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 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!

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 often-overlooked plants are the unsung heroes of any pollinator garden.

It’s the perfect episode to revisit as summer blooms and butterflies take flight!

🌿 The Backyard Naturalists is the podcast about anything and everything connected with nature — heard in 125 countries, all 50 U.S. states, and proudly awarded Best of the Weeklies Podcast two years running by the readers of the Matthews–Mint Hill Weekly.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and let your backyard become a haven for butterflies this season.

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 without harming them or other wildlife.

If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your backyard nature-friendly and less attractive to snakes, you’ll love this timely, sometimes funny, always down-to-earth episode.

🎧 The Backyard Naturalists is the podcast about anything and everything connected with nature, heard in 125 countries, all 50 U.S. states, and throughout the Carolinas. Proudly named Best of the Weeklies Podcast by Matthews–Mint Hill Weekly two years running!