Howdy y’all and welcome to the EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast, produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School.

In Season 4, Episode 32, we are honored to be joined by wildlife biologist and research scientist Thomas Rainwater, whose lifelong passion for reptiles and amphibians has led to a remarkable career in environmental toxicology and wildlife conservation.

Thomas is currently based in Georgetown, South Carolina, where he works with the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center and Clemson University’s Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science. His career spans over 30 years, including time as a Wildlife Toxicologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Charleston, SC. He holds a B.S. in Biology from Furman University, an M.S. in Environmental Toxicology from Clemson University, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology from Texas Tech University. He also serves as Regional Co-chair for North America for the IUCN/SSC Crocodile Specialist Group, contributing to global efforts to conserve endangered crocodilians.

Thomas has conducted research in the U.S., Central America, Africa, and Asia, with a focus on the biology and conservation of crocodilians and turtles—particularly examining how pollution, habitat alteration, and over-exploitation affect these species. Since 2010, his long-term alligator study at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center has uncovered significant data on the diet, reproduction, survival, and behaviors of alligators living where freshwater meets marine environments. His work continues to shape our understanding of how environmental stressors impact apex predators and the ecosystems they inhabit.

Each week, the EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast brings you conversations with fascinating people who are making an impact—from wildlife experts and educators to conservationists and community leaders. Tune in and learn something new!

EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast – Season 4, Episode 31Guest: Jake Estrada

Howdy y’all and welcome to the EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast, produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School!

In this episode, we’re joined by Jake Estrada—a dynamic force in Florida’s creative scene and a champion for independent art and storytelling.

Born in Philadelphia, Jake’s early passion for art and performance was nurtured at The Lighthouse, a local center for youth arts and theater. After relocating to South Jersey following a family tragedy, he graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1996. In 2006, Jake moved to Central Florida, where he has since made a major impact on the local arts community.

Jake is the founder and publisher of Space Coast Comixx, a local magazine spotlighting independent creators. He has published over 70 underground comic books, including his debut series Bocas, which tells the story of a Puerto Rican vigilante. Beyond publishing, Jake is also a film director and actor, with his first role as the “Cereal Killer” in the local production Fatman TV.

Jake is also a life coach who believes in the power of storytelling. He often speaks to young people about his own life experiences, growing up in challenging neighborhoods and using art as a way forward. He strongly believes that creativity and expression can literally save lives.

He is also the mastermind behind several local conventions, including the Space Coast Comic Con, happening June 14–15, 2025, at the Wickham Park Community Center in Melbourne, Florida. This is one of the Space Coast’s biggest fan events, featuring comics, cosplay, film, and more.

Each week, the EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast brings you conversations with fascinating people who are making an impact—from wildlife experts and educators to conservationists and community leaders. Tune in and learn something new!

EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast – Season 4, Episode 30Guest: Pam Shaia

Howdy y’all! On this episode of the EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Pam Shaia—a passionate advocate for animals and community impact.

Pam is a retired VP/Director of Special Programs with a history of working with service organizations, and she hasn’t slowed down one bit. Today, she serves on the Space Coast K9 Foundation Board, helping support the incredible K9 units serving the Space Coast. She’s also a VP of Historic Cocoa Village Main Street and a representative for the City of Cocoa Board of Adjustments.

In 2016, Pam founded Tails at the Bakery, a pet boutique in Historic Cocoa Village that helped make the area the most pet-friendly destination in Brevard County. Known for its hand-crafted, patented dog treats, designer pet wear, and fan-favorite catnip, Tails donates approximately 50% of its monthly sales to no-kill rescues—supporting around 20 organizations annually. Pam and her “pawsome” team also host the popular Bark Brew Fest and sponsor many of the dog-friendly events in the area.

An AKC certified trainer and evaluator, Pam currently shares her life with three rescue shelties—Levi, Karina, and Noel (who was born deaf)—from Mid Florida Sheltie Rescue.

Pam is also helping EEARSS by Alligator Robb by organizing a special event:Feathers, Furs, and Scales

EEARSS by Alligator Robb PodcastSeason 4, Episode 29Produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School

Howdy y’all and welcome to Season 4, Episode 29 of the EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast, produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School!

This week, we’re excited to welcome Romeo Crouch—a hometown hero, professional basketball player, and youth mentor. Romeo takes us through his journey from Titusville High School to collegiate basketball at Presbyterian College and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he became the program’s first NCAA Division II All-American and led the Eagles to the Sweet Sixteen in 2022 .

After college, Romeo played professionally overseas, including stints with Oviedo Baloncesto in Spain and BC Prievidza in Slovakia . Now back in Florida, he serves as a Graduate Assistant Coach at Embry-Riddle and continues to inspire the next generation through his REC (Raising Everyone’s Confidence) Basketball Camp, with the third annual event coming to Titusville this summer .

Join us as we dive into Romeo’s inspiring story of perseverance, leadership, and giving back to the community.

Each week, our listener base keeps growing—thank you for tuning in and sharing the love! We’re always looking for sponsors to support our mission of education, awareness, and fun, so if that sounds like your kind of partnership, reach out and let’s chat.

