The Podcast Aquatic

Parks and Rec(ording) Jan 21, 2026

For many people, a visit to a national park is like making a pilgrimage, a chance to commune with nature in a setting of remarkable beauty and peace.

The United States is a big country, though, and even with more than 430 designated national parks, every region didn't get an equal share of the spoils. Although spectacular examples exist, such as the Great Smoky Mountains, Acadia and Everglades, only about 20% of national parks are east of the Mississippi.

If you live far from a national park and want to seek solace in nature closer to home, your best bet is probably one of the almost 10,000 state parks. These sites are distributed far more evenly throughout the country and enshrine vistas every bit as beautiful and grandiose as those in national parks. Even better, there's probably one (or several) just around the corner from wherever you happen to be listening.

In this episode, the Studio Dive Cage goes on the road to Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park about an hour west of Chattanooga. There, guests from The Tennessee Conservationist — the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks — and the park discuss the misnomer that gave Old Stone Fort its name, why the nearby Duck River is so biologically rich, the role state parks play in democratizing access to nature and the future of Tennessee state parks.

For more information about or to subscribe to The Tennessee Conservationist, visit https://www.tnconservationist.org

Learn more about Tennessee's State Parks at https://www.tnstateparks.com

Episode cast

Casey Phillips, host/senior communications specialist/bona fide state park fan
Whit Gardner, marketing and subscription manager (The Tennessee Conservationist)
Keith Wimberley, park manager (Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park)

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.
Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture.

It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Support Your Local Minnow Jan 14, 2026

For many species, the arrival of humans to the neighborhood is usually a portent of bad things to come. The alterations we make to our environment often wreak havoc on the other animals that share those wild spaces with us.

No matter how you slice it, ours is the dominant species on the planet when it comes to shaping the world around us to suit our wants and desires. But that power also can be wielded to enact positive change, and when humans — especially an entire community of them — rally to a species' defense, their impact can be potent.

In this episode, you'll learn about one small Tennessee community's response to learning about the plight of a critically endangered minnow living on a nearby ridge. Like all good neighbors, they came together in defense of this hard luck fish, and the story of how and why that came to happen is the subject of this discussion.

Learn more about the Laurel Dace and the Aquarium's efforts to save it here: https://tnaqua.org/join-give/race-for-the-laurel-dace/

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, host/senior communications specialist
Helaina Gomez, watershed conservation coordinator
Stephania Motes, former city manager of Spring City, Tennessee

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.

Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

We Need You! Jan 07, 2026

At the Aquarium, a LOT of work is done by full-time team members, from seeing to the needs of the animals and keeping the lights on to hosting special events and ... yes, podcasting.

During their visit, however, many guests benefit in innumerable ways from the dedicated efforts of hundreds of volunteers. From prepping diet for sharks and watering tropical orchids to hosting underwater educational programs, volunteers make the Aquarium world go round.

In this episode, our volunteer coordinators join a long-time volunteer diver to discuss why folks are so generous with donating their time and effort to the Aquarium and ways you — yes, YOU — can sign up to help out, too.

Learn more about opportunities to volunteer at the Aquarium at tnaqua.org/volunteer/

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist/host
Darleene Cole, senior program manager of volunteer services
Claudia Mendez-Marti, volunteer engagement coordinator
Daniel Backlund, volunteer diver

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.

Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Wrapping Up 2025 In A Bow(fin) Dec 31, 2025

As the last kitten-a-day page falls from the calendar, we're taking a moment to look back on the first full year of The Podcast Aquatic and celebrate the many high points for the show.

Of all the topics we've covered this year, though, host Casey is most proud of our (admittedly fairly recent) discussion about how the Aquarium takes pains to ensure it is as accessible to as broad an audience as possible.

Take a listen to this touching discussion as you toast in 2026. The show will be back up and running next week with a new episode to kick off season two!

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.
Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Yuletidal Interlude: We Are ALL Plant People Dec 17, 2025

While we recover from our 50-episode-long first season and get ready to swim into season two in 2026, we're revisiting some of our favorite episodes since our launch back in 2024. This oldie, but certainly a goodie, focuses in on the fascinating and important work being done by our horticulture team.

Episode cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist/host
Austin Prater, senior horticulturist
Jenna Paler, horticulturist II

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.

Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

50th Episode Special: A Real Table-Turner Dec 10, 2025

Hard to believe we're 50 episodes deep into The Podcast Aquatic! Listen in as we celebrate this milestone by turning the tables on erstwhile host/wannabe expert Casey Phillips to put him in the hot seat for once!

Episodes we mention that you should check out:

Doing Science at Aquariums and Zoos: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7vbVj21Z9P0griqYMoQ05c?si=DamyzMn1QaGcNwTCNqfkAQ
Everybody Loves Rays, Man: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6B4aL2FtzWZRBCxE3BX9WQ?si=nj-PyqUBSPe_CEqwZDUvbQ
Building An Aquarium For Everyone: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5gcXGoJxzrS1zC1qjHMevU?si=VOOYRxwBQOSTcKgNcGFXZw
Appalachian Animal Mythbusters: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7tzrHG44hMtBkcGuWhbVTz?si=c20f84a0bd0743d3

Check out these other zoo and aquarium podcasts:

Aquarium of the Podcific (Aquarium of the Pacific): https://open.spotify.com/show/3iItYuGBfh4UsDfWaBSpiC?si=7fccf8cf018f4e3e

Cincinnati Zoo Tales (Cincinnati Zoo): https://open.spotify.com/show/7dV5yB9Hi4mNbGxsID9MSe?si=63a7720d5d974c57
Our Herd (Toledo Zoo and Aquarium): https://open.spotify.com/show/4fga076PsppB51wmjhFHhH?si=871812850f974dc8
Amazing Wildlife (San Diego Zoo): https://open.spotify.com/show/43FIWGkO98EugEu5eyF0s9?si=0697387b3a4b4790

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist/expert on himself
Rachel Thayer, guest host/assistant curator of fishes

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.
Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture.

It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Mic Droplet: Is Extinction Provable? Dec 03, 2025

In the English language, there are few words that convey a sense of finality quite like "extinction." The notion that a species could completely disappear from the planet forever — down to literally the last individual — is incredibly sobering.

But how "final" is extinction? How can scientists be sure that an animal has, in fact, completely disappeared forever?

As sampling and surveying techniques improve and more and more eyes and camera lenses are trained on broader and broader swaths of the planet, supposedly extinct animals like the Coelacanth and Attenborough's Long-beaked Echidna have been rediscovered like Lazarus rising from the grave.

In this quick-hit episode, we pose the question to our resident biologist of how extinction is determined, whether it's reversible and, if so, why bringing an animal back might not be a morally sound path to take.

