The Animal Rescue Podcast: what you always wanted to know but didn’t know who to ask

This week I talk with Jenna Hage-Hassan about the unique way she got into rescue. From seeing a news story to getting involved with a rescue in Lebanon, her experience should leave anyone hopeful about their ability to help, no matter how big or small of an impact they think they are making. Spoiler, even if you think you are only making a small impact, you still are leaving a ripple effect of goo...

This week I talk with Angela Adan. Angela was highly recommended and she did not disappoint. Honestly, I don't even know how to summarize our conversation. We cover her experiences with animals from a young age, how she went from Vet Tech, to trainer, to rescuer, to educator, and everything in between. Angela shares her experience in the animal rescue world and this is a great episode for anyo...

This week I talk with Tim Woodward of Animal Rescue Corps. This was a really cool one for me because it is an organization right down the road and I will definitely be stopping by for a visit! Tim and I discuss his journey into animal rescue, how he was a founding member of Animal Rescue Corps, and the work they do on serious animal cases throughout North America. And in case you were wondering, t...

This week I talk with Nikki Sharp, Executive Director of Wildlife SOS. Nikki and I discuss how a chance meeting at a dinner led her to joining Wildlife SOS and helping people and animals in India. She shares how the founders saw a need to end dancing bears and set a goal to end the practice in 2010. However, through persistence and determination they were able to end the practice earlier than they...

This week I talk with Shawn Allen Stewart about his book series Bailey and Daisy. We discuss how growing up with rescue animals shaped him, the work he is doing in the animal world with grooming and daycare/boarding, and most importantly, the Bailey and Daisy series! This series, while intended for children, has something for everyone. And if you are like me and need a fidget to stay focused, ther...

This week I talk with Tom Kiesche about, well, a little bit of everything. How animal rescue wasn't necessarily on his radar until a date he went on, balancing shelter volunteering with life, and most importantly his advice for how to keep going in a space that can be mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting. To learn more about Tom's work both as a volunteer and an actor/writer/pr...

This week I talk with Meghan Lehman, Shelter Brand Manager, at Hill's Pet Nutrition. Meghan joined Hill’s Pet Nutrition in 2025 to lead the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program. Leveraging extensive experience across both the animal shelter and corporate sectors, she focuses on developing high-impact strategies that drive growth, strong partnership development, marketing engagement, and soc...

This week I talk with Kimberly Haley-Coleman, founder of Globe Aware, an organization that coordinates volunteer opportunities in countries around the world. We discuss how the organization got started, the types of programs they arrange, and how you can get involved. To learn more about Globe Aware you can find them online at  www.globeaware.org  or on social media @globeaware. You can also give...

Project AnimalAid is back, this time with Executive Director Meghan Curtis. We get her perspective of the evolution of the organization and the groups they have been able to help over the years. When it comes to product donations I don't always think creatively about how they can be used, but these organizations they donate to are able to find new ways to use things that may be imperfect or ne...

This week I talk with Dr. Kelly Curtin and Molly about their book "Molly and Potato". This is a sweet book that helps kids think and talk about their emotions and processing hard situations. It was so fun getting to interview Molly about her experience writing a book and what her plans are for future books. To learn more about "Molly and Potato" you can find them online at  www...

This week I talk with Arthur von Wiesenberger about his show AnimalZone. But first, we cover his history in animal welfare, starting as a young child. As an adult he managed to pursue the things he loves most, food, beverages, travel, and animal welfare. While these may not seem connected at face value, we see how he has been able to blend them together in the work he is doing now. Currently, as e...

This week I talk with Thomas Klein and Brooke Moreland of The Animal Alliance. We discuss what led them into the animal welfare world and how they are using their unique backgrounds to support communities across the globe. Currently they are working on The Community Engagement Program, a 6-week cohort-based program designed to bring community members together to participate in research and collabo...

