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Artwork for The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.

The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.

Natural Encounters, Inc.
Animal Training
Animal Care
Animal Welfare
Ambassador Animal Welfare
Conservation
Positive Reinforcement Training
Feedback
Coaching
Animal Behavior
Leadership
Scientific Writing
Education
Communication
Behavioral Science
Consulting In Animal Welfare
Generational Workforce Expectations
Leadership In Animal Care
Teamwork
Zoology
Public Engagement With Animals

Join co-hosts Chris and Ari for a discussion of animal training, behavior, human-animal relationships, and all things NEI-TEC (the Natural Encounters Inc Training and Education Center), and featuring guests from the NEI team and around the professional animal care world! Email us at podcast@naturalencounters.com if you have a question or something you'd like us to discuss on the show!

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes286Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Social SciencesScience

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Artwork for The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.

Latest Episodes

In this super secret, extra special bonus episode (actually episode 281, but Chris needed a good round number to end on), Ari rallied as many of Chris’s colleagues, friends, and family as she could, with help from his wife Bethany, to share messages ... more

This is it, the last official episode of the NEI TEC Talk Podcast (at least for now)! With Chris headed off to his new position as Executive Director of the Virginia Zoo, he and Ari decided it was time to sunset the NEI TEC Talk Podcast. After nearly... more

Some announcements are so big that you have to bring in another podcast to help make them.

Chris and Ari join Dr Grey Stafford on his incredible show, Zoo Logic, to talk about some big personal changes and what they will mean for our show. We want ... more

Ari sits down with NEI's own Michael Van Horne this week to chat about what it's like being a young person in the field. Michael talks about his time at college and his philosophy to help him focus on his own growth while supporting his teammates. He... more

Key Facts

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Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

Zoo Logic
Zoo LogicDr. Grey Stafford
Crime Junkie
Crime Junkieaudiochuck

Recent Guests

Sarah Bonser-Blake
Animal Welfare Field Manager at Wild Welfare
Wild Welfare
Episode: Episode 277: All Animals Can Speak, We Just Need to Learn to Listen (with Sarah Bonser-Blake, Wild Welfare)
Jessica Sheftel
Applied Wildlife Welfare Manager at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Episode: Episode 276: The Art and Science of Outcome-Based Animal Welfare (with Jessica Sheftel, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)
Melissa Paynter
Associate Curator of Ocean Voyager at the Georgia Aquarium.
Georgia Aquarium
Episode: Episode 273: I Guess I'm Gonna Do Fish Stuff (with Melissa Paynter, Georgia Aquarium)
Dan Blair
Alumnus of NEI, currently the curator of birds at a major zoo in the Midwest.
Major Zoo in the Midwest
Episode: Episode 272: If You Want Them To Care, They First Have To Know You Care (with Dan Blair)
Anaka Nazareth
Animal Behaviorism expert with a rich background in training and management
National Aquarium
Episode: Episode 270: The Portal, The Tube, and The Assisted Lift (with Anaka Nazareth, National Aquarium)
Dr. Taylor Gilley
Director of Staff Learning and Development at the Houston Zoo
Houston Zoo
Episode: Episode 269: The "Ponies, Sparkles, and Rainbows" Side of HR (with Dr Taylor Gilley, Houston Zoo)
Joey Golden
Behavior curator at the Maryland Zoo
Maryland Zoo
Episode: Episode 267: Observe, Interpret, Improve (with Joey Golden, Maryland Zoo)
Rae Simmons
Student at the Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College
Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College
Episode: Episode 263: Zen and the Art of Networking (Live from the 2025 ABMA Annual Conference Zoo Day)
Aubrey Wilson
Student at the Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College
Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College
Episode: Episode 263: Zen and the Art of Networking (Live from the 2025 ABMA Annual Conference Zoo Day)

Hosts

Chris
Co-host with a focus on animal training and behavioral insights, providing practical experiences and strategies.
Ari Bailey
Co-host known for engaging discussions around animal behavior and effective communication in animal care.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 56 ratings
  • A very entertaining podcast that covers a diverse array of topics. Chris and Ari are great hosts!