Learn more about how our intervention saved the critically endangered Laurel Dace from near-certain extinction: https://youtu.be/NPcm_d-PsXk?si=xRy63_gWZ_ktvExF

Episode cast

Casey Phillips, host, senior communications specialist, certifiably not extinct
Dr. Bernie Kuhajda, aquatic conservation biologist

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.

Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture.

It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

It's A Beast Feast! Nov 26, 2025

Why are lemurs such messy eaters? Why would a penguin refuse to eat a delicious capelin? If a snake hasn't eaten in three months, should I be concerned?

If you think it's tough to feed your clan, consider the challenge of satiating more than 13,000 animals, all of which have different needs and preferences.

On the eve of the most glutton-y holiday of all, this Thanksgiving-special episode homes in on all the delectably meaty details when it comes to nutrition here at the Tennessee Aquarium.

Check out how many fish penguins can put down in a single sitting (waddling?) before undergoing their annual catastrophic molt: https://youtu.be/LFxelNv7Pwo

Episode cast

Casey Phillips, host, senior communications specialist, life-long eater
Dr. Chris Keller, staff veterinarian
Thom Demas, vice president and chief husbandry & exhibits officer
Kevin Calhoon, curator of forests

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.

Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture.

It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

A Classroom Designed By (And For) Teachers Nov 19, 2025

When you were a student — assuming you aren't still one — did you ever imagine that your teacher lived at your school? Sometimes, educators can give so much of their time and energy (and occasionally their money) to their craft that it can certainly seem like a school is where they call home.

In reality, many teachers feel hamstrung at having to adapt their methods to their classroom facilities, working around inadequacies or equipment that doesn't quite meet their own needs or those of their students.

What if teachers were invited to help design those same classrooms, though? Wouldn't their input be a valuable asset in the learning process? Wouldn't it ease their frustration and make them more effective at their critically important jobs? As this episode goes live, the Tennessee Aquarium is just one day away from opening a major addition to its downtown Chattanooga campus: The S.T.R.E.A.M. Learning center, supported by UNUM.

This new facility sits next door to the Ocean Journey and River Journey buildings and will act as the hub of the Aquarium's previously decentralized educational efforts. Better still, its design was directly influenced by the educators who will be using it to teach and as a resource for professional development.

In this episode, we discover why we invited teachers to participate in the design process and how their input will impact the Aquarium's long-standing role as an educational resource to so many.

Episode cast

Casey Phillips, host, senior communications specialist and proud teacher's son/brother-in-law
Natali Rodgers, director of learning and evaluation
Rachel Hargis, UNUM corporate social responsibility manager

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.
Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture.It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

A Dream Fur-filled feat. Wild Kingdom's Dr. Rae Nov 12, 2025

All her life, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant was focused on one career ambition: to host a nature series like those that had so stoked her passion for animals early in life.

Decades later, Dr. Rae was an author and host to a hit podcast with a long list of academic achievements to her name. She was content and had come to terms with the thought that she might not be destined to grace the silver screen.

And then NBC came calling with an offer to co-helm one of the most well-respected, storied nature series to lead the revival of a legendary series: Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. Alongside co-host Peter Gros, she has visited wild faces and spaces across the world for Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, which recently began airing its third season in October.

In this episode, Dr. Rae chats about growing up apart from nature but no less entranced by it and her hopes and ambitions as an inspiration to new generations of animal lovers.

Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild airs Saturday mornings on NBC's "The More You Know" programming block. Check local airtimes and other ways to watch at mutualofomaha.com/wild-kingdom/article/how-to-watch-mutual-of-omahas-wild-kingdom-protecting-the-wild

Learn more about Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant's many projects via her website, raewynngrant.com/

Episode cast

Casey Phillips, host and senior communications specialist
Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, author, wildlife ecologist, podcast host and co-host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.

Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Gabbin' About Gar feat. Dr. Solomon David Nov 05, 2025

There are some animals that don’t deal well with change. Or rather, they seem to somehow avoid being touched by the passage of time like they’re role playing as Peter Pan or Dorian Gray.

These lurkers on the edges of the evolutionary flow are what scientists have catchingly termed “living fossils.” One of the most well-known examples of being adverse-to-change are the lepisosteiformes, the taxonomic order of fishes more commonly known as “gars.”

These toothy-snooted, predominantly freshwater predators have a fearsome appearance but have come to be much beloved. This episode arrives concurrent with the annual celebration known as “Gar Week.” This weeklong social media event is the brainchild of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and offers an opportunity for the citizens of Earth to pay homage to these evolutionarily stubborn fishes.

This episode features special guest Dr. Solomon David, a well-known, socially media savvy gar expert, researcher and aquatic ecology professor from the University of Minnesota. Learn more about him at solomondavid.net/

[Check out Dr. David’s gar-geous photos and videos via his Instagram (instagram.com/solomon.r.david/) and TikTok (tiktok.com/@solomonrdavid).]

Episode cast

Casey Phillips, host/senior communications specialist/podcast GARgoyle
Dr. Solomon David, assistant professor, aquatic ecologist and principal investigator at GarLab (University of Minnesota)
Dr. Bernie Kuhajda, aquatic conservation biologist (Tennessee Aquarium)

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.

Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Spooky Season Special: Appalachian Animal Mythbusters Oct 29, 2025

Appalachia is an ancient place. That's a fact. Whether your roots in this part of the world run deep, you just moved here or you're merely passing through, the feeling of age in this rippled, time-worn landscape is palpable, especially when you find yourself traipsing off the trail.

The animals that dwell in the deep lakes and far-flung hollers betwixt Appalachia's mountains have birthed many tall tales and legends. And as it turns out, some of them might even have a kernel of truth to them.

In this special episode of the show, we swap tales and shine a light of scientific truth on our old home place. A team of the Aquarium's in-house experts bring their experience to the task of debunking — or possibly lending credence to — common Appalachian animal myths, from rumors of mountain lions haunting the hills to literal big fish stories of giant catfish lurking at the bottom of rivers.

Episode cast

Casey Phillips, host, senior communications specialist and proud Appalachian
Rachel Thayer, assistant curator of fishes and daughter of the Commonwealth (of Virginia)
Bill Hughes, herpetology collection coordinator
Kevin Calhoon, curator of forests
Dr. Bernie Kuhajda, aquatic conservation biologist

[Disclaimer: The song used in the introduction to this episode was created through the generative audio platform Suno.]

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.

Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture.

It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

25 Years Of Raising Tennessee Dinosaurs Oct 22, 2025

For a fish that first appeared alongside dinosaurs and survived the calamity that wiped them out, the Lake Sturgeon has had a hard last half-century in Tennessee.

Once abundant in the state's waterways, wild Lake Sturgeon were last seen in Tennessee in 1963.

In 1998, the Tennessee Aquarium was among the organizations that founded the Lake Sturgeon Working Group. Since then, the group members have been hard at work raising and releasing baby Lake Sturgeon in hopes of re-establishing a stable wild population in the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers.

