This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:31] Clucky: All secured for the Night Chickens.

[0:36] Kitten: You sure are enjoying those crispy mealworms, Clucky.

[0:42] Clucky: You too, Boogita.

[0:50] Kitten: That's the dinner bell. Time for me to head up. Kitten, come up soon. I'll tell Maddox that you are still down here.

[1:00] Clucky: Does this voice sound different to you?

[1:03] Kitten: Yes, it's getting much deeper.

[1:05] Clucky: Why is that?

[1:07] Kitten: Well, Bella, it happens to boys as they grow and change from boys to men.

[1:10] Clucky: Isn't that the name of a boy band?

[1:13] Kitten: Actually, yes. Boys to Men is an American vocal harmony group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

[1:19] Clucky: Best known for their emotional ballads and acapella harmonies.

[1:22] Kitten: They were very popular in the 1990s.

[1:28] Clucky: Do you think my voice will change?

[1:30] Kitten: No, you're a rooster, not a boy.

[1:33] Clucky: What causes the change?

[1:35] Kitten: As boys grow, Bridget, their body releases a hormone called testosterone.

[1:39] Clucky: Yeah!

[1:41] Kitten: A trombone?

[1:46] Clucky: Like they play in the band? The big brass instrument with the part that slides out?

[1:50] Kitten: Didn't Xander recently bring one of those home to play?

[1:53] Clucky: Yeah, he did. You mean to tell me that the instrument is affecting his voice?

[1:57] Kitten: Is it like an infection?

[2:00] Clucky: Are there miniature trombones that have stuck into his body and now he's filled with trombones floating around inside him?

[2:06] Kitten: Should he stop playing?

[2:08] Clucky: Meow, of course not. Testosterone.

[2:11] Kitten: Yeah!

[2:13] Clucky: It's a hormone or chemical substance produced by the body to help the body grow and develop.

[2:18] Kitten: Not trombone.

[2:20] Clucky: The large brass musical instrument, which would not be able to float in Xander's body.

[2:24] Kitten: You cannot be infected by trombones.

[2:29] Clucky: Whew, that's a relief.

[2:32] Kitten: So this testosterone...

[2:34] Clucky: Yeah!

[2:36] Kitten: Is changing his voice?

[2:38] Clucky: Yes, the testosterone causes the larynx to grow and...

[2:41] Kitten: Wait, a lynx? Isn't that a type of wildcat? Now he has a cat in his throat?

[2:46] Clucky: I've heard the phrase, cat got your tongue. I never really thought the cat was actually in a human's mouth.

[2:51] Kitten: What? No. I said larynx, not lynx.

[2:55] Clucky: The larynx is more commonly known as the voice box.

[2:58] Kitten: It has many fleshy cords that vibrate to make sound.

[3:01] Clucky: As boys hit puberty, around ages 11 to 13, their bodies produce a hormone called testosterone.

[3:07] Kitten: Yeah!

[3:09] Clucky: Which, when it comes into contact with the vocal cords, it causes them to thicken.

[3:13] Kitten: This thickening makes Xander's voice sound lower and deeper.

[3:17] Clucky: He is starting to sound a little more dreamy.

[3:19] Kitten: Like the dead person.

[3:21] Clucky: So there's no lynx in his throat?

[3:23] Kitten: That's not possible.

[3:25] Clucky: According to an article Maddox and I read in the National Geographic, the North American lynx rufus, or bobcat, is an average of 22 pounds and about 3 feet tall.

[3:34] Kitten: Far too big to fit in a person's voice box.

[3:36] Clucky: Did you say bobcat?

[3:38] Kitten: A lynx and a bobcat are the same thing?

[3:40] Clucky: Actually, there are four species of lynx that range across Western Europe, Central Asia and North America.

[3:45] Kitten: There are two similar and often confused species in North America known as the bobcat and the lynx.

[3:51] Clucky: Both have short tails, but the lynx is bigger and has tufts of dark fur between its ears and on the tips of its ears.

[3:57] Kitten: The bobcat is only found in North America.

[4:00] Clucky: And Americans have named him the bobcat because of their short tails.

[4:04] Kitten: So that's why they're not called billcats.

[4:07] Clucky: They are bobbed because they have bobbed or short tails.

[4:11] Kitten: Bobbed means short.

[4:12] Clucky: Yep, it can also mean to make a short movement up and down, like she bobbed her head.

[4:16] Kitten: Oh, I'd love to bob my head to music, especially Taylor Swift.

[4:20] Clucky: I just love her music.

[4:22] Kitten: I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22.

[4:26] Clucky: Who are you?

