Nature

Just the Zoo of Us

Join us, Ellen and Christian Weatherford, while we review your favorite species of animals and rate them out of ten in the categories of effectiveness, ingenuity and aesthetics.
More information can be found at justthezooofus.com 😊
Got a species you want us to review? Submit your animal friend to us at ellen@justthezooofus.com and when we review your animal we’ll give you a shoutout! 😊
Cover art by Mrs. Brainbow (Taylor Gordon-Wood). Theme music by Louie Zong.

Latest Episodes:

103: Malayan Tapir & Lone Star Tick Jul 20, 2021

Show notes

Join the Weatherfords for an animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen takes a look at the long-snouted Malayan tapir & Christian checks every nook and cranny for lone star ticks.

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinjustthezoo

102: Plants w/ Dr. Vikram Baliga! Jul 12, 2021

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Join Ellen & special guest, horticulturist Dr. Vikram Baliga, for a review of... plants! We left the animal kingdom for this look at some of the fascinating adaptations that plants have made to stay thriving. In this episode, we discuss millenia-old trees, diabolical beetle-trapping lilies, living toilets, cold-blooded plant warfare happening right in front of our eyes, and other fun facts guaranteed to give you a deeper appreciation for the plant life all around us.

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinjustthezoo

101: Mantis Shrimp w/ Alice Chou! Jul 05, 2021

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Join Ellen & special guest, marine neurobiologist Alice Chou, for a review of the ocean's feisty boxers, mantis shrimps! In this episode, we discuss why the mantis shrimp is so good at punching stuff, what's up with their funky disco eyes, and other delectable treats for your brain.

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinjustthezoo

100th Episode Q&A Celebration! Jun 28, 2021

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Join Ellen & Christian for a special episode answering questions from our beautiful listeners about topics including (but not limited to): making the podcast, things we've learned about animals and nature, our favorite video games, and more!

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinjustthezoo

99: Bald Eagles w/ Patch, creator of TierZoo! Jun 11, 2021

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Join Ellen & special guest Patch, creator of zoology-meets-gaming web series TierZoo, for a review of North America's iconic raptor, the bald eagle. In this episode we discuss the intersection between ecology and video games as well as how the bald eagle measures up to its competitors.

Find TierZoo on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook!

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinjustthezoo

98: Cockroaches w/ Charles Wallace! Jun 02, 2021

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Join Ellen & special guest entomologist Charles Wallace for a review of nature's oft-maligned rogues, cockroaches! In this episode, we bust myths about the roaches that cozy up to human spaces, learn about some of the fascinating strategies that different types of roaches all over the world use to thrive, and give these hardy insects some long overdue praise.

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinjustthezoo

97: Sea Otter & Blue-Ringed Octopus May 24, 2021

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Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Ellen reviews the ocean's most adorable monsters, sea otters, & Christian rates the dazzling blue-ringed octopus.

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinjustthezoo

96: Orangutans w/ Dr. Lara Durgavich! May 14, 2021

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Join Ellen & special guest, biological anthropologist Dr. Lara Durgavich for a review of the arboreal royalty, orangutans! In this episode, we discuss how orangutans have adapted to make themselves at home in the tree tops, how we see ourselves reflected in their faces & behavior, and how we can help support orangutans in their habitats.

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinjustthezoo

95: Cape Stumpnose w/ Dr. Yanasivan Kisten! May 07, 2021

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Join Ellen & special guest, marine ecophysiologist Dr. Yanasivan Kisten for a review of the unassuming yet impressive Cape stumpnose! In this episode, we discuss the crucial role that estuaries play in a healthy ecosystem & spotlight how this little silver fish that can stand up to some pretty big challenges.

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinjustthezoo

94: American Black Bear & Scaly-foot Snail Apr 30, 2021

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Join the Weatherfords for a weekly animal review! In this week's episode, Christian teaches us why you should resist that urge to feed the bears & Ellen takes a deep dive into the heavily fortified extremophile, the scaly-foot snail.

Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinjustthezoo

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