This year, that effort celebrates 25 years of releasing sturgeon raised in human care, and recent findings by wildlife managers suggest those years of effort may finally be bearing fruit.

Watch our scientists help with spawning wild Lake Sturgeon in Wisconsin: https://youtu.be/ew_4yDb3Ccw

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, host/senior/communications specialist
Dr. Anna George, vice president conservation science & education
Ed Scott, fisheries biologist, Tennessee Valley Authority (retired)
Brandon Simcox, rivers and streams coordinator, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.
Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

The Gold Standard (feat. AZA President Dan Ashe) Oct 15, 2025

To the general public, the acronym "AZA" might be largely meaningless, but in the zoo and aquarium world, it's associated with the gold standard by which all aspects of a zoological organization is measured, especially the animals' well being.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums was founded more than 100 years ago in 1924. It now comprises more than 9,000 individual members and has accredited more than 250 institutions worldwide.

In this episode — recorded live at AZA's annual conference in Tampa, Florida — AZA President & CEO Dan Ashe talks about what it means to hold zoos and aquariums to this incredibly high standard, how it (like its member institutions) has had to change over the last century and the pride he takes in AZA's many global conservation-focused efforts around the world.

Learn more about AZA's Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) Program: https://www.aza.org/aza-safe

Episode cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist, host and AZA member
Dan Ashe, AZA president & CEO

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.
Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Mic Droplet: Nine Brains Worth of Crazy 🐙 Facts Oct 08, 2025

From impossibly flexible, boneless bodies and mastery of camouflage to an over-abundance of brains and hearts, octopuses are like aliens come down from on high to boggle the minds of biologists.

In this short-form, Mic Droplet episode of the podcast, the Aquarium’s resident octopus specialist helps celebrate World Octopus Day by ticking off a few of the most-noteworthy facts about these amazing cephalopods and explains how in the actual heck you weigh a 50-pound octopus.

See what a morning in the life of an octopus caretaker looks like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMw9NkkqkmY

Episode cast

Casey Phillips, host and octopus hug survivor
Danny Alexander, senior aquarist

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.
Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

The Royal Majesty of Monarch Butterflies Oct 03, 2025

When it comes to the most impressive migrations in the animal kingdom , there are a few obvious standouts: the pole-to-pole voyage of the Arctic Tern; the horizon-spanning race of Wildebeests across the Serengeti; the bear-dodging spawning runs of Chinook Salmon.

In the insect world, however, pretty much everything pales in comparison to the daunting voyage of Monarch Butterflies from Central Mexico to Canada and back again. Every year, these tiny, beautiful insects embark on this trip, which takes multiple generations to complete ... except when it doesn't.

At the onset of fall, a single generation of butterflies completes the entire trip back to Mexico, a task that sounds laughably impossible for a featherweight insect with gossamer-delicate, three-inch wings. Yet they do it, every ... single ... year.

The Tennessee Aquarium sits squarely in the middle of the migration route for the eastern population of Monarch Butterflies, making it a prime viewing location for these orange-and-gold beauties as they make their way northward each fall. In this episode, the Aquarium's senior entomologist talks about Monarchs set people's hearts a-flutter, the biological processes that allow them to undertake their unbelievable trip and steps society is taking to protect Monarchs from the greatest threat of all: us.

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, host, senior communications specialist and butterfly adorant
Rose Segbers, senior entomologist

Additional Resources

The Tennessee Aquarium's Butterfly Garden: https://tnaqua.org/exhibit/butterfly-garden/
Flight of the Butterflies trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nww3L5b0wno
Make Way for Monarchs (The Tennessee Conservationist): https://digital.tnconservationist.org/publication/?i=850997&article_id=5026054&view=articleBrowser
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation's Project Milkweed: https://xerces.org/milkweed

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.

Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Meet Cristina Zenato, "The Shark Listener" Sep 25, 2025

It’s pretty much inarguable that sharks get a bad rap.

In a given year, a handful of humans are bitten by sharks, and of these, an even smaller number result in serious injuries or fatalities.

Flip the script, however, and sharks are far more likely to be the victims of "human attacks." Most data suggest about 100 MILLION sharks die each year due to intentional harvest, commercial by-catch or other human activity.

Yet despite this decidedly lop-sided relationship, many of us continue to fear sharks due to reports of shark bites that over-emphasize the aggressiveness of these sleek marine predators.

In this episode, Cristina Zenato -- a self-described "shark listener" -- talks about her and other ecologists' quest to understand how sharks behave, a view informed by countless positive interactions with them as a lifelong diver and researcher. She also discusses her role in the new giant-screen film, Shark Kingdom 3D, which is now playing at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater!

View a trailer of Shark Kingdom 3D at: https://youtu.be/YQndv-lBy1g?si=jJybdwvk1VQUKK7b

To purchase tickets to see the film at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater , visit https://tnaqua.org/imax

Learn more about Cristina's educational nonprofit, People of the Water, at http://pownonprofit.org/

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, host, senior communications specialist and shark admirer
Cristina Zenato, ocean and cave explorer, shark behaviorist and ecologist, speaker, writer and conservationist

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.

Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at https://tnconservationist.org

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

In the "Danger" Zone Sep 17, 2025

At the Aquarium, we have animals of all sorts, from the beautiful and benign to graceful and powerful. Some of our residents could even, in some circumstances, be considered "dangerous."

How, then, do you see to the needs of species whose adaptations present a serious risk to their caretakers? What tools do you need? What mindset do you have to adopt?

In this episode, three caretakers of animals such as Electric Eels, Pacific Sea Nettles, American Alligators and ... River Otters? ... talk about how they approach ensuring the health of animals that pose a risk to theirs.

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, host, senior communications specialist, penguin bite survivor
Jennifer McPheeters, lead animal care specialist (River Journey building)
Kimberly Hurt, senior aquarist
Rachel Thayer, assistant curator of fishes

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.

Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Building An Aquarium For Everyone Sep 10, 2025

Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors explore the galleries of the Tennessee Aquarium. The hope is that those experiences help guests to form a meaningful bond with the natural world and to better understand the importance of freshwater and how our behavior impacts it. That aim is the same for every guest, regardless of their sensory challenges or whether they are a person living with an impairment.

In this episode, we talk about the efforts the Aquarium has made to improve accessibility, including being one of the first organizations in America to be certified as sensory-inclusive by Birmingham, Alabama-based nonprofit KultureCity.

We'll also hear directly from an Aquarium member about how those efforts to improving accessibility have directly benefited his son, who lives with autism, by making the Aquarium a safe, inspiring, joy-filled place to visit.

