Wild Interest

Is music truly the universal language? And what in the world is the Voyager Golden Record doing floating around in space right now?In this episode of Wild Interest, sibling hosts Nichole and Evan continue their sonic exploration by taking a trip to Belize to sit in with drummers carrying on the African Garifuna tradition as they gear up for the epic "Battle of the Drums!" Then, they chat with bluegrass pioneer Ron Thomason of the Dry Branch Fire Squad about mandolins, guitars, horses, and how to turn your own body into a drum kit.But wait, there's more! Ever wonder what aliens might think of human music? Nichole and Evan dive into the incredible story of the Voyager Golden Record—a musical time capsule about life on Earth that's currently 15 billion miles away in interstellar space! Plus, in Cryptid Corner, Evan investigates the Fossegrim, a harmless but damp Norwegian creature who's suspiciously amazing at playing the fiddle.This episode features all your favorite segments: Animal Call, Grandparent Story, Favorite Sound, jokes and a riddle.Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes or favorite sounds, or to send us a message.Listen now and discover the wild rhythms that connect us all!Timestamps for this episode are available below.00:00 - Episode 14 Intro01:43 - Ron Thomason08:59 - Animal Call Clue09:28 - Word of Mouth09:44 - Garifuna Drummers Kirwin Ramirez and Kayton Martinez17:48 - Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters22:10 - Riddle Clue22:28 - Favorite Sound23:21 - Grandparent Stories: Eileen29:59 - Animal Call Reprise30:11 - Cryptid Corner: The Fossegrim33:16 - Joke Time34:03 - Call for Submissions34:28 - Animal Call Reveal35:42 - Voyager Golden Record46:51 - Riddle Answer47:16 - Preview of Episode 1548:10 - Credits48:34 - BloopersClick here for tickets to Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters in Nashvillewildinterest.com

Mabuhay Wildings! What in the world does "mabuhay" mean, and how did the Philippines give us both Olympic champions AND the modern yo-yo?This week on Wild Interest, our Philippines Independence Day special is one great big celebration of Filipino life and culture around the world. First up: Nichole says "hi" to Hidilyn Diaz, champion weightlifter and the first Filipino ever to win an Olympic gold medal. Next, Evan riffs with Ramón de Ocampo, acclaimed actor and voice of the hit Diary of a Wimpy Kid audio books.But wait, there's more! Ever wonder about the history of yo-yos? Evan spins a yarn about yo-yos with his pal Jaxx, and learns some tricks from world champion freestyle yo-yo pro Bryan Jardin. Plus, our hosts take listeners on a lush audio journey through the beautiful island nation.This episode features all your favorite segments: Grandparent Stories from Manila, Animal Calls, jokes, a pesky riddle, and an extra-creepy Cryptid Corner that takes us into the forest realm of the shape-shifting Tikbalang. Happy Independence Day — let's get wild!Listen now and celebrate the wild culture of the Philippines!Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes or favorite sounds, or to send us a message.Timestamps for this episode are available below.00:00 - Episode 13 Intro 02:15 - Philippines Travelogue 05:31 - Riddle Question 05:51 - Ramón de Ocampo 15:22 - Animal Call Clue 16:12 - The Yo-Yo: Pedro Flores, Jaxx, and Bryan Jardin 23:45 - Animal Call Reprise 25:03 - Hidilyn Diaz 32:07 - Joke Time 33:05 - Call For Submissions 33:31 - Grandparent Stories: Carmen 37:50 - Favorite Sound39:09 - Animal Call Reveal 40:28 - Cryptid Corner: Tikbalang 44:26 - Riddle Answer 44:46 - Preview of Episode 14 45:26 - Credits 46:06 - Bloopers wildinterest.com

