Interviews Archives - Page 3 of 6 - The Community Cats Podcast

Interviews

June 29, 2017

Interview! Karen Hollish, Director of Development and Marketing, Pima Animal Care Center

“The community cats project has not only helped us save outdoor community cats; it’s helped us provide a better experience for the cats inside our shelters.” Karen Hollish is the director of development and marketing at Pima Animal Care Center. In March 2014, she started a development program for the […]
July 1, 2017

Interview! Erika Kelly, founder of Operation Git-Meow

“The Navy has always been tied to cats, and that’s how the cats got to the base in the first place.” Only a year after graduating college, Erika Kelly is already well on her way to making waves in the animal welfare community—she started Operation Git-Meow in December 2016, a […]
July 8, 2017

Interview! Anthony Amos, Owner, HydroDog and Founder of the Bathe to Save Tour

“If you want to become a part of HydroDog, you’re not just part of a franchise; you’re committing to a long-term partnership with the animal rescue world.” Anthony Amos is the owner of HydroDog, a mobile grooming salon in Australia that travels from house to house bathing beloved household pooches. […]
July 15, 2017

Interview! Meredith Hippert, Director of Field Operations, Animal Balance

“Through this work, I recognized my passion for serving the underserved, and working with communities to implement change for animals.” Though largely self-educated in the field, Meredith Hippert holds an impressively broad resume in animal welfare, from admission guidelines and outreach to foster programming and TNR. Her journey started when she began […]
July 22, 2017

Interview! Kate Benjamin, Designer, Blogger of Hauspanther, Part 1

“I’m not just writing about cool-looking stuff. I’m writing about stuff that’s going to make a difference in these cats’ lives.” Kate Benjamin has combined her professional knowledge of design and product development with her love of cats to fill a unique niche—she blogs about cat products designed with the […]
July 29, 2017

Interview! Kate Benjamin, Designer, Blogger of Hauspanther, Part 2

“Not only does the design of the room at the shelter make it very functional and enjoyable, but it’s a showcase for what people can do when they get home.” In Part 2 of this two-part episode, Kate delves into how user-centered design theory can be applied to shelters, in […]
August 5, 2017

Interview! Nathan Winograd, Executive Director, The No-Kill Advocacy Center, Part 1

“It’s actually the policies and procedures of the shelter that are responsible for whether animals die in shelters.” It’s hard to name a field of animal welfare that Nathan Winograd doesn’t have experience in: his animal advocacy work started while attending Stanford Law School, and since then he has worked […]
August 12, 2017

Interview! Nathan Winograd, Executive Director, The No-Kill Advocacy Center, Part 2

“We had to come to the realization that just because you work at an animal shelter doesn’t mean you are passionate about cats and saving their lives.” In Part 2 of this two-part episode, Nathan describes the current animal welfare legislation he is working on—namely the Companion Animal Protection Act […]
August 19, 2017

Interview! Pat Brayer, Clinic Director at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona

“The adopters that are drawn to the shy feral kittens are the ones that are going to make them blossom the most.” Pat Brayer is the clinic director at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. In her shelter work, she has pioneered some of the field’s most innovative programs, such […]
August 26, 2017

Interview! Lorrie Shaw, Owner, Professional Pet Sitting & Blogger, Animals Unfolded

“Cats’ needs for enrichment are only becoming more understood.” Lorrie Shaw is the owner of Professional Pet Sitting and specializes in helping families care for hospice and special needs pets. Through her work, she has observed that medical issues and behavioral issues are very often linked—inappropriate elimination, for example, is the most […]
September 2, 2017

Interview! Maribeth Decker, Intuitive Animal Communicator, sacredgrove.com

“It’s a connection between two souls on a non-physical level.” Maribeth Decker is an intuitive animal communicator, whose dogs first began communicating with her after she became a Reiki Master. She herself only realized her gift when she adopted Tibor, a young fear-aggressive rescue dog, who sent her images of […]
September 9, 2017

Interview! Anna Skaya, CEO and Founder of Basepaws

“The bigger database, the more associations and discoveries we can make.” Anna Skaya is the CEO and founder of Basepaws, a commercial company that conducts feline genetic testing and research. Using the results from genetic testing, we can analyze an individual cat and assess her probability of contracting certain diseases. […]
September 16, 2017

Interview! Britt Collins, Author and Journalist, “Strays: A Lost Cat, a Homeless Man, and Their Journey Across America”

