Comfort Creatures

Comfort Creatures

By: Ella McLeod, Alexis B. Preston

Language: en

Categories: Kids, Family, Pets, Animals, Comedy, Interviews, Science

Comfort Creatures is a show for people who prefer their friends to have paws instead of hands! Every week, Alexis and Ella talk to guests about their pets or creatures that give them comfort, discuss their favorite fictional critters, learn about pets in history, and discover differences between pet ownership across the pond. Whether you have a giant sloth, two siamese skinks, or just know way too much about unicorns, every animal friend is welcome on Comfort Creatures!

Episodes

170: The Fire Horse
Jan 08, 2026

Happy 2026! Welcome to the year of the Fire Horse! Alexis is having an identity crisis and Ella wants you to remember to work SMART, not HARD... like the fire rat! Also, wedding chat, pet catch-ups and an excellent email from Amanda!

Duration: 00:44:45
169: Top Animals of 2025 and Kallikantzaros
Dec 18, 2025

As 2025 comes to an end, Ella has put together her list of the top animal moments of the year! Featuring Orangutans, Pika, and even some shocked dolphins. Meanwhile, Alexis learns all about her new favorite Christmas pests, the Kallikantzaros! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all! Thanks for listening! 

Duration: 00:44:40
168: The Warm Walrus
Dec 11, 2025

What has two massive teeth, a chunky body and a mouth like a hoover? THESE GUYS. Walruses people. In all their blubbery glory. Plus a myth from Greenland about the creation of all our favourite wintery marine creatures. If it's cold where you are, wrap up warm with a hot drink to keep Ella's lurgy at bay -- if it's not cold... well, aren't you lucky?

Duration: 00:31:27
167: The Creatures of Christmas Island
Dec 04, 2025

To ease you into the holiday season, we've decided to look into Christmas Island and more specifically, some of the really cool creatures that live there. Did you know there are thousands of bright red crabs that live there and cover the island once a year? Did you know about the Brown Booby? Will Ella be able to tell you about the Brown Booby without laughing? Tune in and find out! We also have a wonderful Ready Pet Go from Laura!

Duration: 00:38:36
166: Wild Turkeys
Nov 27, 2025

Gobble gobble! It's Thanksgiving AKA Turkey Day in the US today and there's no better way to celebrate than to learn all about the Wild Turkey! Ella has some fun Turkey myths and a perfect turkey poem: Talking Turkeys by Benjamin Zephaniah.

Duration: 00:38:22
165: Scorpions, Scorpios, and Worms
Nov 20, 2025

It's November and we've accidentally done a Discomfort Creatures episode! This week we discuss scorpions and their unusual mating habits, the mythology behind the zodiac sign, and of course... worms! Tune in!

Duration: 00:44:07
164: Cozy Catch-up
Nov 13, 2025

Ella and Alexis haven't seen each other in a month so they have a LOT to catch-up on. They discuss Halloween costumes, European animal spotting, and plenty of well fed street cats. Plus, as good journalists, we also have some breaking whale fashion news! We also pay or respects to the wonderful Jane Goodall.

Duration: 00:50:24
163: The Phoenix
Nov 06, 2025

We absolutely love it when a mythical (allegedly) creature pops up across cultures and this week we've hit the jackpot! A firebird that continually reincarnates? A chick born from the ashes? Or a very misunderstood pheasant? Tune in for some phoenix chat! Plus, a beautiful Ready Pet Go from Alex and Daisy!

Duration: 00:42:29
162: Werewolves and Regular Wolves
Oct 30, 2025

Another classic that we've ignored too long! The canine cousins of our dear friends Crumb, Cricket and Simba. Get ready to howl at the moon, run with the pack and have your patriarchal notions of alpha and betas totally eradicated!

Duration: 00:36:29
161: Ella Finally Watched Over the Garden Wall
Oct 23, 2025

It's happened! It's finally happened! Ella watched 'Over The Garden Wall!' We chat the elite vibes of this excellent show, talk about our favourite characters and and break down why this series is an October classic for the ages. Plus, we have an excellent RPG from Jordan and Newton! Good on you, Newton!

Duration: 00:47:36
160: Cats and Jacks
Oct 16, 2025

It's our favourite time of year and we're leaning in! It's time for black cats and Jack-o-lanterns! Can you believe these two classics have gone as of yet undiscussed by us? We chat gourds, rutabagas and the elusive cat sí!

Duration: 00:40:12
159: The House in the Cerulean Sea - Part 2
Oct 09, 2025

Tea time comfies! We're concluding our read along discussion of T.J. Klune's 'A House in the Cerulean Sea'. We chat Arthur's reveal, expectations of the sequel and how/why we relate to our favourite characters. What are your favourite parts of this book? Let us know! 
Also apologies for the technical difficulties! But hopefully they are somewhat amusing!

Duration: 00:54:50
158: Death's Head Hawkmoth
Oct 02, 2025

It's October!! AKA Halloween month! AKA spooky season! So who better to kick us off then one of the classic creepy critters: The Death's Head Hawkmoth! You know the one that looks like it has a skull on its back? Well it turns out that these moths really capture the Halloween spirit so we learn all about it! We also discuss some moth myths and some extremly relevant Greek mythology!

Reminder! Our Livestream for part 2 of the House in Cerulean Sea will be THIS Sunday, October 5th, at 1pm PST. Link to youtube: https://www.youtube.com...

