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
The Parrot Crisis: Why Rescues Are Reaching a Breaking Point
Feb 2501:01:57Tap to summarizeParrot rescues are quietly approaching a breaking point, and Judy Tennant (Founder of Parrot Partners Canada) says the pressure is about to spike. In this episode, we dig into the real drivers behind the “parrot crisis,” from aging owners and economic strain to limited access to avian vets and a lack of infrastructure for parrots compared to cats and dogs. Judy lays out why the traditional adoption model isn’t enough, and what a sustainable, community-supported system could look like.What You’ll Learn • Why the aging baby boomer wave could trigger a surge of parrots needing rescue • How inflation and economic instability are squeezing rescues and pet owners • Why the shortage of avian veterinarians creates a major welfare bottleneck • How rehoming stress can impact parrot health and long-term behavior • What a “humane society for parrots” could look like — and why it matters • Why education + community support are the missing pieces in bird ownershipAbout the GuestJudy Tennant is the founder of Parrot Partners Canada, focused on improving welfare outcomes for companion parrots through education, support, and new models that go beyond traditional rescue and adoption.Get InvolvedIf you care about parrots and companion animal welfare, share this episode and help push the conversation forward. Support reputable rescues, learn before you adopt, and advocate for better access to avian veterinary care and education.Follow Parrot Partners @ParrotPartnersCanada - YouTube | IGSupport 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 →
The Parrot Crisis: Why Rescues Are Reaching a Breaking Point
Feb 2501:01:58Tap to summarizeParrot rescues are quietly approaching a breaking point, and Judy Tennant (Founder of Parrot Partners Canada) says the pressure is about to spike. In this episode, we dig into the real drivers behind the “parrot crisis,” from aging owners and economic strain to limited access to avian vets and a lack of infrastructure for parrots compared to cats and dogs. Judy lays out why the traditional adoption model isn’t enough, and what a sustainable, community-supported system could look like.What You’ll Learn • Why the aging baby boomer wave could trigger a surge of parrots needing rescue • How inflation and economic instability are squeezing rescues and pet owners • Why the shortage of avian veterinarians creates a major welfare bottleneck • How rehoming stress can impact parrot health and long-term behavior • What a “humane society for parrots” could look like — and why it matters • Why education + community support are the missing pieces in bird ownershipAbout the GuestJudy Tennant is the founder of Parrot Partners Canada, focused on improving welfare outcomes for companion parrots through education, support, and new models that go beyond traditional rescue and adoption.Get InvolvedIf you care about parrots and companion animal welfare, share this episode and help push the conversation forward. Support reputable rescues, learn before you adopt, and advocate for better access to avian veterinary care and education.Follow Parrot Partners @ParrotPartnersCanada - YouTube | IGSupport 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 →Building Trust with Parrots ft. Robin Horemans (Parrot SOS)
Feb 1800:50:58Tap to summarizeJoin us for an in-depth conversation with certified parrot behavior consultant Robin Horemans about building trust, understanding bird communication, and creating enriching environments for our feathered companions. Robin shares her expertise on positive reinforcement training, working with rescue parrots, and groundbreaking research on environmental enrichment.Guest: Robin Horemans, CPBC (Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant), Founder of ParrotSOSKey Topics Covered:What it means to be a Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant (CPBC)The evolution of parrot training over the past 20 yearsBuilding trust through communication and body languageWorking with rescue parrots and understanding individual needsProblem behaviors: biting, screaming, and cage reluctanceReinforcement beyond treats: creating a comprehensive reward systemWild macaws in Costa Rica and what we can learn from themNew research on greenery and environmental enrichment for captive parrotsHarness training and advanced skillsResources Mentioned:ParrotSOS Website: parrotsos.comDr. Susan Friedman's "Trust Bank Account" conceptUpcoming research paper on greenery enrichment (March publication)Free YouTube videos: Tap Tap Treat game, Harness trainingConnect with Robin:Website: parrotsos.comSocial Media: @ParrotSOS on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTokServices: One-on-one consultations, membership program, online coursesKey Takeaways:Birds are individuals - what works for one may not work for anotherTrust must be built before training can be effectiveCommunication is a two-way conversation through body languageEnvironmental enrichment (like adding greenery) can reduce problem behaviorsPositive reinforcement works best when paired with understanding the bird's needsSupport 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 →
Building Trust with Parrots ft. Robin Horemans (Parrot SOS)
Feb 1800:50:58Tap to summarizeJoin us for an in-depth conversation with certified parrot behavior consultant Robin Horemans about building trust, understanding bird communication, and creating enriching environments for our feathered companions. Robin shares her expertise on positive reinforcement training, working with rescue parrots, and groundbreaking research on environmental enrichment.Guest: Robin Horemans, CPBC (Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant), Founder of ParrotSOSKey Topics Covered:What it means to be a Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant (CPBC)The evolution of parrot training over the past 20 yearsBuilding trust through communication and body languageWorking with rescue parrots and understanding individual needsProblem behaviors: biting, screaming, and cage reluctanceReinforcement beyond treats: creating a comprehensive reward systemWild macaws in Costa Rica and what we can learn from themNew research on greenery and environmental enrichment for captive parrotsHarness training and advanced skillsResources Mentioned:ParrotSOS Website: parrotsos.comDr. Susan Friedman's "Trust Bank Account" conceptUpcoming research paper on greenery enrichment (March publication)Free YouTube videos: Tap Tap Treat game, Harness trainingConnect with Robin:Website: parrotsos.comSocial Media: @ParrotSOS on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTokServices: One-on-one consultations, membership program, online coursesKey Takeaways:Birds are individuals - what works for one may not work for anotherTrust must be built before training can be effectiveCommunication is a two-way conversation through body languageEnvironmental enrichment (like adding greenery) can reduce problem behaviorsPositive reinforcement works best when paired with understanding the bird's needsSupport 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 →Exotic Vet Verified: The Parrot Care Standards We Ignore
Feb 1100:45:32Tap to summarizeParrots are Oscar-winning actors at hiding illness, which is why “they seem fine” can turn into an emergency fast. In this episode of Squawk Global, we’re joined by Dr. Noémie Hoffman, an exotic veterinarian in Dubai, to break down seed diet dangers, “silent illness,” wing clipping risks, egg binding, and what real preventative parrot care looks like.If your bird is a seed junkie (or you’re trying to avoid becoming one), this is your wake-up call, with practical steps you can start using immediately.What you’ll learn • Why seed-heavy diets cause long-term health problems • Why parrots hide symptoms until things get serious • How to transition a “seed junkie” to a healthier diet • Enrichment + foraging ideas that make diet changes easier • Wing clipping: the hidden health risks (and what to do instead) • Egg binding: why it happens and how to prevent it • How often to see an avian/exotic vet + what checkups should include • The social media effect: impulse buys, rehoming, and the bigger welfare pictureFollow / GuestDr. Noémie Hoffman: @dr_noemie_exotics_vet (Instagram)Disclaimer: This episode is educational and not a replacement for veterinary care. If your bird is showing symptoms, contact an avian/exotic vet.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 →
Exotic Vet Verified: The Parrot Care Standards We Ignore
