Help keep the hotline alive, donate now →

Animal Welfare And Industry Spotlights Episodes

Meet the people, rescues, and brands making a difference for animals everywhere. These episodes shine a light on inspiring stories, innovative ideas, and the organizations working to make life better for pets and the people who love them.

Topics included: animal rescue, fostering, adoption, nonprofit features, pet industry interviews, brand founders, expert guests.
Oct. 12, 2025

Stop Overpaying for Grooming: What You Can DIY vs Leave to the Pros

Trying to save money on grooming? Whether you’ve got a dog or a cat, this episode will help you figure out what you can safely and confidently do at home, and what’s better left to the professionals so you can stop overpaying...

Listen to the Episode
Aug. 31, 2025

How to Avoid Choosing the Wrong Dog Trainer

Are you at the end of your rope with your dog’s behavior, but not sure if it’s time to hire a professional dog trainer, or worried about picking the wrong one? You’re not alone. The dog training world can feel like the Wild W...

Listen to the Episode
April 27, 2025

Why the “No Kill” Movement Hurts More Than It Helps

What if the no-kill movement isn’t saving animals but failing them? It promised to end unnecessary euthanasia and revolutionize sheltering. But behind the glowing stats and feel-good slogans lies a much messier reality, one most people don’t want to talk about. In this episode, I sit down with anim…

Listen to the Episode
April 15, 2025

When Rescue Breaks You: The Cost of Saying Yes Too Much

When Saving Animals Almost Broke Me What happens when the thing you love the most is the very thing that pushes you past your breaking point? I found out in the middle of a hurricane—soaked, sobbing, and clinging to my barn while sick kittens cried in a barely secured shed. That was the moment I re…

Listen to the Episode
April 1, 2025

Turn Pet Hunger Into Hope for Families in Need

What if feeding your pet meant you had to skip dinner yourself? For thousands of families, that’s not a hypothetical—it’s a heartbreaking daily decision. And when the bills pile up, surrendering a beloved pet can feel like the only option left. In this episode, I talk with Stacey LeBaron, founder o…

Listen to the Episode
Dec. 9, 2024

What’s Broken in Animal Rescue and How to Fix It

Hey there! In this episode, you’ll hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk—that’s what we called it before we decided to embrace the fur, mess, and mayhem. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place for Muddy Paws and Hairballs—same great content, just with a name that fits! - Amy Join us for a…

Listen to the Episode
Oct. 29, 2024

Zoomies: The Dog Park That’s Redefining Pet Community and Safety

What if your local dog park wasn’t just a place to play—but a thriving community built for both pets and people? In this episode, I talk with Ramy Saleh, CEO of Zoomies Dog Park, about how he’s reshaping the dog park experien...

Listen to the Episode
Oct. 22, 2024

How Rescue Dog Wines Is Saving Lives One Bottle at a Time

What if every bottle of wine you opened also helped save a rescue dog’s life? In this episode, I talk with Blair Lott, co-founder of Rescue Dog Wines, about how he and his wife Laura turned their passion for wine into a missi...

Listen to the Episode
Oct. 8, 2024

What It’s Really Like to Be an Animal Rescuer

Ever wondered what it’s really like to dedicate your life to saving animals? In this special episode, I’m the guest on The Story of My Pet podcast, hosted by Julie Marty-Pearson. I share my journey from a childhood encounter ...

Listen to the Episode
Sept. 24, 2024

The Festival That Honors Pets and People Who Love Them

What makes a community celebration truly unforgettable? Love—and pets. In this episode, I talk with Father Justin Briggle of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church about the story behind Harvest PawFest, a joyful festival created to ...

Listen to the Episode