This week Nicole Navarro, founder of Pawsitive Beginnings, a fox sanctuary located in Key Largo, FL, joins us again to discuss some of the toxicity in animal welfare and rescue work and ways she takes care of herself to make sure she is able to continue doing the good work she is doing with the foxes and the community. She also shares about some new partnerships the santuary has formed, and a new...

This week I talk with Charles Howard of Mountain Dog Products. We discuss how a life change led to the creation of, in my opinion, one of the greatest leashes ever. We also talk about the mission of sustainability and being environmentally friendly, that has led the company to where it is now. I have been using these leashes for a few years now and will not go back to any other leash. The quality...

This week I am joined by Don Levin, owner of the Chicago Wolves hockey team. Before we get into animal rescue, I first needed to learn a little bit more about professional and affiliate teams, always love learning! Then we discuss the work the Wolves have been doing with animal rescue over the last 20 years! From adoption events to community resources, they are a great example of what can happen w...

Leif Cocks returns to talk about the ins and outs of rescuing and rehabilitating Orangutans, as well as typical behaviors in the wild. We also discuss easy ways you can get involved to help both local and global communities. If you are interested in setting up collectives in your area please check out  www.theorangutanproject.org  for resources in getting events going. You can learn more about Lei...

Content warning for talk of suicide and suicidal thoughts.   This week Jen Blough joins us again to discuss suicide in animal rescue. Recently, a well known rescuer took her life. While I do not know the specifics surrounding her situation, toxicity and harassment in the animal rescue world is all too common. Jen and I discuss risk factors for suicidality, things to look out for, how to be a suppo...

This week I talk with Dr. Cliff Redford, Worldwide Vet. We discuss how he got into veterinary medicine, his global travels to volunteer with different organizations helping with wildlife rescue in places like Greece, India, and Ukraine, and his righthand woman, his daughter Emily. Even if you aren't interested in becoming a vet, this episode is a great reminder to have compassion for the peopl...

  This week I talk with Cydian Kauffman of Pure Water Northwest to discuss all things water! This was a rollercoaster of an episode. There are some daunting things about water quality and treatment, but fortunately there are things you can do to help protect yourself and your pets from some of the harmful things that end up in our water. To learn more about Pure Water Northwest check them out onli...

This week I talk with Doug Green about his books The Teachings of Shirelle: Life Lessons from a Divine Knucklehead and A Dog of Many Names. We get into his history with rescue dogs, what led him to want to write a book about his experiences with Shirelle, and what we can all learn from dogs. I definitely walked away from this book and this interview with a renewed perspective on what it means to l...

This week I talk with Tricia Montgomery of Moose's March. We discuss her journey in the pet wellness world, how Moose came into her life, and the legacy he has now left behind. Moose's March focuses on early detection of pet cancer by providing resources for pet owners. In addition to these resources they are also launching the Moose Approved Badge program. To learn more about pet cancer a...

This week I talk with Alyssa Muse, director of Aviary Creature Rescue in Deep South Louisiana. We discuss how she got started in rescue, cases she has been involved in, and how she keeps her cup filled in order to keep going back out there to do this work. If you live in a rural area and don't know how to get started or how to keep going, this is the listen for you. To learn more about Aviary...

This week I talk with Lori and Denise of Heavenly Paws of Michigan. We discuss how they got started in rescue, the changes they have seen in the rescue world over the last 16 years they have been in operation, and the surprising reason they have a different adoption fee for designer breeds, because they do end up in rescues just like any other breed of dog. To learn more about the work they do or...

This week I talk with Skarlet Rockwood about marketing in the animal welfare world. We discuss what led her into marketing, what she has learned about animal shelters and rescues, and how you can get involved. Listen to the end to hear some pretty fascinating facts about how social media algorithms work and how you can use that to your benefit! To learn more about Skarlet's work, check out  www.pe...

This week I talk with Nita Godwin of Dog Heaven LLC. We discuss her experience with animals, healing from trauma, and how she has figured out a way to merge animal rescue and helping others heal from their own trauma. We also talk about how animals can help you on your journey of finding yourself and learning to hear your intuition. To learn more you can check them out at  www.dogheavenllc.com Spo...