Podcast
Squawk Global
Hosted by Kyle Kaplanis | Emily Vincent · EN
Squawk Global is a podcast giving parrots a global voice.
As parrots have risen in online fame, we’ve all seen the beauty and the joy, but we’ve also seen the crisis it can fuel. Impulse buying, misinformation, overwhelmed rescues, and birds paying the price.
This show is our commitment to do better.
We sit down with rescues, vets, educators, and creators for real conversations about parrot health, behavior, enrichment, and responsible ownership. No fluff. No fantasy. Just the truth, the lessons, and the stories that help birds live safer, happier lives.
If you love parrots and want to be part of the solution, you’re in the right place.
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Parrot Mills Exposed! The Unsolvable Paradox of the Exotic Pet Trade
Apr 800:12:00Tap to summarizeThe Wild Cannot Be Manufactured.On paper, the laws protecting exotic birds in Germany and the United States look rigorous—idealized attempts to mandate the conditions of the wild using the rigid language of federal law. But a law is only as strong as its enforcement. In this hard-hitting investigative episode, we peel back the "clinical" curtain of the Animal Welfare Act to reveal the hollow reality of the multi-billion dollar exotic pet trade.From undercover investigations into high-volume breeding mills to the front lines of global conservation, we explore the "unsolvable paradox" of the parrot industry: the attempt to treat a complex, sentient biological organism like a factory widget.In this episode, we cover:The Hollow Law: How breeders exploit "telemedicine" loopholes to bypass physical veterinary exams, and why inspectors often turn a blind eye to horrific conditions to protect the financial viability of breeders.The 80% Failure Rate: Why 8 out of 10 parrots are rehomed within the first three years due to "false expectations" set by social media and a lack of owner education.Biological Mismatch: Why the standard human home—filled with Teflon pans and ceiling fans—functions as a hazardous cage for an animal evolved to fly miles every day.The "Desert of Parrots": The devastating global impact of poaching, including the 1.3 million African Greys taken from the wild in the last 40 years.The Safety Net: The systemic collapse of the rescue system and the desperate need for a "Parrot Pension Plan" to provide for birds that outlive their owners.Featured Voices:Pete Paxton: Director of Investigations at SEED, revealing firsthand accounts of "bird mills" with 3,000 parrots in cramped, rusted wire cages.Dr. LoraKim Joyner: Wildlife Veterinarian (One Earth Conservation) on the 40-year "parrot crisis" and the loss of ancient traditions in countries of origin.Dr. Rachel Siu & Dr. Noémie Hoffman: Exotic veterinarians detailing the "seed junkie" health crisis and the psychological toll of wing clipping.Judith Tennant: Executive Director of Parrot Partners Canada, on the "Rehoming Roulette" and the impending "Baby Boomer" ownership crisis.Take Action:We are trying to solve a biological problem with paperwork. The only real solution starts with you.Choose the ethical path: Adopt, don't shop. Don't buy, sell, or breed.Resources:SEED Undercover InvestigationsInternational Alliance for the Protection of Parrots (IAPP)One Earth ConservationParrot Partners Canada
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The Dark Side of the Bird Trade: An Undercover Investigation with Pete Paxton
Apr 100:49:55Tap to summarizeEpisode 9: Inside the Bird Mills with Pete PaxtonIn this eye-opening episode, Kyle and Emily sit down with Pete Paxton, Director of Investigations for SEED and a veteran undercover investigator who has been exposing animal cruelty since 2001. Pete shares his harrowing journey from investigating puppy mills and factory farms to his most recent work with World Animal Protection in uncovering the "bird mill" industry.We dive deep into the uncomfortable realities of commercial bird breeding—from the lack of enrichment and "cage crazy" behavior to the shocking methods of disposal for birds that cannot be sold. Pete explains why federal oversight often fails and how the "reputable breeder" narrative can be a mask for systemic neglect.Key Topics Discussed:The Transition to Birds: How Pete’s background in puppy mill investigations led him to partner with World Animal Protection to capture the first-ever undercover footage of commercial