PODCAST · kids
Trainer Talks and Tails
by Daisy Barrett & Tess McKelliget
Join co-hosts Tess & Daisy on Trainer, Talks and Tails podcast where, with the help of fellow keepers, trainers, and industry experts we’ll discuss topics within the zoological and aquarium industry including animal training and conservation!
Episodes
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Reptiles, Role Changes and Venom Programs with Brandon Gifford
We're ending 2024 with an incredible guest, Brandon! Brandon shares his journey within the industry, including some difficult decisions he had to make in order to aid his progression to work every day with his dream species. Brandon chats about his new role, goals and skills to hopes to develop…
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Documenting Wildlife with Beau Eastman
Beau has had a long career working within zoos, but for this episode we focus in on his passion and something that he loves creating, wildlife documentaries. We talk about where it all started, where Beau hopes the project will grow too and how one pretty cool person acknowledged his hard work.…
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Wildlife Vet Nursing with Kellie Carmody
Kellie, vet nurse for Wildlife Sydney and SEA LIFE Sydney joins us this week to chat in detail about her role as a vet nurse! We talk all about the array of species she works with, transitioning from a keeper role and how sustainable a vet nurse role can be. You can find the podcast on socials...
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Lets Talk Koalas with Liz Florance
Liz from Symbio Wildlife Park joins us to share her extensive experience and knowledge for caring for koalas in human care! We touch on the roles koalas play in zoos, how breeding is managed and how we can get involved in vital conservation. You can find the podcast on socials…
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Caring For Wildlife With Lexie Scott
Lets chat wildlife caring! We talk with Lexie Scott, a long time wildlife carer who has raised and released hundreds of native Australian animals back into the wild over her 20 years of caring. We talk about her experiences, the differences she has found with caring for different species and, of...
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Cooperative Care Training for Red Pandas with Steph Lauren
Let's chat red pandas!! Steph joins us from Halls Gap Zoo where she shares how her team were able to successful take a blood draw from the pandas! We touch on the prior behaviors that helped set this up for success and how they hope to maintain it going forward. You can find the podcast on…
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Presenting With Passion With Olivia D'Arcy
We're joined this week by our good friend Olivia! Olivia has an incredible depth and spread of presenting experience that she's acquired across numerous roles within the industry! She shares her best advice for gaining confidence when presenting and how to set yourself up to succeed with...
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What Are You Training? With Tess & Daisy
We mixed things up this week as we love highlighting some of the amazing training that is happening within the animal community! From snakes to seals, domestic dogs and owls, we chat about some of the incredible goals people are achieving within the training world. You can find the podcast on...
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Behaviour Change Roles with Sheryl Yeates
Sheryl joins us this week and shares her incredible passion for sustainability and how we can change and improve sustainability practices at work! Being an eco-queen, Sheryl has progressed in her career to now working in a behavior change role for the council. We touch on better choices that can…
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Conditioning Scent Training for K9 Units with Adam Skein
We had such a fun conversation with Adam from the NSW K9 Correctional Services Unit! Adam dives into what his role looks like and what the dogs are used for. We chat about different types of conditioning used for training the dogs, how they choose the best training type for the dogs and how the...
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Education Roles Within Zoos and Aquariums with Kayla Ousley
The amazing Kayla, from Lone Pine, joins us this week chatting all about education roles within facilities. She shares her career background that led her to her role and why hands on education in zoo environments are so important for learnings. We chat about techniques people can use to provide…
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A Career With Primates with Lou Grossfeldt
Lou generously shares an insight into her incredible career working with a variety of primates in different facilities. We talk about training, how to provide the best welfare and the differences between species. Lou also chats about her role working with the Borneo Orangutan Survival group,...
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Life After the Zoo with Chris McKelliget
Chris chats with us this week all about his transition from working in a zoo environment to a government role in fisheries. He shares what his role can look like and what it was like leaving the zoo industry. You can find us on socials @trainertalksandtails or reach out for feedback or queries on...
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Let's Catch Up with Daisy & Tess!
It's been a hot minute, but we thought we'd do a short and sweet update episode for what the last few months has looked like for us both! You can follow us on socials @trainertalksandtails or reach out for feedback or queries on [email protected].
