03:18 – Jeff talks about the otter attack in Bremerton, the gang of otters running around in New York, and they discuss their odds against otters on land. Jeff turns it over to Suzanne Akerman recording from Drinking for Conservation, Suzanne talks about the history behind Drinking for Conservation, and Lindsey from Washington Wild shares the type of conservation work they do.

17:15 – Suzanne explains the history behind the giant white bucket they bring along to the events to give people other ways to donate, encountering people who are new to Drinking for Conservation, and attendees share what brought them to the event. She gives info on what people can find in the take-home selection at Peaks and Pints, and encourages people to follow Drinking for Conservation for future events.

30:12 – Jeff talks about his amazing experience at Tibbitts@FernHill, the reservation process, and the plates he enjoyed with the five-course meal. He shares the prices, ability to bring your own drinks, and his recent visit to his favorite local dispensary. Scott discusses the benefits of using the Petals app and dorks out on other things he likes to track.

50:19 – Jeff talks about ordering the coloring books, Scott discusses the benefits of coloring, and plans for how listeners can buy one. He talks about the alcohol loopholes Mormon wives have found, how people with passports don’t have to get the Real ID, and Jeff shares why people worldwide may not stamp your passport.

Special Guest: Suzanne Akerman.

Sponsored By:

• Cosmic Bottles: Tap into the universe of craft beer! CRAFT BEER FOR YOU! Tired of the same old grocery store beer selection? Looking for a beer selection that caters to your taste? At Cosmic Bottles the choice is always yours. Every day: 11am - 10pm 27116 167th Place SE Suite 108 Covington, WA 98042
• Die Cut Stickers: Use the code GRITCITY15 at checkout and get 15% off your entire order! · Insanely custom stickers crafted to survive the PNW and beyond! Promo Code: GRITCITY15
• The Union Club: The Union Club is a coworking space contributing to Tacoma's growing artistic and entrepreneurial communities. It combines a maker studio, event hall, and office coworking space, in a 15,000 square foot historic building in downtown Tacoma, Washington.

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Links:

• Otter attacks child at Bremerton Marina — A child walking on a dock at the Bremerton Marina was attacked and pulled under the water by a river otter Thursday morning, then pulled from the water by their mother, who was also bitten on the arm by the otter, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• New York Post | Jogger left bloodied, unable to stand after getting mauled by gang of otters | Instagram
• The Grit City Podcast - Suzanne Akerman — Suzanne Akerman spends her days sharing her passion for animals with visitors at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium where she works as a staff biologist for the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater.
• Drinking for Conservation | Facebook
• Peaks and Pints Proctor Tacoma | Tacoma craft beer bar, bottle shop and restaurant — We’re a craft beer taproom where brew nerds can wave their geek flags.
• A Community for Naturalists · iNaturalist — Explore and share your observations from the natural world.
• People stunned after learning what Mormons still do despite not drinking alcohol as new Mormon Wives show exposes reality — People stunned after learning what Mormons still do despite not drinking alcohol as new Mormon Wives show exposes reality
• The Grit City Podcast - GCP Coloring Book!
• TibbittsFernhill

00:00 – GCP welcomes this episode by discussing gaming, recent bear sightings in the area, and other wild animals the crew has seen. Derek talks about running into wild bison, Justin reflects on getting into a drunken argument with raccoons, and Scott talks about having a pet scorpion. He talks about watching free-range bulls fight, and they ponder when Tacoma’s cocaine bear will appear.

17:33 – Erik shares an exciting encounter, running into a black bear cub in his neighborhood. Jeff adds to the thrill with a story of a deer recently visiting his neighborhood, and Justin's exclamation of his love for sausage adds a humorous touch. Derek takes a moment to appreciate the live listeners, and they all eagerly discuss the upcoming screening of 'Say Anything' with John Cusack, diving into the details of where the movie was filmed.

34:21 – Justin shares other movies that were filled in Tacoma, how people can get more information about the event, and Justin talks about screenings he’s sat in on with directors. Justin talks about their upcoming recordings at the Union Club, who they’re going to be hanging with, and his recent deck renovation.

52:24 – The crew wraps up the episode with a sense of anticipation, discussing strategies for claiming yard dominance, Erik's potential strength to carry each of them, and his enlightening explanation of Bike Polo. They share their excitement for 2nd Cycle's plans to make it a monthly event, and Justin's discovery of Sig Brewing's collaboration with Bob’s Java Jive adds to the buzz. The crew eagerly makes plans to visit Java Jive, discussing their mode of transportation with enthusiasm.

