Podcast
The Deal with Animals with Marika S. Bell
Hosted by Marika S. Bell · EN
Humans interact with animals every day of our lives: diet, wildlife, clothes and even medicines, are all intersections we often don’t think about.
This is a podcast about the interactions and connections between humans and non-human animals.
Our mission is to make research more accessible to the public while sharing the voices and lived experience of our human connection with animals.
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
139. Spring Special! With Dr. Patricia McConnell on on Solving Murders and Herding Dogs
Apr 600:40:40Tap to summarizeThe is the Spring Special Episode! Transcript McConnell describes learning the craft of fiction, developing protagonist Maddie McGowan, for her recently released murder mystery, 'Away To Me'. The conversation also explores what herding teaches about partnership and training without leashes, how breed and context affect behavior, and what she hopes the next generation of trainers advances.Women Podcast Awards- VoteGuest Bio: Patricia McConnell, PhD, CAAB is an internationally renowned animal behaviorist and author whose acclaimed books, including The Other End of the Leash, For the Love of a Dog, and The Education of Will, have sold more than 1.2 million copies. She saw clients whose dogs had serious behavioral problems for twenty-five years, and spoke around the world about canine training and behavior. A former adjunct professor in Zoology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, her nationally syndicated radio show, Calling All Pets, played in more than 110 cities for 14 years and her television show, Petline, aired on Animal Planet for two and a half years. Her debut novel, Away to Me, is her first venture into fiction, and has received rave reviews. She lives with her husband, Jim Billings, her Border Collies Skip and Maggie, and a spoiled flock of sheep on a farm in Southern Wisconsin, and can be found online at PatriciaMcConnell.com.Book Recommendations: The Salt Stones: Seasons of a Shepherd's Life by Helen WhybrowRelated Links: Book Recommendations: The Salt Stones: Seasons of a Shepherd's Life by Helen WhybrowRelated Links: Spring Special 2025Spring Special 2022Ep. 82 Expanding Understanding of Canine Behaviour with Suzanne ClothierTDWA BlogGuest Book Recommendations List TDWA BlogGuest Book Recommendations List Mentioned in this episode:PHAIR Conference CoverageNew Miniseries begins Summer 2026
Transcribe →The Captivity Question: Series 16 Trailer and Series 15 Wrap Up
Mar 2300:08:09Tap to summarizeWrapping up Series 15: I’m filled with gratitude for the incredible insights shared by researchers on animal communication. From primates to birds, it's evident that the way we connect with animals echoes far beyond what we initially perceive. This series to be continued...(TBD)Introducing Series 16: We navigate the complex dynamics of captivity, I aim to challenge our preconceptions and invite diverse perspectives. Whether you're curious about our roles as caretakers or questioning the moral implications of captivity.Patreon and a call to Sponsor at... www.thedealwithanimals.com31d7784affd88366d6f8bd8a9f2f8d37e35c0ee9Mentioned in this episode:PHAIR Conference CoverageNew Miniseries begins Summer 2026
Transcribe →138. Crows, Cuckoos, and the Evolution of Avian Communication with researchers Kaeli Swift and Will Feeney
Mar 900:55:23Tap to summarizeEpisode 6 of Series 15: Animal Communications - Transcript (linked)I’m joined by Dr. Kaeli Swift and Dr. William Feeney to explore how birds learn from one another—sometimes within a species, sometimes across species lines. From crows passing along reputations to magpies inheriting the neighbourhood’s opinion of a cuckoo in seconds, we dive into the fast, social, and surprisingly nuanced ways information moves through bird communities, and what these systems reveal about communication, cooperation, and survival.Guest Bios: William Feeney currently works as a Research Fellow at Griffith University in Australia and at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Germany. His PhD focused on understanding the ecology and evolution of cuckoo-host arms races in Australia, and since finishing his PhD he has continued working on this as well