Love in Their Hearts Book: Stories of Animal Emotions for Young Adults with Marc Bekoff and Jeff Campbell
Author: cpfreeman
July 5, 2026
Duration: 52:12
The last time Dr. Marc Bekoff was on the show, he discussed his "Emotional Lives of Animals" 2nd edition; now he's co-authored a version for teens/young adults called "Love in Their Hearts: A Celebration of Animal Emotions and a Guide to Compassionate Action," with writer and friend Jeff Campbell, both of whom join host Carrie Freeman for a 52-minute conversation that is both fun and touching, as they share stories of nonhuman animal altruism, heroism, and grief -- from Marc's dog Jethro (bunny rescuer), to dairy cow mothers, to the famous grizzly bear 399 in Wyoming, to heroic humpback whales and dolphins. And we ponder why wild/free-living killer whales choose not to attack us humans?
We also discuss how kids can learn from the lessons of Drs. Jane Goodall and Marc Bekoff in terms of their career trajectory innovating wild animal ethology (respectfully studying animal behavior as compassionate conservationists) and their childhood experiences connecting with other animals (and having supportive parents). Marc is very passionate about young people following their hearts in school and not letting teachers/professors force them to do anything violent to animals (dissection, experimentation, killing). His co-author Jeff ensured that the book contained Marc's and Jane's experiences as students, as an example of how you can be highly successful in science while still following your heart and doing what is best for our animal friends (recognizing them as someone not something).
Marc and Jeff have created a free educator's guide so teachers can use the "Love in their Hearts" book in the classroom: https://marcbekoff.com/love-in-their-hearts. You can also check out Jeff's other books for young adults at his website https://jeffcampbellbooks.com/
"In Tune to Nature" is an hour-long radio show airing Wednesdays at 6pm Eastern Time on 89.3FM-Atlanta radio and streaming worldwide on wrfg.org (Radio Free Georgia, a nonprofit indie station) hosted by me, Carrie Freeman, or friend Melody Paris. The show's website and my contact info can be found at https://wrfg.org/intunetonature/ While there, consider donating to Radio Free Georgia, a 50+ year old progressive, non-commercial, indie radio station, run largely by volunteers like me and Melody -- radically candid and compassionate.
And remember to take care of yourself and others, including fellow animals with love in their hearts.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on In Tune to Nature do not necessarily reflect those of WRFG, its board, staff, or volunteers.