Best Smithsonian Institution Podcasts (2025)

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The Queens: Elizabeth, Victoria, and Latifah? with Carly Hornberger of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute 55:00

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10d ago55:00

55:00

Today, the Safari heads to Washington D.C. to bring you an episode from the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute! We welcome Carly Hornberger back onto the pod to talk all things primate (and some things rat and turtle) at the National Zoo! How does the famous O-line work? Are gibbons the best primates? Are baby gorillas as…

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MARTIAL ARTS, CHINATOWN & BEYOND Smithsonian Institute Exhibition 41:02

27d ago41:02

41:02

MARTIAL ARTS, CHINATOWN & BEYOND Smithsonian Institute ExhibitionHow do Martial Arts get into the Smithsonian Institute? Why is Washington DC pivotal? What happened in 60s and 70s Washington? Why was Chinatown important? How is it changing? How do you get martial into the arts? Andrew Staton talks to Dr Sojin Kim, Guest Curator, Sifu Terence Nichol…

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A Life in Acting with Emmy Award-winning Actor, Artist, Director CADY McCLAIN 1:06:02

24m ago1:06:02

1:06:02

“I won my first Emmy when I was 21, which was the result of absolutely devoting myself day and night for two years to doing all the scene work. I attended classes simultaneously and did plays until my mother died. I studied with Michael Howard for eight years. Even when I was so tired I couldn't get up to do a scene, he would say, "Get up and do a …

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Season 6 Premier - Dani Larson interviews Jon, featuring Miles Rossi! 1:22:22

2d ago1:22:22

1:22:22

Today, the Safari turns the tables as Dani Larson interviews Jon about five full years of Rossifari-ing. Then Miles asks three burning questions as a follow up. Get to know the guy behind the mic that you listen to twice a week, and more importantly, get to hear more of Dani! EPISODE LINKS: rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @ro…

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Life As No One Knows It - Exploring AIR Aspen with NICOLA LEES - Highlights 9:04

6d ago9:04

9:04

“For us, I think it really is about trust and commitments, and I don't think that has necessarily changed over the years. As we work on that, obviously, we are very much invested in how we can engage an audience and spark the curiosity that people are looking for. The most important thing often is how we can spark that curiosity in ourselves. As a …

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GYM & BJJ FITNESS ENTREPRENEUR Dan Uyemura PushPress 59:47

6d ago59:47

59:47

GYM & BJJ FITNESS ENTREPRENEUR Dan Uyemura PushPressExplore the raw and inspiring story of Dan Uyemura and discover the man behind the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship. Talking to Mick Tully, we dive in and uncover the authenticity, resilience, and true connection that define Dan's remarkable journey from Gym and fitness business to the tough…

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Rossifari Zoo News 7.25.25 - The Season 5 Finale Edition featuring Sloth Farts! 35:14

6d ago35:14

35:14

Dateline: July 25, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off celebrating the fifth anniversary of the podcast! Then it's time for a quick little catch up on me. We then move on to our births for the week, featuring red pandas at Zoo Lodz and …

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Shellshocked II: Turtle Thieves 30:28

8d ago30:28

30:28

Turtles are built like tiny tanks—ancient, armored, and famously tough. But in the modern world, that toughness may be their greatest vulnerability. In part two of our turtle two-parter, we dive into the shadowy world of turtle trafficking, where backyard collectors, international smugglers, and unsuspecting pet owners all play a role. From sting o…

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The First Artist-Led Global Summit & The Future of Museums - NICOLA LEES, Director, Aspen Art Museum 46:04

13d ago46:04

46:04

“It's a complicated time to think about how we can slow down, be still, and bring a brilliant group of people together to do something that feels purposeful and can be productive. It's a moment where things are moving so fast. When I brought up the idea of a hinge generation, I think it's impossible to know how we will look back and reflect on this…

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The Brain Always Wins 2 Chris Parker Interview 2:02:30

13d ago2:02:30

2:02:30

In a deeply engaging conversation, Chris Parker, a silat guru reveals all to Mick Tully about his new book, The Brain Always Wins 2, co-authored with Dr John Sullivan. Mick drops the questions; How is it a practical guide to improving yourself through better brain management?Why is it relevant to martial arts?Why rewrite a second book? What's happe…

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Rossifari Zoo News 7.18.25 - The Lord of the Swans Edition! 33:42

14d ago33:42

33:42

Dateline: July 18, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off with a quick catch up on me. Then it's time for our headline story featuring a reminder that FOIA exists. We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from The Detr…

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Bringing the Heat with Lynnlee and Matt from Tanganyika Wildlife Park 1:10:44

