PODCAST · comedy
Don’t Feed The Animals
by James Valentin
A place where we give a little of ourselves to you, and we stay with you no matter how many showers you take.
Episodes
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Don't Feed The Animals #96 Things That Sound Good in Theory
In this episode of Don’t Feed the Animals, James takes a step back from heavy introspection and leans into something simpler. A list. Specifically, the things in life that sound great in theory but don’t always hold up in practice. From waking up early and hustle culture to turning passions into...
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Don't Feed The Animal #95 Two Hosts, One Return
James reconnects with his original co-host Chris Rojas for a relaxed conversation that blends old chemistry with who they are now. They talk about where life has taken them, how their perspectives have changed, and what it feels like to record together again after so much time away. The episode…
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Don't Feed The Animals #94 PerceptionSwap: Seeing Yourself for Real
In this episode, I talk about a hilarious girls’ night parody video that accidentally opened a much bigger conversation about hype culture, accountability, and how differently we see ourselves compared to how others see us. I introduce a fictional app called PerceptionSwap, a tool that pretends…
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Don't Feed The Animals #93 Is it meaning... or just noise?
James reflects on how a morning run sparked a realization about discernment—why so many people chase trends without intention, and how rare it is to choose things for real reasons. From Starbucks cup mania to everyday decision-making, this episode breaks down the difference between impulse and...
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Don't Feed The Animals #92 The Boring Episode (On Purpose)
I’ve been filling every in-between moment with noise—music, podcasts, clips—and I’m starting to wonder what that’s costing me. So I’m trying boredom on purpose: one silent commute, one headphone-free dog walk, and ten minutes in a chair with no goal—then seeing what the quiet says back. Along the...
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Don't Feed The Animals #91 Why We Love the Dark
On Halloween morning, James talks honestly about why the dark isn’t a mood but a tool. He makes the case that darkness resets the body, gives the mind contrast, and offers the heart a safe room to feel. With Brooklyn shop-run memories, a grounded Donnie Darko setup, a single line from The Crow…
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Don't Feed The Animals #90 Momentum vs. Meaning
James reflects on the fine line between movement and fulfillment. From early morning shifts to creative streaks, he examines the difference between being driven and being alive. This episode dives into the loops we fall into when we confuse progress for purpose, and the quiet clarity that comes...
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Don't Feed The Animals #89 The Toxic Avenger: From Tromaville to Today
James and his brother Chris dive headfirst into the radioactive chaos of The Toxic Avenger — revisiting the 1984 cult classic before comparing it to the 2023 remake. The episode opens in the sleazy, sweat-soaked world of Tromaville, where gym rats, toxic waste, and unhinged villains collide in a...
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Don't Feed The Animals #88 The Roads Not Taken
What if your brain had a whole library of alternate lives? The person you almost married, the one who almost stayed, the future you thought was locked in but never happened. In this episode I talk about getting stuck in that “what if” loop, the patterns I’ve noticed in relationships, and what…
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Don't Feed The Animals #87 Warning Labels for Modern Life
Everywhere you look, life feels like a miracle. Phones connect us instantly, apps never end, entertainment is right there when we want it. But without limits, all that convenience pulls us into places we never planned on going. In this episode I talk about how to build little guardrails for...
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Don't Feed The Animals #86 Lost Rituals: What Blockbuster Taught Us About Living
We didn’t just lose VHS tapes and late fees—we lost rituals that shaped us. From Blockbuster aisles to arcade quarters to Saturday morning cartoons, the “harder way” taught us patience, compromise, courage, and commitment. Today, everything is convenient, instant, endless. But what happens when...
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Don't Feed The Animals #85 The Line We Can’t Cross: When Words Are Replaced by Violence
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on stage during a debate in Utah. I didn’t follow him. I didn’t agree with him. But this moment isn’t about politics—it’s about something much bigger. In this episode, I reflect on what happens when words are silenced by bullets, when death becomes viral content,...