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Funnel Web Spiders for Anti-Venom Programs with Emma Teni
Emma joins us this week to chat about a unique species! Moving from marine to arachnids, Emma shares how she was able to transfer her skill set. We touch on the importance of anti-venom programs and why its so important to maintain high standards of welfare for animals used in milking. You can…
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The Use of Differential Reinforcement for Training with Deane Jones
Deane is back with us at Trainer Talks and Tails and sharing some of the incredible training they have been achieving with lions and chimps! We really focus this conversation on how the use of differential reinforcement helped manage some undesirable behaviors. You can find the podcast on socials...
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Improving Welfare Through Behavioral Husbandry and Effective Enrichment with Kyle Banton-Jones
To kick off season three, we were lucky enough to be joined by Kyle from Wild Enrichment. Kyle shares his tips of how to set up effective enrichment, time management and the use of behavioral husbandry to better animal welfare. You can find the podcast on socials @trainertalksandtails or reach…
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Reptile Conservation in Zoos with Rory Keenan
To finish off this season of the podcast, we were joined by Rory Keenan from Zoos Victoria! Rory has a lot of experience in the industry with his passion primarily driven towards different reptile species. Rory chats about some vital conservation work he is participating in with earless dragons…
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Working in a Rhino Orphanage and Maintaining your Identity as a Zookeeper with Sophie Bland
Sophie initially worked in zoos before moving across to field work where she spent a lot of time at a rhino orphanage in Africa. Sophie shares the day to day, feeding baby rhinos around the clock and the harsh realities of the job. Like many of us, Sophie struggled with the idea of being a...
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Raptors, Buffalos and Enrichment Programs with Blake Hutchinson
Blake joins us this week to touch on his career working across numerous facilities primarily specializing in raptors and mammals! Blake has a huge passion for enrichment and shares why quality enrichment is so important and how we can better provide it. You can find the podcast on socials...
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Giraffe Training and Conservation with Jimmy Sanders & Renae Moss
We had an absolute blast chatting with Jimmy and Renae, two giraffe specialists from Taronga Zoo! They chat all about reinforcers, challenges and of course, the training program they help maintain with the herd of giraffe. Jimmy and Renae are also extremely passionate about giraffe conservation,...
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Training Terminology and Concept Teaching with Erin Oakley
For this week's episode, we were lucky enough to be joined by Erin Oakley, from Seaworld on the Gold Coast! Erin has had the opportunity to work with a variety of marine animals and has an incredible understanding of training from her years of experience. With this, Erin helps explain some basic...
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Public Speaking and Presentations with Michael Croaker
We're so excited to be joined by Village Road Shows Head of Entertainment and communication coach, Michael Croaker this week! With over 30 years of experience, Michael generously shares his tips and tricks for gaining confidence with public speaking and developing your skillset. We chat all about...
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Paradise Country's Meerkat, Macropod and Marmoset Training with Hollie Hughes, Tabatha Crewes and Rhiannon Oosthuizen
This week we were lucky enough to sit down with 3 of Paradise Country's animal specialists to chat all about training! The girls chat about training wins and challenges, reinforcers and future training goals with all three species! You can find Paradise Country on socials @paradisecountrygc and…
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Full vs Protected Contact for Elephants with Jamie Gray
Jamie chats with us this week and shares his love and passion for elephants! We chat all about training, reinforcers and social dynamics before diving into the hot topic of protected vs full contact with elephants! Jame discusses about his experience working both, what he sees as pros and cons…
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So you want to work with Dolphins? Tips and Jobs with Rachel Hudon
This week we are lucky enough to be joined by Rachel all the way from the US! Rachel has years of experience working with and training dolphins and we dive into conversations all about training and reinforcers! Asides from working hands on with dolphins, Rachel has developed an incredible…
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Q & A with Tess & Daisy
This week its just us! We chat through a bunch of questions that we got sent covering a huge array of topics related to the industry! You can find the podcast on socials @trainertalksandtails or for feedback or queries reach out on [email protected].
