Episodes

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 of PAWSitive Pantry and host of The Community Cats Podcast, about how her team is tackling pet food insecurity and keeping pets in the homes where they’re loved. From distributing more than 140,000 p...

Did I wait too long? Did I do the right thing? What if I failed them? If you’ve lost a beloved pet, you’ve probably asked yourself these same painful questions. Grief is hard enough, but guilt can make healing feel impossible. I’ve been there too. When I had to say goodbye to our 34-year-old rescue horse, Cherokee, I was overwhelmed with guilt, even with decades of rescue experience behind me. If you’ve ever struggled with that same inner dialogue, you’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down w...

Think hairballs are just a normal part of life with cats? Think again. If your cat is coughing up hairballs weekly or even monthly, it’s not just gross—it’s a red flag. Frequent hairballs can point to stress, food allergies, digestive issues, or even chronic illness. In this episode, I talk with veterinarian Dr. Linda Atkins about what really causes hairballs, when to be concerned, and cat care hacks to help your cat stay healthy from the inside out. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DIS...

Do you think your pet “loves” something, but they’re actually just stressed, overwhelmed, or trying to cope? Many pet parenting problems start when we judge animal behavior through a human lens and miss what our pets are trying to tell us. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Rachel Malamed, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist (veterinary psychiatrist), to talk about what pets actually need to feel safe, balanced, and mentally healthy in a human home. We get into enrichment that matters (not...

Thinking about getting a dog? Hold that thought. Too many rescue dog adoptions fail because people fall for a face or a story without understanding what they’re signing up for. Choosing the wrong dog, whether it's a rescue dog or not, can lead to frustration, heartbreak, and sometimes surrender. In this episode, I talk with Pete Campione about how to avoid the biggest mistakes people make when bringing a dog into their lives. Whether you’re adopting a rescue dog, fostering, or buying from a bre...

Is your dog getting the right amount of exercise, or are they overdoing it without you realizing? Whether your pup is high-energy, low-key, or somewhere in between, knowing how to safely meet their physical needs is crucial to keeping them healthy and pain-free. But most pet parents don’t know when to push their dog or when to let them rest. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Kelly Fishman, a veterinary sports medicine expert, about how to customize exercise for your dog’s breed, age, and lifesty...

Thinking about getting goats? Don’t let Instagram fool you. Goat ownership isn’t just cute photos and fresh milk. It’s daily work, specific care, and a long-term commitment that catches a lot of new owners off guard. In this episode, I talk with goat expert and homesteader Deborah Niemann, host of the For the Love of Goats podcast, who pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to raise goats the right way. From fencing to vet care to the emotional lives of goats, she covers it all with hone...

Would you know how to save your pet if they started choking or collapsed from heatstroke? Pet emergencies can happen in seconds, and knowing what to do could be the difference between life and death, especially before you can get to your vet or an emergency vet. Most pet parents aren’t prepared and that’s exactly what this episode aims to change. I’m joined by Arden Moore, a master-certified pet first aid and CPR instructor, award-winning author, and host of Oh Behave and Four-Legged Life. She ...

Worried your cat will freak out in the car? You’re not alone. Whether you’re planning a move or just need to get your cat to the vet without a meltdown, cat travel can feel overwhelming. But with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I’m sharing practical pet travel tips for cats with Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist LeeAnna Buis, including what to do before, during, and after the ride to reduce anxiety and set your cat up for success. BY THE TIME YOU ...

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 an inspiring and eye-opening conversation with Daio Floyd, a seasoned dog trainer and rescuer, as she shares her journey from competing in dog sports as a young enthusiast to founding and leading a ...