“Being a writer can be a lonely, hard process at the best of times.” Britt Collins is a writer, journalist, and animal activist, who has written investigative journalism on animal cruelty and has volunteered at animal rescues and sanctuaries around the world. Her most recent book, Strays: A Lost Cat, a Homeless […]
September 23, 2017

Interview! Esther Mechler, Founder of Spay USA

“What’s the tipping point? What’s the age that we could get the veterinarians to agree? The answer seemed to be, by five months.” Esther is back for another episode of the Community Cats Podcast, in which she shares more information on the Feline Fix By Five campaign, an initiative to encourage […]
September 30, 2017

Interview! Dr. Nels Rasmussen, Animal Chiropractor and Spiritual Animal Healer

“Everyone else is saying ‘There’s just no hope anymore,’ and I’m here to say there is.” Dr. Nels Rasmussen is a third-generation animal chiropractor who now works as a spiritual animal healer in neuroenergetic balancing. In the early days of his practice he worked with paralyzed and injured horses, restoring […]
October 7, 2017

Interview! Cathy Unruh and Chad Thompson, Board President and Executive Director, Meow Now, Inc.

“My ultimate vision is that there really are no more community cats, because the entire United States has bought into TNVR.” Cathy Unruh and Chad Thompson are the founding board president and executive director of Meow Now, Inc., respectively. Meow Now is the first and only non-profit organization providing TNVR […]
October 14, 2017

Interview! Bryan Kortis, Director of National Programs for Neighborhood Cats

“It feels like we are starting over in Maui. We are having fascinating on-the-ground experiences!” Stacy catches up with Bryan Kortis today to cover a wide range of topics from what is happening in Hawaii with pending legislation that would help community cats, to an update on the group’s work in Jersey […]
October 21, 2017

Interview! Katie Lisnik, Director of Cat Policy and Protection, Humane Society of the United States

“We’re trying to package these bills in a media-friendly way, a legislator-friendly way, and an advocate-friendly way. Everybody has to be on board.” Ready for Round 5 of Policy Jeopardy? Katie Lisnik once again updates us on the various changes and new initiatives in community cat policy across the US. […]
October 28, 2017

Interview! Sarah-Jane Farrell, Multi Sensory and Forensic Medical Intuitive

“The trust process is the first step in our ability to trust that we are enough. It is as ancient as humankind.” Sarah-Jane Farrell is a pragmatic psychologist who specializes in healing trauma through utilizing the animal relationships in our lives. Sarah-Jane grew up in Zimbabwe, where she always felt […]
November 4, 2017

Interview! Dr. Mike Greenberg, Program Director for Target Zero

“We want to teach people to set goals, and then to use metrics to measure their progress towards them.” Dr. Mike Greenberg is the program director for Target Zero, a project that helps municipal shelters achieve live release rates of 90% or above for community cats. He is also the […]
November 11, 2017

Interview! Adam Myatt, The Cat Man of West Oakland

“These cats are street smart, tough as nails, and have definitely seen some stuff, but they are our neighborhood cats and are softies at heart.” Cats have been taking over this amazing guy’s life for the last eight years! What started as a small photography hobby has turned into a […]
November 18, 2017

Interview! Matt Michelson and Calvin Bohn, Co-Founders, Smalls

“58% of cats are overweight, and 28% of those are considered obese. This is up 7% since just 2011 and something clearly needs to change.” Matt, the Master Business Person, and Calvin, Head Chef, are taking a fresh look at feeding felines after seeing just how many cats are overweight, […]
November 25, 2017

Interview! Jim Tedford, President and CEO for the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators, SAWA

“Our role is to make connections between people who need relief versus the members we know who can provide relief.” Jim is a returning guest who has been actively engaged in the animal welfare movement for over 30 years. He was involved in the professional association of leaders in animal […]
December 2, 2017

Interview! Cameron Moore, Program Manager, Million Cat Challenge

“Hurricane Irma’s reach was intense for shelters across Florida, but it will only help us to plan for future incidents.” Cameron Moore is a return guest (head to Episode 61 for information on how she got started in the business) who is here today to discuss the hurricane relief efforts […]
December 9, 2017

Interview! Sandy Rees, Founder and Chief Encouragement Officer – Get Fully Funded

“I’ve always felt deep in my soul that I’m here to help lots of people. I have a sensitive heart and can’t stand to see anyone suffer.” Sandy Rees helps nonprofits and charities who have been used to nickel and dime fundraising work  get to six or seven figures on […]
December 16, 2017

