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PODCAST

Comfort Creatures

Ella McLeod, Alexis B. Preston

Comfort Creatures is a show for people who prefer their friends to have paws instead of hands! Every week, Alexis and Ella talk to guests about their pets or creatures that give them comfort, discuss their favorite fictional critters, learn about pets in history, and discover differences between pet ownership across the pond. Whether you have a giant sloth, two siamese skinks, or just know way too much about unicorns, every animal friend is welcome on Comfort Creatures!

kids & family pets & animals

All Episodes

00:40:29

58: Animals in Poetry

Comfort Creatures ·

2023/09/14

We're tired of pretending most of our favorite poems don't include animals! The truth is Alexis and Ella love poetry! Particularly poems about animals (or animals as metaphor)! We've each found some of our favorite animal focused poems and had a wonderful time sharing and discussing! We also have some pet updates: Percy is HOT and Crumb gets closer to talking with every french fry! Plus, a fantastic Ready Pet Go from Amanda!

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01:06:53

57: Mya-Rose Craig AKA Bird Girl

Comfort Creatures ·

2023/09/07

This week we're joined by the Ornithologist, Bird Ringer and wildly successful Mya-Rose Craig aka BirdgirlUK. Mya-Rose was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bristol at just 17 for her work in conservation and has seen over half of the worlds birds. She has travelled widely, written books (PLURAL) and is a fountain of knowledge on all things winged and feathered. Tune in to hear Ella and Alexis chat big birds, brown birds, and fan girl a little bit!Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready,

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00:47:14

56: Animals and Love and Animals IN Love

Comfort Creatures ·

2023/08/31

Ella found the perfect wedding venue (complete with a CURSED lake!) and so begins the age old question: Should I bring goats to my wedding? This week Ella has found some fun ways that people have integrated animals into their wedding and some updates on all the fun animals she saw in Ireland. Alexis has found a variety of animals that mate for life and the different ways they form and keep their bonds within their fellow animal community. Plus, we have an absolutely delightful Ready Pet Go from

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01:03:34

55: Ally Burguieres and Opossums (itsmesesame)

Comfort Creatures ·

2023/08/24

Did you know that Possums only live in Australia? Opossums are naive to the Americas- Possums are actually a totally different animal. They'e an example of our favourite thing- CONVERGENT EVOLUTION BABY. Both animals are marsupials, however possums (the aussies) are more closely related to kangaroos. This week we are joined by Ally the Opossum expert, rehabilitator, and artist! We get some seriously cool- and seriously weird- Opossum trivia, learn all about her Opossum rescuing practice and discuss

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00:32:42

54: Wojtek the War Bear and Wish List Pets

Comfort Creatures ·

2023/08/17

Listen, we want to be very clear that we do not condone war NOR the use of animals in it! However, sometimes you remember that there was a bear named Wojtek in World War II who was an ACTUAL enlisted soldier and you have to tell the story. We also discuss the pets we WISH we could have if they were actual options. Would you have a pet beer drinking bear? We might! Plus, we have a fabulous Ready Pet Go from Emi and Piper! Also don't forget to listen to the BBC podcast Witch to hear the full story we

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01:21:13

53: Alice Hope and Science Stor

Comfort Creatures ·

2023/08/10

IT'S OFFICIAL! Comfort Creatures is a WHOLE YEAR old! Thank you to everyone for an incredible first year! To celebrate our podcast anniversary/birthday we are joined by the wonderful, Alice Hope. Alice may not have a pet of her own but she is well on her way to being the next David Attenborough! Alice is a Science Communicator and Storyteller and she has an incredible ability to take complicated science ideas and make them digestible and relatable for everyone. Plus, she is loaded with fascinating

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00:42:36

52: Clouded Leopards and Pet Pee Woes

Comfort Creatures ·

2023/08/03

Just when Ella thought it was safe, Percy is back in the kitchen and ruining baking dishes! Meanwhile, Cricket is working on his own pee issues and wearing his BIG BOY Belly bands! And while that might seem like a whole episode in itself, the fun continues and Alexis and Ella do a deep dive into Clouded Leopards. Did you know they are their own type of cat NOT just a type of Leopard?! Plus, we have some fun Leopard folklore and a great llama update from Ashley and an adorable Chinese Crested update

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00:38:40

51: Discomfort Creatures

Comfort Creatures ·

2023/07/27

NOT ALL CREATURES ARE COMFORTING. There. We said it. Ella's not a fan of pigeons and even Alexis, who is basically a cooler, edgier Snow White, has a few creepy crawlies/scary scuttlers that she's not a fan of. This week we discuss what it is that makes a creature not quite as comforting and try to overcome the ick. What creatures could you perhaps do without? Write in and let us know! Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and

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01:20:15

50: Gilli Nissim, Wilma, and Mango

Comfort Creatures ·

2023/07/20

This week Ella and Alexis are joined by the joy that is Gilli Nissim, writer, comedian and dog-mum to WILMA! One thing we know about CC guests- they're gonna name their pets well! We chat about Gilli's childhood dogs, the validation that comes from being the only one an animal likes and whether dogs really do help you on the pull (is that a very british phrase? What's the US equivalent?)Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review,

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00:52:28

49: Childhood Pets (Real and Imaginary)

Comfort Creatures ·

2023/07/13

Is a cockroach a pet? What if it hisses and you can enter it in a derby race for a child's birthday? What about a little octopus? Perhaps something bigger like a llama? This week, Alexis tells a few stories about just a few of her childhood pets. Plus, Ella has some childhood pet strories of her own, though they primarily lived inside her mind. Plus, we have a top notch Ready Pet Go from Connor and Jack and some important kitten updates!