Hey Wildlings! Do you believe in rooting for the underdog? What about the under-eagle? And what in the world happened 45 years ago that made everyone believe in miracles?This week on Wild Interest, Evan takes us back to the "Miracle On Ice" when the US Olympic hockey team didn't have a snowball's chance in heck of beating the stronger, faster Russian team — but somehow they did! He reports in person from where the magic happened in Lake Placid, NY. Plus, Nichole talks to educator and parenting expert Jayme Yannuzzi of Teach Talk Inspire about what it's like to be a momfluencer, and learns how easy it is to make the icky, gooey non-Newtonian liquid known as Oobleck.But wait, there's more! Ever wonder about the Russian Revolution? We learn about it through Nichole's experience in the musical "Anastasia." Think you're sharp? See if you can hold your own in Concentration 64 as Evan and Nichole face off in this hand-clapping, rhythmic battle of wits.This episode features all your favorite segments: Animal Calls with a particularly prickly little guy, jokes, Favorite Sound, Grandparent Story, and an ice-cold riddle that's sure to freeze you in your tracks. Let's get wild!Listen now and discover the wild power of believing in miracles!Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes or favorite sounds, or to send us a message.Timestamps for this episode are available below.00:00 - Episode 12 Intro02:07 - Evan's Miracle on Ice07:00 - Riddle Clue07:18 - Anastasia13:07 - Animal Call Clue13:38 - Favorite Sound15:07 - Concentration 6419:13 - Animal Call Reprise19:34 - Cryptid Corner: Mermaid, Whale, or Spy?22:40 - Joke Time23:39 - Call for Submissions24:06 - Grandparent Stories: Vincas30:10 - Animal Call Reveal31:46 - Jayme Yanuzzi of Teach Talk Inspire41:11 - Riddle Answer41:32 - Preview of Episode 1341:43 - Call for Reviews + Word of Mouth42:00 - Credits42:22 - Blooperswildinterest.com

How do we perceive the world around us? With our senses, of course! But what in the world are those two mystery senses you may have never considered?In this episode of Wild Interest, Evan gets a closer look at the world of sight with eyeglass merchant Adrien Bouet in Paris, France, and Nichole tantalizes your taste buds while discussing the fantastic world of ice cream flavors with Pete Van Leeuwen of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. Then we go beyond the five senses and explore two new mystery senses you may have never considered!But wait, there's more! Ever wonder about legendary creatures with massive wingspans? Evan's Cryptid Corner takes on the Thunderbird; a legendary creature with a wingspan so broad it's said to whip up storms! Plus, we're introducing a new segment: Bobby the Bigfoot hosts "Name Stuff," a game show where kid contestants try to guess what grown-ups do for their jobs. Let's get wild!Listen now and discover the wild world your senses reveal!Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes or favorite sounds, or to send us a message.Timestamps for this episode are available below.0:00 - Episode 11 Intro2:26 - Ice Cream Magician Pete Van Leeuwen15:44 - Favorite Sound16:51 - Call for Submissions17:19 - Name Stuff25:04 - Riddle Question25:27 - Grandparent Stories30:16 - Joke Time31:25 - Two New Senses34:14 - Riddle Answer35:07 - Cryptid Corner: The Thunderbird39:18 - Call for Reviews + Word of Mouth39:41 - A Daylight Savings Time Diatribe42:04 - Eyeglass Merchant Adrien Bouet49:52 - Preview of Episode 1450:10 - Show Credits50:37 - Blooperswildinterest.com

Music is the universal language! But what in the world does it feel like to rock out in the New York subway? And how do bluegrass kids make magic together?In this episode of Wild Interest, prepare to be dazzled by two amazing groups of kid musicians. New York's Retro Rebelles rock out in the subway, and the plucky Carolina bluegrass quartet Young Mountain Magic picks us a tune or two and talks about what it feels like to play together as a band.But wait, there's more! Ever wonder about legendary creatures in the Himalayas? You'll brave the Himalayan peaks in search of the legendary Yeti in Cryptid Corner. Plus, toss back some root brewskis as Nichole and Evan get to the bottom of the barrel in an exciting root beer taste test!This episode features our new segment "Grammartime," animal calls, Favorite Sound, an ancient riddle, jokes, and not one but two Grandparent Stories. It's wild!Tune in now and explore the universal language that connects us all!Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes or favorite sounds, or to send us a message.Timestamps for this episode are available below.00:00 - Episode 10 Intro02:39 - Retro Rebelles07:58 - Joke Time08:51 - Animal Call Clue09:26 - Grandparent Story "Lily"17:17 - Grandparent Story "Maliya"20:22 - Animal Call Reprise20:43 - Young Mountain Magic29:43 - Call for Submissions30:06 - Riddle Question30:53 - Cryptid Corner: The Yeti and the Banjhākri36:20 - Animal Call Answer36:56 - Grammartime39:14 - Favorite Sound40:07 - Root Beer Taste Test48:21 - Riddle Answer49:01 - Preview of Episode 1149:13 - Show Credits49:37 - Bloopers50:16 - Young Mountain Magic Encorewildinterest.com

