Mothering Wildlife
Telling the stories of moms who work in zoo, wildlife, vet, and conservation organizations. Working with wildlife brings a unique set of challenges for working mothers. Join me weekly as I interview moms working primarily in the zoo field as we discuss their journey as moms, navigating the mental, emotional, and often physical challenges that come with caring for wildlife and caring for kids.
Podcasting since 2023 • 51 episodes
Mothering Wildlife
Latest Episodes
Zookeeper Doula with Caitlin Rodriguez from Blessed Mother Birth Services
My guest this week is Caitlin Rodriguez, a doula who owns Blessed Mother Birth Services in the Dallas/Forth Worth area of Texas. When I first met Caitlin, I totally fangirled over her - why, you might ask? Well, Caitlin was not only...
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Episode 51
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1:01:15
How To Be A Herpetologist Hero and Raise Children with Amie Mercado from the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
My guest this week, Amie Mercado, is a Senior Herpetology Care Specialist at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. She offers a new perspective on being a pregnant animal care specialist. What do zoo guests think when they see a ...
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49:07
An IVF Journey While Being a Zookeeper with Kirsti Mahon of the Naples Zoo
This week, my guest, Kirsti Mahon, and I dive into her journey to become a mother. A journey that includes IVF, a hurricane, and the best outcome ever - a beautiful baby girl!Kirsti candidly shares her journey, from the support she...
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Episode 49
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59:34
Advocating While Pregnant and Navigating Upon Your Return to Work with Chelsie Bedingfield from the Sacramento Zoo
My guest this week is Chelsie Bedingfield, an ungulate keeper at the Sacramento Zoo. Her and I really dive into what a zookeeper's daily roles and responsibilities are, and then what it is like to be a pregnant zookeeper doing those tasks...
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Episode 48
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1:10:03
Patiently Waiting, Observing, Validating Feelings, and Then Finding Solutions - At Home and at the Zoo with Katie Hall from Minnesota Zoo
Join me this week as I talk to Katie Hall, the Director of Animal Behavior and Wellbeing at the Minnesota Zoo. The first part of our conversation really dives into the responsibilities of her role at the zoo. Roles like hers have be...
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Episode 47
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58:56