Duration: 00:41:25
Read-A-Long Reminder! (Part 2)
Sep 30, 2025

Hello! We just wanted to let you know that our Read-A-Long for the second (and final) part for The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune will be on Sunday, October 5th at 1pm PST. 

You'll be able to find it on our youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ComfortCreaturesPodcast

Duration: 00:01:17
157: Wyverns and Techichi
Sep 25, 2025

In honor of the House in the Cerulean Sea and all of the fun cratures in it, we thought we should discuss Wyverns! We discuss what makes them unique, family crests, and preferred amounts of limbs on a dragon-like creature. Then, Alexis discusses the history of the Chihuahua and their magical ancestors!

Duration: 00:28:34
156: The House in the Cerulean Sea - Part 1
Sep 18, 2025

We hope you enjoy our discussion on the first half of The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune! Thank you for tuning in to the livestream if you were able, but if not, here it is! We had so much fun and can't wait to finish the book and see if our predictions come true!

Duration: 00:53:23
155: Wild Haggis and Red Lipped Batfish
Sep 11, 2025

Ella had a Scottish adventure and may have seen a mythical beast! Alexis has stumbled across a creature that really SHOULD be a mythical beast. We're back at it this week, as well as ramping up for our Read-A-Long! The live stream for the first half of The House on The Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune will be on Sunday September 14th! Hope to see you there!

You can find the livestream on our youtube channel! https://www.youtube.com/@ComfortCreaturesPodcast

Duration: 00:39:19
Read-A-Long Reminder!
Sep 03, 2025

Ella was trapped in Scotland for longer than expected, so we will be back with our regular animal content next week. We wanted to remind everyone that we are doing our Read-A-Long this month! We'll be reading The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune! The livestream for the first half of the book (up to chapter 11) will be on Sunday, September 14th! We hope you can all join!

Duration: 00:01:42
154: Hot Animals
Aug 28, 2025

While we do love chatting about how gorgeous certain creatures are -- check out our crossover episode with the gang from Reading Smut if that sounds like a bit of you -- today we mean hot as in temperate. Toasty. Real life phoenixes, if you will. Alexis teaches us about bugs in balmy climes and Ella explains that when people say "camels store water in their humps" they don't mean they attach straws to their humps and have a drink like hikers. Who knew? Plus a Ready Pet Go from Shannon, Vesper and Percy (a great name). 

D...

Duration: 00:42:50
153: Beetles and Beatles
Aug 14, 2025

We're not discussing scouse boys with funny hair in the '60s (greatest band of all time etc etc yes we know) but we ARE talking about June bugs, Ancient Egyptian amulets and the existential question of life and death. Beetles, folks! Beetles! We also have an excellent Ready Pet Go from Aly and the unruly mob! As ever, we want to hear from you, so do get in touch with your thoughts, feelings and animal anecdotes.

We're taking a break next week because Ella is heading off to do her best chipmunk impression, but exciting news...

Duration: 00:44:56
152: Sharks Not Cruise Ships
Aug 07, 2025

Nothing in the ocean should be bigger than a Megladon or a Blue Whale. You heard it here first: we're dying on this hill. And did you know that Zebra sharks can be partial to a belly rub? All this plus talk of banana-sized teeth, hidden mouths and more Titanic hot takes on this week's ep!

 

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/PFVQXgMYWB

Duration: 00:38:39
151: Big Old Cats
Jul 31, 2025

Let's get historical with lions! This week, Ella does a little dive into pre-historic lions. Were they huge? You betcha! Were the manes the same? You gotta tune in to find out! Alexis learns some fun mythology about sphinx and their riddles! Plus, we discuss British game shows and we have an info-dump on mammals from Katrina!

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/PFVQXgMYWB

Duration: 00:42:24
150: Possum and Taco with Brooke & Juanita
Jul 24, 2025

We've got a very fun one for you this week! The hosts of the brand new podcast SUPER SISTER SIGNS Brooke and Juanita join us to chat about their wonderful cats! Brooke has a brand new kitten named Possum and Juanita has an "ugly" cat named Taco! Plus, we chat the zodiac signs of our cats, good cat names, and what a marsupial is! Be sure to check out Super Sister Signs wherever you listen to podcasts!

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe...

Duration: 01:03:10
149: Volcano Watch and Artistic Cat Ladies
Jul 17, 2025

Not to alarm you but volcanoes are a real thing. Yeah. We know. This week we discuss how they contributed to the existence and potentially the extinction of our favourite pre-history pals and also wonder WTH is happening at Yellowstone (probably nothing but maybe a little something?) We also chat Millions of Cats and have a Ready Pet Go from Rowan and Trixie!

Duration: 00:40:28
148: Dinosaur Diaries: Ankylosaurus
Jul 10, 2025

This week we discuss Ankylosaurus! These "fused lizards" are tough when needed, but we suspect they mostly wanted to be left alone to graze! We also have an excellent Ready Pet Go from Nick and some Florida critters and Alexis has a spider-scare! PLUS don't forget to pre-order Ella's book at Barnes and Noble!!

Duration: 00:48:42
147: Crabs!
Jul 03, 2025

It's crab season! This week, we celebrate our cancer friends by discussing crabs! Another creature that has been around a long long time! Plus, the connection between corgis and crabs, a new spider friend, and a very simple myth!

