Rooted in Curiosity
While being interviewed about his work in wildlife education and animal care, Rick was asked, "When did you first know you wanted to work with animals?"
His reply was unexpected, "When did you first know you wanted to breathe?" Rick went on, "By that, I mean, when we are born, we start to breathe. We didn't decide to. It was just natural. I do not ever recall a time I have not been curious about animals and nature. I have always wanted to learn about and be around them."
Current Works of Passion
Animals, Nature, and You TM
Podcast
For over 30 years, Rick has worked with animals and people from all over the world. No matter where he is or who he's with, Rick has observed first-hand how we all have an innate desire to be connected to the natural world.
As a devoted and award-wining podcast writer and co-host, launching an independent podcast in 2026 was the obvious thing to do.
Letting curiosity and passion for the natural world take the lead, Rick continues to find ways to learn more from each guest on the podcast. Listeners are invited to be part of the journey in learning more about the natural world and how we can all stay connected with animals and nature.
“Animals, Nature, and You” launched in January 2026 with weekly episodes available every Thursday.
Available on all podcast players.
Speaking Engaments
Keynotes & Presentations
In addition to multiple appearances on national television, Rick has also delivered keynote addresses and live presentations.
Rick's easy ability to connect with an audience by meeting them where they are, has been compared to the smoothness of well folded cheese in a homemade oven-baked, macaroni and cheese casserole.
"Like any homemade comfort food, the recipe is important. But it’s the feeling of familiarity that matters, and that comes with proper preparation," Rick says about keynote speaking. "Taking the time to understand, connect, and create actionable outcomes before I even get on stage; that creates a sense of familiarity and comfort within the audience. From there anything is possible."
Contact Rick below for availability.
Books
Coming soon
Rick has spent his life working with animals and humans. "Although all of the life lessons, connections and experiences have been incredible, I think I have learned more about being human from animals," he said.
When asked about writing his first book, Rick said, “There is so much I want to share with upcoming generations; be it an understanding of animals or the life lessons the animals have shared with me. With understanding, we gain wider perspective, and we start to see the world differently. We start to see our connections, and we start to care more.”
In "The Secret Language of Animals", readers will travel from the lush green forests of North America to the stunning deserts of Africa, discovering the incredible ways animals communicate, survive, and thrive. Packed with fascinating facts and surprising animal behaviors, this book will encourage young minds to discover the wonders of the natural world—and care for it, too.
With fun, engaging text, and a standout mix of illustration and photography, "The Secret Language of Animals" is the perfect gift for science loving readers ages 8 to 108.
Publication dates to be announced soon – come back for updates!
