Mike and Chanel continue their conversation with Gretchen and Thomas of Carol Cleveland Sings! They talk about cats, their ideal animal collaborators, and writing podcast theme songs.

RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify!

Gretchen Lohse and Thomas Hughes, collectively known as Carol Cleveland Sings, are a music, video, and art duo from Philadelphia, PA. Known for their clever toy instrument videos across social media, Carol Cleveland Sings combines their talents with curated backdrops and the occasional cat to capture the attention of their many online followers. Carol Cleveland Sings is also the creator of The Zooquarium Podcast's incredible theme song!

Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions!

RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify!

• Check out Carol Cleveland Sings on BandCamp
• Follow Carol Cleveland Sings on TikTok: @carolclevelandsings
• Follow Carol Cleveland Sings on Instagram: @carolclevelandsings
• Watch Carol Cleveland Sings' cat videos HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE
• Learn about the Portland Aquarium
• Shop the Mike Bennett Studios store
• Follow us on Instagram: @thezooquarium
• Follow Mike on Instagram: @mikebennettart
• Follow Mike on TikTok: @mikebennettart
• Subscribe to the Mike Bennett Studios YouTube Channel
• Follow Chanel on Instagram: @pschanel
• Learn about The Elakha Alliance: elakhaalliance.org

The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast

Credits

• Hosted by: Mike Bennett & Chanel Hason
• Guests: Gretchen Lohse & Thomas Hughes of Carol Cleveland Sings
• Question-Asker: Lita
• Produced & Edited by: Jon Richardson
• Music by: Gretchen Lohse & Thomas Hughes of Carol Cleveland Sings
• Intro Animation by: Silas Bell & Kyle Bell of Castle Animation
• Artwork by: Fuzzzbrain

Special thanks to

Lita & Lita's family, Gretchen Lohse, Thomas Hughes, Rags, Harpo, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, and cats all around the world!

Leta asks: Why Do Cats Have Whiskers? We've all seen them and they look so cool, but WHY are they there? Mike and Chanel are all set to answer Leta's question and talk all about cat whiskers with Gretchen Lohse and Thomas Hughes of Carol Cleveland Sings!

Gretchen Lohse and Thomas Hughes, collectively known as Carol Cleveland Sings, are a music, video, and art duo from Philadelphia, PA. Known for their clever toy instrument videos across social media, Carol Cleveland Sings combines their talents with curated backdrops and the occasional cat to capture the attention of their many online followers. Carol Cleveland Sings is also the creator of The Zooquarium Podcast's incredible theme song!

Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions!

RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify!

• Check out Carol Cleveland Sings on BandCamp
• Follow Carol Cleveland Sings on TikTok: @carolclevelandsings
• Follow Carol Cleveland Sings on Instagram: @carolclevelandsings
• Watch Carol Cleveland Sings' cat videos HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE
• Learn about the Portland Aquarium
• Shop the Mike Bennett Studios store
• Follow us on Instagram: @thezooquarium
• Follow Mike on Instagram: @mikebennettart
• Follow Mike on TikTok: @mikebennettart
• Subscribe to the Mike Bennett Studios YouTube Channel
• Follow Chanel on Instagram: @pschanel
• Learn about The Elakha Alliance: elakhaalliance.org

The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast

Credits

• Hosted by: Mike Bennett & Chanel Hason
• Guest: Gretchen Lohse & Thomas Hughes of Carol Cleveland Sings
• Question-Asker: Leta
• Produced & Edited by: Jon Richardson
• Music by: Gretchen Lohse & Thomas Hughes of Carol Cleveland Sings
• Intro Animation by: Silas Bell & Kyle Bell of Castle Animation
• Artwork by: Fuzzzbrain

Special thanks to

Leta & Leta's family, Gretchen Lohse, Thomas Hughes, Rags, Harpo, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, and cats all around the world!

Mike and Chanel continue their conversation with ecologist Tim Eppley about aye-ayes, all other lemurs, what it's like to study animal and plant-life in Madagascar, and they learn about his journey from animal-lover to Chief Conservation Officer at Wildlife Madagascar.

Dr. Timothy Eppley is a conservation biologist and primatologist who has spent nearly two decades studying wildlife in Africa, with a particular focus on the lemurs and ecosystems of Madagascar. As Chief Conservation Officer for Wildlife Madagascar, he leads research and conservation programs that help protect some of the world's most endangered species while supporting local communities. Tim's passion for wildlife began at an early age and has taken him from studying bonobos and lemurs in the field to publishing more than 100 scientific papers and helping shape conservation efforts across Madagascar. He loves sharing stories about the incredible animals he works with and helping people discover why biodiversity matters.

Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions!

RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify!