Duration: 00:44:06
146: Dinosaur Diaries: Parasaurolophus
Jun 26, 2025

More dinosaurs! This week, we discuss the Parasaurolophus AKA duckbilled dinosaur with backwards hat! Ella also has some very interesting EGG information! Plus, the Easter Island Heads, digging as a job, and some gator stories from Amanda!

Duration: 00:41:42
145: Dinosaur Diaries: Brontosaurus
Jun 19, 2025

This week, Alexis continues her search for her favorite dinosaur by learning about the Brontosaurus AKA Noble Thunder Lizard! This long necked friend is full of interesting traits! It's huge! It's got Forever Teeth! And it's discovery includes some excellent DRAMA! Plus we have a Ready Pet Go from Elisabeth and Domino, Donald, and Daisy the GOATS!

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/PFVQXgMYWB

Duration: 00:23:55
144: Dinosaur Diaries: Velociraptors
Jun 12, 2025

Let's go girls! As promised, Ella has done a deep dive about VELOCIRAPTORS. Were they fast? Were the feathered? What did they do with their long, long claws? Could they fly? Find out all this and more! We also have a Ready Pet Go from Nikki and Jubilee!

Also, please forgive our congested voices, we both happened to be a little sick!

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/PFVQXgMYWB<...

Duration: 00:38:39
143: Dinosaur Diaries: Steven Ray Morris
Jun 05, 2025

We've called in the big guns! And by "guns" we mean one of our favorites who happens to have a Jurassic Park Podcast! Steven Ray Morris (See Jurassic Right, Jordan Jesse Go, and more!) joins us to discuss dinosaurs both in the movies and some fun science! If you're looking to pick up some new party trivia, this is a great episode for you!

Follow Steven on instagram @stevenraymorris and don't forget to check out @strangebirdart for good dino art!

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget...

Duration: 01:02:32
142: Animal Engagements
May 29, 2025

Well if you haven't heard... ALEXIS IS ENGAGED! That means we've got two weddings on the horizon! We also happened to get an email about a DINOSAUR WEDDING so it seemed like the perfect opportunity to discuss animals and weddings! We learn about different animal based wedding traditions from around the world as well as some fun ways to incorporate animals (and dinosaurs) into a wedding!

Send us YOUR pet stories at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/PFVQXgMYWB

Duration: 00:35:13
141: Dinosaur Diaries: That One Guy in Jurassic Park
May 22, 2025

Continuing our Dino Diaries - than you to listener Dana for that one! - we get big into birds. Alexis talks about how we could possibly have made it from the T - Rex to the tiny wee sparrow and Ella shares about some woodpeckermischief. Plus a Pre-RPG featuring a playground game of frankly epic proportions.

Duration: 00:32:19
140: Crocodiles, Alligators, and Dinosaurs... Oh My!
May 08, 2025

In an attempt to limit her social media input, Ella has turned her attention to the important things: DINOSAURS! But before we can really get into dinosaurs, she decided to learn about our living dino-like friends, crocodiles and alligators! We learn all about the differences between them, their strength, and their link to their jurassic family. Plus, Alexis has an urban legend about an alligator and we discuss the importance of where the split must come in a human/animal hybrid!

Duration: 00:46:39
139: Grizzly Bears
May 01, 2025

Grizzly Bears! The bear with one of the meanest reputations around! But is that fair? This week Grizzly Bears have popped up in the news so Ella and Alexis do a deep dive into these "Horrible" bears. We also have a wonderful Ready Pet Go from Kelsey and the Camp Animals!

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/PFVQXgMYWB

Duration: 00:32:45
138: Respect for Donkeys
Apr 24, 2025

Last week was Easter and while some may think of rabbits and chicks when they think of the egg filled holiday, we thought it was time to give some attention to the real holiday hero: The Donkey! Ella learns all she can about donkeys and Alexis finds a fun greek myth with some donkey themes! Plus, we have a fantastic Ready Pet Go from Eileen and the flower cats!

Duration: 00:42:18
137: Dire Wolves and Stinky Dogs
Apr 17, 2025

BREAKING NEWS! Dire wolves are BACK! Which is a shock in many ways to Ella! This week we discuss what we've learned of the dire wolf news, learn about the norse myth of Fenrir, and Alexis and Ella give updates on their stinky (Or not stinky) pets!

 

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/PFVQXgMYWB

Duration: 00:43:34
136: Moose, Mooses, and Meese?
Apr 10, 2025

Sometimes you see a video of an animal and you realize they are not what you thought they were. This week that animal is none other than THE MOOSE. Did you know that they can be nearly seven feet tall at the shoulder?! We didn't! Naturally we had to learn as much as we could about these HUGE animals and even some fun mythology! We also have a Ready Pet Go from Lene and the Library Magpie!

Duration: 00:39:02
135: Molly McAleer and Pigeon
Apr 03, 2025

First, THANK YOU to everyone who joined us during the Max Fun Drive! We reached ALL of our goals this year and we are so excited! We are joined this week by the wonderful Molly McAleer (Trending Lightly, Mother May I Sleep with Podcast) who tells us all about her stunning cat Pigeon! We also discuss the emotional states of some of our favorite cryptids and the wild possibilities in the deep sea!