17d ago1:10:44

1:10:44

Today, the Safari heads back to Tanganyika Wildlife Park to chat with Matt and Lynnlee, two of the visionaries in charge of making the park run. We discuss a ton of topics that are hot in the industry right now, including culture, the value of animal encounters, the importance of transparency, and more. EPISODE LINKS: twpark.com @tanganyikawildlife…

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Rossifari Zoo News 7.11.25 - The Metronomic Sea Lion Edition 43:44

21d ago43:44

43:44

Dateline: July 11, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off with a quick catch up on me. Then it's time for our headline story featuring the story of a sea turtle who has been released into the ocean after 41 years in human care. We then mov…

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Shellshocked I: Turtles vs. The World 31:23

22d ago31:23

31:23

Turtles have been around for 200 million years—outliving dinosaurs, surviving ice ages, and basically minding their own business the whole time. Tough on the outside, chill on the inside, they seem built to last. So why are they suddenly disappearing? In part one of this two-part series, we hit the trail in search of one surprisingly elusive reptil…

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The Sea Tour-tle with Sean Putney of the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium 50:10

24d ago50:10

50:10

Today, the Safari stays at the Kansas City Zoo to get a tour of the new aquarium with President and Director Sean Putney. We go exhibit by exhibit both in the public area and behind the scenes to give you an immersive look at the aquarium in an audio tour! EPISODE LINKS: @kansascityzoo on socials kansascityzoo.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com pat…

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Rossifari Zoo News 7.4.25 - The Felix Goes To Portugal Edition featuring Miles Rossi 41:44

28d ago41:44

41:44

Dateline: July 4, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off with a quick catch up on me. Then it's time for our headline story featuring an update on the San Francisco Zoo leadership situation. We then move on to our births for the week, feat…

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The Penguin Choir with Sean Putney of The Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium 49:24

1M ago49:24

49:24

Today, the Safari heads to the Kansas City Zoo to hang out with President and Director Sean Putney. We talk about what goes into running such a huge zoo with so many different animals and what's coming next for the zoo. Then we head to the penguin ice shelf to hang out with some amazing birds, and then get some special human guests when we stop by …

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Rossifari Zoo News 6.27.25 - SPECIAL EDITION: When Bullying Goes Too Far 30:42

1M ago30:42

30:42

Dateline: June 27, 2025. This episode starts off like any other, but then as I dive into my headline story it goes off the rails. I talk about the loss the animal world experienced this week as we said goodbye to Mikayla Raines of Save A Fox Rescue. This leads to a discussion of bullying, mental health, the supposed anonymity of the internet, and h…

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Bloodsuckers! 30:33

1M ago30:33

30:33

Leeches don’t get a lot of love. They’re slimy, wriggly, and, well, they suck—blood that is. But there’s a lot to learn about the lowly leech. Led by a troupe of Smithsonian experts, we’ll discover how these toothy hangers-on wormed their way into medical practices, performance art, and EVERY human cavity. Yes, even that one. It's a journey of disc…

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The Content I Live For with Devin Turner of Sedgwick County Zoo 38:14

1M ago38:14

38:14

Today, the Safari heads to Sedgwick County Zoo to discuss some incredible animals including orangutans and chimpanzees! Best of all, much of the interview is conducted with two mama chimps and two baby chimps, including a 2.5 week old baby. I've never seen anything like it in person, and I can't wait to share all of this great content with you! EPI…

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Rossifari Zoo News 6.20.25 - The Wildlife Underpants Edition 39:08

1M ago39:08

39:08

Dateline: June 20, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off with a quick catch up on me. We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from Aquarium of Niagara, Southwick's Zoo, Zoo Miami, Sequoia Park Zoo, Franklin Park Zoo,…

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Examining Monuments, Memory & The History of White Supremacy IRVIN WEATHERSBY JR. - Highlights 12:18

1M ago12:18

12:18

“I'm hopeful for revolution. I'm optimistic. I want radical change. I think there's such a disinterest in education in America that it is sickening. I think we are repeating history. We are going through a cycle of fascism and greed, and I think we're going to see a lot of states collapse. As a result of that, I think people are going to be forced …

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SEE NO BOUNDARIES THE JOURNEY OF CHRIS SKELLEY: FROM JUDO TO MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY 1:10:40

1M ago1:10:40

1:10:40

In this inspiring episode of the World of Martial Arts Show, host Mick Tully sits down with the remarkable Chris Skelly, a two-time Olympian and Paralympian, to discuss his extraordinary journey in martial arts and life. Chris shares candid insights about his early struggles with hearing and visual impairments, revealing how judo became his escape …

