01:48 – Robo Brogan kicks off the podcast, they talk about GCP staying remote for now, and give props to Union Club. Justin talks about AOL chat rooms back in the day, the variety of available chat rooms, and their discord rules. He talks about the different Discord channels GCP has, the special Patrons channel, and when the next Unleashed at the Stadium Bowl is happening. He shares information about the Help Save The Peace Bus GoFundMe, the great things Kwabi had done for the community, and they discuss plans for future guests.

19:40 – Justin talks of plans for enjoying food from Southern Kitchen in Tacoma, they make plans to have another podcast with Billy, and Justin talks about using CBD for his back pain. Scott talks about the rules of working in an open office, Justin expresses his want to work from home, and his ability to listen to two different things at once. Justin talks about how his wife has helped him understand how he interacts with humans, his membership to Urban Float, and the benefits of doing the sauna before the float.

36:15 – Scott talks about owning a float center, they talk about the mugs each bought to support Cosmic Bottles, and they jump into Scott Topics. They talk about the first pig-to-human heart transplant that has been done, the controversy over the person that the scientists chose for the transplant, and discuss if they would prefer that over a mechanical heart. They talk about the first time drones were used in the military, the recent sunny day in Tacoma, and Justin talks about his recent hike.

58:18 – Justin talks about seeing Fort Nisqually at Point Defiance, Scott encourages him to volunteer there, and they talk about the history of Never Never Land at Point Defiance back in the day. They look through old pictures of Never Never Land, Justin talks about the amount of money that was spent when items from there were auctioned off, and new t-shirts they have for the Patrons.

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• Fundraiser by Sophia Baye : Help Save The Peace Bus — The engine of The Peace Bus took a turn for the worst today. Sadly, it seems the engine is beyond repair.
• Southern Kitchen — Hello Southern Kitchen Family! We hope you are all doing well. We are now open at full capacity.
• BJolly Lotion — At BJolly Lotion we make custom CBD ointment for help with aches and pains to get people feeling jolly. I
• First pig-to-human heart transplant: what can scientists learn? — Researchers hope that a person who has so far lived for a week with a genetically modified pig heart will provide a trove of data on the possibilities of xenotransplantation.

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

Support The Grit City Podcast