Feb 1100:45:32Tap to summarizeParrots are Oscar-winning actors at hiding illness, which is why “they seem fine” can turn into an emergency fast. In this episode of Squawk Global, we’re joined by Dr. Noémie Hoffman, an exotic veterinarian in Dubai, to break down seed diet dangers, “silent illness,” wing clipping risks, egg binding, and what real preventative parrot care looks like.If your bird is a seed junkie (or you’re trying to avoid becoming one), this is your wake-up call, with practical steps you can start using immediately.What you’ll learn • Why seed-heavy diets cause long-term health problems • Why parrots hide symptoms until things get serious • How to transition a “seed junkie” to a healthier diet • Enrichment + foraging ideas that make diet changes easier • Wing clipping: the hidden health risks (and what to do instead) • Egg binding: why it happens and how to prevent it • How often to see an avian/exotic vet + what checkups should include • The social media effect: impulse buys, rehoming, and the bigger welfare pictureFollow / GuestDr. Noémie Hoffman: @dr_noemie_exotics_vet (Instagram)Disclaimer: This episode is educational and not a replacement for veterinary care. If your bird is showing symptoms, contact an avian/exotic vet.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 →Louie the 28-Year-Old Macaw: Rescue Story & the Truth About Parrot “Pets”
Feb 400:37:24Tap to summarizeIn this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Kelsey from @noplucksgiven to hear the incredible rescue story of Louie, a 28-year-old Blue and Gold Macaw who spent 26 years confined to a tiny cage, losing the ability to fully spread his wings.Louie’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s at stake. We get real about parrots as “pets,” why rescues are overwhelmed, and why parrot ownership needs to come with a higher standard of responsibility, for life.In This Episode:• Louie’s heartbreaking backstory and rescue journey• The long-term effects of 26 years in a cage• How to build trust with a rescue parrot• Managing hormonal behavior and aggression• The truth about parrot ownership that pet stores won’t tell you• Why social media can help (and hurt) parrot rescue efforts• Training tips and socialization strategies• The reality of fostering multiple macaws• Why rescue birds can form incredibly deep bondsKey Takeaways:✅ Parrots are not domesticated pets, they’re wild animals with intense needs✅ Many parrots are rehomed multiple times in their lifetime✅ Rescue centers are overflowing and underfunded✅ Responsible ownership means planning for decades, not months✅ Volunteer at rescues before committing to adoptionResources Mentioned:• @BirdTricks YouTube Channel (training education)• @parrotsos - Robin (online training)• Local parrot rescues (volunteer opportunities)• Rolling Stones - Inside the Black Market Fueling TikTok's Grey Parrot Craze - https://bit.ly/4qfoRir• @ExoticPetVet - Dr. Rachel Siu, Exotic Pet VetFollow Kelsey & Louie:Instagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube: @NoPlucksGiven 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 →
Louie the 28-Year-Old Macaw: Rescue Story & the Truth About Parrot “Pets”
Feb 400:37:24Tap to summarizeIn this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Kelsey from @noplucksgiven to hear the incredible rescue story of Louie, a 28-year-old Blue and Gold Macaw who spent 26 years confined to a tiny cage, losing the ability to fully spread his wings.Louie’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s at stake. We get real about parrots as “pets,” why rescues are overwhelmed, and why parrot ownership needs to come with a higher standard of responsibility, for life.In This Episode:• Louie’s heartbreaking backstory and rescue journey• The long-term effects of 26 years in a cage• How to build trust with a rescue parrot• Managing hormonal behavior and aggression• The truth about parrot ownership that pet stores won’t tell you• Why social media can help (and hurt) parrot rescue efforts• Training tips and socialization strategies• The reality of fostering multiple macaws• Why rescue birds can form incredibly deep bondsKey Takeaways:✅ Parrots are not domesticated pets, they’re wild animals with intense needs✅ Many parrots are rehomed multiple times in their lifetime✅ Rescue centers are overflowing and underfunded✅ Responsible ownership means planning for decades, not months✅ Volunteer at rescues before committing to adoptionResources Mentioned:• @BirdTricks YouTube Channel (training education)• @parrotsos - Robin (online training)• Local parrot rescues (volunteer opportunities)• Rolling Stones - Inside the Black Market Fueling TikTok's Grey Parrot Craze - https://bit.ly/4qfoRir• @ExoticPetVet - Dr. Rachel Siu, Exotic Pet VetFollow Kelsey & Louie:Instagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube: @NoPlucksGiven 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 →