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A Special Birthday Surprise with Dr. Samantha Russak of Tanganyika Wildlife Park 55:06

1M ago55:06

55:06

Today, the Safari heads back to Goddard, KS, to Tanganyika Wildlife Park, to talk to Dr. Samantha Russak on her birthday! This episode gets into all kinds of cool research and welfare topics, and also features a surprise guest who wanted to drop in to say hi and to call me an a-hole. Ok, most of you probably now know who it is, but still, exciting …

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Rossifari Zoo News 6.13.25 - The How the BLEEP Do You Lose Two Giraffes? Edition 38:48

2M ago38:48

38:48

Dateline: June 13, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off with a quick catch up on meeeeeeee! Our headline story this week heads back to the Natural Bridge Zoo, which should probably be renamed the Natural Disaster Zoo at this point. We th…

301
The Giving Game 34:05

2M ago34:05

34:05

The Gilded Age was a time of unparalleled wealth and prosperity in America — but it was also a time of staggering inequality, corruption, and unchecked power. Among its richest figures was Andrew Carnegie, the steel magnate who built his fortune on the backs of low-paid workers, only to give it away — earning him the nickname the Godfather of Ameri…

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In Open Contempt: Confronting White Supremacy in Art & Public Space with IRVIN WEATHERSBY JR. 49:45

2M ago49:45

49:45

“One of the biggest symbols of America is Mount Rushmore. This monument, right? But I think most people fail to realize where it's located and why it's located there. Even more importantly, who did it? It's on a sacred Native American mountain, a place that was central to their creation stories. But then you think about who did it, and it was a Kla…

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The Queen of Poop Stories with Dani, Emily, Hope, and Meagan from the Southwick's Zoo Bird Team and John Simcox from Talon Ridge Raptor Institute 1:18:38

2M ago1:18:38

1:18:38

Today, the Safari heads back to Southwick's Zoo for two amazing interviews. First, sit in as Dani and her team welcome us into a post-show discussion after one of their new free flight shows. Then join us as we introduce you to John Simcox of the Talon Ridge Raptor Institute and share some really exciting news! EPISODE LINKS: @talonridegeraptors @s…

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Rossifari Zoo News 6.6.25 - The Maybe He's A Good Bunny Edition 42:52

2M ago42:52

42:52

Dateline: June 6, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off with a quick catch up on meeeeeeee! Our headline story this week features multiple stories about Pride, Pride events at zoos, a zoo that is admitting they need to do better, and how …

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Anti-mammal or Pro-aquatic? with Mitch Carl of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo 51:12

2M ago51:12

51:12

Today, the Safari heads to Omaha, Nebraska, to sit down with Mitch Carl of the Henry Doorly Zoo, regularly rated one of the best zoos in the country. We talk about taking care of all of the water at the zoo, the aquarium including the team and animals found within, and try really hard to get Mitch to think of one or two mammals he likes. EPISODE LI…

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MARTIAL ARTS LIFE INSPIRATION Mike Stone 14:53

2M ago14:53

14:53

UNVEILING THE MARTIAL ARTS LEGEND: MIKE STONE INTERVIEW In this captivating episode of the World of Martial Arts Show, host Andrew Staton talks with the legendary Mike Stone, a figure whose career spans both martial arts and Hollywood. With a candid approach, Mike shares his journey from a young, aggressive man seeking transformation through martia…

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Rossifari Zoo News 5.30.25 - The Deliberately Dastardly Drumming Edition! 45:56

2M ago45:56

45:56

Dateline: May 30, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off with a quick catch up on meeeeeeee! Our headline story this week features multiple stories about bad zoos getting in trouble, which is my favorite thing they do. We then move on to o…

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Space Jams 41:47

2M ago41:47

41:47

If you were curating a mixtape that might be heard by aliens billions of years from now - but definitely would be seen by your fellow Earthlings - what would you put on it? In 1977, two Voyager spacecraft launched from Cape Canaveral on a journey that would take them beyond our solar system. Affixed to the side of these two planetary explorers was …

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Loofah, Doofah, and Floofah? with Caitlin Kenny of Sunset Zoo 47:46

2M ago47:46

47:46

Today, the Safari heads to Manhattan, KS, to hang out with Caitlin Kenny of the Sunset Zoo. We talk tiger training, red panda baby time, going from lemurs to...lemurs? and so much more! EPISODE LINKS: sunsetzoo.com @sunsetzoo ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok patreon.com/rossifari…