Duration: 00:57:21
134: Renee Colvert and Tugboat Return!
Mar 27, 2025

It's the last week of the MaxFun Drive and who better to join us than one of the world's best person/dog combos? Renee Colvert and Tugboat the Fluffy Pit! We catchup with Renee, learn about Tug's latest walk shenanigans, discuss our childhood stuffed animals, and even talk musical theater!
Thank you to everyone who has joined the Drive so far! If you're craving MORE Renee you can listen to our BONUS episode with her by going to maximumfun.org/join!
 

Duration: 01:03:34
BoCo Preview: Guilty Pleasures with Caroline, Ella, and Tom!
Mar 23, 2025

It's the MaxFun Drive! And one of the best parts of the Drive is the Bonus Content! Here's a little preview of our conversation with our pals from Let's Learn Everything! To hear the full episode (and our other episode with Renee Colvert!) join, boost, or upgrade your membership! Head to maximumfun.org/join

 

Duration: 00:07:00
133: Comfort Smut with Brea & Mallory
Mar 20, 2025

HOLD ON TO YOUR PANTS! And maybe ask the kids and grandparents to skip this episode. We have the ultimate crossover episode special for the MaxFunDrive! We are joined by Brea Grant and Mallory O'Meara from Reading Smut (and Reading Glasses)! We have fused our shows into everyone's favorite subject: Creatures in Smut! Werewolves, vampires, and tentacles? Oh. My...

As a reminder, if you want to support our show, please head to maximumfun.org/join and become a member!

Duration: 01:18:22
Ella joins MFD Spring Break
Mar 17, 2025

It’s not MaxFunDrive without a wild kickoff spectacular! Former real-life VJ and host of MTV's Spring Break 1999, Dave Holmes, takes your favorite MaxFun hosts through some wacky ‘90s- and Spring Break-themed mini games!!

Featuring: Dave Holmes, Jeremy Bent, Oscar Montoya, Dimitry Pompée, Tom Lum, Ellen Weatherford, Alex Schmidt, Brenda Snell, Drea Clark, Alonso Duralde, Dan McCoy, Jordan Morris, Manolo Moreno, Ella Hubber, Caroline Roper, Ella McLeod, John-Luke Roberts, Justin McElroy, Clint McElroy, Mike Cabellon, Sierra Katow, Hal Lublin, Danielle Radford, John Moe, Christian Dueñas, Christian Duguay.

Duration: 01:19:17
132: House Cats and Leprechauns
Mar 13, 2025

March madness continues this week with Ella's birhday just a day away! In celebration, we're talking about CATS. That's right, the classic house cat... as well as the musical! Alexis also does a little mythology moment on leprechauns and we have a Ready Pet Go from Gabi with Jack and Rufus!

Duration: 00:44:49
131: Pucas and Dogs Dressed as Humans!
Mar 06, 2025

This week the countdown to Ella's birthday begins... and so does the countdown to St Patricks day! As a result, Ella brings a creature from Irish mythology that is sometimes comforting and sometimes... less so! Alexis shared some research on William Wegman, who is absolutely One Of Us and we have a RPG from Katie, Cadence and the artist Formerly Known As Biggie Cheese!

Duration: 00:40:51
130: Happy Birthday Crumb!
Feb 27, 2025

Our little old man is actually older than us now, so this episode we put some respect in his name. Happy birthday Crumbo! We also catch you up on some creature news because this is a very topical news podcast, didn't you know? Also featuring a Ready Pet Go from Hallie and Lucy!

Duration: 00:32:10
129: Poison Dart Frogs
Feb 20, 2025

Ella's made a new friend! He's small, blue, and occasionally deadly! So, we thought we'd learn a little more about Poison Dart Frogs so Ella can make a good impression! We also have some frog mythology and a sweet little frog poem!

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/PFVQXgMYWB

Duration: 00:41:54
128: The Glowing Springhare
Feb 13, 2025

Once again, the animal world has blown our mind in it's long list of animals we've never heard of! First, we figure out WHAT a Springhare is. Then we learn, that not only do they resemble tiny kangaroos, but they are bioflourescent! Plus, Ella has moved houses and Percy is adjusting, Alexis had a birthday, we read a poem about a Hare, and we have a great Ready Pet Go from Lissa and her backyard bears!

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow...

Duration: 00:38:20
127: Hummingbirds and Jamaica
Feb 06, 2025

Big news! First, Ella saw a humminbird in real life! Second, Ella went to Jamaica! And third, we have a wonderful Ready Pet Go from Jordan who is now proudly a comfy! All this, plus a lovely poem and some general life updates about this wild January!

Duration: 00:38:42
126: Pudus and Kudus
Jan 30, 2025

We've finally figured out a way to combine all of our interests into one episode! Animal poetry AND animal names that rhyme with each other? What more could you want?! In anticipation of National Poetry Day we've decided to do a little poetry and rhyming themed series! This week, we learn all about pudus and kudus, adorable deer (one big and one small) and read a lovely deer poem!

Duration: 00:34:46
125: Julia Wernicke and Bulls
Jan 23, 2025

It's been a minute since we've had a good old fashioned animal artist segment, so we've remedied that! Julia Wernicke was a fantastic Argentine painter and engraver most known for her painting "Los Toritos" or Little Bulls. So, naturally we also thought we'd do a little bull mythology! If you have another animal artist we should cover, please reach out!