as predator-prey relationships in coral reef fishes. His current work is split between working on fishes and birds, and in particular at two long-term projects in Australia.Dr. Kaeli Swift is a research scientist with the University of Washington. For the past 5 years she has lived and worked on the remote island of Tinian, where she studies the ecology of the endemic Tinian monarch. She received her PhD from the University of Washington where she studied crow funerals.Book Recommendations: Will's Recommendation- Letters to a young Scientist by EO Wilson, Kaeli's Recommendation- Any local birding book you can find! Here is one for England and EuropeRelated Links: Episode 2 of Series 13, Sex and AnimalsEpisode 1 of Series 13, Sex and Animals Mentioned in this episode:PHAIR Conference CoverageNew Miniseries begins Summer 2026
Transcribe →Consciousness in Animals: Intentionality Dialogues - Descript
Feb 2300:03:51Tap to summarizeThis is a quick explanation of a phenomenon seen in animals who are considered 'conscious' beings. Essentially the difference between automatic or reflexive responses to their environment and reactions that are thought out.This was my final project for the IAABC Foundation class "The Thinking Animal" with Instructor, Dr. Kristina SpauldingRegularly scheduled programming on March 2nd.This was my final project for the IAABC Foundation class "The Thinking Animal" with Instructor, Dr. Kristina SpauldingMentioned in this episode:PHAIR Conference CoverageNew Miniseries begins Summer 2026
Transcribe →137. Under Rocks and Soil: Cutting-Edge Discoveries in Reptile Communication with Dr. Emily Taylor and Dr. Julia Riley(S15)
Feb 901:06:59Tap to summarizeSend us a textEpisode 4 of Series 15: Animal Communications - TranscriptThe discussion dives into the often misunderstood social behaviors and communication methods of reptiles, from chemical and tactile cues to visual displays. The episode also explores ethical considerations in reptile pet ownership, conservation challenges, and groundbreaking research on reptile emotions and personalities. Guest Bios: Dr. Julia Riley is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Mount Allison University (MtA) and a Canada Research Chair in Integrative Wildlife Ecology. She leads the Integrative Ecology Lab that aims to increase our knowledge of amphibian and reptile behaviour, evolution, and ecology, as well as aid in the conservation of these imperiled taxa. She was a postdoctoral fellow at University of New South Wales in Australia, Stellenbosch University in South Africa, and at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada. Her research has broadly fit into the fields of behavioural ecology, evolutionary biology, and herpetology. Dr. Emily Taylor is a professor of biological sciences at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, where she conducts research on the physiology, ecology, and conservation biology of reptiles and amphibians with her students. She is the author of the California Herping Guides. Learn more at EmilyTaylorScience.com and follow her on social media @snakeymama.Book Recommendations: An Immense World by Ed Yong, The Overstory by Richard Powers, Snakes and Snake Hunting by Carl KauffeldRelated Links: From Strange by Nature Podcast, Please Fish Don't Eat Me109. How Do Aboriginal and Bengali Stories Shape Cultural Understanding of Nature? with Dipanwita Pal, PhD. (S12)31: Attitudes Towards Animals with Matti Wilks (S5)www.jonathanbalcombe.comWhat a Fish Knows (NYTimes bestseller)Super Fly (National Outdoor Book Award winner)Jake and Ava: A Boy and a Fish (illustrated children's book)Support the showShow Credits Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!) What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my Podcast Mentoring Services! Become a Patron! Sign up for the NewsletterMentioned in this episode:PHAIR Conference CoverageNew Miniseries begins Summer 2026
Transcribe →136. New Year Special! The Future of Scientific Ethics: Trust and Transparency in Animal Research with Dr. Nuno Henrique Franco
