Wonder with the Witte

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. read less

Antarctic Dinosaurs ~ Discovering Antarctic Dinosaurs ~ Special Guest Dr. Peter Makovicky
6d ago
Antarctic Dinosaurs ~ Discovering Antarctic Dinosaurs ~ Special Guest Dr. Peter Makovicky
This week, Abbey and Daemon interview Dr. Peter Makovicky, a paleontologist who co-led research expeditions to Antarctica and uncovered many of the specimens and artifacts on display in Antarctic Dinosaurs. In addition to the scrupulous packing lists and preparatory protocol, Dr. Makovicky describes what it’s like to work in extreme environments, shares some of his favorite fossil finds and highlights the vast teams who keep McMurdo station running. Daemon asks about the Sauropodomorphs, and Abbey marvels at ancient life. Dr. Makovicky is a professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Minnesota. He studies the processes of macroevolution using the fossil record and researching dinosaurs. To learn more information about the sources and references for today’s episode, visit: Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Minnesota, Dr. Peter Makovicky: https://cse.umn.edu/esci/peter-makovicky 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/42ezsOz.
Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family ~ What is a Tyrannosaur? ~ Ask a Paleontologist
May 19 2023
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.
Antarctic Dinosaurs ~ Research from a Polar Perspective ~ Interview with Dr. Peter Flaig
May 12 2023
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.
Antarctic Dinosaurs ~ Ancient Amphibians ~ Crocodiles and Salamanders
Apr 10 2023
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_topSidor, 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_AntarcticaSidor, 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.
Antarctic Dinosaurs ~ Snow-Covered SauroPODomorphs ~ Recent Discoveries
Mar 11 2023
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/sauropodField 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_AntarcticaWikipedia, 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.
Antarctic Dinosaurs ~ From Forest to Frozen ~ Climate and the Cryolophosaurus
Feb 27 2023
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.htmlNSF 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.
Weird Wildlife ~ Curious Critters with Quills ~ The North American Porcupine
Jan 28 2023
Weird Wildlife ~ Curious Critters with Quills ~ The North American Porcupine
Can porcupines really shoot their quills? What kind of animal wants to eat a porcupine, anyway? On this episode of Wonder with the Witte, hosts Abbey and Daemon take listeners into the world of weird Texas wildlife. Discover the difference between Old World and New World porcupines, learn where these critters can be found and marvel at how they survive… despite being a little clumsy at times. To learn more information about the sources and references for today’s episode, visit: Animalia, North American Porcupine: https://animalia.bio/north-american-porcupineScience.org, Porcupine quills reveal their prickly secrets: https://www.science.org/content/article/porcupine-quills-reveal-their-prickly-secretsTexas Parks & Wildlife, Porcupines: https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/nonpwdpubs/introducing_mammals/porcupines/Texas Tech Natural Science Research Laboratory, North American Porcupine: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/nsrl/mammals-of-texas-online-edition/Accounts_Rodentia/Erethizon_dorsatum.phpU.S. Department of Interior, Indian Arts and Crafts Board, Treasures of the IACB: Lakota vest, ca. 1880: https://www.doi.gov/iacb/treasures-iacb-lakota-vest-ca-1880 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. For more information and to visit the Witte Museum, visit www.WitteMuseum.org.
Monster Fish ~ Little "Monsters" ~ Invasive Species
Jan 13 2023
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-repellentsNational Park Service, Silver carp: https://www.nps.gov/miss/learn/nature/ascarp_silver.htmSmithsonian 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-180979485Texas Invasives: https://texasinvasives.orgTexas Invasive Species Institute, Apple snail: http://www.tsusinvasives.org/home/database/pomacea-maculataTexas Invasive Species Institute, Armored catfish: http://www.tsusinvasives.org/home/database/hypostomus-plecostomus-and-pterygoplichthys-anisitsiTexas 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.
Monster Fish ~ Respect the Gar ~ Giant Fish in Texas Rivers
Dec 30 2022
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.pdfEnvironmental Monitor, Gar-Bage Fish No More: https://www.fondriest.com/news/gar-bage-fish-no-more-its-time-to-respect-gar.htmFlorida 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-garNational Geographic, Alligator Gar: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/facts/alligator-garTexas Parks & Wildlife, Alligator Gar: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/facts/alligator-garU.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.
Monster Fish ~ Deep Dive with Dr. Zeb Hogan ~ National Geographic Explorer
Dec 16 2022
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-hoganNat 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.
Monster Fish ~ Gone (Cat)Fishing ~ Catfish Around the World
Dec 2 2022
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-prehistoryNational Geographic Mekong Giant Catfish reference: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/facts/mekong-giant-catfishTexas 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.