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!

Podcast episodes

  • Season 2

  • Training Terminology and Concept Teaching with Erin Oakley

    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 training terminology, with examples, that we might use daily within our facilities. She also is interested in concept training and shares what that might look like and how this type of teaching can positively effect animals in human care. If you have any questions for Erin you can reach out on socials @erinjoakley. You can find the podcast on socials @trainertalksandtails or reach out for feedback or queries on trainertalksandtails@outlook.com.

  • Public Speaking and Presentations with Michael Croaker

    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 maintaining guest engagement and what to remember when writing scripts. You can reach out to Michael via his website Stand & Deliver Public Speaking Bootcamp (standanddelivercoach.com). You can find the podcast on socials @trainertalksandtails or for feedback and queries on trainertalksandtails@outlook.com.

  • Paradise Country's Meerkat, Macropod and Marmoset Training with Hollie Hughes, Tabatha Crewes and Rhiannon Oosthuizen

    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 the podcast @trainertalksandtails. You can reach out for feedback or queries on trainertalksandtails@outlook.com.

  • Full vs Protected Contact for Elephants with Jamie Gray

    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 and what the future of elephant training might look like. You can reach out to Jamie on socials @jamiegray_. You can find the podcast on socials @trainertalksandtails or reach out for feedback or queries on trainertalksandtails@outlook.com.

  • So you want to work with Dolphins? Tips and Jobs with Rachel Hudon

    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 program, from her experiences, which provides advice, tips and guidance for aspiring marine animal trainers. If you have any questions for Rachel, you can find her on socials @tursiteach. If you have feedback or queries for the podcast, you can reach out on socials @trainertalksandtails or via email trainertalksandtails@outlook.com.