On this episode of Robin’s Nest, Robin sits down with Danté Fenolio, Ph.D., world-renowned conservationist and Vice President of the Center for Conservation & Research at San Antonio Zoo. With over 30 years protecting some of the planet’s rarest and “creepy crawly” species, Danté shares his journey from breeding amphibians as a child to pioneering first-ever captive breeding programs for species like the Crater Lake Newt and Dougherty Plain Cave Crayfish.

He also discusses innovative conservation approaches, including portable shipping-container labs and community partnerships in the Peruvian Amazon through Project Selva. A finalist for the Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize, Danté reflects on the lessons learned from decades of fieldwork, photography and science-driven solutions for endangered species worldwide.

From deep caves to rainforest canopies, this episode celebrates curiosity, ingenuity and the hope that even the smallest creatures can thrive again.

In this heartfelt episode of Robin’s Nest, we welcome Sgt. Bo, the 2025 American Humane Hero Dog Award winner, and his handler, Faye Okert. Once a stray in Nashville, Sgt. Bo’s life was transformed through rescue into one of extraordinary service as a therapy dog with the Metro Nashville Police Department.

Known for his calm presence and gentle spirit, Sgt. Bo supported children and adults during moments of crisis, helped de-escalate traumatic situations and provided comfort when words fell short. Faye shares how Sgt. Bo’s journey reflects the powerful healing potential of rescue animals and the critical role therapy dogs play in trauma-informed care.

From comforting survivors after a tragic school shooting to leaving behind a lasting legacy of hope in retirement, Sgt. Bo’s story is a moving testament to compassion, resilience and the life-changing bond between humans and animals.

On this episode of Robin’s Nest, we sit down with Dr. Temple Grandin, world-renowned animal behaviorist, autism advocate, and Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. Temple explains how thinking in pictures allowed her to revolutionize livestock handling systems, designing environments that reduce stress and improve animal welfare worldwide. From the invention of her “hug machine” to curved chute systems now used by nearly half of North American cattle, her approach blends science, compassion, and measurable accountability.

Temple also shares her personal experiences with autism, offering a unique perspective on how neurodiverse thinking can be a powerful strength. She discusses her memoir Thinking in Pictures, and the Emmy-winning HBO film about her life, as well as a peek at her upcoming book, all highlighting her journey of discovery and advocacy. This is a conversation packed with insight, ingenuity, and a fresh way of seeing the world.