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, host, senior communications specialist
Mara-Lynne Payne, director of inclusion, equity and diversity
Benjamin Sheffield, Aquarium member, father to "Little Man"
Uma Srivastava, executive director for KultureCity

For more information on the Aquarium's accessibility efforts, visit: https://tnaqua.org/plan-a-visit/accessibility-inclusion

Learn more about KultureCity at https://www.kulturecity.org/

Download the KultureCity app for:

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.kulturecity.app&hl=en_US&pli=1
iOS (Apple devices): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kulturecity/id1359922217

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.
Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Mic Droplet: What the Heck is Leucism? Sep 03, 2025

If you're ever in the wild and encounter an animal that looks ghost-like — pale skin, scales or fur — your immediate thought might be that this is an example of albinism. Look a little closer, though, and there may be some tell-tale signs that you've actually chanced on something different, if just as interesting.

In our first-ever Mic Droplet, a shorter-format version of The Podcast Aquatic you know and love, we chat about leucism, how it differs from albinism and an exciting new opportunity to see it during your Aquarium visit.

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, host, senior communications specialist and leucistic animal photos stan
Jennifer McPheeters, lead animal care specialist (River Journey building)

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.

Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Pike-ture Perfect Aug 27, 2025

Because many of the animals are on the other side of a layer of soundproof acrylic, exploring an aquarium is an experience that is intensely visual for most guests. Combined with the ever-increasing capabilities of the cameras in most phones, it's no surprise, then, that some of the most cherished souvenirs taken home by most visitors are selfies and snapshots.

But what if you want to level up your photography game so those images truly shine? In this episode, two Aquarium staff photographers — one relatively new, the other with images almost as old as the Aquarium itself — offer tips on how to overcome dark galleries and mirror-like exhibits to capture images that you'll cherish AND be proud to share with friends and your Insta followers.

See plenty of examples of Doug Strickland's images on the Aquarium's Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/tennesseeaquarium/

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist, host, lapsed shutterbug
Doug Strickland, communications content creator II
Todd Stailey, AV technician/staff photographer

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.
Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

An Alliance Worth Shell-ebrating Aug 20, 2025

From loss of habitat to collection to supply the pet and medicinal trade, turtles all over the world are in serious trouble. Fortunately, turtles have organizations like the Turtle Survival Alliance looking out for them.

From its home in Charleston, South Carolina, to operations in more than 30 countries, the TSA is on the frontlines of breeding and protecting critically endangered turtles. They're also a long-time collaborator with the Tennessee Aquarium, which partners with the TSA in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) American Turtles program. You can also see some of the offspring of critically imperiled turtles raised by the TSA in the Aquarium's working turtle nursery.

Learn more about the Turtle Survival Alliance at https://turtlesurvival.org

Learn more about the AZA SAFE American Turtles program: https://youtu.be/fdnQ7Kd8czk?si=kgPG4XpIE3UNTysU

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, host, senior communications specialist and anti-turtle smuggler
Marc Dupuis-Desormeaux, Turtle Survival Alliance CEO
Dave Collins, Turtle Survival Alliance senior director of domestic conservation
Bill Hughes, herpetology collections coordinator

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.
Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

The Pride of the Gulf Aug 13, 2025

Invasive Lionfish have been a big problem in the Gulf for decades. These beautiful, venomous visitors from the Indopacific wreak havoc on native fish populations. A single female is capable of producing 50,000 eggs every three days for her entire life, and once grown, Lionfish lack any natural predators to keep their populations from spiraling out of control.

Like many ecological conundrums, the presence of Lionfish in the Gulf is thought to be the result of human activity and may require human intervention to correct it.

For the last 10 years, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has led the Lionfish Invitational, a Lionfish culling event designed to prevent the species' spread into the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, a series of deep-water reefs off the coast of Louisiana and Texas.

In this episode, four Tennessee Aquarium aquarists invited to take part in the Lionfish Invitational recount their time actively working to stave off an invasive species while also experiencing the real-life inspiration for the Aquarium's largest exhibit: the Secret Reef.

Watch a video of the Tennessee Aquarium's participation in the 2023 Lionfish Invitational: https://youtu.be/_FW_M_ebFZM?si=b8hCyz6v_L5bKDZR

Additional resources:

Impacts of the Invasive Lionfish (NOAA): https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/ecosystems/impacts-invasive-lionfish
Understanding the pain experience of lionfish envenomation study (NIH): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10789455/
Scientific studies produced from the Lionfish Invitational: https://www.lionfishinvitational.com/publications

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, host/senior communications specialist
Avery Millard, senior aquarist
Kimberly Hurt, senior aquarist
Kyle McPheeters, lead aquarist (life support systems)

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.

Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiastsand follow us on Facebook and Instagram

I Saw De-Sign Jul 30, 2025

In this episode, meet two of the minds behind the design of the Aquarium’s many exhibits. Whether it’s prioritizing an animal’s wellbeing in its future home or ensuring a habitat has the best sightlines for guests, seeing an exhibit from an artistic concept to a walkable, explorable space is a lengthy one, if often as invisible as it is hugely important.

Learn why the poison dart frog exhibit is our exhibit designer’s favorite habitat in the aquarium: https://youtu.be/a-qDFRaxUEo?si=eX8QCeWPz1TzMRlW

Check out our previous deep-dive episode focusing on thedesign, construction and ecological success of our large stream exhibit: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3pwR614ev4iW98NxGQXBiq?si=d185a2897c984ace

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist/host
Jeff Worley, director of exhibits/graphics
Thom Demas, vice president and chief husbandry and exhibits officer

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from TheTennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.

Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paperwith UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Kelp Wanted: Working at an Aquarium/Zoo Jul 23, 2025

Whether it's dreams of feeding sharks, corralling seahorses or culturing jellyfish, many visitors to aquariums wonder what it's like to work at a zoological institution or ... more particularly ... how to get a job there themselves.

In this episode Casey is joined in the Studio Dive Cage by a pair of Aquarium coworkers, one relatively new and one with more than 25 years under her belt, and a special guest from the Chattanooga Zoo.

Together, they tackle the highs and lows or what working with animals is like, whether they're directly involved or "animal adjacent." They also offer up some tested tips for how to make yourself a more appealing candidate to join the team.

Want to see what working at an aquarium is like, from an employee's perspective? Check out the Aquarium's Fish Person Point of View series, including cleaning and feeding Penguins' Rock, making lunch for Lemur Forest and tending to a "garden" of anemones.

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjkmEccUchZbf2BYFLw0QDOL3_uzkkMnp

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, host and senior communications specialist
Brenda Salgado, aquarist II
Loribeth Lee, assistant curator of forests
Amanda Eckhart, animal care supervisor (Chattanooga Zoo)

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠tnconservationist.org⁠.

Don't Worry, We Have A Plan Jul 09, 2025

A Species Survival Plan (SSP) is a behind-the-scenes tool employed by zoos and aquariums to manage and promote the health of the entire population of a species in human care. By tracking genetics and making strategic decisions about where to move individuals in the interest of forming healthy breeding pairs, SSPs make top-down decisions in the interest of an entire species’ well-being.