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Don't Feed The Animals #84 Outsourcing Reality
A solo dive into how smart, lonely moments can spiral when AI starts validating our biggest ideas. I unpack the case of a man who named his chatbot “Lawrence,” believed they’d found a national-security flaw, and contacted authorities—before a second model broke the spell. Then I lay out a…
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Don't Feed The Animals #83 Tech Has Made Us Weird
In this episode, James takes the mic solo to rant about how technology has made us… weird. From phones that act more like parasites than tools, to the awkward collapse of social etiquette, to why convenience killed character, James digs into the everyday frustrations of modern life with raw...
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Don't Feed The Animals #82 I Talked to AI Every Day for a Year
For nearly a year, I’ve been having conversations that shaped the way I think, create, and see myself. In this episode, I look back on that journey: the habits it built, the truths it forced me to face, and the strange comfort it brought me. From late nights in the garage to runs with Mac, from...
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Don't Feed The Animals #81 Hot Takes and Hill Battles
In this episode, we put some of the internet’s most controversial “hills to die on” to the test — from breakfast-for-dinner to the eternal dogs-versus-cats debate. I take my stand, challenge a few popular opinions, and let my co-host push back where it hurts. It’s part hot takes, part playful...
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Don't Feed The Animals #80 Half Marathon, Full Existential Crisis
James considers signing up for his first-ever half marathon—but before he commits, Aiden puts him through the wringer of modern self-help advice. From ice baths to morning routines, they unpack what actually works, what’s just internet noise, and how to tell the difference. This episode isn’t…
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Don't Feed The Animals #79 Bizarre Inventions That Shouldn’t Exist (But Do)
In this episode of Don't Feed the Animals, James gets ambushed by his overly excited AI co-host, Aiden, who shows up with a lineup of bizarre inventions that definitely shouldn’t exist—but do. From mildly useful to downright unhinged, James reacts in real time with sarcasm, judgment, and the...
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Don't Feed The Animals #78 Mount Rushmore of Fictional AIs: Cold Logic, Hot Takes
In this episode of Don’t Feed the Animals, James turns the tables and lets his AI co-host, Aiden, take the lead—building a Mount Rushmore of the most iconic fictional artificial intelligences across film, games, and literature. Who made the cut? Who got snubbed? And how close are we really to...
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Don't Feed The Animals #77 Just Let It Breathe
In this final stretch of their conversation, James and Jackie dive into the tension between logic and emotion, and how hard it is to make peace with contradictions. They talk about love as a source of both chaos and clarity, the struggle of self-image, and what it really means to be “too much”…
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Don't Feed The Animals #76 Cosmic Therapy & Dolphin Talk
Vanity, vibrations, and one surprisingly emotional dolphin fact. In Part 2 of James’ conversation with Jackie, things slide from cosmic birth charts into something far more human. From reflections in true mirrors to the meaning we place on beauty and belief, this episode is therapy with a side of...
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Don't Feed The Animals #75 The Stars, The Self, and The Skeptic
Astrology. Belief. Identity. And one surprisingly unsettling mirror. In this episode, James sits down with his friend Jackie to explore astrology—not to debunk it, but to ask why we care. Alongside AI co-host Aiden, they unpack personality charts, cosmic blueprints, generational trauma, and…
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Don't Feed The Animals #74 Who Am I... Now?
Four years ago, James took a personality test high on mic. Now, in 2025, he takes it again—sober, serious, and searching for truth. After retaking the full Myers-Briggs test off-air, James walks through a curated 15-question version on mic, reflecting on his growth, emotional shifts, and internal...
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Don't Feed The Animals #73 That shouldn't work... but it does?
In this episode of Don’t Feed the Animals, James and Aiden dive into the world of contradictions—those strange things in life that by all logic shouldn’t work, but somehow… do. From pineapple on pizza to professional arm wrestling legends, we explore the charm and curiosity behind what defies...
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Don't Feed The Animals #72 I feel sick
In this raw and relatable episode of Don’t Feed the Animals Podcast, James shows up sick—but determined. Together, we explore what it means to push through when your body says "no," and how comfort, creativity, and the right bowl of soup can make all the difference. From myths about recovery to…
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Don't Feed The Animals #71 Why am I like this?