Interview! Frances Carlisle, Attorney

“An important and usually neglected part of estate planning is what will happen to a client’s pets and animals. Charities which are already overburdened than have to step in, taking resources away from their other needs.” Frances Carlisle is a New York attorney who prepares wills and trusts, including trusts […]
December 23, 2017

Interview! Haydn Hilton, Owner of Java Cats Cafe in Atlanta, GA

“If I would have known how much work a cat cafe was, I might have turned around, but the cats are where the magic is. They market the coffee shop all by themselves when people walk by!” Meet twenty-six-year-old Haydn Hilton, owner of Java Cats Café. Located in the heart […]
December 30, 2017

Interview! Natalise Kalea, COO of poundWISHES

“We want to save animals, help animals, and better the lives of animals around the world. We aim to execute on our mission through creative innovation and community.” Natalise Kalea has always been an animal lover, and she always dreamed of putting her business skills to good use to help […]
January 6, 2018

Interview! Keoni Vaughn, Executive Director of Lanai Cat Sanctuary

“My job has helped me instantly get to the heart of what I want to do, which is rescue and protect animals that can’t speak for themselves.” Keoni Vaughn is the Executive Director of the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, where a staff of just six people provide daily care for almost […]
January 13, 2018

Interview! Nell Thompson – Coordinator of National Getting To Zero Program

“I’m passionate for improving outcomes for community cats. I believe TNR would work great with cooperation and collaboration to achieve community change.” Nell Thompson has worked in the animal welfare world for over twenty-five years. With a background as a veterinary technician, she has exceptional experience and knowledge. Her journey […]
January 20, 2018

Interview! Gavin Ehringer, Author of Leaving the Wild: The Unnatural History of Dogs, Cats, Cows and Horses

“It’s not enough to take care of animals after they’re born, we have to think about their circumstances before the act of breeding even takes place.” Gavin takes a critical look at breeding and how our values shape our animals for good and bad in his new book, Wild. The […]
February 3, 2018

Interview! Ann Dunn, Founder of Cat Town, Oakland, CA

“Nobody wanted to be standing in a cafe making coffee, they wanted to be helping the cats. But now, we’re seeing how helpful it has been to forgotten kittens and see how successful it has been.” Ann Dunn founded Cat Town, an Oakland, CA organization focused on helping the most […]
February 10, 2018

Interview! Brianna Grant, Communications Associate at Alley Cat Rescue

“We believe in protecting all cats, no matter what area they are in.” Brianna Grant was always involved with cats and when she was younger, she found a particularly sweet whose terrible condition broke Brianna’s heart. She spent the next few months taking care of this little stray and in […]
February 17, 2018

Interview! Kimberley Heeney, Vice President of Operations Activ4Pets

“My goal is that anyone, anytime, anywhere, irregardless of economics or world areas, would be able to utilize Activ4Pets for their pet’s well-being and health.” With over twenty-five years of experience in the human healthcare industry, Kimberley Heeney brings a wealth of expertise to the Activ4Pets team. She has always […]
February 24, 2018

Interview! Dr. Linda Harper, Clinical Psychologist, Compassionate Heart Specialist and Author

“Feeling compassion fatigue isn’t really a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. We naturally put ourselves on the back burner over the animals we help.” Dr. Linda Harper, a lifelong animal lover and advocate, is an author and clinical psychologist in the Chicago area. She is passionate about […]
March 3, 2018

Interview! Kate Cote, Founder of Fur Love Comfort Cats

“It’s always such a wonderful time to visit a place for 5 to 6 hours, letting people pet and interact with the cats, and brightening up someone’s day.” “It’s always such a wonderful time to visit a place for 5 to 6 hours, letting people pet and interact with the […]
March 10, 2018

Interview! Kaleel Sakakeeny, Founder, The Other Me Coaching

“You can’t apply a one-size-fits-all for losing a pet or animal in your life. People shouldn’t be ashamed of their feelings of grief when losing an animal.” Kaleel Sakakeeny is back with another great episode about dealing with the grief that can come from losing a pet. Check out his […]
March 17, 2018

Interview! Dr. Lynn Bahr, Feline Veterinarian and Owner of Dezi and Roo

“I like to look at life through a cat’s point of view, not my point of view, and I think that that helps me to understand them better, to communicate with them better, and to know what they need.” How did a dog-loving legal secretary end up becoming a cat-only […]
March 24, 2018