Do animals talk? The answer might surprise you! But what in the world are whales actually saying to each other? And how does a whale language even have an alphabet?In this episode of Wild Interest, we dive deep with zoologist and pioneering animal researcher Katy Payne and discover the complex ways whales and elephants communicate. She even does her best whale song impression for us! Project CETI linguistics lead and professor Gašper Beguš talks about his work with sperm whales, and the whale language his research is discovering. It even has an alphabet!But wait, there's more! Ever wonder how honeybees communicate? Dance with us as we buzz about the sweet ways honeybees talk to each other. Plus, bundle up for frigid tales of the Ningen, an aquatic cryptid said to inhabit the Arctic Ocean north of Japan.This episode features a second hilarious installment of Feeding Ben Stuff, plus Favorite Sound, Grandparent Stories, a real stumper of a riddle, jokes and more. Let's get wild!Dive in now and discover the wild conversations happening all around us!Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes or favorite sounds, or to send us a message.Timestamps for this episode are available below.00:00 Episode 9 Intro01:48 Animal Talk03:45 Whale Language with Gašper Beguš and Project CETI10:52 Joke Time11:46 The Dance of the Honeybee14:56 Riddle Question15:20 Cryptid Corner: The Ningen18:08 Favorite Sound19:01 Call for Submissions19:28 Grandparent Story23:32 Feeding Ben Stuff29:25 Whale Song and Elephant Communication with Katy Payne38:31 Riddle Answer38:53 Preview of Episode 1039:25 Show Credits39:57 Blooperswildinterest.com

Our latest episode is all about the wild, wonderful world beneath our feet. Where does the word “dirt” come from? How do plants get nutrients from the soil? Could getting dirty be good for you? What about eating dirt? Nichole interviews Brandy Hall at Shades of Green Permaculture and learns about the importance of mindful landscape design, and how kids can get involved in healthy soil projects at home. We speak with biochar expert Peter Olivier about how charred organic matter can make soil healthier, and interview archeologist Casey Sharp about the amazing stories dirt can reveal about ancient people. We investigate garden grubs with a gaggle of kid correspondents, shine a light on the fascinating process of photosynthesis, feature a Bobby the Bigfoot guest-hosted Cryptid Corner, and as always present the usual jokes, riddles, Favorite Sound and Grandparent Stories.Timestamps for this episode are available below. Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes or favorite sounds, or to send us a message:  www.wildinterest.com/submissions0:00 - Episode 8 intro1:19 - Etymology of Dirt4:02 - Riddle Question4:22 - Permaculture11:13 - Biochar13:53 - Favorite Sound14:53 - Grubs18:33 - Mabuhay Moment20:22 - Magic Dirt22:59 - Joke Time24:03 - Archeology28:39 - Grandparent Stories31:27 - Good Dirt34:26 - Cryptid Corner: The Loveland Frogman37:08 - Riddle Answer37:45 - Call for Reviews and Submissions38:32 - Credits39:03 - Blooperswildinterest.com

