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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.
June 27, 2023

Before You Start An Animal Rescue: The Truth Nobody Tells You

Most people picture the happy endings, not the daily reality that can drain your time, your money, and your emotional bandwidth faster than you ever expected. In this episode, we’re talking about what it really takes to start...

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June 20, 2023

What to Do (and Not Do) When You Find Wildlife

Ever come across a wild animal and freeze, unsure of what to do? Whether it's a baby bird on the ground or a raccoon in your attic, most of us want to help, but end up making things worse. In this episode, Amy talks with Stephanie Ellis, Executive Director of Wild Care of Cape Cod, to break down wh…

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June 13, 2023

Pet Grooming Secrets from Hollywood’s Top Groomer Jess Rona

Think grooming is just about a haircut? Think again. Most pet parents have no idea what their groomer really goes through, or what makes a grooming session a total nightmare (or a dream). In this episode, celebrity groomer Jess Rona spills the secrets every pet parent should know, from managing coa…

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April 25, 2023

Thinking About Adopting a Shelter Dog? Listen to This First

Ready to open your heart and home to a shelter dog? There’s more to it than just picking the cutest pup. In this episode, Amy Castro teams up with professional dog trainer Ricky Bedient, also known as That Dog Guy , to unpack...

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April 4, 2023

Thinking About Fostering a Pet? Here's What You Need to Know

Ever wonder if you could be a foster hero? Fostering isn’t just about temporarily housing an animal - it’s about giving them a second chance. But it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to make a difference, even if you’re n...

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March 28, 2023

Fake Service Dogs: How They Put Real People at Risk

Think all dogs with vests are legit service animals? Think again. In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with disability experts Elisa Hayes and Donna Mack to break down the facts—and fiction—surrounding service dogs. Together...

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March 14, 2023

Greyhound Rescue, Dog Dancing, and Reinventing Life Together

What happens when your life needs a second act -- and your dog leads the way? In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Joyce A. Miller, who transformed herself from a mechanical designer into an author and freestyle dog dancer after adopting retired racing Greyhounds. Joyce shares the emotional highs…

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Feb. 28, 2023

Veterinary Social Workers: The Hidden Support Pet Owners Need

Ever feel like something’s lost in translation at the vet’s office? Veterinary social workers may be the solution you didn’t know existed. In this episode, Amy speaks with Emily Carveth, LCSW, to explore how these professionals support both pet parents and veterinary teams, especially in high-stres…

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Jan. 11, 2023

Why I Started This Podcast and Why It Was First Called Starlight Pet …

Every podcast starts somewhere, and this one began with a name that meant a lot to me. In this episode, I’m sharing the story behind the show, why it originally launched as Starlight Pet Talk, and how that name connected to m...

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