Duration: 00:40:39
124: Tamandua
Jan 16, 2025

Funky Anteaters! What else is there to say? Well that and Tamarind margharitas, scream-snoring and a Ready Pet Go from Annaleisa and Esther!

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/PFVQXgMYWB

Duration: 00:32:06
123: Pottos and Potatoes
Jan 09, 2025

This week Ella learned something new -- Pottos are a thing! In light of this delightful discovery, we provide you with some excellent Potto info. Alexis provides some truly delicious mythology and we have a Ready Pet Go from Jess, James and Snickers!

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/PFVQXgMYWB

 

Duration: 00:33:48
122: The Wood Snake
Jan 02, 2025

Happy New Year! We're manifesting, we're seizing, we're... we're auto-hemorrhaging when disturbed and waiting for the Spring Equinox to make any actual resolutions. It's 2025, the year of the snake, and we're talking wood snakes, working smart not hard and what we didn't know about the Chinese Zodiac! Plus, we have a wonderful Ready Pet Go from Amanda and Kit Kat!

Duration: 00:46:34
121: Corvid Compendium: Just Two Magpies Yappin'
Dec 19, 2024

It's our last episode of the year and what better way to wrap up 2024 and our Corvid Compendium with this, the Queen of the Corvids, the Magpie! We discuss superstition, nursery rhymes and learn that not all Magpies are the gothic babes we westerners might think of. 

Thank you all so much for supporting us this year! We can't wait to yap like magpies with you some more in 2025!

Happy Holidays Comfies xxx

Duration: 00:49:28
120: Corvid Compendium: Boreal Jays
Dec 12, 2024

The compendium continues this week with some very cute cold weather corvids, this week we discuss Boreal Jays. This includes Canadian Jays, Siberian Jays, and Sichuan Jays! We also discuss the difficulties of moving with pets and we have a wonderful Ready Pet Go from Meg and Francine, AKA the Lesbian Menagerie update we've all been waiting for!

Duration: 00:46:12
119: Corvid Compendium: Nutcrackers
Dec 05, 2024

Tis the season for Sugar Plum Faries, dancing swans and, of course, Nutcrackers. But did you know the Nutcracker isn't just decorative wooden man, but actually a kind of CORVID? Well it is! And this week we learn all about the Nutcracker bird as we continue our Corvid Compendium. Plus, we have a very fun Ready Pet Go from Altaay and Mochi!

Duration: 00:31:07
118: Chough Stuff & Emilie's Thanksgiving Miracle
Nov 28, 2024

We continue the Corvid Compendium this week with a chatter of Choughs... and a conversation about them too. We're also joined by Emilie -- artist, cat-mum and witness to a Miracle! Happy Thanksgiving to all those who celebrate, we're very thankful for all of you! 

Find more of Emilie on instagram at @brightgardenstudio

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/PFVQXgMYWB

 

Duration: 00:49:30
117: Corvid Compendium: Blue Jays
Nov 21, 2024

This week we continue our Corvid Compendium with one of the most colorful corvid's, the blue jay! These beautiful birds are of course extremely clever, have great mythology and... may not actually be blue?! Tune in!

Duration: 00:37:09
116: Corvid Compendium: Ravens
Nov 15, 2024

Alexis has been working hard to become a city witch by befriending the neighborhood ravens. This made us curious about all of our corvid friends! So, we're starting the Corvid Compendium, where we take a deep dives into various corvids! We begin with the classic: Ravens! They're mysterious, smart, and full of some very fascinating mythology, some of which is still relevant today! Will London fall if the Tower of London ravens leave? Seems highly likely to us!

Duration: 00:57:45
115: Daemon Debrief
Nov 07, 2024

One thing about us is that we LOVE a personality quiz and today we're discussing the ultimate one. We deep dive into daemons, chat about what exactly is required of an animal companion and share our own daemon results. Also a post-halloween update!

Link to QUIZ.

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/PFVQXgMYWB

Duration: 00:43:00
114: Snakes and Basilisks
Oct 31, 2024

HAPPY HALLOWEEN COMFIES! This episode is full of myths as well as myth busting! Basilisks may be petrifying to look upon, but is it because they have a fatal stare... or just because they're so utterly bizarre looking??? And where did the whole Don't-Look-Them-In-The-Eye thing come from anyway? Could it be cobras and their gnarly, squirting poison? We also deep dive into some seriously cool snake-related stories and may or may not throw some shade at a certain fantasy series...

Duration: 01:02:54
113: Mischievous Raccoons
Oct 24, 2024

It's frankly rude of us to have not devoted a full episode to these little dudes before -- especially as Alexis is obviously part raccoon. We discuss raccoon legends, the difference between racoons and racoon dogs and of course, provide you with much animal trivia. It's our love language after all!

Don't forget to send us your animals in halloween costumes! Or yourself in a halloween costume! Especially if it's an animal!

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast...

Duration: 00:44:45
112: Redwall Part 3
Oct 17, 2024

We did it! We made it to the end of Redwall! Here is the final Redwall livestream for your listening pleasure! We had so much fun reading and chatting with you all for these!  And a special thank you to all of the Maximum Fun members for making this a reality! You're the best! Let us know what book we should do next!