    Podchaser
    5
    Adam Herrera
    a year ago
  • An epic find!

    Both entertaining and educational! This podcast is not just for people who are in the the animal field , Chris and Ari touch upon so many topics including leadership, communication, animals and more! The sky’s the limit when it comes to this podcast and you never know who the next guest speaker is or what topic they will touch upon next! Highly recommend!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KN_95
    United Statesa year ago
  • Useful in all aspects of life!

    This podcast has taught me so many useful tips and tricks not just on animal related things for work, but even more about people interactions. It is truly helpful even for those who are not in the animal field, but looking for better ways to communicate with peers. There’s great episodes that can help on the leadership side of things too! I have learned so much from their podcasts, it has helped me grow into the human I am. I have learned new ways to support those around me and build better, mor... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    sammi_gruman
    United States2 years ago
  • Educational and entertaining

    Hello All!

    I highly recommend this podcast to anyone and everyone who has an interest in animal care and behavior. As a current animal science student this podcast has been a fantastic dose of animal behavior and “behind the scenes” conversations, and insights to real day to day animal care situations that I do not get while earning my degree. On top of all of this Ari and Chris speak in terms and with a realness that everyone can relate to. Love this pod ! #ForeverSpeakingIntoAMicrophone ☺️

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    lauvie01
    United States2 years ago
  • Hope you are all better Ari and that Chris is recovering too!!

    You two have been through it! Feel better soon and stay well although that’s easier said than done!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lolo13419
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners feel that the insights shared in the episodes can apply to various aspects of life, not just animal care.
Listeners find the content both educational and entertaining, with a strong emphasis on practical applications in animal care.
The podcast fosters a sense of community among animal care professionals, with many noting its supportive atmosphere.
They appreciate the hosts' engaging discussion style and the variety of topics covered.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 269: The "Ponies, Sparkles, and Rainbows" Side of HR (with Dr Taylor Gilley, Houston Zoo)
Q: What if you are an individual who wants this opportunity to go mentor with another curator but you don't have a Dr. Taylor Gilley at your facility?
Find others with a similar desire and start your own group for self-development.
Episode 269: The "Ponies, Sparkles, and Rainbows" Side of HR (with Dr Taylor Gilley, Houston Zoo)
Q: How do you decide who can be a part of the cohort?
Anyone who wants to be can express their interest and a voluntary opportunity is provided.
Episode 270: The Portal, The Tube, and The Assisted Lift (with Anaka Nazareth, National Aquarium)
Q: What does training look like in the life you have now?
It's different every day, depending on the species and requirements of the various departments.
Episode 279: Big Changes in TEC Land (with Dr Grey Stafford, Zoo Logic)
Q: What's it going to be like for you now that Chris is moving on?
Ari expresses mixed emotions about the change, emphasizing the podcast's importance in their connection and the fun they've had together.
Episode 279: Big Changes in TEC Land (with Dr Grey Stafford, Zoo Logic)
Q: How has your 20 years at one location shaped you?
Chris reflects on how his long tenure has given him the opportunity to evolve his role and contribute significantly to the organization.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on the realms of animal training, behavior, and human-animal relationships, a captivating journey unfolds through discussions and interviews with professionals from the animal care community. The content spans a variety of themes, touching on diversity, leadership, technological innovations in animal welfare, and personal journeys within the animal care field. With an engaging blend of practical insights and relatable anecdotes, this series not only educates listeners about animal care practices but also emphasizes the importance of effective communication and community connection among animal care professionals. Each episode offers a unique opportunity to learn from both hosts and their guests, creating an inviting atmosphere for b... more

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Zoo Logic
2. Crime Junkie

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 6 years ago and published 286 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Sarah Bonser-Blake
2. Jessica Sheftel
3. Melissa Paynter
4. Dan Blair
5. Anaka Nazareth
6. Dr. Taylor Gilley
7. Joey Golden
8. Rae Simmons

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