Sponsored By:

• Grim Workshop: Grim Workshop specializes in the making and using of ultralight, reusable, and wearable everyday carry tools. Perfect for a standalone ultralight survival kit that you can keep on hand at all times or as an addition to an existing survival kit to remove unwanted weight. A Family Owned and Operated Company Grim Workshop is proudly family owned and operated deep in the heart of Texas
• Die Cut Stickers: Use the code GRITCITY15 at checkout and get 15% off your entire order! · Insanely custom stickers crafted to survive the PNW and beyond! Promo Code: GRITCITY15

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Links:

• An Evening with John Cusack & Screening of "Say Anything" | Tacoma City Theaters
• Say Anything - The Ultimate Filming Locations - YouTube
• 8 Iconic Movies Filmed in Tacoma - Tacoma Clever Neighbor
• Clever Neighbor
• The Witch (2015) - IMDb — A family in 1630s New England is torn apart by the forces of witchcraft, black magic and possession.
• Pedal into Spring: Exciting Bike Month Events at 2nd Cycle! — Curious about bike polo? Here's your chance to give it a spin!

00:54 – Justin talks about new content, what this unique episode brings, and the supermassive low tide at a negative three. He talks about what you can find with low tide, Erik talks to Derek, the founder of the Tacoma Run Club, and shares his appreciation of the club. Derek talks about choking out a dog, what the goal of the race is, and Christopher talks about the history behind Destiny Dozen.

18:21 – Christopher talks about their Build A Bike program, the community service Secondcycle offers for the youth, and Justin drops into the best of episode. Luan introduces herself, and Justin gives props to the Union Club for GCP’s ability to record in person. They talk about their last recording at the Union Club, Luan explains her love of sea slugs, and how she gets her great shots of them.

33:28 - Luan talks about the specialness of the Tacoma Marina, the different types of sea slugs there, and shares when the best time to go see them is. Justin talks about the movie My Octopus Teacher, Luan talks about the places she was surprised to see the sea slugs, the stationary creatures at the places she visits, and the terrible things sea slugs can do to each other.

43:22 - Luan talks about what got her interested in marine life when she moved to Seattle, her first discovery of the tide pool, and things that have helped her foster her hobby. She talks about how she has made connections in the community, the actual size of the creatures, and the types of defense measures the nudibranchs have. She talks about the marine-themed tattoo she is getting, Justin asks a Coaster Question, and shares how Coaster Questions got started.

Special Guest: Luan Roberts.

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Links:

• Tacoma Runners | Facebook — The Tacoma Runners share a common interest in running and Tacoma. Conversations at: https://www.face
• Tacoma Run Club | Facebook
• Destiny Dozen | secondcycle — This is a fundraiser for Second Cycle. A tour of 13 of Tacoma's steepest hills. The course is roughly 40 miles long with over 3000 ft of climbing.
• Community Bike Shop | Second Cycle | Tacoma
• The Grit City Podcast: Exploring the Puget Sound Marine Life with Luan Roberts

01:44 – Brogan gives the team a review of how his day has been so far, they share type of alcohol they’re enjoying, and Brogan gives an update on when Cosmic Bottles is opening. Suzanne share’s how she’s feeling, things she’s been doing at the Point Defiance Zoo, and how the zoo has been shifting during Covid. She shares cool tarantula facts, the wide range of critters she gets to work with, and the new avenues the zoo has opened up during this crazy time.

21:12 – Jeff throws his otter question to Suzanne, he reminds listeners that otters do have a great PR team but they are monsters, and Suzanne talks about plans to send Jeff a special shout out from the Sea Otters. She talks about the upcoming event with Drinking for Conservation, they talk about the various Zoom meetings they’re all attending, and Suzanne explains what the Grit City Carnivore Project is.

39:11 – Brogan shares that his dog howls when he plays the harmonica, Suzanne expands on what that phenomenon is, and Justin encourages Brogan to share that on TikTok. Brogan gives props to the GIFs on Discord, Justin poses the question on if the zoo has a hippo, and Suzanne shares that the zoo in Seattle has one. Brogan suggests that they host a live Drinking for Conservation when Cosmic Bottles opens, Justin talks about Pierce County Restaurant Rally, and Scott asks Suzanne what animals she loves to see and work with at the zoo.

58:48 – Suzanne agrees to go out with GCP on their Big Foot Hunt, Justin shares his excitement on who their upcoming guest is going to be, and they share their favorite Clownvis songs. Scott talks about their new shirts that are available to their Patreon listeners, gives a shout out to their latest Patriot, and Suzanne talks about the methods used to train a tortoise to do tricks. Suzanne lets the group know how kids that are interested in being a zookeeper can start getting involved in it now, how adorable tiny pigmy rabbits are, and Justin encourages listeners to join their Patreon team!

Thanks Suzanne for catching up and letting us know what’s been going on at Point Defiance Zoo!

Special Guest: Suzanne Akerman.

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• Cougar Mountain Zoo
• Prom for Penguins!!! — Free for people to drop in and share some ways to raise money for penguins!
• Grit City Carnivore Project — Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is partnering with the Schell Lab at the University of Washington, Tacoma and Northwest Trek on a community science project – reporting sightings of carnivores like coyotes and raccoons in the greater Tacoma area.
• Pierce County Restaurant Rally
• Pygmy Rabbit - Conservation Northwest — Washington’s pygmy rabbits are small, few and far between. We’re working to conserve and improve their habitat.