Howdy y’all and welcome to Season 4, Episode 28 of the EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast, produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School!

This week, we’re honored to feature Dr. Trevor Zachariah, Director of Veterinary Programs at Brevard Zoo. Dr. Zachariah has been a cornerstone of the zoo’s veterinary care since 2010, overseeing the health and wellbeing of over 700 animals spanning nearly 200 species. His leadership extends to the Harris Animal Care Center, the Sea Turtle Healing Center, and the zoo’s animal commissary .

Dr. Zachariah’s educational journey began in Coldwater, Michigan. He earned both his Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from Michigan State University. Furthering his expertise, he completed an internship in exotic pet and wildlife medicine and obtained a Master of Science in Veterinary Clinical Sciences from Louisiana State University. His residency in Zoological and Aquatic Animal Medicine was conducted through the University of Illinois, with training at the Brookfield Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Shedd Aquarium. He is board-certified as a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine .

Under Dr. Zachariah’s guidance, Brevard Zoo has advanced its veterinary programs, emphasizing animal wellness, enrichment, and conservation. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the development of the Scaife Family Sea Turtle Care Complex, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles .

Each week, our listener base keeps growing—thank you for tuning in and sharing the love! We’re always looking for sponsors to support our mission of education, awareness, and fun, so if that sounds like your kind of partnership, reach out and let’s chat.

EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast – Season 4, Episode 27 – Dr. Rachel Turner

Howdy y’all and welcome to Season 4, Episode 27 of the EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast, produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School! This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Rachel Turner, staff veterinarian at Brevard Zoo.

Dr. Turner brings a wealth of experience in exotic and zoological medicine. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from North Carolina State University, followed by a veterinary degree from the same institution. Her postgraduate training includes a small animal rotating internship at the University of Pennsylvania, an exotics specialty internship at Tufts University, and a residency in Zoological Medicine at the University of Florida. Prior to joining Brevard Zoo, she served as Associate Veterinarian at the Birmingham Zoo in Alabama.

At Brevard Zoo, Dr. Turner plays a pivotal role in the care of a diverse range of species, from sea turtles and Florida grasshopper sparrows to Perdido Key beach mice. She is particularly passionate about the zoo’s animal training and wellbeing programs, emphasizing voluntary medical care through positive reinforcement.

Each week, our listener base keeps growing—thank you for tuning in and sharing the love! We’re always looking for sponsors to support our mission of education, awareness, and fun, so if that sounds like your kind of partnership, reach out and let’s chat.

Howdy y’all and welcome to Season 4, Episode 26 of the EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast, produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School! This week’s guest is the incredibly insightful Dr. Norman Beatty.

Did you know Florida leads the country in leprosy cases—and that the majority of those are coming from Merritt Island? Ever heard of Chagas disease? Curious about the real dangers and science behind snakebite?

Dr. Beatty joins us to explore all of this and more. He is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Florida College of Medicine and works through the Emerging Pathogens Institute. His research focuses on neglected tropical diseases, including Chagas disease, leprosy, and snakebite.

Dr. Beatty grew up right here in Florida and had a firsthand experience with the dangers of snakebite when his brother was bitten by a pygmy rattlesnake—an encounter that nearly led to the amputation of his thumb without quick antivenom intervention. Trained at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Dr. Beatty worked alongside experts in toxicology and envenomation before bringing his expertise back home. At UF, he’s now leading the charge in educating people about venomous snakes, their vital role in Florida’s ecosystems, and how we should medically manage a bite when it happens.

Each week, our listener base keeps growing—thank you for tuning in and sharing the love! We’re always looking for sponsors to support our mission of education, awareness, and fun, so if that sounds like your kind of partnership, reach out and let’s chat.

EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast Season 4, Episode 25 Bill Kurtis

Howdy y’all and welcome to the EEARSS by Alligator Robb Podcast, produced by Terrier TV at Titusville High School. On this episode, Bill, Cindy, and Frank are joined by a special guest host, Dr. Rachel Turner. Together, they interview and discuss the life and journey of a legend in broadcast journalism and narration, Bill Kurtis.

Bill Kurtis is a renowned American journalist, producer, and narrator whose voice has become synonymous with justice and storytelling. He began his career in radio before transitioning to television, where he worked for CBS, WGN, and many other major news outlets. Early in his career, he also worked as a weather anchor. He eventually became known nationwide for his work as a reporter, anchor, and later, as the voice of investigative programs such as Cold Case Files, American Justice, and Investigative Reports.

Bill also owns Kurtis Productions, his own production company, where he continues to create impactful media. His distinctive voice and commitment to truth-telling have made him a respected figure in American media. Bill also discussed his time in college as a law student and how those experiences shaped his life and journalism career. His legal studies and degree provided him with a unique perspective on justice and storytelling, both of which influenced his later work in investigative journalism and narrative-driven programming.

The conversation touches on Bill’s early days in broadcasting, the evolution of journalism, his experiences covering major stories, and the lasting impact of media in shaping public understanding. With warmth, humor, and insight, Bill shares stories and reflections from a legendary career.