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Wonder with the Witte

Wonder with the Witte

By Witte Museum

When was the last time you really wondered about something? Like where did the dinosaurs go? Or which chili is the grandfather of all peppers? Or who holds the keys to the Alamo?

The Witte inspires people to shape the future of Texas through transformative and relevant experiences in Nature, Science and Culture. Now, we're bringing you a podcast that bridges the natural world and the people who not only shape it, but are shaped by it, where you can explore these topics and many more.

Wonder awaits you at the Witte.
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Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family ~ What is a Tyrannosaur? ~ Ask a Paleontologist

Wonder with the WitteMay 19, 2023

00:00
22:30
Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family ~ What is a Tyrannosaur? ~ Ask a Paleontologist

Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family ~ What is a Tyrannosaur? ~ Ask a Paleontologist

Did you know there are over 30 species of tyrannosaurs? In preparation for the summer blockbuster special exhibition, Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family, Abbey and Daemon bring back paleontologist Dr. Thomas Adams, Chief Curator and Vice President of Research at the Witte Museum. The three discuss what makes a tyrannosaur a tyrannosaur, how these creatures may have communicated, where tyrannosaurs have been found (including Texas) and why this exhibition is so unique.

To learn more information about the sources and references for today’s episode, visit:

Australian Museum, Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family traveling exhibition:
https://www.wittemuseum.org/exhibitions/tyrannosaurs-meet-the-family/ Noto CR, D’Amore DC, Drumheller SK, Adams TL. 2022. A newly recognized theropod assemblage from the Lewisville Formation (Woodbine Group; Cenomanian) and its implications for understanding Late Cretaceous Appalachian terrestrial ecosystems. PeerJ 10:e12782 DOI 10.7717/peerj.12782

Hosted by the Witte Museum’s Abigail Jacks, Environmental Science Education Manager, and Daemon Piña, Health and Wellness Education Manager. Produced by Alyssa Sailor-Tynes, Digital Marketing Manager.

A companion to the Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family exhibition, at the Witte for a limited time. This exhibition is created by the Australian Museum and toured internationally by Evergreen Exhibitions. Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family at the Witte Museum is generously supported by The Alamo, Valero Energy Corporation and the Mary Pat and Michael Bolner Exhibit Endowment Fund.

For more information and to experience Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family at the Witte, visit https://bit.ly/3Muwa5k.

May 19, 202322:30
Antarctic Dinosaurs ~ Research from a Polar Perspective ~ Interview with Dr. Peter Flaig

Antarctic Dinosaurs ~ Research from a Polar Perspective ~ Interview with Dr. Peter Flaig

What is it like to conduct research in Antarctica? How many types of scientists does it take to put together an exhibition like Antarctic Dinosaurs? This week, Abbey interviews research scientist Dr. Peter Flaig, who is a Sedimentologist-Stratigrapher at the Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to defining sedimentology and stratigraphy, Dr. Flaig provides insight into the daily workings of the Beardmore Base Camp, how specimens travel from Antarctica to the lab and the necessity of multi-disciplinary work in cutting-edge science.

To learn more information about the sources and references for today’s episode, visit:

Bureau of Economic Geology, University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Peter Flaig:
https://www.beg.utexas.edu/people/peter-flaig Field Museum, Antarctic Dinosaurs traveling exhibition: https://www.wittemuseum.org/exhibitions/antarctic-dinosaurs/

Hosted by the Witte Museum’s Abigail Jacks, Environmental Science Education Manager, and Daemon Piña, Health and Wellness Education Manager. Produced by Alyssa Sailor-Tynes, Digital Marketing Manager.

A companion to the Antarctic Dinosaurs exhibition, at the Witte for a limited time. This exhibition is developed and traveled by the Field Museum, Chicago in partnership with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Discovery Place – Charlotte, NC and the Natural History Museum of Utah. Generous support was provided by the Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund. Antarctic Dinosaurs at the Witte Museum is generously supported by HOLT Cat and the Mary Pat and Michael Bolner Exhibition Endowment Fund.

For more information and to experience Antarctic Dinosaurs at the Witte, visit https://bit.ly/3O2hxXQ.