At the same time, however, SSP decision can be a bittersweet pill to swallow for the devoted caretakers who form bonds, often deep ones, with the animals with which they work. Some day, those animals could be sent to another facility by an SSP decision, a move which can tug on a caretaker's heartstrings, even if that sadness is blunted by the knowledge that a relocation is being called for in the interest of making the entire population more robust.

Want to see how a recent SSP-prompted move helped provide much needed companionship for the Aquarium's lonely male Red-collared Brown Lemur? Check out this video to meet Kintana, a female Red-collared Brown who recently relocated to the Aquarium from the Dallas Zoo thanks to the species' SSP.

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist, host and SSP novice
Bill Hughes, herpetology collection coordinator
Loribeth Lee, assistant curator of forests
Maggie Sipe, lead animal care specialist (Ocean Journey)

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.
Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at tnconservationist.org.

Join other conservation enthusiasts and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Lemurs and Otters and Penguins ... Oh My! Jul 02, 2025

Just in time for the summer travel season, this episode is a listener special, featuring answers to our fans' most-burning questions about our penguins, lemurs and river otters!

To check in live with our penguins and otters, check out the Aquarium's always-streaming web cams:

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, show host and fellow otters/lemur/penguin stan
Sam Grote, senior animal care specialist
Tyler Schneider, senior animal care specialist
Holly Gibson, senior animal care specialist

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠.

Leopards Of The River And Other "Water Bugs" Jun 25, 2025

They come in all shapes and sizes, but aquatic macroinvertebrates represent an important component of the food webs in streams. Whether its damselfly nymphs, crayfish or web-spinning caddisflies, these spineless organisms are a fascinating group of animals that are easy to overlook in favor of larger, more traditionally charismatic animals like fish, salamanders and aquatic mammals.

In this episode, we plunge into the oft-overlooked world of "water bugs," from where they live and why they matter to some of our favorites to meet while working in the streams of Southern Appalachia.

Learn more about Freshwaters Illustrated's film Hidden Rivers at https://www.freshwatersillustrated.org/hidden-rivers https://www.freshwatersillustrated.org/hidden-rivers

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, host and terrestrial vertebrate
Rose Segbers, senior entomologist
Cody Beavers, aquarist II
Helaina Gomez, watershed conservation coordinator

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠.

From The Plastic He-ART Of The Sea Jun 16, 2025

Plastic pollution is a beachside menace on shorelines all over our planet. With a literal garbage truck worth of this manufactured waste entering the ocean every minute, this can seem like problem with no end much less a solution.

Fifteen years ago, Oregon-based artistic collective, Washed Ashore, found a more productive way to reuse plastic trash recovered from its coastline. By feeding this erstwhile waste into the hands of talented artists, Washed Ashore gives it new life as the skin, scale, fur and feathers of animals at scales that mirror plastic's impact on aquatic ecosystems the world over.

In this episode, we chat with Brad Parks, Washed Ashore's conservation and education director, about how these amazing sculptures are created, how he hopes they're received by the public and what animals he's still waiting to see rendered as plasticized art.

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, host and reluctantly frequent user of plastic products
Brad Parks, conservation/education director of Washed Ashore

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠.

Behind The Lens With "Cameraman Tim" Jun 11, 2025

Like anything humans try to do beneath the surface, underwater filmmaking poses a slew of challenges beyond those of terrestrial videography. Few people understand that as well as Tim Geers, who has decades of experience filming aquatic productions bound for the largest of screens and the smallest.

In addition to more than 20 years contributing to the Emmy Award-nominated web series, Jonathan Bird's Blue World, Geers also served as second unit director on the giant-screen film, Call of the Dolphins 3D.

In this episode, Geers joins host Casey Phillips in the studio dive cage to discuss why dolphin behavior endears them to humans, his philosophy about teaching the next generation of filmmakers and how his life goals align with those of a famous figure in the sci-fi epic Blade Runner.

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, host and fan of Jonathan Bird's Blue World
Tim Geers, underwater cinematographer

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠.

This One's All About SCUBA, Steven Jun 04, 2025

Considering it's one of the building blocks of life, it's ironic how dangerous water can be to the ill-equipped. And when it comes to deep water, humans are about as under-prepared for survival as it's possible to be.

Fortunately, despite our pitiful lung capacity and lack of fins, we're blessed with a heap of curiosity and ingenuity, which has given rise over the millennia to a variety of methods to explore beneath the surface. Absent a submarine in your backyard, the most accessible means of spending time underwater is the self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (aka SCUBA).

Here at the Aquarium, we dive all the time, whether it's to clean or enact repairs to our massive exhibits, to feed the animals or just to engage with the public. On this episode of the podcast, two of our senior dive specialist join one of our newest certified staff divers to explain what it's like experiencing the Aquarium from the other side of the acrylic and why it's worth all the work to earn your fins.

Episode cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist, host-captain and certified landlubber Mark Craven, manager of dive operations and dive safety officer Chris Tucker, assistant dive safety officer Doug Strickland, communications content creator II

Want to dive with us?

Learn more about how to become a volunteer diver and apply at: ⁠https://tnaqua.org/volunteer/scuba-diver/

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠.

🎶 Like A Sturgeon, Lost For A Very Long Time 🎶 May 21, 2025

The world's smallest sturgeon species, the Syr Darya Shovelnose Sturgeon, is found in muddy rivers flowing through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other parts of Central Asia. It tops out at a diminutive 9 inches long.

But the thing is, it hasn't been seen in more than 60 years.

In this episode of the podcast, two of our scientists, Dr. Bernie Kuhajda and Dr. Dave Neely, and graduate student Christian Swartzbaugh discuss a recent trip they made to Uzbekistan as part of the Search for Lost Species. Their quest? To ascertain whether the Syr Darya Shovelnose Sturgeon is still around or if it has gone extinct.

From clandestine show-and-tells of preserved specimens in back alleys to adhesive catfish to self-destructing dirty diapers, this one's got it all.

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist, host and sturgeon stan
Dr. Bernie Kuhajda, aquatic conservation biologist
Dr. Dave Neely, adjunct scientist
Christian Swartzbaugh, graduate student, University of Georgia

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠.

Legacy Of A Bold Vision (Feat. Senator Bob Corker) May 16, 2025

In the early 2000s, the Tennessee Aquarium was closing out its first decade on the river with plans underway for a major expansion: the Ocean Journey building. At the same time, two other nearby institutions were in the midst of their own major expansions. The three joined forces, under the leadership of former U.S. Sen. Bob Corker (then mayor of Chattanooga) to embark on a combined campaign for funding.

The plan worked, and these expansions were important facets of an even larger plan to transform Chattanooga's riverfront experience: the 21st Century Waterfront Plan.