Our seventh episode is all about sound, performance and storytelling. Nichole interviews Taryn Janelle and LeRell Ross of Atlanta’s Synchronicity Theatre who adapted John Steptoe’s 1987 award-winning children’s book “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters” into a musical theater piece for all ages. Our special correspondent Nicholas drops the needle on some choice selections from his personal vinyl record collection, then drops in on Michael Greig Thomas at Echo Base Records to see how vinyl records are actually made! We also investigate how insects called cicadas make “music” by vibrating their abdomens, explore the alien secrets of Area 51 in Cryptid Corner, and bring you our usual Grandparent Stories, hilarious jokes, and a brain-twisting riddle.Timestamps for this episode are available below. Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes or favorite sounds, or to send us a message:  www.wildinterest.com/submissions0:00 - Episode 7 Intro1:18 - Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters13:10 - Riddle Question13:30 - The Music of Cicadas18:35 - Joke Time19:38 - Dropping the Needle on Vinyl Records29:13 - Favorite Sound30:30 - Cryptid Corner - Area 5134:20 - Grandparent Stories39:18 - Riddle Answer39:42 - Episode Ending39:58 - Preview of Episode 840:21 - Call for Submissions40:45 - Credits41:18 - Blooperswildinterest.com

Hot on the trail of adventure, we track down otters with Jessica Kraft, learn to read the forest with Mark Warren, and learn about how technology is tracking us and what to do about it with McKenzie Funk. Along the way, Bobby the Bigfoot tells us how Sasquatches induce ASMR, and Nichole tells us about the number nine’s magical properties. As if that weren’t enough, she also teaches us a song to remember the names of all 50 states. And Evan tells us about his latest cryptid — a cute little critter that appeared in Dover, Massachusetts in 1977. Or did it? Last but not least, Evan and Nichole do the Tinikling, Electric Slide, and Cupid Shuffle at a Philippine Independence Day celebration. Plus, we have our usual favorite sounds, jokes, riddles, and general hijinks. It’s wild!Timestamps for this episode are available below. Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes or favorite sounds, or to send us a message:  www.wildinterest.com/submissions0:00 - Episode 6 Intro01:35 - Mark Warren animal tracking12:59 - Riddle Question13:15 - States Song14:43 - Jessica Kraft - tracking otters20:03 - Joke Time20:56 - Mabuhay Moment25:33 - ASMR27:17 - McKenzie Funk - Protecting Your Privacy38:08 - Favorite Sound39:09 - Cryptid Corner43:34 - Wild Nines46:58 - Grandparent Stories54:17 - Riddle Answer54:34 - Preview of episode 755:02 - Call for Submissions55:27 - Credits55:57 - Blooperswildinterest.com

In this episode we talk to the heroes at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya who rescue orphaned baby elephants, raising them until they can return to the wild. They tell us all about a special baby elephant named Toto. We’re also joined by musician, historian, and creator of the Brooklyn Folk Festival, Eli Smith. He talks about his life in folk music, plays us the same song on two very different banjos, and explains the competition he invented that involves tossing banjos into Brooklyn’s murky Gowanus Canal (if you have an iPhone or Apple device, be sure to check out his banjo toss video game). Next we hit the slopes with Ariana and learn about the history, hard work, and thrill of ski racing in Vermont. We also get a report from our on-the-ground correspondent Nola, who walks us through the city of New Orleans with all its special flavors and sounds. Not to be outdone, Bobby the Bigfoot returns to chat with Evan and (try to) play a banjo. Plus, we have our usual favorite sounds, jokes, riddles, and general hijinks. It’s wild!Timestamps for this episode are available below. Parents: visit our website to help your kids contribute jokes or favorite sounds, or to send us a message:  www.wildinterest.com/submissionsTimestamps:(0:00) Episode 5 Intro(1:11) NOLA in New Orleans(5:09) Favorite Sound(5:56) Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (13:30) Riddle Question(13:49) Taste Explained(17:57) Grandparent Story(22:49) Ski Racing on Stowe Mountain(25:41) Bobby the Bigfoot Calls In (27:32) Cryptid Corner(29:53) Eli Smith Banjo(38:26) Jokes(39:23) Bobby the Bigfoot On Banjo(40:20) Riddle Answer(40:42) Episode 6 Previewwildinterest.com