Howdy, and welcome to the EEARSS Podcast produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School! In this episode, we are joined by Rob Carmichael, the founder of the Wildlife Discovery Center (WDC). Originally established in Chicago in 1990, the WDC has recently moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where Rob continues his work as an environmental educator after retiring from the city in 2023.

Rob’s career spans over 30 years, where he has worked with 12 species of crocodilians, including his involvement in the critically endangered Orinoco Crocodile head start program. Rob’s impressive resume includes his roles in the IUCN’s Crocodile Specialist Group and the AZA’s Crocodile Advisory Group. Throughout his journey, Rob has consulted with zoos, trained professional staff, and successfully bred rare North American herp species at his facility.

In addition to his work with wildlife, Rob collaborates with media outlets like National Geographic and Smithsonian Channel, serving as a field producer alongside Emmy-winning cinematographer Neil Rettig. Rob has contributed to more than 30 films and has even taught college-level environmental biology and herpetology over the last 15 years.

At home, Rob and his wife, Dr. Toni Carmichael, live with 75 reptiles, two owls, two sloths, a Rottweiler, and a cat. They run the WDC as a family affair, involving their daughters, grandkids, and Toni, who serves as the WDC’s Curriculum Director.

As a former professional baseball player and with his son-in-law now pitching for the Cincinnati Reds, Rob has led an extraordinary life dedicated to wildlife conservation and education. Above all, he credits Christ for the blessings and opportunities he has been given.

Join us in this episode for an incredible conversation about conservation, crocodilians, and Rob’s inspiring life journey. Thank you for tuning into the EEARSS Podcast, available on all platforms by searching EEARSS. Please like, subscribe, and leave us feedback. We’re also actively seeking sponsorship opportunities to support our weekly episodes, which reach 3,500 to 5,500 listeners on average weekly and growing.