Episodes

Does your pet panic at the vet—or do you? Vet visits can be a major source of anxiety for pets and their people. But they don’t have to be. In this episode, Amy sits down with her friend and veterinarian, Dr. Arsue Shokrollahi-McClain (aka Dr. Zoo), to share practical tips to take the stress out of…

Planning a road trip with your pets? Worried about how to make it safe, fun, and enjoyable? In this episode, Amy chats with pet travel expert Amy Burkert, founder of GoPetFriendly.com, to bring you the ultimate guide to hitting the road with your furry co-pilot. Whether you’re traveling cross-count…

Think you’ve nailed cat parenting? You might be making mistakes that are putting your cat’s health and happiness at risk. In this episode, Amy sits down with The Healthy Cat Guy, the viral sensation known for his cat care tip...

Ever heard someone say they “had to” give up their pet because they had a baby or were moving? Let’s unpack that. In this episode, Amy teams up with fellow pet podcaster and dog training expert Jessica L. Fischer to confront ...

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...

Think adopting a senior dog is just “too sad”? You’re not alone. Many people avoid older dogs because of fears about health, longevity, or heartbreak. But what if you’re missing out on one of the most rewarding pet experience...

Is Your Pet’s Food Helping or Hurting Their Health? With nearly 900 pet food brands on the market, how are you supposed to know what’s actually good for your pet? In this episode, I’m joined by holistic veterinarian Dr. Jeff Grognet to cut through the confusion and give you real answers about pet n…

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...

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...

What if your second act wasn’t just about you, but also about your dog? In this episode, Amy talks with Joyce A. Miller, who transformed herself from a mechanical designer into an author and freestyle dog dancer. From busting myths about Greyhounds to exploring the emotional rollercoaster of racing…

Ever feel like your cat is trying to ruin your life with litterbox messes or shredded furniture? You’re not alone and you’re not failing. These so-called “bad” behaviors are often just misunderstood signals from your cat. In this episode, Amy sits down with cat behavior expert and media personality…

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…

What Is Your Pet Trying to Tell You—And Are You Listening? What if your pet’s “bad” or unwanted behavior isn’t bad at all... but a message you’re missing? Most pet parents unknowingly send mixed signals to their animals, then feel frustrated when the problems persist. Whether it’s barking, hiding, …

What really drives someone to choose a specific breed? And what happens when that desire bumps into reality? In this heartfelt episode, Amy chats with speaker and leadership coach Laurie Hall about her journey from planning t...

What No One Tells You About Losing a Pet Do you feel like you're already grieving your pet… even though they're still here? That heartbreak has a name and in this episode, you’ll learn how anticipatory grief affects both you and your pet, and why it’s one of the most misunderstood parts of pet loss…

Think you need to spend a fortune to upgrade your pet’s health? Think again. If your pet’s food feels “good enough” but you know deep down it could be better, this episode is for you. Amy chats with Kat Donatello, founder of Austin and Kat, about affordable ways to boost your pet’s nutrition, witho…

Welcome to Muddy Paws and Hairballs , the no-fluff podcast that tells it like it is when it comes to life with pets. I'm Amy Castro , your host—an animal rescue founder, former vet assistant, pet industry expert, and someone ...

This short intro episode comes from our original show, Starlight Pet Talk. While the name may have changed, this episode is still a must-listen! It shares our "why," introduces you to our host, Amy Castro, and lays out the go...