Jan 2600:56:00Tap to summarizeSend us a textWinter Special with Dr. Nunro Henrique Franco! The conversation covers ethical frameworks, the importance of transparency through pre-registration and non-technical summaries, and the impact of public trust on scientific practice. They also explore the philosophical perspectives that shape animal research ethics and emphasize the role of scientists in advancing animal welfare.Guest Bio: Nuno Henrique Franco has degrees in Natural Sciences and Teaching (BSc + MSc), Animal Biology (BSc Hons), Basic Studies in Veterinary Sciences (BSc) and a PhD in Biomedical Sciences. Nuno is a researcher at the i3S (University of Porto) on the topics of laboratory animal welfare, animal ethics and the 3Rs, scientific quality, thermoregulation, veterinary education, and other topics. He is vice-president of the Portuguese Society for Laboratory Animal Science (SPCAL), Past-President of the E.U. Education & Training Platform for Laboratory Animal Science (ETPLAS), and President of the Animal Research Tomorrow society. He sits on the Animal Welfare Body of the i3S and of the U.Porto faculty of medicine, and founded and coordinates the Portuguese Network of Animal Welfare Bodies – RedeORBEA.For Nuno's Book recommendation see Episode 134Related Links: E21: Spring Special! Hal Herzog: On the the Past, Present, and Future of Anthrozoology119. April Special! What Does the Future Hold for Human-Animal Studies? with Dr. Ken Shapiro84: How To Build a Bond With a New Dog with Stacey Colino and Jen Golbeck (December Special!)www.jonathanbalcombe.comWhat a Fish Knows (NYTimes bestseller)Super Fly (National Outdoor Book Award winner)Jake and Ava: A Boy and a Fish (illustrated children's book)Support the showShow Credits Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!) What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my Podcast Mentoring Services! Become a Patron! Sign up for the NewsletterMentioned in this episode:PHAIR Conference CoverageNew Miniseries begins Summer 2026
Transcribe →135. What We Hear When We Listen: Exploring Intuitive Bonds with Animals with Maribeth Decker (S15)
Jan 1200:48:03Tap to summarizeSend us a textEpisode 3 of series 15: Animal Communications TranscriptFrom energetic impressions to emotional insights, Maribeth shares how she supports guardians through behavioral challenges, end‑of‑life transitions, and the deep bonds we form with our animal companions. Maribeth Coye Decker is an intuitive animal communicator, energy healer, and retired U.S. Navy lieutenant commander. After becoming a Reiki Master, Maribeth discovered her ability to connect intuitively with animals — a skill that grew into her life’s work. She now helps people understand their animals’ emotional and energetic needs, navigate behavioral challenges, and find peace during end‑of‑life transitions.Maribeth is the author of Peace in Passing: Comfort for Loving Humans During Animal Transitions, and she offers courses, consultations, and resources through her practice, Sacred Grove. Her work focuses on strengthening the bond between humans and the animals they love, including those who have passed on.Website: https://sacredgrove.comGuest Book recommendations: Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home: And Other Unexplained Powers of Animals by Rupert Sheldrake doctor.Related Links: 107. October Special! Ghost Dogs and The Anthropology of Paranormal Pets with Researcher and Author, Jen Golbeck101. Burn Zone (S11: Animals of the Maui Wildfires)70: Beyond Symbolism: Understanding Animals as Ancestors with Author, Ben Stimpson (S7)Support the showShow Credits Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!) What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my Podcast Mentoring Services! Become a Patron! Sign up for the NewsletterMentioned in this episode:PHAIR Conference CoverageNew Miniseries begins Summer 2026
Transcribe →134. Words That Shape Perception: Animals in Language with Dr. Nuno Franco (S15)
