Inside Zoo School: Learning, Leadership, and Care with Dr. Susan Friedman & Rick Hester [Episode 273]

In this insightful and future-focused episode of the Animal Training Academy Podcast, Ryan Cartlidge is joined by two pioneers in applied behavior analysis and professional animal education: Dr. Susan Friedman and Rick Hester, as they introduce and explore their newest collaborative project, Zoo School.

Dr. Susan Friedman brings decades of experience as a psychology professor, behavior analyst, and internationally respected educator whose work has profoundly shaped humane, evidence-based animal training across species. Rick Hester joins the conversation as a seasoned zoo professional, educator, and mentor whose career spans animal care, staff development, and leadership within zoological institutions. Together, Susan and Rick share how their complementary backgrounds converged to create Zoo School - a learning platform designed to elevate animal care through science, ethics, and effective teaching.

Throughout the conversation, Susan and Rick reflect on the gaps they've observed in traditional animal-care education, particularly the need for deeper fluency in learning theory, behavior analysis, and instructional design. They discuss how Zoo School was built to support zoo and aquarium professionals not just in what to do, but in how to think - developing critical skills in observation, decision-making, and compassionate problem solving.

Ryan, Susan, and Rick dive into the philosophy underpinning Zoo School, including the importance of clarity, kindness, and accountability in professional practice. They explore how well-designed education can improve animal welfare, empower caregivers, and foster healthier organizational cultures. Central to the discussion is the idea that behavior doesn't exist in isolation - it is shaped by environments, systems, and the contingencies we design for both animals and humans.

Listeners will also hear candid reflections on mentorship, lifelong learning, and the responsibility educators carry when shaping the next generation of professionals. Susan and Rick share what excites them most about Zoo School's future, how it differs from conventional training programs, and why now is the right time for this kind of learning space to exist.

This episode is a thoughtful invitation to rethink professional development in animal care - and a compelling reminder that when education is grounded in science, empathy, and intentional design, it has the power to create meaningful, lasting change for animals and the people who care for them.

Links

https://bwzs.org/