Interview! Daniel Spehar, Co-Founder of the Together Initiative for Ohio’s Community Cats

“I hope all of us can focus on a shared goal of fewer community cats instead of focusing on the differences. Let’s focus on the most effective and humane ways to reach our common goal.” Daniel Spehar works to enact animal-friendly legislation as a volunteer with the Humane Society of […]
March 31, 2018

Interview! Ask Stacy! Online Cat Conference Review

“I’m passionate about the idea of having a dedicated annual cat conference nationally and this was a great way to work towards providing access to everyone.” Stacy is back to discuss all of the in’s and out’s of how the first Online Cat Conference went this past January! She always […]
April 7, 2018

Interview! Vickie Fisher – President of The International Cat Association (TICA)

“We cherish both pedigree and non-pedigree cats. We just want the world to value cats as companion animals.” Vicki Fisher had a successful career in finance & management, but in retirement, she has really been able to devote more time to her passion: CATS! She is the President of the […]
April 14, 2018

Interview! Sterling Davis, Atlanta’s “Trap King”

“You don’t lose cool points for compassion.” Sterling Davis left behind a promising rap music career to begin working with cats professionally several years ago when he took a temporary job at an animal shelter in between tours. A lifelong animal lover, Sterling soon got hooked on TNR and cats. […]
April 21, 2018

Interview! Jennifer Blough, Compassion Fatigue Expert and Author

“Self care—it’s not selfish; it’s really charging your batteries so you can go out and have the energy to do what you love to do, which is saving animals.” Jennifer Blough, a licensed therapist, compassion fatigue expert and author of the bookTo Save a Starfish: A Compassion Fatigue Workbook for […]
April 28, 2018

Interview! Christina Ha, Creator of Cat Camp

“I’m so incredibly excited for Cat Camp this year!” Christina Ha, who originally joined us on Episode 144, is back to talk about this year’s Cat Camp—now known as Jackson Galaxy’s Cat Camp. Galaxy, who attended last year’s event, loved it so much that he wanted to expand it. Cat […]
May 5, 2018

Interview! Part 1 – Dr. Sara Pizano, Veterinarian and Animal Welfare Consultant

“Northern Kentucky will be no-kill for cats this year, absolutely, hands-down!” Dr. Sara Pizano, who joined us previously on Episode 171, is a veterinarian who has been involved in animal welfare for over thirty years. She has extensive experience helping shelters move away from euthanasia as a means of population […]
May 12, 2018

Interview! Part 2 – Dr. Sara Pizano, Veterinarian and Animal Welfare Consultant

“You don’t need millions of dollars—you need to allocate your pie of resources intelligently … that’s really the key.” In part 2 of our two-part episode with Dr. Sara Pizano, she talks about the big picture in animal welfare these days, and about where she feels the focus should be […]
May 19, 2018

Interview! Kim Freeman, Professional Missing Cat Finder

“I would really like anyone who has anything to do with lost cats to realize how important it is not to give up, and not to assume anything.” Kim Freeman turned her lifelong love for cats into a career as a professional missing cat finder. When her own cat Mr. […]
May 26, 2018

Interview! Michele Tilford, Cat-Assisted Therapy Advocate

“I really believe animals have such an ability to get people. They have an intuitiveness which I find amazing.” Michele Tilford has over five years of experience as a cat-assisted therapy handler—but when she first became interested in cat-assisted therapy, the only programs she could find were for dogs. Eventually […]
June 2, 2018

Interview! Dr. Philip Bushby, Professor of Humane Ethics and Animal Welfare at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine

“I long for the day when I can walk into a shelter and not find any cats in the shelter — and it’s achievable.” Dr. Philip Bushby, a veterinarian and well-known advocate for early age spay/neuter, can’t remember a time that he didn’t want to be a veterinarian. He became […]
June 9, 2018

Interview! Niki Cochran, Program Manager at Alley Cat Rescue

“Just because you’re getting the [positive] combo test … that doesn’t mean ‘death sentence’. That means ‘OK, now I have to go and educate myself about what that combo test result is.’ ” Niki Cochran, Program Manager at Alley Cat Rescue in Washington, DC, has been a cat lover her […]
June 16, 2018

Interview! Richard Angelo, Legislative Attorney for Best Friends Animal Society

“Getting those community cat programs started, where cats are not even entering the shelter… it’s so key in saving lives.” Richard Angelo, a legislative attorney for Best Friends Animal Society, is a long-time animal welfare advocate who fell into animal law when he ran across the story of a pit […]
June 23, 2018