Dec 2900:39:00Tap to summarizeSend us a textEpisode 2, Series 15: TranscriptJoin us to explore the ethical implications of the words we use and how they affect both our understanding and treatment of animals in research, our homes, and our moral imaginations.Guest Bio: Nuno Henrique Franco has degrees in Natural Sciences and Teaching (BSc + MSc), Animal Biology (BSc Hons), Basic Studies in Veterinary Sciences (BSc) and a PhD in Biomedical Sciences. Nuno is a researcher at the i3S (University of Porto) on the topics of laboratory animal welfare, animal ethics and the 3Rs, scientific quality, thermoregulation, veterinary education, and other topics. He is vice-president of the Portuguese Society for Laboratory Animal Science (SPCAL), Past-President of the E.U. Education & Training Platform for Laboratory Animal Science (ETPLAS), and President of the Animal Research Tomorrow society. He sits on the Animal Welfare Body of the i3S and of the U.Porto faculty of medicine, and founded and coordinates the Portuguese Network of Animal Welfare Bodies – RedeORBEA.Book Recommendations: The book, animal Ethics and Animal Research by Helena Röcklinsberg, Mickey Gjerris, I. Anna S. Olsson and Putting The Horse Before Descartes by Bernard RollinRelated Links: 50: New Year's Special- Recognizing and Overcoming Compassion Fatigue with Hilary Hager (Encore (Ep: 7))93: Human Relevant Testing: A Conversation on Enhancing Human Health and Animal Welfare with Dr. Aysha Akhtar (S9)85: Crossover Special! All Around Science with Bobby and MauraSupport the showProject Coyote Wild Voices webinar- Writing on Behalf of Other SpeciesShow Credits Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!)What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my Podcast Mentoring Services!Become a Patron! Sign up for the NewsletterMentioned in this episode:Jake and Ava- New Book by Jonathan Balcombewww.jonathanbalcombe.com
Transcribe →133. Speaking Across Species: Human–Chimpanzee Conversation with Dr. Mary Lee Jensvold (S15)
Dec 1501:14:52Tap to summarizeSend us a textEpisode 1 of Series 15: TranscriptWe explore the story of Washoe, the first non-human to learn American Sign Language, and discuss the broader implications of chimpanzee communication on our understanding of language, culture, and ethics. The conversation covers the challenges of raising chimps in human environments, the role of sanctuaries in their care, and the ongoing reliance on monkeys in U.S. laboratories.Guest Bio: Mary Lee Jensvold, Ph.D. is the Primate Communication Scientist and Associate Director at Fauna Foundation and a Senior Lecturer in the Primate Behavior and Ecology Program and Anthropology Department at Central Washington University. She is the former director of the Chimpanzee & Human Communication Institute at Central Washington University. She has spent her career working with the signing chimpanzees, Washoe and her family. Her expertise is in behavior and communication, including American Sign Language in chimpanzees and other apes. Her research includes communication among and between chimpanzees and humans, and captive caregiving practices. Her interest in chimpanzee sanctuaries include care practices, behavior, design, and welfare. She is a member of the board of directors of the Animal Welfare Institute, Fauna Foundation, and Friends of Washoe. She is on the steering committee of the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance (NAPSA). She has numerous publications in journals and books. She has authored and co-authored books including Chimpanzee Behaviour: Recent Understandings from Captivity and the Forest.Book Recommendation: Next of Kin: My Conversations with Chimpanzees (Living Planet Book) Related Links: E22: Ecofeminism and Entangled Empathy with Lori Gruen124. What Can a Matriarchal Society Teach Us About Sex and Compassion? A Bonobo Perspective with Dr. Lori Gruen (S13)93: Human Relevant Testing: A Conversation on Enhancing Human Health and Animal Welfare with Dr. Aysha Akhtar (S9)47: Expressions of Emotion in Animals with Dr. Mariska Kret (S6)Support the showShow Credits Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!) What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my Podcast Mentoring Services! Become a Patron! Sign up for the NewsletterMentioned in this episode:Jake and Ava- New Book by Jonathan Balcombewww.jonathanbalcombe.com
Transcribe →Animal Communications (Series 15 Trailer)
Dec 100:01:13Tap to summarizeSend us a textTranscriptSupport the showShow Credits Read the Blog! (Guest profiles, book recommendations, trailers and more!) What to start your own podcast in he Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare Space? Check out my Podcast Mentoring Services! Become a Patron! Sign up for the Newsletter
Transcribe →