Episodes

Looking for a holiday gift that your pet loving friends will truly appreciate? Before you grab another toy, treat sampler, or pet themed mug, let’s walk through what makes a gift thoughtful, useful, and personal. In this episode, I’m breaking down the simple qualities that turn an ordinary present into something meaningful. You’ll learn how to match the gift to the pet, the pet parent, and their lifestyle so you can feel confident you picked something they’ll love. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTE...

Love is important, but love alone won’t fix fear. If you’re considering adopting a rescue dog and you’re worried about trauma, shutdown behavior, reactivity, or “what did I just bring home?”, this episode will help you make a smarter decision and avoid the mistakes that set dogs and adopters up to fail. I’m joined by canine behavior consultant Kate LaSalla, who specializes in fear, aggression, and complex behavior cases. We talk about what rescue dogs actually need beyond love, how to...

Holiday photos, family visits, colder weather - your pet’s grooming routine matters more than ever this season. In this episode, I sit down with Julia Benning, Lead Grooming Advisor for Well Groomed Pets and a Fear-Free Certified Groomer, to talk about how grooming impacts not just your pet’s appearance but their overall health and comfort. Whether you’re prepping for your pet’s first grooming appointment or managing a high-maintenance doodle coat, this episode is your go-to guide for stress-fre...

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 experience from the ground up. From behavior assessments and vaccination requirements to play zones and social events, Zoomies is setting a new standard for safe, enriching spaces where dogs and humans connect. Ramy shares his personal journey from Cairo to Houston and explains how ...

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 mission-driven business that gives back to animal rescue efforts nationwide. From a successful music career to a new life in Northern California’s wine country, Blair shares how they built a brand that blends quality winemaking with deep purpose—and how each bottle sold supports ...

What if the dog training methods you've learned are creating more problems than they're fixing? In this episode, I speak with Angie Winters, author of "Don't Train Your Dog," about why traditional dog training tips and methods often fall short and what to do instead. Drawing from over 20 years of experience in dog rehabilitation and parenting, Angie shares how forming an emotional bond and setting clear expectations can lead to better behavior than dog training based on fear or bribery ever ...

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 with a feral cat named Snippy to founding Starlight Outreach and Rescue and committing my life to animal rescue. This conversation offers a raw, honest look at the emotional weight, daily chaos, and deep joy that come with being an animal rescuer. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LIS...

Ever wonder what your dog is thinking—or how much they really understand? In this episode, I talk with Jennifer S. Holland, New York Times bestselling author of Dog Smart: Life-Changing Lessons in Canine Intelligence. We explore the fascinating science behind canine cognition, from their superpowered sense of smell to how they adapt to our routines, emotions, and environments. You’ll walk away with a new appreciation for just how intelligent and emotionally attuned your dog truly is. BY THE TIM...

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 honor the deep bond between pets and their people. Originally an Oktoberfest-style event, Harvest PawFest has grown into a heartwarming community tradition centered on animal blessings, family fun, and the unique connection we share with our pets. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LIS...

Could your pet’s toys, bowls, food bags, or even clothes be adding plastic exposure that builds up over time? In this episode, I’m joined by Aidan Charron from EARTHDAY.ORG to unpack the Pets vs Plastics report and why plastic is not just an environmental issue, it’s a pet health issue. We break down how plastics and additive chemicals can enter your pet’s body (even through chewing and licking), why oversight in pet products and pet food can be shockingly weak, and the easiest swaps that reduce...