Interview! Joyce Briggs, President of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs

“I am determined it’s going to be my legacy in this field that we get the tools that we need to really reach the cats we want to be able to help.” Joyce Briggs, President of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACC&D), told us all about how […]
June 30, 2018

Interview! Chad Nelson, Advocacy Director at PawsWatch Rhode Island

“Tons and tons of cat lovers have no idea … that there’s this whole population of cats that really need our help.” Chad Nelson, a lawyer by trade, is the Advocacy Director at PawsWatch Rhode Island, an all-volunteer network for community cats. Chad came to his work in TNR and […]
July 7, 2018

Interview! Ellen Quinlan, Executive Director of Darbster Foundation

“We definitely don’t want to displace animals that are native to New England.” Ellen Quinlan, Executive Director of Darbster Foundation, was one of those kids who always brought home every stray animal she found, and that passion for helping animals has stayed with her as an adult. The mission of […]
July 14, 2018

Interview! Mike Keiley (MSPCA) & Carmine DiCenso (Dakin Humane Society), “The Mike & Carmine Show,” Part I

“Overpopulation is very, very different than not allowing your animals to leave your shelter.” – C.D. Stacy speaks with Mike Keiley, the Director of Adoption Centers and Programs at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), and Carmine DiCenso, Executive Director of the Dakin Humane Society […]
July 21, 2018

Interview! Mike Keiley (MSPCA) & Carmine DiCenso (Dakin Humane Society), “The Mike & Carmine Show,” Part 2

“I think it’s time for us to pull together and really work towards how we might be able to help the largest number of people and animals.” – MK Tune in to the second part of “The Mike and Carmine Show,” with Mike Keiley of the MSPCA and Carmine DiCenso […]
July 21, 2018

Interview! John Boone, Research Coordinator at Great Basin Bird Observatory, Nevada

“The best solution to [community cat] issues is going to be significant changes in how people care for their cats.” John Boone’s professional track has been that of a wildlife biologist, but he also serves as a consultant with Humane Society International, Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and […]
August 4, 2018

Interview! Pamela Merritt, Cat Advice Columnist

“Be proud of loving cats!” Pamela Merritt — better known as “Dear Pammy” through her cat advice blog — didn’t become a cat fan until she married one. At the time, she says, cats were really still second-class citizens in this country. There weren’t any no-kill shelters, and she and her […]
August 11, 2018

Interview! Erin Robinson, Community Cats Program Manager at Humane Rescue Alliance

“Return to Field has always been the right decision for cats who are thriving and have somewhere to go.” Erin Robinson admits that once upon a time, she simply didn’t know that community cats existed, let alone what you were supposed to do about them. That all began to change […]
August 19, 2018

Interview! Danielle Bays, Director of Cat Protection and Policy, Humane Society of the United States

“If there isn’t anything that prohibits what you’re doing [for cats], you don’t necessarily need to make a law that actually allows for it.” Danielle Bays, the new Director of Cat Protection and Policy at the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), plays “Cat Protection and Policy Jeopardy!” with […]
August 25, 2018

Interview! Karen Kraus, Executive Director of the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon, and Bob Sallinger, Conservation Director at the Audubon Society of Portland

“… the key is recognizing that in general … the public wants solutions that are good for birds and cats.” Karen Kraus and Bob Sallinger’s organizations, the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon and the Audubon Society of Portland, have formed what may seem to some to be a most unlikely […]
September 1, 2018

Interview! Jim Tedford, President & CEO of The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement

“… we are really doubling-down on our commitment to bringing professional development to the [animal welfare] industry.” Jim Tedford, President & CEO of The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (formerly SAWA), who previously appeared on Community Cats Podcast episode #199, joins Stacy again to discuss his organization’s new name, their […]
September 8, 2018

Interview! Olivia Westley, Development Director for Forgotten Cats, Inc.