parrot breeding facilities.Life Inside a Bird Mill: A description of facilities housing 3,000+ parrots in conditions identical to puppy mills, featuring "cages on stilts" and zero mental stimulation.The Failure of Regulation: Why USDA inspectors often "let things slide" and how facilities maintain clean paper trails despite active cruelty.The "Adopt, Don't Buy" Message: Why promoting reputable breeders often plays into the hands of smugglers and mill owners.Climate Change and Birds: The increasing burden on rescues due to natural disasters and pet displacement.Connect with Pete’s Work:SEED Undercover Investigations: seedundercoverinvestigations.org Ethical Strategies: ethicalstrategies.org Campaign Website: dontbuybirds.org World Animal Protection: worldanimalprotection.usSupport the showOur Mission:We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube ChannelYouTube: @SquawkGlobalFollow Gizmo the Grey BirdInstagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube: @gizmothegreybird🛒 Shop: https://squawkshop.com📧 Contact: contact@squawkshop.com#ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacyIf you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙
Transcribe →Mona the Macaw: A Rescue Story About Trust, Rehoming & Life With a Scarlet Macaw
Mar 2500:41:06Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Squawk Global, we sit down with Sara Gannon, guardian of Mona the Macaw, an 18-year-old Scarlet Macaw rescue whose story is equal parts beautiful, heartbreaking, and eye-opening. Sara shares how she met Mona while volunteering at a bird sanctuary, how their bond formed over time, and why adopting a parrot should never be a rushed decision. We get into the realities of parrot rescue, rehoming, and what life is really like with a large bird. From hormonal behavior and partner preferences to property damage, screaming, poop, training, enrichment, and long-term care planning, this conversation tells the truth about macaw ownership and responsible bird guardianship. Sara also opens up about the emotional side of living with a rescue parrot, the patience it took for Mona to trust both her and her husband, and why parrots are not “starter pets.” The episode also explores the bigger mission behind Squawk Global: raising awareness about the parrot rehoming crisis, the ethics of keeping birds in homes, and why education matters if we want real change for parrots in captivity. In this episode:Mona’s rescue and adoption storyHow Sara met Mona at a sanctuaryWhy parrots choose their peopleThe truth about living with a Scarlet MacawBird behavior, hormones, bites, and body languageWhy there is no such thing as a “starter bird”Rehoming, sanctuary life, and rescue realitiesTravel, enrichment, routine, and household challengesLong-term planning for parrots with long lifespansWhy Squawk Global is advocating for better futures for parrotsAbout the GuestMona is an 18 year old Scarlet Macaw that was adopted from Free Flight Birds in 2019 by her guardian Sara. Instagram: @monathemacawTikTok: @monathemacawYouTube: @monathemacawSupport the showOur Mission:We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.Follow Gizmo the Grey BirdInstagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube: @gizmothegreybird🛒 Shop: https://squawkshop.com📧 Contact: contact@squawkshop.com#ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacyIf you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙
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Mona the Macaw: A Rescue Story About Trust, Rehoming & Life With a Scarlet Macaw
Mar 2500:41:06Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Squawk Global, we sit down with Sara Gannon, guardian of Mona the Macaw, an 18-year-old Scarlet Macaw rescue whose story is equal parts beautiful, heartbreaking, and eye-opening. Sara shares how she met Mona while volunteering at a bird sanctuary, how their bond formed over time, and why adopting a parrot should never be a rushed decision. We get into the realities of parrot rescue, rehoming, and what life is really like with a large bird. From hormonal behavior and partner preferences to property damage, screaming, poop, training, enrichment, and long-term care planning, this conversation tells the truth about macaw ownership and responsible bird guardianship. Sara also opens up about the emotional side of living with a rescue parrot, the patience it took for Mona to trust both her and her