• Learn more about Wildlife Madagascar
• Check out Wildlife Madagascar's Aye-Aye page
• Follow Wildlife Madagascar on Instagram: @wildlifemadagascar
• Learn about the Portland Aquarium
• Shop the Mike Bennett Studios store
• Follow us on Instagram: @thezooquarium
• Follow Mike on Instagram: @mikebennettart
• Follow Mike on TikTok: @mikebennettart
• Subscribe to the Mike Bennett Studios YouTube Channel
• Follow Chanel on Instagram: @pschanel
• Learn about The Elakha Alliance: elakhaalliance.org

The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast

Credits

• Hosted by: Mike Bennett & Chanel Hason
• Guest: Tim Eppley
• Produced & Edited by: Jon Richardson
• Music by: Gretchen Lohse & Thomas Hughes of Carol Cleveland Sings
• Intro Animation by: Silas Bell & Kyle Bell of Castle Animation
• Artwork by: Fuzzzbrain

Special thanks to

Milo & Milo's family, Dr. Tim Eppley, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, and every single aye-aye!

Milo asks: Why Are the Middle Fingers of Aye-Ayes So Long? What a fascinating question about a fascinating animal! Mike and Chanel are joined by ecologist Tim Eppley, the Chief Conservation Officer for Wildlife Madagascar, to answer Milo's question and teach us more about these elusive animals!

Dr. Timothy Eppley is a conservation biologist and primatologist who has spent nearly two decades studying wildlife in Africa, with a particular focus on the lemurs and ecosystems of Madagascar. As Chief Conservation Officer for Wildlife Madagascar, he leads research and conservation programs that help protect some of the world's most endangered species while supporting local communities. Tim's passion for wildlife began at an early age and has taken him from studying bonobos and lemurs in the field to publishing more than 100 scientific papers and helping shape conservation efforts across Madagascar. He loves sharing stories about the incredible animals he works with and helping people discover why biodiversity matters.

Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions!

RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify!

• Learn more about Wildlife Madagascar
• Check out Wildlife Madagascar's Aye-Aye page
• Follow Wildlife Madagascar on Instagram: @wildlifemadagascar
• Learn about the Portland Aquarium
• Shop the Mike Bennett Studios store
• Follow us on Instagram: @thezooquarium
• Follow Mike on Instagram: @mikebennettart
• Follow Mike on TikTok: @mikebennettart
• Subscribe to the Mike Bennett Studios YouTube Channel
• Follow Chanel on Instagram: @pschanel
• Learn about The Elakha Alliance: elakhaalliance.org

The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast

Credits

• Hosted by: Mike Bennett & Chanel Hason
• Guest: Tim Eppley
• Question-Asker: Milo
• Produced & Edited by: Jon Richardson
• Music by: Gretchen Lohse & Thomas Hughes of Carol Cleveland Sings
• Intro Animation by: Silas Bell & Kyle Bell of Castle Animation
• Artwork by: Fuzzzbrain

Special thanks to

Milo & Milo's family, Dr. Tim Eppley, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, and every single aye-aye!

Mike and Chanel continue their conversation with author John Sazaklis about red-eyed tree frogs, Mad Magazine, the joy of animal education, and how John became a best selling children's book author!

John Sazaklis is the New York Times bestselling author of over 100 titles. He has illustrated Spider-Man books for Marvel, made pop-culture props for MAD magazine, written for the BEN 10 animated series, and even voiced The Grinch for a Dr. Seuss audiobook. John loves to learn. Art and Science are two of his favorite subjects. He loves animals and nature and creatively combines them in his work. John lives in New York City with his wonderful wife, dazzling daughter, and a bunch of books!

Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions!

RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify!

• Learn more about John Sazaklis
• Buy John's books
• Follow John on Instagram: @johnnysaz
• Learn about the Portland Aquarium
• Shop the Mike Bennett Studios store
• Follow us on Instagram: @thezooquarium
• Follow Mike on Instagram: @mikebennettart
• Follow Mike on TikTok: @mikebennettart
• Subscribe to the Mike Bennett Studios YouTube Channel
• Follow Chanel on Instagram: @pschanel
• Learn about The Elakha Alliance: elakhaalliance.org

The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast

Credits

• Hosted by: Mike Bennett & Chanel Hason
• Guest: John Sazaklis
• Produced & Edited by: Jon Richardson
• Music by: Gretchen Lohse & Thomas Hughes of Carol Cleveland Sings
• Intro Animation by: Silas Bell & Kyle Bell of Castle Animation
• Artwork by: Fuzzzbrain

Special thanks to

Maybelline & Maybelline's family, John Sazaklis, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, and red-eyed tree frogs all over the world!

Maybellene asks: Why Do Red-Eyed Tree Frogs Have Multiple Eyelids?That's such a great question. It's a good thing that Chanel has the answer, plus a few extra red-eyed tree frog facts for Maybellene, Mike, and special guest John Sazaklis, author of My Life as a Red-Eyed Tree Frog!