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ALL ACTION GLADIATOR Lee Charles 19:34

2M ago19:34

19:34

ALL ACTION GLADIATOR Lee Charles talks about his powerful contribution to Ridley Scott's blockbuster movie GLADIATOR 2 and working with Tom Cruise and Jason Statham. Lee Charles joins World of Martial Arts Show host Andrew Staton to shares his exhilarating experiences from the film industry over the past year. The conversation kicks off with an exc…

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Rossifari Zoo News 5.23.25 - The Baked Bogong Bickies Batch Edition featuring Sam Evans. 52:58

2M ago52:58

52:58

Dateline: May 23, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off with a quick catch up on meeeeeeee! Our headline story this week features three stories tied together to illustrate how easy it is for the anti-zoo movement to cause trouble online w…

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Emotional Support Blades of Grass with Jessica Price of Tanganyika Wildlife Park 56:36

2M ago56:36

56:36

Today, the Safari heads to Kansas for our first episode from Tanganyika Wildlife Park. This experiential zoological facility is unlike anywhere else I've visited, and we dig into why that is, and into some of the amazing animals found at the park with today's guest, Jess Price. From honey badgers to primates to rhinos and giraffes, we talk a ton of…

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Rossifari Zoo News 5.16.25 - The Special Boy Edition 44:53

3M ago44:53

44:53

Dateline: May 16, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off with a funny story that turns into a heartfelt message. We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from Zoo Knoxville, the Dallas Zoo, Cincinnati Zoo, and Nashvill…

501
Zoo's Clues 41:21

3M ago41:21

41:21

The Curious Case of the Dizzy Kudu. Rhinos with an unexplained skin disease. A lion that could barely chew. Who do you call when there's a mystery at the zoo? The Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute's anatomical pathologists. These highly-skilled vets search for clues to investigate animal disease and death — sometimes encou…

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The Team With Their Own Cool Shirts with Kirsten Ward and Matthew Kamm of Zoo New England 52:28

3M ago52:28

52:28

Today, the Safari heads to Boston to visit Franklin Park Zoo, part of Zoo New England! But we aren't there to talk with people that work at the zoo...instead, we are talking to Matthew Kamm and Kirsten Ward of the Zoo New England Field Conservation Team! We talk turtles, we talk newts, we talk all kinds of good stuff. I always love shining a light …

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JEET KUNE DO REBEL 1:35:02

3M ago1:35:02

1:35:02

JEET KUNE DO REBEL Dwight Woods UnpluggedIn the latest episode, we delve into the fascinating world of martial arts with the insightful Dwight Woods talking to Mick Tully. Known for his extensive experience and knowledge of Jeet Kune Do (JKD), Dwight shares his journey from the West Indies to becoming a prominent figure in the martial arts communit…

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Rossifari Zoo News 5.9.25 - The Playing Fortnite Saves Animals! Edition 39:08

3M ago39:08

39:08

Dateline: May 9, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off with our usual introduction, talking a bit about me. We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from Zoo Duisburg, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, Abilene Zoo, t…

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Keep the Five Alive! with Nina Fascione of the International Rhino Foundation 55:30

3M ago55:30

55:30

Happy Keep the Five Alive Day! To celebrate all things rhino, I'm bringing you an interview with Nina Fascione of the International Rhino Foundation! We talk all things rhino and rhino conservation, from going deep into exactly how scary the world of poachers can be to discussing the "arms race" of conservation. We also talk about the amazing range…

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Rossifari Zoo News 5.2.25 - The Big Babies and Tiny Birbs Edition featuring Scott Newland of Sedgwick County Zoo! 50:44

3M ago50:44

50:44

Dateline: May 2, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off with our usual introduction, talking a bit about me. We then get to our headline story for the week: my interview with Scott Newland, CEO of Sedgwick County Zoo, about the amazing wor…

601
Writing on the Wall 37:36

3M ago37:36

37:36

From the time we’re old enough to hold a crayon, it feels instinctive to draw on the wall. But for MISS CHELOVE – also known as Cita Sadeli – this instinct became a calling. Through bold color and layered symbolism, she transforms everyday public spaces into deeply personal statements, inspiring some passers-by to wonder: what is the role of the pu…

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The Seal Who Speaks English with Patty Leonard and Kristen McMahon of New England Aquarium 50:40

3M ago50:40

50:40

Today, the Safari stays in Boston to bring you another fun episode from our friends at New England Aquarium. This week, we are talking about the pinnipeds that call the facility home! Five California sea lions and five harbor seals make up this incredible collection, and you'll not only learn all about them and the amazing training done with them, …