husband, and why parrots are not “starter pets.” The episode also explores the bigger mission behind Squawk Global: raising awareness about the parrot rehoming crisis, the ethics of keeping birds in homes, and why education matters if we want real change for parrots in captivity. In this episode:Mona’s rescue and adoption storyHow Sara met Mona at a sanctuaryWhy parrots choose their peopleThe truth about living with a Scarlet MacawBird behavior, hormones, bites, and body languageWhy there is no such thing as a “starter bird”Rehoming, sanctuary life, and rescue realitiesTravel, enrichment, routine, and household challengesLong-term planning for parrots with long lifespansWhy Squawk Global is advocating for better futures for parrotsAbout the GuestMona is an 18 year old Scarlet Macaw that was adopted from Free Flight Birds in 2019 by her guardian Sara. Instagram: @monathemacawTikTok: @monathemacawYouTube: @monathemacawSupport the showOur Mission:We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube ChannelYouTube: @SquawkGlobalFollow Gizmo the Grey BirdInstagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube: @gizmothegreybird🛒 Shop: https://squawkshop.com📧 Contact: contact@squawkshop.com#ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacyIf you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙
Transcribe →Yorka the Macaw: A Rescue Parrot Story
Mar 1900:43:02Tap to summarizeClaire joins Kyle and Emily to share the story of Yorka, her 23-year-old blue-and-gold macaw, and the rescue journey that brought them together. They talk about trust, second chances, and the realities of life with a parrot — from bonding and behavior challenges to enrichment, training, and long-term care.Claire reflects on Yorka’s past, their quick connection, and the patience it took to help him settle into family life. The episode also highlights the joys of living with Yorka, from pistachios and foraging games to sofa cuddles and public outings on his harness.At its heart, this is a story about rescue, responsibility, and why Claire believes so strongly in adopt, don’t shop.Key TopicsYorka’s rescue story and rehoming journeyWhy Claire chose adoption over buying from a breederBuilding trust and bonding with a rescue macawManaging jealousy and family dynamics with parrotsReading parrot body language and understanding warning signsDiet, treats, enrichment, and foragingHousehold destruction and the realities of parrot ownershipHarness training and social outingsThe shortage of avian vets and emergency preparednessWhy long-term planning matters for parrots with long lifespans Memorable MomentsClaire choosing Yorka after reading his cheeky rescue bioYorka’s habit of swearing, saying hello, and blowing kissesThe story behind his name changing from “Majorca” to “Yorka”Yorka attacking magazines like they personally offended himClaire describing sofa cuddles before bedtime as her favorite momentYorka’s love for pub visits and attention from strangers Guest LinksClaire says Yorka can be found on:Instagram: @aintnolawmacawTikTok: Yorka Macaw Support the showOur Mission:We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.Follow Gizmo the Grey BirdInstagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube: @gizmothegreybird🛒 Shop: https://squawkshop.com📧 Contact: contact@squawkshop.com#ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacyIf you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙
Transcribe →
Yorka the Macaw: A Rescue Parrot Story
Mar 1900:43:02Tap to summarizeClaire joins Kyle and Emily to share the story of Yorka, her 23-year-old blue-and-gold macaw, and the rescue journey that brought them together. They talk about trust, second chances, and the realities of life with a parrot — from bonding and behavior challenges to enrichment, training, and long-term care.Claire reflects on Yorka’s past, their quick connection, and the patience it took to help him settle into family life. The episode also highlights the joys of living with Yorka, from pistachios and foraging games to sofa cuddles and public outings on his harness.At its heart, this is a story about rescue, responsibility, and why Claire believes so strongly in adopt, don’t shop.Key TopicsYorka’s rescue story and rehoming journeyWhy Claire chose adoption over buying from a breederBuilding trust and bonding with a rescue macawManaging jealousy and family dynamics with parrotsReading parrot body language and