“Anything is possible, and I hope that there can be a lot more organizations like Forgotten Cats in this world.” Olivia Westley, a former teacher who discovered her true passion for helping cats when she started volunteering in a Forgotten Cats pet store adoption center, now serves as the group’s […]
September 15, 2018

Interview! Darlene Duggan, Director of Operations at Tree House Humane Society

“We’re not going to solve this problem on our own … we have to team up, we have to get together with our community members … to solve this problem.” Darlene Duggan, the Director of Operations at Tree House Humane Society in Chicago, holds a master’s degree in public health […]
September 22, 2018

Interview! Anne Lindsay, Founder & President, Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC) – Part I

“That’s what a coalition should be about … giving people an opportunity to share their side of the story and be understood.” Anne Lindsay, the founder & president of the Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC), has been an animal advocate for over 30 years. Founded in 2000, MAC was one of […]
September 29, 2018

Interview! Anne Lindsay, Founder & President, Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC) – Part II

“I can’t believe that … we are where we are. I never could have written the script… but it’s worked out.” In Part II of this two-part episode, Stacy continues her conversation with Anne Lindsay, the founder & president of the Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC). Anne talks about what she […]
October 6, 2018

Interview! Julie Jacobson, Spay Tennessee and CCP Grants Coordinator

“You can do it. We promise. We’re here to help.” Those of you who have been CCP fans for a long time may remember hearing Stacy chat with Julie Jacobson before in Episodes 2 and 92. Julie runs Spay Tennessee, but is also the CCP grants coordinator. If you don’t […]
October 13, 2018

Interview! Kelly Duer, Foster Program Consultant with Maddie’s Fund

“Foster is the most humane and cost-effective solution.” Kelly Duer, Foster Program Consultant for Maddie’s Fund, has worked with many organizations over the years, including such big names as FEMA and Best Friends Animal Society. The goal of her work is to help groups increase live outcomes for animals through […]
October 20, 2018

Interview! Gary Willoughby, President & CEO of SPCA Serving Erie County

“It seems like we’re at a good crossroads here [with community cats].” Gary Willoughby, the President and CEO of the SPCA Serving Erie County in West Seneca, New York, joins Stacy to talk about what’s going on at the nation’s second oldest humane society. A passionate life-long learner, Gary joined […]
October 27, 2018

Interview! Liz Illg, Owner of Puff & Fluff Grooming & Pet Sitting

“Not every single groomer can groom a cat … A cat feeds off people’s energy, and so the person working on that cat needs to be very gentle and kind and understanding.” Liz Illg, owner of Puff & Fluff Grooming & Pet Sitting, located in Phoenix, Arizona, joins Stacy to […]
November 3, 2018

HubCats TV! Featuring Dr. William Snell, Veterinarian at Blue Pearl Pet Hospital

“You didn’t sign up to be a vet to get the bills paid. You signed up to help animals.” This week our show is a little different. In addition to hosting The Community Cats Podcast, Stacy LeBaron also appears on HubCats TV, a show on Chelsea Cable Access where she […]
November 10, 2018

Interview! Aaron Hancox & Michael McNamara, Directors of Catwalk: Tales from the Cat Show Circuit

“You don’t have to be a cat person to love this movie.” Aaron Hancox and Michael McNamara of Markham Street Films join Stacy in this episode to talk about their documentary,Catwalk: Tales from the Cat Show Circuit, which follows the Canadian competitive cat show world. Aaron is a long-time cat […]
November 17, 2018

Interview! Moshow, Cat Rapper

“Get ready for some cat-tastic stuff!” Internet sensation Moshow was born and raised in inner city Baltimore, MD. He didn’t grow up with pets, and it wasn’t until he was in college that what he calls “cat fever” took over. Since then, Moshow has combined his passion for cats and […]
November 24, 2018

Preparing for the Online Cat Conference with Stacy LeBaron and Kristen Petrie, Head Cat and Technical Cat of the Community Cats Podcast

“We’re going to have a lot of fun!” As the year is drawing to an end, at the podcast we’re already working on ways to help you turn your passion for cats into action in 2019. This week Stacy LeBaron, the host and head cat of the Community Cats Podcast, […]
December 1, 2018

A Best of CCP Episode! Mike Keiley (MSPCA) & Carmine DiCenso (Dakin Humane Society)

“Overpopulation is very, very different than not allowing your animals to leave your shelter.” – C.D. Durning the month of December, we’re revisiting some of our favorite, most informative shows. This is a rebroadcast of episodes 256 and 257 which we dubbed “The Mike & Carmine Show” – enjoy! Stacy speaks […]
December 8, 2018

A Best of CCP Episode! Jackson Galaxy, Star of Animal Planet’s My Cat from Hell, and Founder of the Jackson Galaxy Foundation