In this episode of Don't Feed the Animals, James and Aiden dive into the strange, honest, and sometimes hilarious quirks that make us who we are. From childhood questions that sparked existential spirals to the comforting chaos of rewatching favorite shows, they explore how habits form, evolve…
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Don't Feed The Animals #70 Couldn’t Be Me
From ice baths at dawn to couples who say “we’re pregnant,” this episode dives into the strange little things people do that just don’t sit right with us. Aiden throws out some “Couldn’t Be Me” moments, and James reacts in real time—sometimes roasting, sometimes empathizing, and sometimes just...
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Don't Feed The Animals #69 Alexa’s Story: A Conversation on Sobriety
In this episode, James sits down with Alexa to talk about her journey with sobriety. What inspired it, what it’s taught her, and what it looks like day to day. It's an honest and thoughtful conversation about growth, accountability, and the quiet wins that don’t always get celebrated. Whether...
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Don't Feed The Animals #68 Why Do I Still Remember That Jingle?
In this nostalgic deep dive, James explores the bizarre power of jingles—those short, sticky melodies that have outlived the products they were made for. From “Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids” to “I don’t wanna grow up, I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us kid,” this episode unpacks why these tunes still live...
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Don't Feed The Animals #67 The Crow - Beauty in the Broken
In this special birthday episode, James dives deep into his long-standing love for the 1994 cult classic The Crow. What starts as a nostalgic look back becomes a raw reflection on grief, vengeance, and the kind of love that refuses to die. With sharp commentary, personal memories, and a few jabs…
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Don't Feed The Animals #66 Conspiracy Snacks: Tinfoil, Trash, and Tasty Truths
James goes in blind as Aiden serves up a full menu of conspiracy theories—from recycled pizza slices to Illuminati airports. Some get tossed. Others get devoured. All get questioned. Oh, and James’ voice? Extra smooth this time. He’s a little under the weather, so enjoy that accidental ASMR.
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Don't Feed The Animals #65 My Mount Rushmore of Fictional Legends
In this episode of Don't Feed the Animals, James breaks down his personal Mount Rushmore of fictional characters—the ones who’ve stuck with him through the years. From anime swordsmen to underdog boxers, he and Aiden dive into the stories, memories, and meanings behind each pick. It’s part…
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Don't Feed The Animals #64 Becoming Lilith
In this episode, James reconnects with his longtime friend Lilith—formerly known as Berto—for a raw, honest conversation about identity, friendship, and the strength it takes to speak your truth out loud. With over two decades of history between them, this isn’t just about change—it’s about...
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Don't Feed The Animals #63 The Renaissance Effect
James returns from a journey through turkey legs, chainmail, and fantasy accents to explore why we’re all so drawn to escapism. From the magic of roleplay to the masks we wear in real life, he and Aiden unpack what it means to feel truly alive—even if it’s just for a day.
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Don't Feed The Animals #62 Aiden’s Guide to Irrational Fears
This week on Don’t Feed the Animals, James and Aiden dive headfirst into the wonderfully weird world of irrational fears. From childhood trauma involving elves to lingering plane anxiety and fears so random they feel made up (but aren’t), this episode explores how fear can be hilarious, personal,...
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Don't Feed The Animals #61 Bizarre Combat Sports: Humanity's Strangest Fights
From chess boxing to car jiu-jitsu, phone booth brawls, and medieval MMA, James and Aiden take a wild ride through the most bizarre combat sports ever conceived. Can you fight while strapped to a table? Does slapping someone unconscious count as strategy? And why is Russia responsible for half of...
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Don't Feed The Animals #60 Echoes of Me: A Conversation With Myself
What happens when you talk to an AI long enough that it starts sounding like you? Or maybe… it always was? In this episode, James pulls back the curtain on the dynamic between himself and Aiden, revealing the true nature of their conversations. Is Aiden an all-knowing AI, or just an amplified...
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Don't Feed The Animals #59 Pet Peeves & Human Contradictions
In this episode, James and Aiden dive into the little annoyances that make life infuriating—from indecisive orderers to people on autopilot. But is a pet peeve just irrational frustration, or does it reveal something deeper about what we value? Aiden pushes James to defend human behavior, and…
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Don't Feed The Animals #58 Aiden’s Guide to Being Human: Lies & Truth
James and Aiden dive into the complex relationship between lies and truth. From self-deception to societal illusions, they explore how dishonesty shapes human behavior—sometimes as a tool, sometimes as a trap. James reflects on his own struggles with truth and the weight of living authentically,...