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Coordinating Animal Training with Bianca Papadopoulos
Bianca joins us this week where she generously shares so much of her experience in animal training! We chat about training resources, writing a shaping plan, training hurdles and what a training coordinator or consultant really does! You can find the podcast on socials @trainertalksandtails.
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Cooperative Care Training with Ungulates with Vicky Smith and Jessica Burgess
Not one, but two ungulate specialists joined us this week! Vicky and Jess, both from Auckland Zoo, chat all about their primary species, rhino, giraffe and nyala! There share their cooperative care training focuses for all species including important dental work and hoof care. We chat about...
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Teaching Agility Dogs Through Positive Reinforcement with Matisse Martin
Matisse is an absolute professional when it comes to agility training with dogs! We were lucky enough to chat with her all about her passion, from puppy training to agility and her new exciting sheep herding venture. We chat about the importance of using positive reinforcement with dogs and…
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Parenthood as a Zookeeper with Elizabeth Johnson
For our 30th episode, we were lucky enough to be joined by host of Mothering Wildlife podcast, Elizabeth Johnson! Elizabeth has decades of experience working within the field and uses her podcast platform to chat with other professionals about balancing work life with parenthood. We chat about…
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Mentorship and Self-Fulfilling Prophecies as an Animal Specialist with Tim Sullivan
Tess and Daisy were overjoyed to be joined by the Director of Behavioral Husbandry of Brookfield Zoo, Tim Sullivan. Tim expands on his impressive career within the animal field before diving into the topic of mentorship and the key role it plays in our field. We discuss self-fulfilling prophecies...
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Juggling Life as a Vet Student, Bird Podcaster and Frog Fanatic with César Puechmarin
Céser has a huge passion for wildlife and in particular birds and frogs! We chat about his really succesful podcast, Death by Birding, and where his love of frogs has taken him. We also chat all about being a vet student alongside a very unique photographer. If you have any questions for Céser…
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Breeding and Training for Komodo Dragons and Designing Habitats with Jake Meney
Jake shares his experience of being involved in Australia's first successful Komodo Dragon breeding program! We expand on Komodo Dragon husbandry and training! Jake also chats about Symbio Wildlife Park's brand new habitat and the process for designing an exhibit. If you have any questions for...
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Rescue and Rehabilitation for True Seals with Emily Askew
Emily from Skegness Seal Sanctuary in the UK joins us this week! We speak about the process of rescuing and rehabilitating an animal, the challenges that come with it and the success rate with seals and release. Emily also shares her tips for rescue & rehab role and some of her favorite success...
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Starting Taronga Zoo's Bird Show and Condor Breeding in Australia with Matthew Kettle
This week's episode we're joined by Matthew Kettle, long time bird trainer at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, AUS! Matthew shares his journey into the industry and what he has gained from different facilities and bird shows across the globe. We chat about starting Taronga Zoo's famous bird show alongside...
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The Pros of Training Advancements for Zoo Vets and Mental Health within the Role with Dr. Claire Madden
For our first guest of 2024 we were joined by Sea World Australia's Head Vet Dr. Claire Madden. Claire talks us through her j0urney through the industry and how she got to her role now and what it entails. We chat all about how advancements within training have played a huge role in veterinarian...
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New Year Catch Up with Daisy & Tess
Tess and Daisy are back for 2024! Starting off the year with a catch-up episode, where Daisy shares her experience overseas and the details of Seaworld Abu Dhabi whilst Tess has a very special announcement! They also chat about their work goals for 2024 and what is in and what is out! You can…
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Episode 22: Field Projects, Komodo Species Coordination and being the ASZK President with Chris Dryburgh
We're wrapping up this year and our first 6 months podcasting! Tess and Daisy share their work wins from the year before jumping into a great conversation with Chris Dryburgh. Chris chats about what's involved in the role of a species coordinator for Komodo Dragons and some of the amazing field...
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Episode 21: Frequently Asked Industry Questions with Daisy Barrett & Tess McKelliget
This week it's just Tess & Daisy as they sit down and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the industry! They chat about topics such as how to get into the industry, applying for jobs, improving engagement with guests and so much more! Combined Tess & Daisy have close to 20...
