Encore: Skunks, Sass, and Surprises with Ruby Davis
Release Date: 07/12/2025
Encore Episode: Bye-Bye, Seed Bandits! Meet the Squirrel Buster
The Backyard Naturalists
We’re reaching back to one of our most popular episodes for this week’s encore—and trust us, it’s a fan favorite for a reason! If squirrels have ever turned your bird feeders into their personal buffet, this one’s for you. Debbie and Lori are joined by Tatiana Thompson of Brome Bird Care, makers of the innovative Squirrel Buster bird feeders. Broadcasting all the way from snowy Quebec, Tatiana shares the backstory of how a simple idea grew into a worldwide movement in backyard birding. You'll learn how Brome’s clever feeder designs help bird lovers keep the seed for the...
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Encore: Skunks, Sass, and Surprises with Ruby Davis
The Backyard Naturalists
Have you ever wondered what’s really going on with the skunks in your backyard? 🦨 In this fascinating encore episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie and Laurie sit down once again with fan-favorite Ruby Davis for a deep dive into one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures. Ruby brings her signature blend of expertise and storytelling to the conversation, helping us explore skunk behavior, their surprising benefits to the ecosystem, and how to peacefully coexist with these nocturnal visitors. Whether you’ve had a skunk sighting or just want to learn something new about...
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Encore: Host Plants, Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Butterflies
The Backyard Naturalists
It’s pollinator season in full swing, and what better way to celebrate than by rolling out the red carpet for butterflies? In this encore episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie share practical, inspiring ways to support these winged wonders — starting with host plants. From milkweed for monarchs to passionflower for Gulf fritillaries, you’ll learn how simple choices in your garden can give caterpillars the food they need to grow, transform, and keep butterfly populations thriving. The hosts break down why host plants matter, how to choose the right ones, and how these...
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Snake Deterrents: What Works, What Doesn’t
The Backyard Naturalists
Summer is heating up across the Carolinas, and that means snakes are on the move — and stirring up plenty of conversation. In this episode, Debbie and Laurie bust myths and tackle misinformation about snake deterrents, exploring what truly works (and what absolutely doesn’t) to keep these fascinating reptiles out of spaces where they aren’t welcome. From mothballs to marigolds, ultrasonic gadgets to sticky traps, the hosts share a science-based look at these so-called “solutions” and offer practical, humane advice for managing your yard in a way that discourages unwanted snake visits...
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Catching Up – Monarchs, Lanternflies, and Zombie Deer? Oh My!
The Backyard Naturalists
It’s time to catch up with The Backyard Naturalists, your weekly dose of everything wild and wonderful in the natural world! This week, Debbie and Laurie are taking a look back—and a hopeful step forward—as they revisit three important topics that continue to affect our backyards and beyond: the Spotted Lanternfly, Chronic Wasting Disease (aka “Zombie Deer Disease”), and the Monarch Butterfly population. From celebrating 94,000+ listens (can you believe it?!) to sharing laughs about bell ringing at the Matthews Community Farmers Market, this episode is full of gratitude, good vibes,...
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🎧 Frogs, Toads & Backyard Choruses
The Backyard Naturalists
In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie and Laurie take a fun and fascinating leap into the world of frogs and toads—those small but mighty voices you hear rising from ponds, ditches, and backyards as spring turns into summer. You’ll learn how to spot (and hear!) some of North Carolina’s most common amphibians, including the American Bullfrog, Southern Leopard Frog, Spring Peeper, American Toad, and the charmingly named Eastern Spadefoot Toad. The hosts break down what makes frogs different from toads, share the importance of ephemeral ponds for breeding, and encourage...
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🐍 Snakes, Safety, and a Python Named Norm
The Backyard Naturalists
This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we’re welcoming a cold-blooded guest — and we mean that in the best way possible. Reptile educator Jay Bell joins Debbie and Laurie in the studio, bringing along his unforgettable companion: Norm, a Burmese python who stretches over 6 feet long (and still growing!). Together, they unpack a fascinating (and often misunderstood) corner of the natural world: snakes. Whether you're a snake lover or snake skeptic, this episode has something for you: 🐍 Snake bite safety 101 – What to do and what NOT to do if you're ever bitten by a venomous snake ...
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Saturday Mornings at the Market: A Visit to Matthews Farmers Market
The Backyard Naturalists
In this vibrant episode, hosts Debbie and Laurie take us on-location to one of North Carolina’s most cherished local gems: the Matthews Farmers Market. With the sun just rising and vendors setting up, they capture the buzz and beauty of the market firsthand — and share conversations with the passionate people who make it all happen. You’ll hear from: 🎙️ Jessica Thomas, Market Manager, who shares the market’s 34-year journey and recent growth to over 58 local vendors. 🥕 Farmers from Wild Hope Farm, Heaven’s Dew Farm, and others, diving into organic, sustainable, and...
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Tiny Habitats for your Backyard
The Backyard Naturalists
Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, the show about anything and everything connected with nature. If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our or our . We would really like to hear from you. Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the , and . Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at . A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte. Thanks for listening to The Backyard...
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🐦 Backyard Dreams, Blunders & Big Ideas
The Backyard Naturalists
This week, things get personal (and a little playful!) as Debbie, Laurie, and Chris go round-robin style in a fun backyard-themed Q&A game! 🎙️🌿 They dish on their dream features (hello, pond and bat house!), favorite parts of their yards (shade gardens, native plants, and more), and even the gardening goofs they’ve made along the way. 🙈 From invasive monkey grass to erosion woes, they don’t hold back—because every backyard habitat has a story! You’ll get practical tips on how to start small with bird feeders, water sources, and native plants, plus big-picture ideas to...
info_outlineHave you ever wondered what’s really going on with the skunks in your backyard? 🦨 In this fascinating encore episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie and Laurie sit down once again with fan-favorite Ruby Davis for a deep dive into one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures.
Ruby brings her signature blend of expertise and storytelling to the conversation, helping us explore skunk behavior, their surprising benefits to the ecosystem, and how to peacefully coexist with these nocturnal visitors. Whether you’ve had a skunk sighting or just want to learn something new about backyard wildlife, this episode is full of “aha” moments, fun facts, and practical tips.
Tune in and find out why skunks deserve a second look—and maybe even a little appreciation!
🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
📍 Heard in all 50 states, 125 countries, and across the Carolinas.
🏆 Named “Best Podcast” by readers of the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly two years running!