (iHeartPodcasts)
Host: Danielle Fishel
Guest: Terri Irwin
Release Date: January 14, 2026

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Danielle Fishel sits down with Terri Irwin—wildlife conservationist, zookeeper, and matriarch of the Irwin legacy—for a deep dive into Terri’s singular journey from Oregon to Australia, her years working with animals, meeting Steve Irwin, and raising the next generation of wildlife warriors. Weaving together awkward teenage memories and the values that have shaped her life, Terri shares lessons of empathy, family, loss, womanhood, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Main Discussion and Key Insights

Terri’s Unconventional Childhood and Early Love for Animals

• Terri’s upbringing in Eugene, Oregon

  • Raised in an environmentally-conscious family before it was trendy (06:36).
  • Father: WWII vet, trucker, habitual rescuer of roadside animals (07:20).
  • Childhood home became a mini-wildlife rehab after her father brought home injured creatures, teaching Terri responsibility, empathy, and practical animal care from a very young age.

• Learning through Experience

  • Recalls feeding and rehabilitating Meganser ducklings with her dad, using Encyclopedia Britannica to learn and a red flashlight to catch nightcrawlers (08:53).
  • Key lesson: True kindness is a strength. Her father emphasized not keeping wild animals as pets, explaining, “Even though they're happy and healthy, they want to fly and do their own thing” (11:09).

Notable Quote:

“I've always admired men who are so secure in their masculinity that they can raise everyone up… I want to raise you up and have you succeed and do well and do what you love.”
— Terri Irwin (12:02)

Terri as a Teen: Work Ethic, Friendship, and Awkwardness

• Considered herself a “not quite as cool” kid for being a hard worker, helping with the family trucking business, picking beans on farms, and being passionate about animal care (12:20, 13:19).
• Navigated new social circles when her school district changed for 10th grade (14:31).
• Strict upbringing: no dancing (“Kevin Bacon upbringing!” 16:22), no drive-in movies, but made friends across all groups and embraced inclusivity and curiosity (17:37, 18:17).

Notable Quote:

“I find everybody fascinating in some way... curiosity is always a good foundation for friendship.”
— Danielle Fishel (17:37)

Becoming a Wildlife Hero: Cougar Country and Early Rescue

• Chose practical goals: Used her savings for a house rather than a sports car, took over the family business, and created “Cougar Country,” a wildlife rehabilitation home focusing on predatory mammals (27:09).
• Story of her first cougar rescue: Bought and saved a malnourished cougar cub from illegal pet trade, then partnered with other educators to do school demonstrations (27:36–33:19).
• Her yard became “Dr. Dolittle’s yard,” often enlisting even Jehovah’s Witnesses who stopped by to help clean cages and feed baby animals (33:24).

Notable Quote:

“So I have my cougar to teach people. I have this hobby of helping wildlife. And Cougar Country was born.”
— Terri Irwin (33:19)

The Transformation: Vacationing, Australia, and Meeting Steve Irwin

• Florida vacations sparked love for wildlife-rich places (38:57).
• Fateful trip to Australia in 1991: Almost skipped visiting the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park—caught a tiny, tidy zoo, watched Steve’s croc demonstration, and was blown away by his deep humility and passion for conservation (41:03–44:48).

The Meet Cute with Steve Irwin

• Bonded instantly over their favorite predatory animals: cougars and crocodiles.

“He looked at me all dreamy, and he said, that's why I love crocodiles. It was so cute.” (44:48)

• Their connection grew quickly—shared a love of wildlife, worked together in the park, and soon Terri returned to Oregon. Weeks passed with no call. When Steve finally rang, he said he’d be visiting in ten days to meet her family (49:11).

Building a Life and Legacy Together

• Engagement story: Steve’s chivalry and casual proposal after a hard day’s work taking down a tree (“What do you reckon? Do you want to get married?” 53:00).
• Navigating cultures: Terri’s father warned her, “Everyone gets homesick… your way is the different way” and not to “coordinate everything differently” upon moving to Australia (55:26).
• Honeymoon: Chose to rescue a crocodile (their first documentary!) over a trip to Indonesia (57:27).