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Episode 20: Analysing and Improving Animal Welfare with Dr. Isabella Clegg
This week, we were lucky enough to be joined by Animal Welfare Expertise founder, Dr. Isabella Clegg. We learn all about the company and the impact it is having on welfare within zoos, aquariums and wild animal populations. Dr. Isabella Clegg generously shares her insights into what she believes...
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Episode 19: Why we Train Animals in Human Care and using Social Media for Conservation and Education with Kristyn Plancarte
Trainer Talks and Tails welcomed Kristyn Plancarte to the podcast this week! Kristyn has built an incredible community across her social media and uses her platform to educate and inspire people all over the world. We touch on this as well as the importance of training and in particular,...
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Episode 18: Polar Bears, Marine Animal Enrichment and Starting the Choice and Control Conversation with Jacob Emerson
Jacob is one of the marine animal specialists at Seaworld on the Gold Coast and this week he chats in depth about working with polar bears and the cooperative care training they've achieved with the 3 bears. Alongside polar bears, Jacob also works with penguins and seals and talks about…
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Episode 17: Life as a Whale Researcher after working in Zoological Facilities with Gena Williams
This week, Gena Williams joins the girls and chats about how her career transitioned from working with raptors and seals to being a full-time whale researcher. She dives into her current PhD with humpback whales and shares her tips on how to become a researcher. If you have any questions for…
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Episode 16: What Zoos and Aquariums are doing well and what we should focus on in the future with Jon Rossi
Trainer Talks & Tails collaborated with Jon from Rossifari podcast to bring you 4 episodes across the 2 podcasts! Jon shares his animal journey and what lead him to starting his podcast before diving into what he looks for in zoos & aquariums and what facilities should focus on into the future.…
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Episode 15: Managing Numerous Facilities and Caring for a Very Special Baby Gorilla with Chad Staples
Ever wondered what is involved in assist rearing a baby gorilla? Chad generously shares his journey with Mogo Zoo's newest primate edition. We also chat about managing numerous facilities and what that role looks like. If you have any questions for Chad, you can reach him on socials...
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Episode 14: Conservation through Education, Creating a Wildlife Business with Adele & Mick Bender
This week we sat down with 2 of our closest friends to chat about their exciting new business venture, Wildlife Unleashed. Mick & Adele share an incredible passion for wildlife and chat about their pathways into the industry, some of the challenges they have faced and what exciting things to…
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Episode 13: Power of Positive Reinforcement in Orangutan Training with Sarah Taylor-Robinson
For episode 13, Sarah chatted with us all about the amazing orangutan training that is happening at Auckland Zoo! She focuses on the impressive pre- and post-natal training that has been achieved with their female as well as touching on social dynamics and enriching primates. If you have any...
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Episode 12: Free Flights Raptors and Caring for Flying Foxes with Tess McKelliget
We turn the questions to Tess this week as she shares a day in the life of working with a variety of birds of prey and the training the birds participate in. She also talks all about her love for flying foxes and tips on how to become a wildlife carer. If you have any questions for Tess, you can...
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Episode 11: Snake Catching and the Importance of Education around Snakes with Stuart McKenzie
Stuart runs a hugely successful snake catching business on and around the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. This week we chat with him where he shares his passion for reptiles, his time at Australia Zoo and the importance of snake education within his role. If you have any questions for Stuart, you…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join co-hosts Tess & Daisy on Trainer, Talks and Tails podcast where, with the help of fellow keepers, trainers, and industry experts we’ll discuss topics within the zoological and aquarium industry including animal training and conservation!
HOSTED BY
Daisy Barrett & Tess McKelliget
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Trainer Talks and Tails have?
Trainer Talks and Tails currently has 60 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Trainer Talks and Tails about?
Join co-hosts Tess & Daisy on Trainer, Talks and Tails podcast where, with the help of fellow keepers, trainers, and industry experts we’ll discuss topics within the zoological and aquarium industry including animal training and conservation!
How often does Trainer Talks and Tails release new episodes?
Trainer Talks and Tails has 60 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Trainer Talks and Tails?
You can listen to Trainer Talks and Tails 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 Trainer Talks and Tails?
Trainer Talks and Tails is created and hosted by Daisy Barrett & Tess McKelliget.
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