Twenty years later, Sen. Corker popped by the Studio Dive Cage to talk about the origins of the Plan, the perpetual optimism with which it was realized and the continuing impact it's having on the Aquarium's hometown so many years later.

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, host, senior communications specialist, resident of Chattanooga
Bob Corker, former mayor of Chattanooga and two-term U.S. Senator
Todd Womack, Corker's former senatorial chief of staff, current president/CEO of Bridge Public Affairs

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠.

Introducing the Aquarium's New President & CEO May 07, 2025

After eight years under the leadership of former president & CEO, Keith Sanford, the Tennessee Aquarium has welcomed a new chief executive: Andy Wood. With more than 14 years of leadership experience at the Florida Aquarium and Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, Wood is bringing a wealth of knowledge of the zoo and aquarium world to bear in his new role.

In this episode, we get to know a lot more about him, from the animal that best reflects his personality and how he thinks the aquarium benefits the community (and vice versa) to why working in a land-locked state reminds him how interconnected all water -- and life -- on earth really is.

Episode cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist and host
Andy Wood, president & CEO

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠.

For The Bird(er)s Apr 30, 2025

From much-maligned pigeons and purportedly "wise" owls to noble raptors and cereal hawking toucans, birds are one of the world's most diverse, widespread class of animals.

To many of us, birds are so much a part of our lives that we often fail to notice or appreciate them. Such is definitely not the case for the special guest of this episode, the Aquarium's curator of forests, Kevin Calhoon.

In this episode, we chat about all things birding, from how to do it and what equipment to invest in to Kevin's far-flung adventures in search of rogue swans and other rare or out-of-place avians.

Additional resources:

The Christmas Bird Count 101 and winter birds in Chattanooga: https://youtu.be/Xqk8gCmpqbc?si=jZVzxV_7lnZ8YmKf

Kevin Talks About The Joy of Birding:

https://youtu.be/aReP4q4uYE0?si=MbwNHWSClqo3wLmI

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist, host and bird appreciator
Kevin Calhoon, curator of forests

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠.

Earth Day Special: Conservation Science Is A Relay Marathon Apr 22, 2025

For our first Earth Day special on The Podcast Aquatic, we're focusing in on the important work being done by the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute (TNACI), not only to raise freshwater fish but also freshwater scientists.

As a nexus for a great deal of conservation science in the Southeast, TNACI is carrying forward long-term species restoration efforts while also attracting new generations of researchers who will carry on this work in years to come.

Learn more about the work of TNACI at https://tnaqua.org/conserve/what-we-do/

See our scientists in action:

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist, host and thankful resident of Planet Earth
Dr. Anna George, vice president of conservation science & education
Teresa Israel, reintroduction biologist II
Sarah Kate Bailey, reintroduction biologist II

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠.

You Herd It Here - Chatting with The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee Apr 16, 2025

Smack dab in the middle of Tennessee in Hohenwald is a population that would probably surprise must residents of the Volunteer State: a dozen African and Asian Elephants.

This year, The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee is celebrating 30 years of serving as a sprawling "retirement community" for elephants that lived most of their life in human care. In this episode, we chat with the sanctuary's education manager, Laura Roddy, who will be visiting the Aquarium to help launch a new IMAX film, Elephants: Giants of the Desert 3D.

Together, we cover a lot of ground, from what working "on elephant time" means and how elephants modify their environment. In addition, this episode launches on Save the Elephant Day (April 16), and Laura discusses several ways everyday people can do their part to help elephants all over the world!

Check out the trailer for Elephants: GIants of the Desert 3D: https://youtu.be/VpsEBQyNfmo?si=PSOsyIlX5Ki5fIZh

Learn more about The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee at https://www.elephants.com

Episode cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist, host and pachyderm pal
Laura Roddy, education manager, The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠.

An Extremely Ribbiting Discussion Apr 09, 2025

April is National Frog Month, and what better way to celebrate these boisterous, shape-shifting amphibians than hearing from the experts who care for them here at the Aquarium?

In this episode, our ambassador animal coordinator and senior herpetologist wax poetic about frog calls, explain why our poison dart frogs actually aren't poisonous and talk about the incredible survival strategies that allow frogs to survive in places you probably wouldn't believe.

Learn more about the Poison Dart Frogs' Malagasy cousins, the Mantellas: https://youtu.be/QjDMz8yLR3g

Episode cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist, host and foster frog parent
Charlie Olson, senior herpetologist
Tanisha La Guardia, ambassador animal coordinator

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Everybody Loves Rays, Man Mar 26, 2025

Whether you think of them as the horizontally compressed cousins of sharks or "majestic underwater flap-flaps," there's no denying that stingrays are some of nature's most interesting aquatic animals.

This listener-request special episode features a panel of aquarists whose job it is to care for the many species of stingrays that live at the Aquarium. We chat about the different types of rays that reside in our exhibits, how they reproduce, their capacity to learn and their perhaps-surprising love of bubbles.

Watch the don't-do-this-if-you-like-your-clothes-dry approach we take to feeding our Cownose Rays at https://youtu.be/3XWg13Yszk4

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, communications specialist, host and amateur stingray-watcher
Kyle McPheeters, life support system lead aquarist
Cody Beavers, aquarist II
Brenda Salgado, aquarist II

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Dishing Dolphins With Filmmaker Jonathan Bird Mar 12, 2025

Few people are as well-versed in documenting the underwater world as giant-screen filmmaker Jonathan Bird. The charismatic producer and host of award-winning web series, Jonathan Bird's Blue World, he's plumbed the depths of sites all over the world, from diving alongside Whale Sharks in the Galapagos and dodging Barracuda in Portugal to navigating flooded caves in Mexico.

In 2023, Bird paid a visit to Chattanooga to document our work raising marine fish species from eggs laid in our own exhibits as well as our role as one of the world's leading freshwater aquariums. In this episode, he joins us in the studio dive cage to chat about that experience as well as to promote his fourth giant-screen film, Call of the Dolphins 3D.

Check out the Tennessee Aquarium specific episodes of Blue World at:

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist, host and longtime Blue World fan
Jonathan Bird, underwater filmmaker

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.

It's An Invasion! Feb 26, 2025

All over the world, otherwise inoffensive plants and animals are wreaking havoc on ecosystems just by ... well, existing. Often (if not usually) through no fault of their own, invasive species upend the natural order by reproducing with wild abandon, outcompeting or preying on native species and disrupting entire economies dependent on healthy fisheries and eco-tourism.

In this episode, three Aquarium experts with experience either caring for or dealing with the impacts of invasive species visit the studio dive cage to discuss how these plants and animals ended up where they shouldn't be, how they're impacting native wildlife and what, if anything, can be done about it.