Duration: 00:58:41
111: Amy Castro and Starlight Outreach
Oct 10, 2024

One of us! One of us! This week we are joined by Amy Castro, the amazing founder of Starlight Outreach and Rescue. She joins us to discuss her many fosters -- including ducks and donkeys! -- as well as her history of hilarious pet ownership. Don't forget our Redwall livestream is on October 13th at 12pm PST and 8pm BST!

You can learn more about Amy at www.amycastro.com or about Starlight at www.starlightoutreachandrescue.org.

Duration: 00:53:35
110: Moo Deng and Pygmy Hippos
Oct 03, 2024

HOT NEWS! HOT NEW BABY! We can't get enough of the viral pygmy hippo Moo Deng! So, what better way to show our excitement for the cutest wet chunk we've ever seen than to talk about her on the show! Plus some fall recs and updates on Crumb's first day of work!
Don't forget - our final Redwall livestream on October 13th at 12pm PST!

Duration: 00:39:34
109: The Coziest Creatures
Sep 26, 2024

Alright folks, we've put in the work to finally bring you the list you've been demanding: The Coziest Creatures! Who's got the best den? Who's hybernating the longest? Who would look best in a little sweater? (They'd all look so cute tbh) Grab a mug and a blanket and tune in to find out! Also our final Redwall livestream on October 13th at 12pm PST!

Duration: 00:44:08
108: Jennifer S. Holland and Canine Intelligence
Sep 19, 2024

Not only is Jennifer S. Holland the author of the fantastic book Dog Smart: Life-Changing Lessons in Canine Intelligence, but she's also the owner of two very cool dogs. Normally that would be PLENTY of interesting things, but Jennifer also has some incredible stories of her time working for National Geographic, including scuba diving and meeting orangutans! We discuss the power of dog noses, types of intelligence, cadaver dogs, and much more!

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram...

Duration: 00:45:28
107: Back to School
Sep 12, 2024

Cosy season is upon us! Well it's upon Ella, who lives somewhere with actual seasons. Because Alexis can only dream of sweater weather, we're bringing the back to school vibes to her and discussing getting our ducks in a row. Packing out pets pack lunches. Sewing labels int their sports kits. Signing them up for drama club. That kid of thing. Elsewhere Alexis returns to school and is joined by some fish and we have a ready pet go from Rose!

Duration: 00:42:52
106: Fictitious Felines
Sep 05, 2024

On this episode we discover that we have Big Feelings about cats that dont exist. TV show Arthur is once more subject to scutiny and criticism, we debate pets vs familiars and share our thoughts on those that aren't really cats but are in fact something Else masquerading as cats.

Duration: 00:44:36
105: Kat Dunn and Unnamed Cat
Aug 29, 2024

We are joined this week by author Kat Dunn who supplies us with tales of many, many cats after which she is not named. We talk naming conventions, the joy of a feline being both graceful and goofy and whether meows can be accented.

Duration: 00:51:42
104: Banksys, Pandas, Beavers, and Toes
Aug 22, 2024

This week we become a very serious news podcast again, discussing everything from art and high culture to important medical discoveries. If you think this is us overstating somewhat well, we're offended quite frankly. Tune in to see how wrong you are.

Duration: 00:36:14
103: Lions and Leos
Aug 15, 2024

*ROAR!* 
You would be forgiven for thinking that that was our best lion impression. In fact it was our best Leo impression because boy do those fire signs like to make their presence known! To demonstrate our love and appreciation for these sweet summer children, today's episode dives deep into Lions - we have myths, magic and much animal trivia because it is, after all, our love language 

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Di...

Duration: 00:44:59
102: Moon Bear Day
Aug 08, 2024

We were today years old when we discovered that the Asiatic Black Bear is also known as... the Moon Bear! We think this is adorable and as its Moon Bear awareness day, we thought we'd tell you all about them. You can thank us later. Also, Alexis teaches Ella all about "splooting", thanks to a Ready Pet Go from Hansie!

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/PFVQXgMYWB

Duration: 00:40:32
101: Stinky, Moist, and a Bad Investment
Aug 01, 2024

This week we've listened to the universe - and our friends on discord - and will be doing a river deep dive on the most fearsome vegetarian that ever trotted menacingly across the land... The hippo! From their potential flying abiilities to their connection with Ancient Egyptian Goddesses tune in for our chat on these our favourite low riders. Speaking of which, we also have a Ready Pet Go about a very entitled Guinea Pig!

Duration: 00:42:06
100: REDWALL PT 2 & Our 100th Ep!!!
Jul 25, 2024

Happy birthday to us! Happy birthday to us! Happy birthday to Comfort Creatures! Happy birthday to us! It's out 100th Episode and it could not be more perfect that today is our Red Wall Part 2 episode! Join us for cake, a large glass of wine and a deep dive. We debate anagrams, discuss foxy naming conventions and, naturally, crown Constance queen of literally everything. Tune in!

Duration: 00:59:51
99: Katelyn Hempstead and Betty
Jul 18, 2024

We are joined this week by our first ever returning guest! Katelyn Hempsted returns to update us on her pet ownership status and we discuss the cat distribution system, being a new paw-rent and the potiential for a castle commune. Also Simba may join a band and Cricket has been keeping a naughty little secret.

Next week is not only our Redwall bookclub but also our 100TH EPISODE! Join us for our bookclub chat/birthday party on 21st July at 12pm PT/8pm BST- cake is heavily encouraged! Follow us on Discord or Instagram for the link!<...