01:23 – Suzanne explains what Point Defiance AAZK is, the types of volunteer opportunities at AAZK, and Justin and Scott comment on going to the Red Wolves Drinking For Conservation event. Justin thanks GCP listeners, shares where people can find them online, and GCP’s plan to bring back Boot To Boot. Suzanne talks about the upcoming event March for Penguins, Scott gives props to the Red Wolf breeding facility in Washington, and Justin asks Suzanne about the pregnant muskox at the zoo.

15:40 – Suzanne talks about the planning that goes on around breeding at the zoo, the zoo’s upcoming St. Patrick’s Day themed events, and Justin gives a shout out to GCP’s photographer Mandy. Scott gives a shout out to Wing Man, they talk on their go to Karaoke songs, and Justin shares when he fell offstage while doing Karaoke. Suzanne tells the guys about the new zoo show that’s starting on Mothers Day, Scott recommends reading the Willow books, and Justin talks on the GCP movie review episodes.

30:15 – Suzanne shares how people can volunteer at Point Defiance, talks on the benefits for the youth that sign up for the Youth volunteer program, and the benefits they have discovered with the youth program. Suzanne talks about Point Defiance’s tarantula Caroline, Justin shares the story of when his mom had a tarantula, and kicks off Coaster Questions. Suzanne answers what her scariest moment with an animal has been, and the intimidation behind dumping a bucket of gran to the animals at Northwest Trek early in her career.

48:35 – Suzanne talks about her favorite animal, what training a tortoise entails, and Justin and Scott give their called shots. Justin gives a shout out to Alexis at Sublime Therapeutic Massage, Scott gives props to the Hoover Ville bar in Seattle, and Suzanne recommends Edgeworks Climbing Gym in Tacoma. She gives props to the Grand Cinema, talks on her appreciation for Grand Cinema’s dedication to sustainability, and when the March for Penguins is happening.

Thanks Suzanne for another great conversation on the haps at Point Defiance Zoo!

Special Guest: Suzanne Akerman.

Sponsored By:

• Die Cut Stickers: Use the code GRITCITY15 at checkout and get 15% off your entire order! · Insanely custom stickers crafted to survive the PNW and beyond! Promo Code: GRITCITY15

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• March for Penguins! — This month's DFC event will be a blast!
• Charlotte The Muskox Is Pregnant
• Sublime Therapeutic Massage — If you’re looking for professional massage therapy for pain and injury treatment, or just to relax, you’ve come to the right place.
• Grand Cinema - Independent, International, and Local Films — The South Sound's nonprofit home for independent film
• Edgeworks Climbing, Tacoma's Climbing Gym — #1 choice for indoor rock climbing in the South Sound.

The show kicks off with conversation on how Suzanne and Justin met through karaoke in an apartment complex where they section off studio rooms to use for private karaoke rooms. Susanne then dives into her career as a Staff Biologist at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium and how she got started with them as a volunteer in 2002. She talks about doing stage shows at the zoo and what made her decide to study zoology.

15:49 – Suzanne talks about exotic animal trade, the zoo recommending that people don’t buy exotic animals, and how breeders of cats and dogs at times make people write essays before they allow them to buy their new pet. She verifies that ligers are real animals and the genetic problems that come up with breeding them. She mentions that good organizations and zoos don’t promote ligers because they want to focus their efforts on breeding animals that need to be reproduced.

26:35 – Suzanne covers the American Association of Zoo Keepers and the Point Defiance AAZK chapter that holds monthly Drinking for Conservation events. She explains that all of the funds raised at each event are donated to the organization that supports the endangered species they are highlighting that month. She explains where people that would like to attend can find them on Facebook. Talk then turns to otters and how their cute, cuddly, playful, act is just a just a front.

44:24 – Suzanne tells the guys about Northwest Trek, her internship there and her 7 hour interview that got her the internship on the spot. She covers Point Defiance building their new aquarium that will open at the end of the summer and people being able to attend the zoo during their renovation. They also cover the opening of Wild Wonders at the zoo, opened May 12th runs all summer long.

The show comes to an end with discussion over Sasquatch and invasive species in Florida including snakes, monkeys, and gutter gators. Thanks Suzanne for joining the guys for an insightful look at what it’s like to be a staff biologist!!

Special Guest: Suzanne Akerman.

Sponsored By:

• Wizard's Keep Games: Building Community Through The Power Of Games. Stop by and check out the weekly events. Commander, D&D, Friday Night Magic, It all happens at Wizard's Keep Games in Renton. 17148 116th Ave SE Renton WA, 98058
• The Lindsay Jackman Group: We understand that buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction: it’s a life-changing experience. That’s why our team of highly-seasoned real estate professionals are dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service for all of our clients. We take great pride in the relationships we build and always work relentlessly on the client’s behalf to help them achieve their real estate goals. Lindsay Jackman, Broker 253.857.3366 RE/MAX EXCLUSIVE 7201 Pioneer Way Ste A 101, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

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