May 12, 202326:33
San Antonio History ~ Uncovering Fiesta’s Origins ~ Discussions with Dr. Michaele Haynes
Apr 25, 202332:10
Antarctic Dinosaurs ~ Ancient Amphibians ~ Crocodiles and Salamanders

Antarctic Dinosaurs ~ Ancient Amphibians ~ Crocodiles and Salamanders

Have you ever wondered what other species lived alongside dinosaurs? Travel back to the Triassic period and discover the Antarctosuchus and Kryostega. Abbey and Daemon detail the difference between amphibians and reptiles and connect ancient species to what you might see today. Plus, they highlight some of the largest and most unique modern-day amphibians, including the Lesser Siren that lives right here in the SWBC Live Lab at the Witte Museum.

To learn more information about the sources and references for today’s episode, visit:

Field Museum, Antarctic Dinosaurs traveling exhibition:
https://www.wittemuseum.org/exhibitions/antarctic-dinosaurs/ Scientific Blogging, Kryostega Collinsoni – salamander ancestor had huge teeth up top: https://www.science20.com/news_releases/kryostega_collinsoni_salamander_ancestor_had_huge_teeth_up_top Sidor, Christian & Steyer, J. Sébastien & Hammer, William. (2014). A New Capitosauroid Temnospondyl from the Middle Triassic Upper Fremouw Formation of Antarctica. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 34. 10.1080/02724634.2013.808205: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262579916_A_New_Capitosauroid_Temnospondyl_from_the_Middle_Triassic_Upper_Fremouw_Formation_of_Antarctica Sidor, Christian & Damiani, Ross & Hammer, William. (2009). A New Triassic Temnospondyl from Antarctica and a Review of Fremouw Formation Biostratigraphy. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 28. 656-663. 10.1671/0272-4634(2008)28[656:ANTTFA]2.0.CO;2: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232688617_A_New_Triassic_Temnospondyl_from_Antarctica_and_a_Review_of_Fremouw_Formation_Biostratigraphy

Hosted by the Witte Museum’s Abigail Jacks, Environmental Science Education Manager, and Daemon Piña, Health and Wellness Education Manager. Produced by Alyssa Sailor-Tynes, Digital Marketing Manager.

A companion to the Antarctic Dinosaurs exhibition, at the Witte for a limited time. This exhibition is developed and traveled by the Field Museum, Chicago in partnership with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Discovery Place – Charlotte, NC, and the Natural History Museum of Utah. Generous support was provided by the Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund. Antarctic Dinosaurs at the Witte Museum is generously supported by HOLT Cat and Mary Pat and Mike Bolner.

For more information and to experience Antarctic Dinosaurs at the Witte, visit https://bit.ly/3m9g86k.

Apr 10, 202323:27
Antarctic Dinosaurs ~ What is Paleontology? ~ Meet Dr. Thomas Adams
Mar 24, 202319:48
Antarctic Dinosaurs ~ Snow-Covered SauroPODomorphs ~ Recent Discoveries

Antarctic Dinosaurs ~ Snow-Covered SauroPODomorphs ~ Recent Discoveries

What kinds of dinosaurs lived in Jurassic Antarctica, and how are they classified? As Abbey and Daemon continue their trek through the polar south, they encounter sauropodomorphs. Also known as “Jolly Rogers,” these frozen finds highlight just how much there is to learn about this ancient dinosaur paradise.

To learn more information about the sources and references for today’s episode, visit:

Britannica, Sauropod: https://www.britannica.com/animal/sauropod Field Museum, Antarctic Dinosaurstraveling exhibition:
https://www.wittemuseum.org/exhibitions/antarctic-dinosaurs/ Smith, Nathan & Pol, Diego. (2007). Anatomy of a basal sauropodomorph dinosaur from the Early Jurassic Hanson Formation of Antarctica. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. 52. 657-674: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/40663220_Anatomy_of_a_basal_sauropodomorph_dinosaur_from_the_Early_Jurassic_Hanson_Formation_of_Antarctica Wikipedia, Sauropoda: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sauropoda

Hosted by the Witte Museum’s Abigail Jacks, Environmental Science Education Manager, and Daemon Piña, Health and Wellness Education Manager. Produced by Alyssa Sailor-Tynes, Digital Marketing Manager.