[4:28] Red: So sorry to startle you. I was just strolling by and decided to listen in on your conversation. My name is Red, just like my favorite Tay-Tay song.

[4:37] Clucky: Red.

[4:38] Kitten: That's not a name you hear very often.

[4:41] Red: Well, my real name is Reginald, but that is so stuffy and boring, I prefer Red.

[4:47] Kitten: The name Reginald is English in origin and means ruler or advisor.

[4:52] Red: See? Stuffy and boring.

[4:55] Kitten: I don't know. Ruler means you could have power.

[4:58] Red: Well, I do have power to open up almost everything I come across.

[5:03] Kitten: That does sound interesting.

[5:05] Clucky: In fact, it looks like you have small little hands like a human. What kind of animal are you, Red?

[5:10] Red: I am a raccoon.

[5:12] Clucky: A raccoon.

[5:14] Kitten: But you seem so nice. How can you be a raccoon?

[5:16] Red: I've always heard how evil and scary raccoons are.

[5:21] Clucky: They lurk around at night with their eyes masked. They're always on the hunt for food, not caring about anyone but themselves. Always looking for their next meal.

[5:31] Kitten: The black fur around your eyes does make it look like you are wearing a mask. But your tail with the rings looks so cute and fluffy, and you like to sing. How could you be evil?

[5:39] Red: Ha ha ha. It's a strange mix, isn't it? But what can you expect from a guy who's been on his own since he was three months old?

[5:50] Clucky: What? Meow, are you saying you are evil?

[5:54] Red: Evil sounds bad. I prefer survivor. I make the most of what is in front of me. That's how we survive. My mom taught me and my two brothers that before she left us to fend for ourselves at just three months old.

[6:10] Kitten: You have two brothers? Are you close? Do you travel in a group?

[6:16] Red: No, I have not seen them since the day my mom left us.

[6:20] Clucky: What happened to them?

[6:22] Red: No, I have not seen them since the day my mom left us.

[6:26] Kitten: What happened? Why did she go?

[6:29] Red: I don't know. We spent the day sleeping in a tree, and when we woke up, she was gone.

[6:35] Clucky: Do you think she was attacked by a predator?

[6:38] Red: Nah, it's the way of the raccoon. When you're old enough to survive on your own, your mama leaves you, and that's it. You're on your own.

[6:46] Kitten: Then why didn't you stay with your brothers? Wouldn't it be better to find food together? To keep each other safe?

[6:51] Clucky: Clucky always says that there is safety in numbers.

[6:55] Red: That's right, I do say that.

[6:57] Clucky: Safety in numbers? Those little kids, I left them in the dust.

[7:02] Kitten: What is a kit?

[7:04] Red: It's what you call a baby raccoon. They would have just dragged me down.

[7:09] Clucky: You don't think you could have worked together to find food and keep each other safe?

[7:13] Red: Ha, those little weaklings? No, I doubt they'll last a week after our mama left.

[7:19] Kitten: Brock, that seems pretty harsh.

[7:22] Red: It's a harsh world out there. You've got to do what you've got to do to survive.

[7:28] Clucky: Now tell me, which one of you would like to be eaten first?

[7:33] Kitten: Brock!

[7:35] Red: What? No!

[7:37] Clucky: Meow! Brock!

[7:39] Red: Now just hold on there, Red. You seem like you could be a nice guy. Maybe we misjudged you. No one needs to eat anyone here.

[7:48] Red: You know, Clucky, I like that you think I could be a nice guy. Here's the thing though, you're wrong. I am all those stories you've heard. I do sneak through the night and eat what I like. I even run some of the time. And it just so happens to be that chicken is one of my favorite meats.

[8:07] Clucky: Well, you are out of luck. Xander locked our coop for the night and it is predator proof. Even with your paws that look like little human hands, I don't think you can get in.

[8:19] Unknown speaker: How sure are you?

[8:21] Unknown speaker: Willing to bet your life on it?

[8:23] Unknown speaker: Stop trying to frighten us. You cannot get in the coop. I think you should leave.

[8:28] Unknown speaker: Why should I leave this buffet of delicious food and go away?

[8:32] Unknown speaker: There are not many locks that can keep me out.

[8:35] Unknown speaker: However, as you are not in the coop, Kitten, maybe I should start my feast with you.

[8:41] Kitten: You stay away from Kitten!

[8:43] Unknown speaker: Why should I? What are you going to do about it?

[8:46] Unknown speaker: Like your friend said, you are stuck in the coop.

[8:49] Unknown speaker: Here, kitty, kitty. Want to play?

[8:52] Kitten: Don't talk to me like that!

[8:55] Unknown speaker: Jump!