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00:30:30

48: The Return of Scottish Wildcats

Comfort Creatures ·

2023/07/06

BREAKING NEWS: A top secret group of incredible animal advocates in full camouflage have snuck past the people of Scotland like James Bond and reintroduced some ADORABLE wildcats back into nature! Or that's the way we like to picture it, anyway. Ella gives us the full report this week! Plus, Crumb is having a rough week and Cricket is handling it the grossest way possible, We do a brief introduction to the most famous Mountain Lion in Hollywood, and we have a CAPTIVATING Ready Pet Go from Peter and

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01:13:30

47: Dr Bolu and Cat Tails

Comfort Creatures ·

2023/06/29

This week Ella and Alexis are joined by London based celebrity vet Dr Bolu Eso. Dr Bolu trained in Budapest, treated Jaguars in the jungle and loves bichon frise. He shares some insights into his day to day life as a vet, reveals what he wishes people knew about cats and deep dives into other big topics such as burn out and being a person of colour in the animal welfare world. We get serious and silly and we think you're going LOVE it- Dr B is a legend and we are big fans. Also he may have the best

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00:42:36

46: World's Ugliest Dogs and Talking Bats

Comfort Creatures ·

2023/06/22

We all know all dogs are gorgeous but did you know there's a holiday to celebrate some of the MOST uniquely gorgeous dogs in the world? Every year on June 23rd is Ugliest Dog Day based on the Ugliest Dog Contest that started in California in 1970s. This week, Alexis and Ella review an article that attempts to list the ugliest dog breeds and goes through some of the past conest winners of the festival. Plus, we have some Dr. Doolittle-esque talking bat science and a Ready Pet Go from Rowan and

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00:51:48

45: Mermaid Mythology and Dog People

Comfort Creatures ·

2023/06/15

This week, Ella and Alexis take a dive (get it?) into the folklore behind mermaids and dog-people. Of course, by dog-people we mean half-human-half-dogs like the Lupari in Doctor Who, not just people that LIKE dogs. Plus, Ella gives us an animal update on her trip to the Scottish Highlands and we have a modified Ready Pet Go from Erin about her London fox sightings!Also an update since recording: Alexis has learned that there ARE occasionally foxes in NYC!Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!)

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01:06:11

44: Hayley Marie Norman and Hot Cat Ladies

Comfort Creatures ·

2023/06/08

Ella and Alexis have learned the fastest way to make a friend is to ask about their pets, and the SECOND fastest way is to share a love for unusual dreams. Well, this week we got BOTH! Hayley Marie Norman is an actor, writer, podcast host, and most importantly fellow animal lover. We rant about the wrongful stereotypes of cat ladies, learn about rare goat-milk for jaguars, and of course learn all about Hayley's FOUR pets! When you're done listening, don't forget to check out Hayley's new podcast -

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00:45:27

43: Burying Your Old Gay Turtles

Comfort Creatures ·

2023/06/01

This week we're talking about TURTLES! Ella and Alexis couldn't open their phones without seeing a video of someone burying their pet turtle or pulling it out of the fridge, so they've gotten to the bottom of why someone might do such a thing! Of course, we had to find some fun turtle mythology to compliment the science as well. Plus, we learn about the oldest documented cat, Jonathan that STILL living old turtle, and have a wonderful Ready, Pet, Go from Jael!

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01:06:56

42: Ele Woods and Excellent Pet Names

Comfort Creatures ·

2023/05/25

Ele Woods is a comedian, actress, cat-mum, Great Dane Aunt and woodland nymph. We adore her! She chats to us today about mythological naming conventions, hybridising our animal selves and many many (tragic) mice! Plus, we have in-depth discussion on the French-ness of Basset Hounds and some next level pet names! Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Plus, follow us on social media: @Ccreaturespod on Twitter and

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00:55:56

41: Royal Pets and the Perks of Farts

Comfort Creatures ·

2023/05/18

Last week in London Bluebell and Beth officially became Queens of England- at least that's our version of events. In honour of the Jack Russell's coronation, we take a look at some hilarious and historic royal pets, from highly decorated horses to nameless but nonetheless loved chameleons. Plus a Ready Pet Go from Lydia, Padre and Snuggles!Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Plus, follow us on social media:

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00:58:49

40: Brea Grant, Mallory O'Meara, and Reading with Pets

Comfort Creatures ·

2023/05/11

Brea Grant and Mallory O'Meara, co-hosts of Reading Glasses, are our soul sisters in fantasy nerdom, pet-parenthood and all things slightly goth. They join us this week to discuss talking bears and the etymology of Hermione, as well as telling us all about their wonderful pets, Lucy, Helhammer Potato, Birthday Party, Sailor Ripley and Luna Fortune!

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00:46:35

39: Happy International Koala Day!

Comfort Creatures ·

2023/05/04

Happy belated international Koala day! We can, of course, assume you all had this momentous day marked in your calendars, took the day off work and school and had a barbie (BBQ) in honour of our Aussie friends... right? This week we get deep into marsupial pouches, discuss half a dozen opposable thumbs and explain why lady-Koalas are modern queer icons. There is *some* mention of sexy things this episode (all very high brow, we're basically national geographic) so listener discretion is advised. We

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