A companion to the Antarctic Dinosaurs exhibition, at the Witte for a limited time. This exhibition is developed and traveled by the Field Museum, Chicago in partnership with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Discovery Place – Charlotte, NC and the Natural History Museum of Utah. Generous support was provided by the Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund. Antarctic Dinosaurs at the Witte Museum is generously supported by HOLT Cat and Mary Pat and Mike Bolner.

For more information and to experience Antarctic Dinosaurs at the Witte, visit https://bit.ly/3Lcs8hK.

Mar 11, 202326:45
Antarctic Dinosaurs ~ From Forest to Frozen ~ Climate and the Cryolophosaurus

Antarctic Dinosaurs ~ From Forest to Frozen ~ Climate and the Cryolophosaurus

Get ready for a year of dinosaurs at the Witte Museum! In today’s episode, hosts Abbey and Daemon focus on the newest special exhibition, Antarctic Dinosaurs. The duo describes how Antarctica transformed from a lush Jurassic forest to modern-day icy desert, they break down where the name “cryolophosaurus” comes from and Daemon decides what they would name their dinosaur—if either host ever found one.

To learn more information about the sources and references for today’s episode, visit:

DK Find Out, Cryolophosaurus:
https://www.dkfindout.com/us/dinosaurs-and-prehistoric-life/dinosaurs/cryolophosaurus/ Field Museum, Antarctic Dinosaurstraveling exhibition: https://www.wittemuseum.org/exhibitions/antarctic-dinosaurs/ NCEP/Climate Prediction Center Atlas No. 5, A precipitation climatology for stations in the tropical basin: https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/pacdir/cont_brie.html NSF United Stated Antarctic Program, About the continent: https://www.usap.gov/aboutthecontinent/ Wikipedia, Gondwana: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gondwana

Hosted by the Witte Museum’s Abigail Jacks, Environmental Science Education Manager, and Daemon Piña, Health and Wellness Education Manager. Produced by Alyssa Sailor-Tynes, Digital Marketing Manager.

A companion to the Antarctic Dinosaurs exhibition, at the Witte for a limited time. This exhibition is developed and traveled by the Field Museum, Chicago in partnership with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Discovery Place – Charlotte, NC and the Natural History Museum of Utah. Generous support was provided by the Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund. Antarctic Dinosaurs at the Witte Museum is generously supported by HOLT Cat and Mary Pat and Mike Bolner.

For more information and to experience Antarctic Dinosaurs at the Witte, visit http://ow.ly/t2fH50MUIZ3.

Feb 27, 202328:06
Weird Wildlife ~ Dragon Vibes ~ Texas Horned Lizard
Feb 10, 202326:58
Weird Wildlife ~ Curious Critters with Quills ~ The North American Porcupine

Weird Wildlife ~ Curious Critters with Quills ~ The North American Porcupine

Jan 28, 202324:27
Monster Fish ~ Little "Monsters" ~ Invasive Species

Monster Fish ~ Little "Monsters" ~ Invasive Species

What is the difference between non-native and invasive species?  How do small animals, like snails and mussels, cause monster problems for boaters, fishers and ecosystems? Discover the answers on this week’s episode, focusing on local invasive species.

To learn more information about the sources and references for today’s episode, visit:

Ask Nature, Mussels hold on with fancy footwork:
https://asknature.org/strategy/mussels-hold-on-with-fancy-footwork/ Daily Trib, Marble Falls experiments with zebra mussel repellents: https://www.dailytrib.com/2020/05/20/marble-falls-experiments-with-zebra-mussel-repellents National Park Service, Silver carp: https://www.nps.gov/miss/learn/nature/ascarp_silver.htm Smithsonian Magazine, More than 400 invasive fish dumped from aquariums found in Texas river: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/four-hundred-invasive-fish-dumped-from-aquariums-found-in-texas-river-180979485 Texas Invasives: https://texasinvasives.org Texas Invasive Species Institute, Apple snail: http://www.tsusinvasives.org/home/database/pomacea-maculata Texas Invasive Species Institute, Armored catfish: http://www.tsusinvasives.org/home/database/hypostomus-plecostomus-and-pterygoplichthys-anisitsi Texas Parks & Wildlife, Invasive aquatic species: https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/hunter-education/online-course/wildlife-conservation/invasive-aquatic-species

Hosted by the Witte Museum’s Abigail Jacks, Environmental Science Education Manager, and Daemon Piña, Health and Wellness Education Manager.