[8:57] Unknown speaker: You look lonely up here on the top of the coop. How about I join you for dinner?

[9:02] Kitten: Stay back!

[9:04] Kitten: I have claws and I'm not afraid to use them.

[9:07] Unknown speaker: Ooh, feisty. I don't mind playing a little with my food before eating.

[9:12] Unknown speaker: Nice dodge, Kitten!

[9:14] Unknown speaker: Scratch him with your claws!

[9:16] Unknown speaker: Ni hao!

[9:18] Unknown speaker: Ouch, you scratched me.

[9:20] Unknown speaker: Go, Kitten!

[9:22] Unknown speaker: Great lunge!

[9:25] Unknown speaker: And down he goes!

[9:27] Unknown speaker: I can't watch!

[9:29] Unknown speaker: We believe in you, Kitten!

[9:31] Unknown speaker: Quiet up there. You will be next. She is no match for me.

[9:34] Tatum: She may not be, but I certainly am. Get back, you vile creature!

[9:39] Unknown speaker: Go away, dear. This is none of your business.

[9:42] Unknown speaker: I have warned you. Now meet my hind legs.

[9:47] Unknown speaker: Ah, no fair!

[9:51] Unknown speaker: Woo! Rock!

[9:54] Unknown speaker: Filthy little trash panda. You had better run away and never come back.

[10:00] Unknown speaker: Filthy little trash panda. You had better run away and never return to this spot.

[10:06] Kitten: Oh, Tatum, where did you come from?

[10:08] Kitten: Wow, Tatum, you really kicked him far. Remind me never to get on your bad side.

[10:14] Clucky: It is important that one knows how to defend oneself.

[10:18] Tatum: Although I do take a more calm approach to life, I have many ways of defending myself and others.

[10:24] Tatum: Kitten, are you all right?

[10:27] Kitten: Yes, Tatum. A little shaken up, but very thankful you showed up.

[10:31] Kitten: What a lovely surprise. We haven't seen you since the evacuation. I'm so happy you're okay.

[10:37] Tatum: Thank you, Kitten. It is nice to be back in our forest, even if we have to deal with the Rabble.

[10:43] Clucky: Scrabble? I don't think he wanted to play a board game.

[10:48] Tatum: No, of course not, Clucky. Rabble refers to someone who is disorderly and generally unwanted.

[10:55] Clucky: What did you call him? A trash panda? Isn't that a type of bear?

[11:00] Clucky: Is he related to bears?

[11:02] Tatum: Yes, in my temper I did call him a trash panda. That was not very nice of me. Please forgive me.

[11:09] Clucky: All is forgiven. It's understandable. He was trying to eat me.

[11:14] Tatum: Thank you. It also is not accurate.

[11:17] Tatum: Raccoons are sometimes called trash pandas because they like to eat garbage and they look startlingly similar to the red panda.

[11:25] Tatum: However, the raccoon and the red panda belong to two different animal families.

[11:30] Clucky: Not sure I want to meet either one of them. Tatum, where's Neil?

[11:34] Tatum: While we were in a different part of the forest during the evacuation, he met a young doe that he became quite fond of, so he's staying with her now.

[11:42] Tatum: He may be back to visit in the future, though.

[11:44] Kitten: I'm glad to hear that he's well. I was afraid something had happened to him since you're alone.

[11:49] Tatum: Never fully alone, Bella. I have family that still lives in the forest, but I no longer have young fawns following me closely.

[11:57] Tatum: So in that aspect, it does feel a little different.

[12:00] Clucky: Where did you end up during the evacuation? Are you only getting back now?

[12:05] Tatum: Actually, I returned very recently. I took the opportunity to see some old friends and relations.

[12:10] Tatum: I had a short visit with my two sisters and saw plenty of my nieces and nephews along my travels.

[12:16] Tatum: I also came across a deer friend from my days as a young fawn. We used to play together all the time as our mothers were friends.

[12:24] Tatum: He said he might come back to our forest in the near future, and perhaps you can meet him.

[12:29] Clucky: That would be cool! I've never met a fully grown male deer before.

[12:33] Tatum: They're called bucks, Clucky.

[12:35] Clucky: Do they have those branches on their heads?

[12:37] Tatum: Antlers?

[12:38] Tatum: Yes, he does. I hadn't seen him in many years, so I was quite surprised by how big he's become.

[12:44] Tatum: And he does have an impressive set of antlers.

[12:47] Clucky: I wonder how heavy those are!

[12:49] Tatum: If he comes by, I'm sure you can ask him then.

[12:52] Tatum: It is really nice to see you again, Tatum.

[12:55] Clucky: What good luck it was that you came by!

