Smart Animals (with octopus scientist Chelsea Bennice)

About this episode

The episode features discussions about smart animals, an interview with octopus scientist Chelsea Bennice, and fun animal-related content for kids and families.

What smart animals are making you happy today? What animal always tried to bite Rob when he was a zookeeper? What animal did Laura try to scare with a bottle of shampoo? Hear Laura and Rob pick smart animals that are making them happy, plus a country song about an octopus, awesome animal clues from 6 year old Lily from North Carolina, and an interview with octopus scientist Dr. Chelsea Bennice. What animal is making Chelsea happy today? Here are some clues. It has a donut shaped brain and its poop looks like silly string. The Happiest Animal Show (on Planet Earth) is a comedy podcast for kids and families who love wildlife, with original animal songs, stories, jokes and special guests from comedians to scientists to kids. It's hosted by Laura Sams and Robert Sams, who are sister/brother zoologists, filmmakers and songwriters. If you like baboons, parrots, octopus or groundhogs, you just might like this episode.

People in this episode

Hosts: Laura Sams, Robert Sams

Guest: Chelsea Bennice

Topics covered

• smart animals
• octopus
• animal clues
• comedy podcast
• wildlife
• kids education

Keywords

• smart animals
• octopus
• Chelsea Bennice
• animal clues
• comedy podcast
• kids education
• wildlife

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Happiest Animal Show

More episodes of The Happiest Animal Show

• Lake Animals (with comedian Sean Jordan) · June 6, 2026 · 25 min
• Desert Animals (with wildlife filmmaker Colin Ruggiero) · May 23, 2026 · 24 min
• Funny Animal Sounds (a special Mother's Day episode with our mom Diane Sams) · May 10, 2026 · 26 min
• Things We've Only Seen Once (with ocean naturalist Josh Wittmer) · April 18, 2026 · 24 min
• Animals That Look Happy (with improv comedian and actor Colin Mochrie) · April 4, 2026 · 27 min
• Backyard Buddies (with National Geographic Explorer Dr. Tierney Thys) · March 21, 2026 · 21 min