A companion to National Geographic's Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants exhibition, at the Witte for a limited time. This exhibition is developed and traveled by the National Geographic Society. Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants is generously supported by the Will Smith Foundation, Mary Pat and Mike Bolner and the San Antonio River Authority.

For more information and to experience Monster Fish at the Witte, visit https://bit.ly/3ZgVksi.

Jan 13, 202322:09
Monster Fish ~ Respect the Gar ~ Giant Fish in Texas Rivers

Monster Fish ~ Respect the Gar ~ Giant Fish in Texas Rivers

What is the river creature with the snout of an alligator, body of a fish and extremely sharp teeth? It’s an alligator gar (atractosteus spatula)! Alligator gar ancestors have been found fossilized in deposits over 100 million years old, making them not only one of the most ancient fishes, but also truly native Texans. Learn alongside hosts Abbey and Daemon why these fish have been feared for centuries, how they have been helpful to ancient communities and why they should be respected.

To learn more information about the sources and references for today’s episode, visit:

Acta Biomaterialia, Alligator Gar Armored Fish Scales:
https://www2.lbl.gov/ritchie/Library/PDF/2013_Yang_ActaBio_StructureAndFracture.pdf Environmental Monitor, Gar-Bage Fish No More: https://www.fondriest.com/news/gar-bage-fish-no-more-its-time-to-respect-gar.htm Florida Museum, Mummified Alligator Gar: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/100years/mummified-alligator-gar/ Missouri Department of Conservation, Alligator Gar: https://education.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/alligator-gar National Geographic, Alligator Gar: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/facts/alligator-gar Texas Parks & Wildlife, Alligator Gar: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/facts/alligator-gar U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, All About Alligator Gar: https://www.fws.gov/story/all-about-alligator-gar

Hosted by the Witte Museum’s Abigail Jacks, Environmental Science Education Manager, and Daemon Piña, Health and Wellness Education Manager.

A companion to National Geographic’s Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants exhibition, at the Witte for a limited time. This exhibition is developed and traveled by the National Geographic Society. Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants is generously supported by the Will Smith Foundation, Mary Pat and Mike Bolner and the San Antonio River Authority.

For more information and to experience Monster Fish at the Witte, visit https://bit.ly/3PHcGu4.

Dec 30, 202222:45
Monster Fish ~ Deep Dive with Dr. Zeb Hogan ~ National Geographic Explorer

Monster Fish ~ Deep Dive with Dr. Zeb Hogan ~ National Geographic Explorer

Today’s episode features aquatic biologist, National Geographic Explorer and host of Nat Geo WILD’s “Monster Fish,” Dr. Zeb Hogan. In this interview, Abbey asks Dr. Hogan about his worldwide travels, insight into Texas monster fish and how everyone can help with wildlife conservation efforts. While sharing stories about finding the largest fish in the world, Dr. Hogan also explains how to become a National Geographic Explorer and how the special exhibition, Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants, came to life.

To learn more information about the sources and references for today’s episode, visit:

About Dr. Zeb Hogan, National Geographic Explorer:
https://explorer-directory.nationalgeographic.org/zeb-s-hogan Nat Geo WILD’s “Monster Fish” TV show: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/shows/monster-fish

Hosted by the Witte Museum’s Abigail Jacks, Environmental Science Education Manager, and Daemon Piña, Health and Wellness Education Manager.

A companion to National Geographic’s Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants exhibition, at the Witte for a limited time. This exhibition is developed and traveled by the National Geographic Society. Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants is generously supported by the Will Smith Foundation, Mary Pat and Mike Bolner and the San Antonio River Authority.

For more information and to experience Monster Fish at the Witte, visit https://bit.ly/3WfgogF.

Dec 16, 202217:40
Monster Fish ~ Gone (Cat)Fishing ~ Catfish Around the World

Monster Fish ~ Gone (Cat)Fishing ~ Catfish Around the World

Whether you've seen them in rivers, on the menu at a local restaurant or caught one yourself, catfish are found across Texas—and the rest of the world! Discover the biology, ecology and cultural importance of catfish in this week’s episode. Plus, find out why Abbey is afraid of fish.