Notable Quote:

“So I spent my honeymoon with six men in a film crew and working on rescuing this crocodile, which was wild.”
— Terri Irwin (57:49)

Motherhood, Family Loss, and Raising the Irwin Kids

• Steve and Terri agreed, “When we have kids, our lives won't change” (famous last words for new parents, 64:13).
• Bindi was filmed at birth and joined wildlife shoots at six days old; both Bindi and Robert essentially grew up alongside film crews and in wild environments, learning adaptability and finding adventure everywhere (64:36–66:36).
• Terri’s parenting style: Involved, supportive, with a focus on kindness and engagement.
  • Fun anecdote: Robert's only “difficult” period as a toddler—a tick bitten, cranky spell (67:24).
  • Humorous random encounter: Flew 14 hours with Robert Downey Jr., but only realized afterwards who he was (68:29–69:34).
  • Family energy: “They were not good sleep, but they were good travelers... they just loved it” (66:36).

Notable Quote:

“I've been very blessed with kids who are way more fun than I was when I was a kid and cooler.”
— Terri Irwin (63:12)

Looking Ahead: Legacy, Dancing, and Adventure

• On Dancing with the Stars: Feels her greatest strength is “sidekick coach” to her kids, but won’t rule out joining herself—“never say never!” (71:15).
• Danielle encourages Terri, citing her work ethic, personality, and history: “No one seems to be more dedicated than you. No one seems to be more hard working than you. You have a shining personality… if anyone could do it… it would be you.” (72:48)
• Sincere invitations: Terri invites Danielle to visit Australia Zoo, promising no pirates or spiders will threaten her (74:18–75:14).

Notable Quote:

“When Robert was a tiny little boy, he asked me to please, always protect him from pirates. And a pirate has never gotten him. So I am telling you, no spider.”
— Terri Irwin (74:48)

Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On masculinity and empathy:
  “I've always admired men who are so secure in their masculinity that they can raise everyone up… I want to raise you up and have you succeed and do well and do what you love.”
  — Terri Irwin (12:02)

• Explaining her father’s wisdom:
  “He said that's why you have to totally let stuff go... Even though they're happy and healthy, they want to fly and do their own thing.”
  — Terri Irwin (11:09)

• On meeting Steve Irwin:
  “...he looked at me all dreamy, and he said, ‘That's why I love crocodiles.’”
  — Terri Irwin (44:48)

• On their honeymoon/croc rescue documentary:
  “So I spent my honeymoon with six men in a film crew and working on rescuing this crocodile, which was wild.”
  — Terri Irwin (57:49)

• On her children:
  “I've been very blessed with kids who are way more fun than I was when I was a kid and cooler.”
  — Terri Irwin (63:12)

• On spiders, pirates, and protection:
  “When Robert was a tiny little boy, he asked me to please, always protect him from pirates. And a pirate has never gotten him. So I am telling you, no spider.”
  — Terri Irwin (74:48)

Episode Highlights by Timestamp

• 06:36–12:02: Terri’s childhood, animal rescue origins, and core life lessons from her father.
• 12:20–18:17: Teenage years in Oregon; high school work ethic, social navigation, and inclusivity.
• 22:54–34:39: Founding Cougar Country; stories of early animal rescue and community engagement.
• 38:57–44:48: Love of wildlife travel, chance visit to Australia Zoo, and meeting Steve Irwin.
• 49:11–57:49: Long-distance courtship, family meetings, culture shock, unique marriage proposal, and filming their first documentary as a honeymoon.
• 62:14–70:45: Raising Bindi and Robert, unique family life in the public eye, and parenting philosophies.
• 71:15–75:14: Dancing with the Stars—and not ruling out future participation; heartfelt invitations and friendship.

Tone & Style

• Danielle is warm, quick-witted, and deeply respectful, encouraging candid reflection with humor and admiration.
• Terri’s voice shines with humility, warmth, wit, and a matter-of-fact tenacity—often punctuated by self-deprecating jokes and gratitude for her family and community.

Final Takeaway

This episode is a testament to Terri Irwin’s resilience, empathy, and adventurous spirit. Her stories illuminate the legacies of love, kindness, hard work, and wild living—reminding listeners of the ways childhood dreams can shape a life and family, and how every day offers opportunity for compassion and curiosity.

Invitation:
Terri ends with a sincere offer for Danielle (and, by extension, listeners) to visit Australia Zoo—promising adventure and a spider-free stay, in classic Irwin fashion.

For fans of family stories, wildlife adventures, and those who value authenticity and purpose-driven living, this episode is a can’t-miss.