Duration: 00:56:15
98: Gay Animals!
Jul 11, 2024

Happy (belated) Pride! This week we return to one our favourite subjects; those most comforting creature who wave the rainbow flag! We discuss Bonobos who like a bit of everyone, iconic lesbian swans, and penguin babies that have two dads! We also share an emotional Ready Pet Go, so get your tissues ready friends!

Duration: 00:41:17
97: Flying Kites
Jul 04, 2024

It's summer time and you know what that means? FLYING KITES! And we don't mean the kind attached to strings. This week we do a deep dive on these distinct birds with some very rich, and occasionally dark, mythology! (WARNING: there is mention of some dark and potentially triggering themes in the greek mythology portion of this episode)

NEWS: Part 2 of our REDWALL LIVESTREAM will be July 21st at 12pm pst! Mark your calendars!

Duration: 00:36:54
96: Badgers: the Good, the Bad, and the Stinky
Jun 27, 2024

Badgers! Are they adorable woodland creatures protecting other foresty friends? Well... maybe not! This week we learn that badgers are fascinating, tough, and surprisingly stinky! We discuss all things badgers, including our favorite and least favorite fictional badgers!

Send us YOUR favorite (and least favorite) animals  to comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/PFVQXgMYWB

Duration: 00:37:09
95: The First Snow of Winter
Jun 20, 2024

Spoiler Alert! Make sure to watch The First Snow of Winter if you're planning to as we do talk in detail about the plot! It's on Youtube! Okay, did you watch it? Great! Because this week we talk about the adorable BBC short film The First Snow of Winter and to celebrate some of it's fantastic characters (Voley and Puffy) we discuss Water Voles and Puffins!

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord...

Duration: 00:44:32
94: Dear Comfies!
Jun 13, 2024

Ella and Alexis haven't been able to meet lately, so this week we're sending audio letters to each other! We catchup on our pets, travels, and recent animal adventures!

Duration: 00:22:14
93: The Zoo and Harpies
May 30, 2024

This week, Alexis took a visit to the San Diego zoo and has a LOT to report on! She goes through her top zoo sightings! Alexis was so excited by one animal in particular that she requested Ella do some research on Harpies! Tune in and find out why!

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/PFVQXgMYWB

Duration: 00:40:15
92: Redwall Book One Live Stream
May 23, 2024

Hi everyone! We had so much fun on our Live Stream discussing Book one of Redwall that we decided to release it as an episode as well! We'd love to hear YOUR thoughts on Part Two and we will announce that Live Stream date soon! Also small warning we do use some adult language in this episode.

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/PFVQXgMYWB

Duration: 01:01:46
91: Louis Wain AKA The One Where We Cry
May 16, 2024

A CC record has been set - THREE CRIES IN AN EPISODE! This week we discuss Louis Wain, the guy who might just be responsible for changing the way Britain feels about cats. Plus we have a bumper Ready Pet Go from Meg, who tells us all about her "lesbian menagerie" (iconic). Also a look ahead to our next episode, where we'll be discussing the film 'The First Snow Of Winter.' Have a watch and let us know what you think! (Did you cry too? Or is Ella just a weepy water sign?)

Duration: 00:41:41
90: Pico the Sparrow
May 09, 2024

Alexis, in true Snow White fashion, saved a baby bird! In honour of Pico's rescue and recovery, we discuss all things sparrow - biology, mythology and how loudly those little dudes chirp!

Reminder: Read Book One of Redwall with us for the LIVE STREAM on May 12th at 12pm PST on Youtube. Follow us on Youtube @ComfortCreaturesPodcast. Make sure to follow us on social media to get the latest updates!

Duration: 00:35:06
89: Bethanie Murguia and Wagnificent
May 02, 2024

Why did three Vizslas cross the road? Tune in for the punchline! This week we're joined by writer and illustrator Bethanie Murguia. She tells us all about her new graphic novel Wagnificent as well as warming our hearts with tales about her three Vizslas Thunder, Luna and Cosmos. Also Persey, busy playing the nosey neighbour, has passed a torch to Cricket...

Wagnificent: The Adventures of Thunder and Sage comes out July 23rd and you can pre-order now at https://www.aquapup.com/

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and...

Duration: 00:57:12
88: Red Foxes and Pigeon Feelings
Apr 25, 2024

Ella has had QUITE the day, but ultimately has had a strong change of heart for our pigeon friends! Crumb got to visit his old pal Tugboat, who is as great as ever! Plus, we do a little research on Foxes after a recent garden visit and of course some fun fox mythology!

Save the date and read along! Our Redwall Livestream for the Book One of book one will be May 12th!

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us...

Duration: 00:38:46
87: Sea Dragons and Blind Mice
Apr 18, 2024

In honor of Ella's book release (THE MAP THAT LED TO YOU), Ella has some very fun history on sea dragons, both real and fictional! Then, Alexis did some research about nursery rhymes involving animals. Ever wondered why those mice were blind? Find out! We also have a Ready Pet Go from Melissa and Merlin as well as some updates on our Redwall reading plan!

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg...

Duration: 00:39:26
86: Lucy Rose and Figgy
Apr 11, 2024

Lucy Rose is a fantastic writer, but more importatly she has a cat named Figgy! We learn abour Figgy's wild former life, her very particular favorite movie, and her rat hunting skills (spoiler: she's terrified of them). Ella and Alexis also have some updates about their pets, plus ELLA'S NEW BOOK IS OUT! THE MAP THAT LED TO YOU is available wherever you get your books! 
Follow Lucy @lucyrosecreates

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us o...