Check out a three-part video series discussing the impact of Asian Carp on American river systems and approaches to stemming their spread: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjkmEccUchZbEYwxDE1KrxGauykYlGm4_&si=nYeLRKHHV7MnMpZV

Episode cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist, host and invasive homo sapien
Ben Stenger, River Journey lead aquarist
Sharyl Crossley, Ocean Journey lead aquarist
Matt Hamilton, curator of fishes

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.

A Galentine's Day Shell-ebration Of Mussels Feb 11, 2025

Comedian Jim Gaffigan may have famously described them as "rocks with snot in them," but mussels (along with oysters, clams and other bivalve molluscs) are incredible — and incredibly important — animals.

Freshwater mussels' filtration of water as they feed helps to ensure the health of our rivers, lakes and streams. Their reproductive strategies are awe-inspiringly cunning, not to mention a little bit horrifying. And most importantly, they're a homegrown biological treasure, with the Southeastern United States sporting a greater diversity of freshwater mussels than almost anywhere else on Earth.

So in honor of International Day of Women and Girls In Science (and Galentine's Day), we've invited four Aquarium mussel fans and experts on the show to put the notion of mussels being underwhelming well and truly to bed.

Check out a hotspot of freshwater mussels diversity in Tennessee's Duck River:https://youtu.be/IcBSk6WnGY0?si=z-Hj5aPuLoJxggVE

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist, host and amateur mussel-man
Dr. Anna George, VP of conservation science and education
Stephanie Chance, conservation manager
Avery Millard, senior aquarist

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Going One-On-One With An Angel Feb 05, 2025

When it comes to displays of aerial prowess, few pilots can match the razor-sharp skills of the Navy and Marine Corps selectees for the Blue Angels. The Navy's storied Flight Demonstration Squadron has been going strong for 79 years, and Capt. Greg "Boss" Wooldridge was the team's flight leader and commanding officer for an unprecedented three terms.

Wooldridge is also one of the executive producers of a thrilling new giant-screen film, The Blue Angels 3D, which will be playing at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater beginning late January and throughout February 2025.

In this episode, Boss joins us in the studio to talk about blacking out on his first flight with the Blues and the importance of iron-clad team building to safely piloting multi-million-dollar jets at hundreds of miles an hour with only 18 inches separating them.

Watch a trailer for The Blue Angels 3D at https://youtu.be/B5dSYSDOk_U?si=WYipr5yMlO6Cbm9b

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist, host and long-time Blue Angels fan
Capt. Greg "Boss" Wooldridge, former Blue Angels flight leader and executive producer for The Blue Angels 3D

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Paging Dr. Do-LOTS Jan 22, 2025

Millions (tens of millions, even) of families in the U.S. have pets, and all the love and comfort they give us comes with a heaping helping of responsibility for their care and well being. Fortunately, there are more than 125,000 veterinarians around the country that can lend a practiced hand to ensuring our four-legged, winged, scaly and finned companions lives are healthy and happy.

Imagine how much more fulfilling and difficult the job of a veterinarian becomes, though, when they're charged with seeing to the needs of thousands of animals representing hundreds of species.

In this episode of the podcast, we'll chat with the Tennessee Aquarium's long-time vet, Dr. Chris Keller, and veterinary assistant II Shelby Ferguson, about the challenges and rewards of tending to penguins, alligators, sharks and lemurs (among many, MANY other animals).

After you're done, check out videos showing a vet's eye view of ⁠a Sea Turtle check up⁠, a cutting-edge ⁠cold laser therapy session⁠ and the new avenues of treatment made possible through ⁠wireless x-ray technology⁠.

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist, host and ardent feline fanDr. Chris Keller, veterinarianShelby Ferguson, veterinary assistant II

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

We're ALL Plant People Jan 08, 2025

The Aquarium requires the work of a lot of people to function. Some might not surprise you — animal care specialists, veterinarians, housekeeping, plumbers — but did you know our team also includes a pair of horticulturists? It's thanks to the tireless efforts of these plant experts that our exhibits mimic, as closely as possible, the natural environments our residents would call home in the wild. Normally, their work goes largely unnoticed by guests, but in this episode, we're giving them a much-deserved moment in the spotlight!

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist, host and slayer of orchids
Austin Prater, senior horticulturist
Jenna Paler, horticulturist II

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Thinking Local, Going Global Dec 26, 2024

Whether it's just a pop across the border into Tijuana, a cruise along the Rhine, backpacking through Nepal or visiting relatives in Uganda, there's nothing quite like the full-body culture shock of international travel.

In this episode, three Aquarium adventurers share life-altering experiences from their international sojourns. We'll chat about the joy of watching cheetahs learning to hunt in Kenya, visiting sustainable fisheries in the Amazon and the stark, otherworldly beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Grab your passport, pack a toothbrush, and let's go!

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, communications specialist and tour guide
Thom Benson, vice president and chief communications/marketing officers
Claudia Mendez-Marti, community engagement educator
Elaine Robinson, senior aquarist

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

How To Science For Non-Scientists Dec 11, 2024

With all the talk about lab coats, beakers, bunsen burners and such, science can seem awfully intimidating, but these days, the barrier to participation in science is lower than ever.

In this episode of the podcast, Aquarium Educator II Stephanie Soto talks about how you — yes, YOU — can help a brother or sister researcher out through citizen science projects. This egalitarian approach to academic studies opens the door for laypeople to make meaningful contributions by recording and reporting their observations and other data to a project creator.

Check out Stephanie’s iNaturalist page, including herongoing project to document plant and animal species found in downtown Chattanooga at ⁠https://www.inaturalist.org/users/101301⁠

Looking for a citizen science opportunity that’s coming upsoon (or will happen predictably each year)? Learn how you can take part in the Audubon Christmas Bird Count at ⁠https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count/join-christmas-bird-count⁠

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, senior communications specialist and host-captain
Stephanie Soto, educator II and citizen scientist extraordinaire

Citizen Science Resources

NASA's Citizen Science projects: ⁠https://science.nasa.gov/citizen-science/⁠
Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird: ⁠https://ebird.org/home⁠

FrogWatch USA: ⁠https://www.akronzoo.org/frogwatch⁠
National Weather Service SKYWARN program: ⁠https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/fish/sturgeon.html⁠
Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute Freshwater Information Network: ⁠https://tnacifin.com/⁠
BugGuide.net: ⁠https://bugguide.net/node/view/15740⁠
Zooniverse: ⁠https://www.zooniverse.org/projects⁠
iNaturalist: ⁠https://www.inaturalist.org⁠

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Race For The Laurel Dace Nov 27, 2024

Even among other imperiled aquatic species, the Laurel Dace probably gets winces of sympathy. This little fish is the quintessential hard-luck story. In the last ten years, its numbers have dramatically dwindled thanks to a take-your-pick collection of challenges: invasive species, dirt choking its streams, a plague of cyst-causing grubs and (most recently) catastrophic drought.