John Sazaklis is the New York Times bestselling author of over 100 titles. He has illustrated Spider-Man books for Marvel, made pop-culture props for MAD magazine, written for the BEN 10 animated series, and even voiced The Grinch for a Dr. Seuss audiobook. John loves to learn. Art and Science are two of his favorite subjects. He loves animals and nature and creatively combines them in his work. John lives in New York City with his wonderful wife, dazzling daughter, and a bunch of books!

Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions!

RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify!

• Learn more about John Sazaklis
• Buy John's books
• Follow John on Instagram: @johnnysaz
• Learn about the Portland Aquarium
• Shop the Mike Bennett Studios store
• Follow us on Instagram: @thezooquarium
• Follow Mike on Instagram: @mikebennettart
• Follow Mike on TikTok: @mikebennettart
• Subscribe to the Mike Bennett Studios YouTube Channel
• Follow Chanel on Instagram: @pschanel
• Learn about The Elakha Alliance: elakhaalliance.org

The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast

Credits

• Hosted by: Mike Bennett & Chanel Hason
• Guest: John Sazaklis
• Produced & Edited by: Jon Richardson
• Music by: Gretchen Lohse & Thomas Hughes of Carol Cleveland Sings
• Intro Animation by: Silas Bell & Kyle Bell of Castle Animation
• Artwork by: Fuzzzbrain

Special thanks to

Maybellene & Maybellene's family, John Sazaklis, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, and red-eyed tree frogs all over the world!

Mike and Chanel continue their conversation with Zoologist Megan Hagedorn about tigers, what inspired her to study animals, and how she blends the classics with animals as an artist!

Megan Hagedorn is a zookeeper at the Oregon Zoo. Although she has a background in Marine Biology, Megan has gotten a chance to work with almost all areas of the zoo! She is originally from southern Illinois, and moved to Oregon in 2013 to work with the animals. Tigers became a fast favorite and I've she's gotten to know several! They all have unique personalities and it's especially rewarding for Megan to build relationships with them. Working at the Oregon Zoo gave her the opportunity to learn that tigers really ARE all that they're cracked up to be! What a fun and dynamic animal!

Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions!

RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify!

• Learn about the tigers Megan works with at the Oregon Zoo
• Learn about the Portland Aquarium
• Shop the Mike Bennett Studios store
• Follow us on Instagram: @thezooquarium
• Follow Mike on Instagram: @mikebennettart
• Follow Mike on TikTok: @mikebennettart
• Subscribe to the Mike Bennett Studios YouTube Channel
• Follow Chanel on Instagram: @pschanel
• Learn about The Elakha Alliance: elakhaalliance.org

The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast

Credits

• Hosted by: Mike Bennett & Chanel Hason
• Guest: Megan Hagedorn
• Produced & Edited by: Jon Richardson
• Music by: Gretchen Lohse & Thomas Hughes of Carol Cleveland Sings
• Intro Animation by: Silas Bell & Kyle Bell of Castle Animation
• Artwork by: Fuzzzbrain

Special thanks to

Henley & Henley's family, Megan Hagedorn, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, tigers in general

Henley asks: Why Do Tigers Have Stripes? Tigers do have such a distinct look, so let's find out why! Mike and Chanel welcome tiger expert Megan Hagedorn to the Podcast to answer Henley's question and tell us all even more about our stripey feline friends.

Megan Hagedorn is a zookeeper at the Oregon Zoo. Although she has a background in Marine Biology, Megan has gotten a chance to work with almost all areas of the zoo! She is originally from southern Illinois, and moved to Oregon in 2013 to work with the animals. Tigers became a fast favorite and I've she's gotten to know several! They all have unique personalities and it's especially rewarding for Megan to build relationships with them. Working at the Oregon Zoo gave her the opportunity to learn that tigers really ARE all that they're cracked up to be! What a fun and dynamic animal!

Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions!

RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify!

• Learn about the tigers Megan works with at the Oregon Zoo
• Learn about the Portland Aquarium
• Shop the Mike Bennett Studios store
• Follow us on Instagram: @thezooquarium
• Follow Mike on Instagram: @mikebennettart
• Follow Mike on TikTok: @mikebennettart
• Subscribe to the Mike Bennett Studios YouTube Channel
• Follow Chanel on Instagram: @pschanel
• Learn about The Elakha Alliance: elakhaalliance.org

The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast

Credits

• Hosted by: Mike Bennett & Chanel Hason
• Guest: Megan Hagedorn
• Produced & Edited by: Jon Richardson
• Music by: Gretchen Lohse & Thomas Hughes of Carol Cleveland Sings
• Intro Animation by: Silas Bell & Kyle Bell of Castle Animation
• Artwork by: Fuzzzbrain

Special thanks to

Henley & Henley's family, Megan Hagedorn, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, tigers in general

Mike and Chanel chat with legendary animator Chuck Duke about his background with Will Vinton Studios, observing actual dogs for Wes Anderson's Isle of Dogs, animating special characters for Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), and more!

