Here's to New Beginnings

It is not often that we are presented with the opportunity to do our own thing, our own way.

For those who do have this opportunity, it can be something they strategically plan with meticulous details and scheduling. Or perhaps they have the entrepreneurial spirit, taking a risk, a leap of faith perhaps, and starting their own thing.

I am neither strategic nor am I entrepreneurial. I am however curious and dyslexic. I am fascinated by our natural world. I am more than happy to talk to anyone about animal facts, biology and earth science. I have always worked for a company of some sort, mostly nonprofit organizations, and never had to think about all that comes with running your own business.

That changed in September of 2025. Abruptly laid-off, I found myself unemployed for the first time in 32 years. I'll save you the details, but after submitting resumes here and there, it became apparent that at my age there may be wisdom, but not much of a chance at getting hired. (In all fairness and transparency, I have been offered work that, unfortunately, would require me to move out of San Diego, and I cannot do that just yet.)

In the months that followed, thanks to chance encounters, I was reminded over and over that I am (and always have been) passionate about connecting people and animals. I get excited when I see people curious about wildlife or nature and have loved being an educator in that space. That is something I learned about myself in college and have steered my career in that direction ever since; and what a ride it has been! And here's the thing, I am not about to stop now. I am who I am and the ride is not over.

So here's to new beginnings. Here's to being drop-kicked into the world of doing my own thing.

Today marks the launch of my new independent podcast, "Animals, Nature and You" and this website. It marks the culmination of everything I have learned from all of the people and animals I have ever worked with.

Updates will be coming here and there. You can keep up with me on social media, (clickable icons available on this website) or simply search for @ZoologyRick on most social media platforms.