Episodes

  • Tails of Resilience Part 2: Saving the Tasmanian Devil with Dean Reid of Aussie Ark

    Tails of Resilience Part 2: Saving the Tasmanian Devil with Dean Reid of Aussie Ark
    Jun 25 2025
    This is Part 2 of our deep dive into the world of Tasmanian devils with Aussie Ark’s Dean Reid. In this follow-up conversation, Dean shares even more insight into breeding programs, marsupial behavior, and the critical role community involvement plays in preserving Australia's unique wildlife. We explore the impact of introduced predators, the power of celebrity influence in raising awareness, and the sustainable management strategies that keep Aussie Ark running. Dean also discusses how understanding animal behavior can foster deeper human-wildlife connections and emphasizes that conservation is a collective responsibility. Whether you're passionate about protecting biodiversity or just curious about Taz, Tasmanian devils or marsupials, this episode is filled with practical wisdom, inspiring stories, and hopeful solutions.
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    57 mins
  • Tails of Resilience: How Tasmanian Devils Store Strength for Hard Times

    Tails of Resilience: How Tasmanian Devils Store Strength for Hard Times
    Jun 18 2025
    In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal explores the extraordinary resilience of the Tasmanian devil, one of Australia’s most iconic and misunderstood marsupials. Known for their fierce vocalizations and scavenging habits, Tasmanian devils are also masters of survival. One of their most fascinating adaptations is how they store fat in their thick, muscular tails, an evolutionary strategy that allows them to survive long periods without food by relying on these reserves. Jessica dives into this natural design and what it teaches us about preparing for life’s lean times and the many types of resilience we would benefit from building up. The episode also sheds light on the devastating impact of devil facial tumor disease (DFTD), the power of conservation, and how organizations like Aussie Ark are fighting to protect this resilient species. This is a powerful reflection on what we can learn from wildlife about adaptability, endurance, and the quiet strength of preparing for uncertainty.
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    23 mins
  • Resilient Healthy Bodies Begin with Gut Biodiversity with Elisa Bremner - RD, Green Bites

    Resilient Healthy Bodies Begin with Gut Biodiversity with Elisa Bremner - RD, Green Bites
    Jun 11 2025
    In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal sits down with registered dietician Elisa to unpack the powerful connection between gut health, biodiversity, and resilience. They explore how the gut biome plays a critical role in immunity, mental health, and overall well-being. The conversation covers everything from the benefits of a fiber-rich, plant-forward diet to the dangers of monocrops, processed foods, and environmental toxins. They also highlight how regenerative farming and mindful nutrition choices contribute to a healthier planet and body. With a practical, compassionate lens, Jessica and Elisa guide listeners toward nutritional diversity, emphasizing progress over perfection and the importance of aligning eating habits with personal purpose and values.
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    58 mins
  • Parrotfish Master Sleep Part 2 – Animal Sleep Secrets with Dr. John Lesku (Episode 42)

    Parrotfish Master Sleep Part 2 – Animal Sleep Secrets with Dr. John Lesku (Episode 42)
    Jun 4 2025
    In this fascinating episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal speaks with Dr. John Lesku, a leading sleep researcher, about the amazing patterns and processes of sleep in animals of all types —and what they can teach us about human health, resilience, and performance. From parrotfish building mucus cocoons to sleep safely, to dolphins sleeping in with one eye and half brain alert, to penguins napping in microbursts, and birds sleeping mid-flight, this episode explores the incredible adaptations across species that allow sleep to happen in even the most challenging environments. Lesku discusses the latest sleep science, including how pollution and urban noise disrupt wildlife sleep, how sleep deprivation impairs cognition in both animals and humans, and why sleep hygiene is vital for long-term wellness. Together, they make a compelling case for rethinking our relationship with rest, emphasizing that sleep is not a luxury—it's a biological necessity.
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    59 mins
  • Parrotfish Master Sleep Part 1 – Safety in Mucus Bubbles (Episode 40)

    Parrotfish Master Sleep Part 1 – Safety in Mucus Bubbles (Episode 40)
    May 28 2025
    In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal explores one of the most fascinating sleep strategies in the natural world—the mucus bubble of the parrotfish. Each night, parrotfish excrete a jelly-like mucus cocoon that envelops their bodies, acting as a protective shield against predators and parasites while they sleep on the ocean floor. Jessica uses this captivating natural behavior to highlight a powerful metaphor for human rest and resilience. Just like parrotfish build a physical barrier to sleep safely, we too can create intentional routines and mental boundaries that shield us from the stressors that disrupt our rest. She shares practical tips to protect your rest from external threats like noise and light, and internal ones like overthinking, anxiety, and emotional overload. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to build better sleep habits, establish emotional safety, and restore their strength through the power of rest.
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    19 mins
  • Up Close and Personal with Ed Eisenson - Navy Veteran & Deep Sea Diver

    Up Close and Personal with Ed Eisenson - Navy Veteran & Deep Sea Diver
    May 22 2025
    In this inspiring Memorial Day episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal welcomes Navy veteran Ed Eisenson for a powerful conversation about service, sacrifice, and the resilience found in both military life and nature. Ed shares personal reflections from his time in the Navy, diving deep into the emotional weight of Memorial Day, the camaraderie of military service, and the transformative experiences of deep sea diving. The episode explores the connection between underwater exploration and life lessons, revealing how time spent below the surface can mirror the internal journey of resilience and self-discovery. From honoring the legacy of World War II veterans to embracing life’s joys and discomforts, Ed offers timeless wisdom for living fully and appreciating the people and moments that shape us.
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    23 mins
  • Breaking the Silence – Mental Health in Veterinary Medicine with Dr. Phil Richmond (Throwback, Episode 39)

    Breaking the Silence – Mental Health in Veterinary Medicine with Dr. Phil Richmond (Throwback, Episode 39)
    May 15 2025
    In this powerful throwback episode originally recorded in October 2024, Resilience Gone Wild host Jessica Morgenthal sits down one-on-one with Dr. Phil Richmond, a veterinarian and passionate mental health advocate. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, this re-release sheds light on the often-overlooked mental health crisis within the veterinary profession—and the strength it takes to ask for help.
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    42 mins
  • The Wisdom of Mother Trees Part 2- Nurturing Young Minds with Rion Nakaya of The Kid Should See This (Episode 38)

    The Wisdom of Mother Trees Part 2- Nurturing Young Minds with Rion Nakaya of The Kid Should See This (Episode 38)
    May 8 2025
    In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, Jessica Morgenthal speaks with Rion Nakaya, the founder and curator of The Kid Should See This (TKSST), an award-winning educational media platform for children. They explore how co-viewing curated videos can foster curiosity, resilience, and media literacy in young audiences. Rion discusses the importance of trust in digital content, the role of audio storytelling, and how authentic narratives help children connect more deeply with nature and science. The episode also touches on parenting metaphors like mother trees and mycelium networks, emphasizing the invisible but powerful role caregivers and educators play in cultivating learning ecosystems.
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    1 hr and 11 mins