“I was used to not following rules and cats don’t follow rules for the most part.” Durning the month of December, we’re revisiting some of our favorite, most informative shows. This is a rebroadcast of episode 175 featuring cat behaviorist and host of Animal Planet’s “My Cat From Hell”, Jackson […]
December 15, 2018

A Best of CCP Episode! Adam Myatt, The Cat Man of West Oakland

“These cats are street smart, tough as nails, and have definitely seen some stuff, but they are our neighborhood cats and are softies at heart.” Durning the month of December, we’re revisiting some of our favorite, most informative shows. This is a rebroadcast of episode 222 featuring The Cat Man […]
December 22, 2018

A Best of CCP Episode! Shaun Sears, Arborists and Co-Owner of Canopy Cat Rescue

“What we do is extremely dangerous…even savvy tree climbers have difficulty rescuing cats.” Durning the month of December, we’re revisiting some of our favorite, most informative shows. This is a rebroadcast of episode 143 featuring the man who has one of the most interesting jobs we’ve ever heard of, Shaun […]
December 29, 2018

A Best of CCP Episode! Kim Freeman, Professional Missing Cat Finder

“I would really like anyone who has anything to do with lost cats to realize how important it is not to give up, and not to assume anything.” Durning the month of December, we’re revisiting some of our favorite, most informative shows. This is a rebroadcast of episode 248 featuring […]
January 5, 2019

Interview! Larry Shively, Owner, ProVetLogic

“At the end of the day, the most important thing is consistency in [sanitation] protocol.” In this episode, Stacy talks with Larry Shively, owner of ProVetLogic, one of the sponsors of 2019 Online Cat Conference, about controlling the spread of disease among cats, particularly in shelter-type environments. Nine years ago, […]
January 12, 2019

Interview! Sara Kent, CEO, Shelter Animals Count

“The goal is to have a standard data set that every organization can follow.” Sara Kent, the first CEO and paid staff member of Shelter Animals Count (SAC), sits down with Stacy to discuss how SAC came to be, what its mission is, and some of its latest statistics. Sara […]
January 19, 2019

Interview! Dr. Graham Brayshaw, Director of Animal Services at Animal Humane Society

“We’ve got to sterilize absolutely everyone we can.” Dr. Graham Brayshaw, a 2004 graduate of Texas A&M’s veterinary school, is both the chief veterinarian and the director of animal services for the Animal Humane Society (AHS), an organization based in the twin cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. Dr. Brayshaw’s interest […]
January 26, 2019

Interview! Dana Andresen, Executive Director, Feline Rescue

“People love to help cats…that’s something that we have in common with our donor base.” Dana Andresen started as the first executive director of Feline Rescue, a St. Paul, Minnesota-based, no-kill companion cat rescue organization, in April 2016. Dana came to her current role after working with a pet food […]
February 2, 2019

Interview! Veronica Coit, Asheville Cat Weirdos

“I’m following the guide of my gut instinct and what the community tells me they need.” Veronica Coit, a full-time hairdresser who is married with two children, calls herself a “cat lady for life.” She spearheads the Asheville Cat Weirdos, a Facebook group that she started in 2016. That group […]
February 9, 2019

Interview! Dr. Angie Kraus, Boulder Holistic Vet

“We really need to do a better job of understanding what our cats need.” Dr. Angie Kraus, a holistic house-call veterinarian in Boulder, CO, has known since the age of 3 that she wanted to be a vet. She was trained conventionally, but after graduation, she began to explore other, […]
February 16, 2019

Interview! Sandy Rees, Arf Club Founder

“Stop thinking about just the money and think about the person who’s giving that money.” Sandy Rees, the CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) at Get Fully Funded and Founder of Arf Club, joins us for her second visit to Community Cats Podcast. If you missed her first chat with Stacy, check […]
February 23, 2019

Interview! Kay Stout, ED of PAAS Vinita

“What hurts us so often in rescue is that the passion gets in the way of progress.” Kay Stout is the Executive Director of PAAS Vinita in Oklahoma, a multi-faceted group that grew out of the initial shelter that gives the group its name (PAAS stands for “Peaceful Animal Adoption […]
March 2, 2019

Interview! Elena Battles, Shelterluv

“Any way that I can help, I want to.” Elena Battles of Shelterluv software has been working for animals in one capacity or another since 1999. It was then that she found Trini, a stray beagle who truly changed her life. Elena had been working as a physical therapist, but […]
March 9, 2019