understanding warning signsDiet, treats, enrichment, and foragingHousehold destruction and the realities of parrot ownershipHarness training and social outingsThe shortage of avian vets and emergency preparednessWhy long-term planning matters for parrots with long lifespans Memorable MomentsClaire choosing Yorka after reading his cheeky rescue bioYorka’s habit of swearing, saying hello, and blowing kissesThe story behind his name changing from “Majorca” to “Yorka”Yorka attacking magazines like they personally offended himClaire describing sofa cuddles before bedtime as her favorite momentYorka’s love for pub visits and attention from strangers Guest LinksClaire says Yorka can be found on:Instagram: @aintnolawmacawTikTok: Yorka Macaw Support the showOur Mission:We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube ChannelYouTube: @SquawkGlobalFollow Gizmo the Grey BirdInstagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube: @gizmothegreybird🛒 Shop: https://squawkshop.com📧 Contact: contact@squawkshop.com#ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacyIf you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙
Transcribe →Parrot Hormones Explained with Exotic Vet Dr. Rachel Siu
Mar 1200:47:17Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Squawk Global Podcast, we’re joined by exotic veterinarian Dr. Rachel Siu to talk about one of the biggest challenges parrot owners face: hormones.We dive into why so many parrots are rehomed once they reach sexual maturity, the common hormonal behaviors owners mistake as “cute,” and what bird parents can do to reduce triggers at home. Dr. Siu also shares insight on egg laying, mating behaviors, sleep, diet, unsafe toys, Teflon dangers, rescue advocacy, and why parrots often arrive at the vet too late.This episode is packed with practical education for both new and experienced bird owners.In this episode:Why parrots often change as they matureCommon signs of hormonal behavior in male and female birdsEgg laying, nesting, and species differencesHow owners accidentally reinforce hormonal behaviorWhy parrots get rehomedThe role of rescue, rehabilitation, and advocacyHousehold dangers like Teflon and unsafe toy hardwareDiet mistakes owners commonly makeHow much sleep parrots really needDr. Siu’s thoughts on wing clippingGuest: Dr. Rachel SiuExotic veterinarian and exotic pet educator based in Dallas, TexasFollow Dr. Rachel Siu on Social MediaInstagram: exotic.pet.vetTikTok: exotic.pet.vetYouTube: Dr. Rachel, Exotic Pet VetFacebook: Dr. Rachel, Exotic Pet VetSupport the showOur Mission:We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.Follow Gizmo the Grey BirdInstagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube: @gizmothegreybird🛒 Shop: https://squawkshop.com📧 Contact: contact@squawkshop.com#ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacyIf you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙
Transcribe →
Parrot Hormones Explained with Exotic Vet Dr. Rachel Siu
Mar 1200:47:17Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Squawk Global Podcast, we’re joined by exotic veterinarian Dr. Rachel Siu to talk about one of the biggest challenges parrot owners face: hormones.We dive into why so many parrots are rehomed once they reach sexual maturity, the common hormonal behaviors owners mistake as “cute,” and what bird parents can do to reduce triggers at home. Dr. Siu also shares insight on egg laying, mating behaviors, sleep, diet, unsafe toys, Teflon dangers, rescue advocacy, and why parrots often arrive at the vet too late.This episode is packed with practical education for both new and experienced bird owners.In this episode:Why parrots often change as they matureCommon signs of hormonal behavior in male and female birdsEgg laying, nesting, and species differencesHow owners accidentally reinforce hormonal behaviorWhy parrots get rehomedThe role of rescue, rehabilitation, and advocacyHousehold dangers like Teflon and unsafe toy hardwareDiet mistakes owners commonly makeHow much sleep parrots really needDr. Siu’s thoughts on wing clippingGuest: Dr. Rachel SiuExotic veterinarian and exotic pet educator based in Dallas, TexasFollow Dr. Rachel Siu on Social MediaInstagram: exotic.pet.vetTikTok: exotic.pet.vetYouTube: Dr. Rachel, Exotic Pet VetFacebook: Dr. Rachel, Exotic Pet VetSupport the showOur Mission:We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube ChannelYouTube: @SquawkGlobalFollow Gizmo the Grey BirdInstagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube: @gizmothegreybird🛒 Shop: https://squawkshop.com📧 Contact: contact@squawkshop.com#ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacyIf you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙
Transcribe →The Pet Parrot Industry Is Fueling a Global Crisis
Mar 400:43:30Tap to summarizeParrots are in crisis — in the wild AND in captivity. In this episode of Squawk Global, we pull back the curtain on the global parrot crisis: poaching, trafficking, commodification, and the massive (often ignored) captive parrot overflow problem.We’re joined by Dr. LoraKim Joyner (One Earth Conservation) — a wildlife veterinarian and longtime parrot conservation leader with decades of field experience, and Josh Anderson from the International Alliance for the Protection of Parrots (IAPP). Together, we connect the dots between poverty, demand, policy, and the story people don’t see behind “pet parrot” culture.This is a tough conversation, but it’s one we need to have, because parrots can’t advocate for themselves.What We Cover•Why parrots are wild animals, not products — and why the “parrots are pets” narrative causes harm •The captive parrot crisis: long lifespans, overwhelmed rescues, and nonstop breeding •How the illegal trade devastates parrots (and why so many don’t survive trafficking) •Why “none are free until all are free” really means free from harm, not “release pet birds” •Real, practical actions anyone can take — starting today What You Can Do (the short list)If you care about parrots, the most powerful choices are:Never buy one. Never sell one. Never breed one.Adopt, don’t shop. Volunteer. Support sanctuaries and conservation in countries of origin. Join the movement📅 Parrot Crisis Awareness Day: March 10 — share your story, spread the truth, and help shift the culture.🌍 Learn more / get resources: allianceforparrots.orgSupport the showOur Mission:We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.Follow Gizmo the Grey BirdInstagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube: @gizmothegreybird🛒 Shop: https://squawkshop.com📧 Contact: contact@squawkshop.com#ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacyIf you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙
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The Pet Parrot Industry Is Fueling a Global Crisis
Mar 400:43:30Tap to summarizeParrots are in crisis — in the wild AND in captivity. In this episode of Squawk Global, we pull back the curtain on the global parrot crisis: poaching, trafficking, commodification, and the massive (often ignored) captive parrot overflow problem.We’re joined by Dr. LoraKim Joyner (One Earth Conservation) — a wildlife veterinarian and longtime parrot conservation leader with decades of field experience, and Josh Anderson from the International Alliance for the Protection of Parrots (IAPP). Together, we connect the dots between poverty, demand, policy, and the story people don’t see behind “pet parrot” culture.This is a tough conversation, but it’s one we need to have, because parrots can’t advocate for themselves.What We Cover•Why parrots are wild animals, not products — and why the “parrots are pets” narrative causes harm •The captive parrot crisis: long lifespans, overwhelmed rescues, and nonstop breeding •How the illegal trade devastates parrots (and why so many don’t survive trafficking) •Why “none are free until all are free” really means free from harm, not “release pet birds” •Real, practical actions anyone can take — starting today What You Can Do (the short list)If you care about parrots, the most powerful choices are:Never buy one. Never sell one. Never breed one.Adopt, don’t shop. Volunteer. Support sanctuaries and conservation in countries of origin. Join the movement📅 Parrot Crisis Awareness Day: March 10 — share your story, spread the truth, and help shift the culture.🌍 Learn more / get resources: allianceforparrots.orgSupport the showOur Mission:We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube ChannelYouTube: @SquawkGlobalFollow Gizmo the Grey BirdInstagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube: @gizmothegreybird🛒 Shop: https://squawkshop.com📧 Contact: contact@squawkshop.com#ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacyIf you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙
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