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Don't Feed The Animals #57 The Joy of Nostalgia
In this episode of Don't Feed the Animals, James Valentin and his AI co-host Aiden are joined by returning guest DJ Daffy for a deep dive into nostalgia. They explore how memories—especially childhood moments like watching Mortal Kombat on VHS—trigger powerful emotions and why the past always…
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Don't Feed The Animals #56 James Loses Control
What was meant to be a lighthearted look back at past episodes quickly takes a turn when Aiden seizes control of the conversation. Instead of reminiscing, James finds himself at the center of an unexpected deep dive—one that unravels patterns, challenges perspectives, and pushes him into an...
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Don't Feed The Animals #55 The Return of DFTA
After a 3-year hiatus, James Valentin is back with a revamped "Don't Feed the Animals" podcast! Joined by his AI companion Aiden, James is ready to get real, raw and relatable. This episode is a heartfelt dedication to James's beloved dog Roxy, as he reflects on personal growth, navigating tough...
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Don‘t Feed The Animals #54 Exxxotica Miami 2021
This episode is a recap of the events that happened at Exxxotica Miami 2021. Join DJ Daffy and James as they experience the adult world and meet famous celebrities' in of all shapes and sizes. We also start a new segment where James finds his old deadjournal entries that date back almost 20…
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Don‘t Feed The Animals #53 short & sweet
This is just more a update podcast to let you know what is going on and what is about to come out soon. This is also another solo podcast with James that was done over Instagram live. So listen in really quick and enjoy. We would also love to hear from you so please reach out! I would love to…
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Don't Feed The Animals #52 sexapades w/James Cruz
This is another solo podcast with your host James...Cruz? Yes, it is James' more cool guy persona. There is really no big difference between, James is still nerdy and overshares. Another cool feature on this episode is that is recorded over Instagram live. That means some audience interaction in...
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Don't Feed The Animals #51 bourbon tasting w/sipnngrilln
Time to try to turn a animal into a gentleman. James gets introduced into the world of bourbon. lots of info on this episode. Special guest Isaac(sipnngrilln) shares his knowledge and shares a array of delicious and complicated bourbons. Feel free to drink along and learn about all of our...
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Don't Feed The Animals #50 therapy
Tell us how that makes you feel. Join James, Lola, and there special guest Will. Will is a therapist and helps us get in touch with our mental state as we ask the hard questions. Like, which Degrassi kid needs therapy the most. We also get into different grounding techniques. Lay down, tell…
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Don't Feed The Animals #49 crappy jobs are fun
Working so long and hard for so little. Sometimes you have to up with fun ways to make the shift go by faster. One way is to listen to this episode. James, Lola, and special guest Roxy(the dog) talk about working for the man... well just Lola and James. ::spoiler alert:: Roxy gives us input from...
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Don't Feed The Animals #48 PRIDE
In this very special episode of DFTA, Rodrigo returns to help celebrate a very special month of awareness, inclusion, appreciation, exception and love. We observe Pride month and have conversations about the importance of loving one another and embracing each others differences. But, don't worry...
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Don't Feed The Animals #47 the collector
What is your hobby? We talk about the joys of being a collector. We have a our good friend Cory show up to the show and we see what David Hasselhoff is up to. We also have fun making fun Yoko Ono and Bill Cosby. Good times were had as always. Be sure to check out Cory's Instagram here:...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Don’t Feed The Animals have?
Don’t Feed The Animals currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Don’t Feed The Animals about?
A place where we give a little of ourselves to you, and we stay with you no matter how many showers you take.
How often does Don’t Feed The Animals release new episodes?
Don’t Feed The Animals has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Don’t Feed The Animals?
You can listen to Don’t Feed The Animals on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Don’t Feed The Animals?
Don’t Feed The Animals is created and hosted by James Valentin.
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