Chuck began his professional career in animation in his early twenties and has since contributed to a wide range of feature films and television productions in the animation and visual effects departments. Aside from James and the Giant Peach, his credits include Fantastic Mr. Fox, Isle of Dogs, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, as well as stop-motion animation and effects on Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015), Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019), and Star Wars: Mandalorian and Grogu (2026).

Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions!

RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify!

• Learn more about Chuck Duke
• Follow Chuck on Instagram: @cdook
• Learn about the Portland Aquarium
• Shop the Mike Bennett Studios store
• Follow us on Instagram: @thezooquarium
• Follow Mike on Instagram: @mikebennettart
• Follow Mike on TikTok: @mikebennettart
• Subscribe to the Mike Bennett Studios YouTube Channel
• Follow Chanel on Instagram: @pschanel
• Learn about The Elakha Alliance: elakhaalliance.org

The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast

Credits

• Hosted by: Mike Bennett & Chanel Hason
• Guest: Chuck Duke
• Produced & Edited by: Jon Richardson
• Music by: Gretchen Lohse & Thomas Hughes of Carol Cleveland Sings
• Intro Animation by: Silas Bell & Kyle Bell of Castle Animation
• Artwork by: Fuzzzbrain

Special thanks to

Willa & Willa's family, Chuck Duke, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, crickets in general

Willa asks: Where Are Crickets' Ears Located? Are the on their heads? Their wings? Someplace else?? Chanel answers Willa's question and tells Mike more cricket information than he ever though he'd need to know. Then, they welcome back guest Chuck Duke to talk about his experience animating Sebastian J. Cricket for Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio.

Chuck began his professional career in animation in his early twenties and has since contributed to a wide range of feature films and television productions in the animation and visual effects departments. Aside from James and the Giant Peach, his credits include Fantastic Mr. Fox, Isle of Dogs, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, as well as stop-motion animation and effects on Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015), Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019), and Star Wars: Mandalorian and Grogu (2026).

Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions!

RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify!

• Learn more about Chuck Duke
• Follow Chuck on Instagram: @cdook
• Learn about the Portland Aquarium
• Shop the Mike Bennett Studios store
• Follow us on Instagram: @thezooquarium
• Follow Mike on Instagram: @mikebennettart
• Follow Mike on TikTok: @mikebennettart
• Subscribe to the Mike Bennett Studios YouTube Channel
• Follow Chanel on Instagram: @pschanel
• Learn about The Elakha Alliance: elakhaalliance.org

The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast

Credits

• Hosted by: Mike Bennett & Chanel Hason
• Guest: Chuck Duke
• Produced & Edited by: Jon Richardson
• Music by: Gretchen Lohse & Thomas Hughes of Carol Cleveland Sings
• Intro Animation by: Silas Bell & Kyle Bell of Castle Animation
• Artwork by: Fuzzzbrain

Special thanks to

Willa & Willa's family, Chuck Duke, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, crickets in general

Chanel interviews kids at Mike Bennett Studios in Portland, OR about their favorite animals & animal facts! A big thanks goes out to all of the kids who participated, as well as their families. And shout out to Goat It Solutions for letting their furry friends join in on Chanel's interviews 🐐

Be sure to visit thezooquarium.com/podcast to download quizzes, activity sheets, and bonus materials, upload YOUR art, and submit YOUR animal questions!

RECOMMENDED: WATCH this episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!

• Learn about the Portland Aquarium
• Shop the Mike Bennett Studios store
• Follow us on Instagram: @thezooquarium
• Follow Mike on Instagram: @mikebennettart
• Follow Mike on TikTok: @mikebennettart
• Subscribe to the Mike Bennett Studios YouTube Channel
• Follow Chanel on Instagram: @pschanel
• Learn about The Elakha Alliance: elakhaalliance.org

The Zooquarium releases episodes about different animals every other Tuesday with bonus content for each episode the following week. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you’re informed when new episodes come out! Video versions are available on YouTube, Spotify, and thezooquarium.com/podcast

Credits

• Hosted by: Chanel Hason and Sonny the Snail
• Produced & Edited by: Jon Richardson
• Music by: Gretchen Lohse & Thomas Hughes of Carol Cleveland Sings
• Intro Animation by: Silas Bell & Kyle Bell of Castle Animation
• Artwork by: Fuzzzbrain

Special thanks to

All of our participants, Michele Kraus Bennett, Cayley Pater, The Elakha Alliance, Teddy Albertson, Goat it Solutions, orcas in general, all of the animals mentioned in this bonus episode