[12:57] Tatum: It wasn't luck at all. I heard the commotion from quite far away.

[13:02] Tatum: I've encountered this singing raccoon before. I hear him singing all the time.

[13:06] Tatum: You could never fully trust raccoons.

[13:09] Tatum: They are opportunistic feeders, so I became concerned that he had found you, so I came to make sure there was no trouble.

[13:16] Clucky: Optimistic feeders? So they're always hopeful for eating?

[13:20] Tatum: Ah, Clucky, I have missed you and the way your brain works.

[13:24] Tatum: An opportunistic feeder is an animal that will eat anything.

[13:28] Tatum: They are omnivorous, meaning they'll eat plants or meats.

[13:31] Clucky: I suppose you could also call them optimistic in that they're always hopeful to come across food.

[13:36] Clucky: We know an opportunistic feeder. We just met one.

[13:39] Tatum: Oh, is that so? Another raccoon?

[13:43] Clucky: No, actually, it was an opossum. Her name was Nine.

[13:47] Tatum: Oh, how interesting. I quite like the opossums.

[13:50] Tatum: They tend to stick to themselves, but the times I've come across them, they are quite funny.

[13:55] Clucky: Have you seen them alive or dead?

[13:57] Tatum: We thought it was a zombie opossum in the way she rose up from the dead.

[14:01] Tatum: Oh, very much alive. They don't see deer as predators, so they don't play dead around us.

[14:06] Tatum: I have heard about it, though.

[14:09] Tatum: Speaking of predators, I should probably get back up to the house before it gets super dark.

[14:13] Tatum: Maddox will be wondering where I am.

[14:16] Kitten: If you'd like me to escort you up the path closer to the house, I'd be happy to, Kitten.

[14:20] Tatum: I want to make sure you get inside safely.

[14:22] Kitten: So thoughtful, Tatum. It might be a good idea. I'd appreciate it.

[14:26] Kitten: You never know if Red's still out there lurking about.

[14:29] Tatum: He'll think twice if he sees Tatum.

[14:32] Kitten: Although, I don't think I'll ever forget the way his fluffy tail waved in the wind as he flew through the air.

[14:37] Kitten: I'll sleep well knowing that we have such good friends looking out for us.

[14:52] Unknown speaker: Please share it with a friend.

[14:54] Unknown speaker: Also, don't forget to subscribe to the Kitten and Clucky podcast for wherever you get your podcast.

[14:59] Unknown speaker: We'd love to hear from you.

[15:01] Unknown speaker: You can contact us on our website at kittenandclucky.com

[15:05] Unknown speaker: or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

[15:08] Unknown speaker: Or leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. It helps others find the show.

[15:12] Unknown speaker: Today's episode featured 5th grade student James Baphis as Red.

[15:17] Unknown speaker: Which one of you would like to be eaten first?

[15:19] Unknown speaker: Thank you so much to James for inspiring the character of Red and making the recording session so fun and full of laughs.

[15:26] Unknown speaker: Today's script was written by Amy Daniels and Christine Rosen.

[15:30] Unknown speaker: Other character voices were performed by

[15:33] Unknown speaker: Corbin Daniels as Xander.

[15:36] Unknown speaker: Time for me to head up.

[15:38] Unknown speaker: Christine Rosen as Tatum.

[15:40] Unknown speaker: And he does have an impressive set of antlers.

[15:43] Unknown speaker: Parker Daniels as Bridget.

[15:46] Unknown speaker: Scratch him with your claws!

[15:47] Unknown speaker: Bella.

[15:49] Unknown speaker: Oh, I can't watch!

[15:51] Unknown speaker: And Brigitte.

[15:53] Unknown speaker: We believe in you, Kitten!

[15:55] Unknown speaker: Amy Daniels as Mom.

[15:57] Unknown speaker: Come up for dinner!

[15:59] Unknown speaker: Kitten, you cannot be infected by trombones.

[16:02] Unknown speaker: And Clucky.

[16:04] Unknown speaker: Whew! That's a relief.

[16:06] Unknown speaker: Special thanks to our theme song composer, Henry Johnson.

[16:10] Unknown speaker: Did you know he composed that music when he was only 12 years old?

[16:14] Unknown speaker: Wow, he's so talented.

[16:16] Unknown speaker: The Kitten and Clucky Podcast is produced and edited by Amy Daniels.

[16:20] Unknown speaker: All rights reserved.

[16:22] Unknown speaker: Sound effects provided by Corbin Daniels.

[16:25] Unknown speaker: Yeah!

[16:27] Unknown speaker: Boyz II Men.

[16:29] Unknown speaker: and Epidemic Sound.