To learn more information about the sources and references for today’s episode, visit:

A-Z Animals catfish facts:
https://a-z-animals.com/animals/catfish/ Harry Shafer, Painters in Prehistory: Archaeology and Art of the Lower Pecos Canyonlands: https://store.wittemuseum.org/products/painters-in-prehistory National Geographic Mekong Giant Catfish reference: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/facts/mekong-giant-catfish Texas Parks and Wildlife Catfish guide: https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_br_t3200_0236.pdf

Hosted by Witte Museum’s Abigail Jacks, Environmental Science Manager, and Daemon Piña, Health and Wellness Education Manager.

A companion to National Geographic’s Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants exhibition, at the Witte Museum for a limited time. This exhibition is developed and traveled by the National Geographic Society. Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants is generously supported by the Will Smith Foundation, Mary Pat and Mike Bolner and the San Antonio River Authority.

For more information and to experience Monster Fish at the Witte, visit https://bit.ly/3VgP8hR.

Dec 02, 202218:16
Bonus Episode ~ A Visit to the National Natural Toxins Research Center

Bonus Episode ~ A Visit to the National Natural Toxins Research Center

Hosts Abigail Jacks and Daemon Piña sit down with Dr. Elda Sánchez, Executive Co-Director of the National Natural Toxins Research Center at Texas A&M Kingsville, to discuss the center and its current research projects, as well as how venom can be used for good and another reason or two you might want to avoid those coral snakes.

Episode sponsored by Texas A&M Kingsville: https://www.tamuk.edu/artsci/departments/nntrc/index.html

Hosted by Witte Museum's Abigail Jacks, Environmental Science Manager, and Daemon Piña, Health and Wellness Education Manager. Special thanks to Dr. Elda Sánchez for her insights on venomous snakes and toxicology in this episode. 

A companion to The Power of Poison exhibition, at the Witte Museum for a limited time. This exhibition is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org). The Power of Poison is generously supported by Mary Pat and Mike Bolner and Dr. John C. Browning, MD, FAAD, FAAP, MBA of Texas Dermatology and Laser Specialists.

For more information and to experience The Power of Poison at the Witte, visit https://bit.ly/3lQOLdF Subscribe to our podcast at https://bit.ly/3a0OHVY

Aug 25, 202219:30
Poison ~ Red and Yellow ~ Venomous Snakes in Texas

Poison ~ Red and Yellow ~ Venomous Snakes in Texas

These serpents don’t just slither through the undergrowth, they slither through our myths and legends! Be paralyzed by intrigue as we compare and contrast this venomous bunch of Texas snakes. Features the Rattlesnake, Coral Snake, Cottonmouth and Copperhead!

Episode sponsored by Texas A&M Kingsville: https://www.tamuk.edu/artsci/departments/nntrc/index.html

Hosted by Witte Museum's Abigail Jacks, Environmental Science Manager, and Daemon Piña, Health and Wellness Education Manager. 

A companion to The Power of Poison exhibition, at the Witte Museum for a limited time. This exhibition is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org). The Power of Poison is generously supported by Mary Pat and Mike Bolner and Dr. John C. Browning, MD, FAAD, FAAP, MBA of Texas Dermatology and Laser Specialists. 

For more information and to experience The Power of Poison at the Witte, visit https://bit.ly/3lQOLdF Subscribe to our podcast at https://bit.ly/3a0OHVY

Aug 25, 202220:60
Poison ~ Sting! (not the musician) ~ Venomous Invertebrates in Texas, Part 1
Jul 15, 202225:36
Poison ~ "Uncovering Urushiol" ~ Poisonous Plants
May 27, 202222:49
Poison ~ Teaser

Poison ~ Teaser

When was the last time you really wondered about something? Join us for the inaugural series of the Witte Museum's Wonder with the Witte Podcast, featuring poison, where we'll explore what makes poison so dangerously alluring. Wonder awaits you at the Witte. 

A companion to The Power of Poison exhibition, at the Witte Museum for a limited time. This exhibition is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org).

May 10, 202201:17