Duration: 00:59:54
85: Fish Doorbells and Snow Leopard News
Apr 04, 2024

This week Ella has some exciting Snow Leopard news and Alexis discovers the greatest community effort possibly of all time: The Fishdoorbell (De Visdeurbel)! Plus, Ella has some cat DRAMA outside her window and Alexis struggles with Crumb's ear infection and Cricket's feelings. We also have a great Ready Pet Go from Katie!
When we recorded this we did not yet know the results of the Max Fun Drive, however we now know that we have reached ALL of our goals! Thank you everyone we are so excited and will update you more next week!
Also to...

Duration: 00:32:08
84: Austin Taylor, Brenda Snell, and MaxFun Drive
Mar 28, 2024

It's week two of MaxFun Drive and we've got a full house this week! We are joined by Austin Taylor and Brenda Snell of Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries, and we've solved the biggest secret of all: They both have fantastic pets. Austin tells us all about the dramatic dynamics of pets Opal, Kat, and Karol. And Brenda discusses Angel the cat as well as the secrets to having your pets live a long time!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT SO FAR! We've already reached our first two goals! The MaxFun drive is the exciting time of...

Duration: 01:06:43
83: Drea Clark, Acting Animals, and MaxFun Drive
Mar 21, 2024

HAPPY MAX FUN DRIVE! To honor this exciting week we're joined by Drea Clark from Maximum Film! We learn about her current cats, chat the funniest cat names, and some of our favorite animal performances in films! 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT SO FAR! The MaxFun drive is the exciting time of the year where we rally for your support to keep our podcast going! Support artists and get some great gifts! Plus, we've also got some great milestone rewards we are very excited about! To become a member head to maximumfun.org/join today! 

GO...

Duration: 01:22:44
Blair Preston, The Human Zoo (Teaser)
Mar 19, 2024

Hear the full episode by becoming a member! Go to maximumfun.org/join to join! You will get this bonus episode plus all of the other BoCo from past years. Plus, cool gifts and the bragging rights to say you contribute to the art you love!  

Thank you! You make this show possible!

maximumfun.org/join

Duration: 00:02:51
Go Fact Yourself #MaxFunDrive Kick-off Spectacular featuring Alonso Duralde, Drea Clark, Alexis B. Preston, and Ben Harrison
Mar 18, 2024

This special network wide event is a celebration of the MaxFunDrive! If you’d like to support podcasts you love for just $5 a month and get bonus gifts in the process, go to maximumfun.org/join. 

We’re kicking off the most exciting time of the year for the MaxFun Network with a trivia game show featuring hosts from tons of great podcasts.

J. Keith van Straaten and Helen Hong from “Go Fact Yourself” are joined by:

Alonso Duralde & Drea Clark - “Maximum Film!” 

Alexis B. Preston - “Comfort Creatures” 

Ben Harrison - “G...

Duration: 00:15:09
82: Angler Fish and Pisces Myths
Mar 14, 2024

It's Ella's birthday! What better way to celebrate than to talk about greek mythology surrounding Pisces! We also discuss some fun fish facts and the Angler fish and learn why they are the ultimate girlboss. Happy birthday Ella! We'll see you next week for the MAX FUN DRIVE!

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jTdQZAT2ZU

Duration: 00:36:31
81: Babies, Births, and Toads
Mar 07, 2024

This week Ella and Alexis honour the leap year by giving frogs their flowers and toads the praise they deserve. They also honour the arrival of Alexis' new niece with a deep dive into birthing -- warning... the episode is not for the squeamish. Or indeed for anyone who doesn't want to know about naked mole rat birthing. We also have a fascinating article on antlers (which presents us with further evidence of the magical nature of deer).

Duration: 00:43:41
80: Rescue Rats and Lucky Horses
Feb 29, 2024

This week Ella and Alexis chat lucky escapes and rodents performing daring feats of rescue! Also, some hot analysis of smart grumpy pups and happy bimbos, and a Guinness world record scandal! Plus, we have a Ready Pet Go from Ginger and Chonk.

 

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jTdQZAT2ZU

Duration: 00:39:58
79: Cynthia Murphy and Loli
Feb 22, 2024

Best-selling YA thriller author Cynthia Murphy joins us this week to chat all about the marvel that is her pup Loli. We chat happy buses, snobby dogs and cat reincarnation.

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jTdQZAT2ZU

Duration: 00:53:06
78: News Pet-Cast
Feb 15, 2024

Welcome to the something O'clock news, coming to you not at all live at no specific time from two separate continents! Tonight, with Ella and Alexis; Dogs now have ferries on cabins and Pigeons are NOT spies. This is a very serious news podcast now, ok everyone?  Plus, we have a Ready Pet Go from Pear Tree and a cute little Valentine's Day history. 

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/P5Qj...

Duration: 00:36:23
77: John-Luke Roberts and the Price of a Baguette
Feb 08, 2024

John-Luke Roberts, host of new Max Fun podcast soundheap joins us to chat about his childhood pets (a veritable menagerie!), the pigeons that he was once visited by, and our new campaign to have turtles as Kings!

Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/P5QjFtx8

Duration: 00:54:44