To say this little fish needs help is a dramatic understatement, but our scientists are doing their level best to keep this plucky survivor around. In this episode, two of these champion biologists join us to discuss our ongoing efforts to save a fish that desperately needs the assist.

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, communications specialist and host
Dr. Anna George, vice president of conservation science and education
Abbey Holsopple, recovery biologist

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

It's Turtles All The Way Down Nov 13, 2024

Did you realize the Tennessee Aquarium is home to the largest collection of freshwater turtles at a public institution in North America? Yessiree, we're really fond of our chelonians (read: tortoises and turtles) here, so we invited our resident herp expert to help us shellebrate these amazing reptiles.

(And no, we can't promise those are the last puns you'll encounter during this slightly-longer-than-normal episode.)

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, communications specialist and host
Bill Hughes, herpetology collection coordinator

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In Defense of Spookies Oct 30, 2024

With Halloween just around the corner, many of our minds are drawn to all things spooktacular. To many people, the spookiest of spooks — and the source of the most common animal-centric phobias — are snakes and spiders. But do these creepy, slithery, jittery critters deserve their bad reputation or are they just the victims of bad PR?

In this episode, two Aquarium experts and resident spider- and snake-friends delve into the how and why of arachnophobia and ophidiophobia and explain why these legless and (some would argue) too-many-legged animals deserve more respect than fear.

Episode cast

Casey Phillips, communications specialist and host
Rose Segbers, entomologist II
Charlie Olson, herpetologist II

Resources

Scary and nasty beasts: Self-reported fear and disgust of common phobic animals: https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/bjop.12409
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency guide to snakes of Tennessee: https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/reptiles/snakes.html
Seriema prey-thrashing behavior: https://youtu.be/mg7Qxr70IR0?si=GunddScc7l1Bb7c4

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Pet Lemurs? Just Don't Oct 16, 2024

Did you realize it's legal to keep lemurs as pets in Tennessee (and several other American states)? Yeah, we were shocked, too. Trust us, though, you don't want to go down that path for a lot of reasons.

In this week's episode, we've brought in one of our lemur caretakers to explain why these prosimians are like furry little fireworks displays. They're beautiful and fun to watch, but you wouldn't want one in your living room.

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, communications specialist and host
Maggie Sipe, senior animal care specialist

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Meet Our Head Animal Diplomat Oct 02, 2024

Every day, Aquarium educators present programs to the public, both on site and at schools or other facilities, accompanied by assistants of the furry, scaly or feathered variety. The animals who take part in these outreach presentations are known as "ambassador animals," and Tanisha La Guardia is in charge of caring for them.

Before she became a lover of snakes and lizards of all sorts, however, Tanisha was scared with a capital "S" of reptiles. Find out how she overcame that discomfort and the delight she takes in winning others over to the herpetological camp.

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, communications specialist/host
Tanisha La Guardia, lead animal ambassador coordinator

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The ABCs of the ESA (Endangered Species Act) Sep 18, 2024

For more than 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has provided the mechanisms to protect imperiled species in the United States. But like most legislation, understanding how it actually works can be a pretty daunting task. No worries! We've got just the scientists for that.

In this episode, our vice president of conservation science and education and resident aquatic conservation biologist swoop in to offer reams (REAMS) of knowledge to help you understand how the ESA helps protect our nation's most at-risk species and why landing on the list of endangered species isn't the death sentence some may assume it to be.

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, communications specialist and host
Dr. Anna George, vice president of conservation science & education
Dr. Bernie Kuhajda, aquatic conservation biologist

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Let's Time Warp to Ancient Appalachia, Y'all Sep 04, 2024

The Tennessee Aquarium's home in Chattanooga sits in the heart of some of the oldest mountains on Earth (the Appalachians), but what was life like in our neck of the woods, say, 5 million years ago? How about 65 million?

In honor of the latest film now playing at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater, T. REX 3D, we've called up paleontologist and mammalogist Dr. Steven "Wally" Wallace to offer up some expert insights into life in ancient (and REALLY ANCIENT) Appalachia.

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, communications specialist and host
Dr. Steven "Wally" Wallace, paleontologist and professor at East Tennessee State University

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Entomophagy: It's a Bugs Lunch Aug 21, 2024

To many residents of the United States, the thought of eating an insect is probably enough to turn them off the idea of food entirely, but for cultures around the world, entomophagy is not only common; it's just common sense.

In light of this summer's headline-grabbing 13-year cicada brood emergence, we've called on the Aquarium's resident entomologist — who has eaten insects before — to make the case for why bugs SHOULD be on your menu.

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, communications specialist and host
Rose Segbers, entomologist II

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Doing Science at the Aquarium Aug 07, 2024

They may be a lot more fun to visit than a lab, and their employees may not walk around in white coats, but aquariums and zoos are important contributors to scientific research. The combination of ready control of environmental conditions and the opportunity to observe animals without interruptions caused by inclement weather or other factors make them an ideal place for studies to be conducted.

In this week's episode, we'll chat with our assistant curator of fishes to learn more about her study into the impacts of ocean acidification on jellyfish and what it was like overcoming her feelings of scientific "imposter syndrome."

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, communications specialist and host
Rachel Thayer, assistant curator of fishes

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Lookin' Out Our Back Door Jul 24, 2024

Did you realize the Southeastern United States is home to more species of aquatic life than anywhere else in the temperate world? A lot of people, even those who live here, don't realize they live in the midst of an underwater rainforest that rivals celebrated ecosystems like the Amazon Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef.

In 2023, the Aquarium decided to shine a light on the abundance in its own backyard with its newest gallery, Ridges to Rivers. In this week's episode, meet the aquarists who overcame seemingly endless challenges when designing the centerpiece of the gallery, an 18-foot-long artificial stream. This exhibit is so true-to-the-wild that its residents recently engaged in an unprecedented mating display, but getting to this point was no easy feat.

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, communications specialist and host
Avery Millard, senior aquarist (an aquarist II at time of recording)
Ben Stenger, senior aquarist

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Sharks: Friends NOT Foes Jul 10, 2024

Next year is the 50th anniversary of the movie Jaws, which means Hollywood has been hard at work painting sharks as villains of the deep for half a century.

In honor of Shark Week, we're celebrating the launch of The Podcast Aquatic by gathering together a trio of resident shark experts to set the story straight and explain why these marine predators are really just the victims of exceptionally bad PR.

Episode Cast

Casey Phillips, communications specialist and host
Kyle McPheeters, senior aquarist
Adam Johnson, animal care facility lead
Thom Demas, vice president and chief husbandry and exhibits officer

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

Become a Tennessee Conservationist and subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tnconservationist.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Introducing The Podcast Aquatic Jun 26, 2024

Suit up, check your tank, cinch up your dive belt and prepare to plunge into interesting discussions with experts from one of the world's largest and most-popular freshwater aquariums.

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