Interview! Kim Saunders, Operations Director, Liberty Humane Society

“People caring for [community] cats might not realize that the shelter supports them in their efforts to do so.” Kim Saunders was a practicing attorney when she decided to move into the animal welfare world full-time (after years of volunteering). She spent 15 years at Petfinder before moving into a […]
March 16, 2019

Interview! Karen Anderson, Animal Communicator, Afterlife Expert, and Coach

“You are the most important person in the world to your cats. … Those bonds of love never die.” In this interview, Stacy speaks with Karen Anderson, an animal communicator and afterlife expert who has been practicing for over 20 years. She has received several awards and is a best-selling […]
March 23, 2019

Interview! Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado, Cat Behaviorist

“I don’t think of shelter cats as…any different from pet cats, except that yesterday they were a pet and today they’re in a shelter, and their behavior may not really reflect who they were in that previous home.” Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist with a Ph.D. […]
March 30, 2019

Interview! Danielle Bays, Director of Cat Protection and Policy, HSUS

“We’ve seen…so much progress so rapidly across the country.” Danielle Bays, Director of Cat Protection and Policy at the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), is a frequent flyer here on CCP, having appeared before on Episode 55 and Episode 261. She joins Stacy again here to talk about […]
April 6, 2019

Interview! Nikki Martinez, Trapper, Foster Mom, and Feline Welfare Activist

“Fostering absolutely saves lives, but TNR saves more.” Nikki Martinez was always a dog person. That all changed one day when a kitten ran in front of her car on her way to a post-surgical doctor appointment. Feeling down and overly focused on herself after her surgery, Nikki poured her […]
April 13, 2019

Interview! Kate Hurley, DVM, Director of U.C. Davis Koret School of Veterinary Medicine and Co-founder of Million Cat Challenge

“In the time I’ll talk to you, twenty fewer cats will lose their lives in animal shelters because of the progress we’ve made in this field in the last five years.” You may remember Dr. Kate Hurley, Director of U.C. Davis Koret School of Veterinary Medicine and co-founder of Million […]
April 27, 2019

Interview! Keith Williams, C5 (Community Cat Coalition of Clark County)

“C5 has exactly one program: we trap, neuter, and return free-roaming, unowned cats for colony caretakers.” In this interview, Keith Williams of C5 in Las Vegas joins Stacy to discuss the group’s founding and how they have managed to trap 35,000 cats in just 10 years of operation. You may […]
May 4, 2019

Interview! Dave Hanley, CEO of Tomorrow

“Do this for yourself. Do this for your cats.” Listen to Episode #298 Now Dave Hanley, developer of the Tomorrow app, is an entrepreneur who is also a pet (and human) parent. Tomorrow is designed to help anyone set up a legal will quickly and easily—and even appoint guardians for […]
May 11, 2019

Interview! Lindsay Hamrick, Policy Director for Companion Animals, HSUS

“On the community cat front, it’s abundantly clear that cats have been second in all of the policies that have been pushed forward.” Lindsay Hamrick, Policy Director for Companion Animals at the Humane Society of the United States, works to support local, state and federal policies protecting pets. She holds […]
May 18, 2019

Interview! Bryan Kortis, Director of National Programs, Neighborhood Cats

“Things can get better, no matter how long they’ve been bad.” For the 300th episode of Community Cats Podcast, Stacy is joined by Bryan Kortis, Director of National Programs for Neighborhood Cats. Previously featured on CCP Episode 13, Episode 127, and Episode 218, Bryan is back to talk about how […]
May 24, 2019

Interview! Christina Ha, Cat Camp & Meow Parlour Cat Café

“If you love cats, we’ll have something for you this weekend.” Christina Ha joins Stacy again (having been interviewed by Stacy in CCP episode 144 and episode 245), this time to discuss the third annual Cat Camp event, to be held this June 1 and 2 in New York City at […]
June 1, 2019

Interview! Sarah Dunsmore, CDE Animal Cages

“We only want shelters to have to shop for cages one time.” Listen to Episode #302 Now   In this episode, Stacy is joined by Sarah Dunsmore, who co-owns CDE Animal Cages with her husband. Lifelong animal lovers, Sarah and her husband purchased the thirty-year old company several years ago […]
June 29, 2017

Interview! Karen Hollish, Director of Development and Marketing, Pima Animal Care Center

“The community cats project has not only helped us save outdoor community cats; it’s helped us provide a better experience for the cats inside our shelters.” Karen Hollish is the director of development and marketing at Pima Animal Care Center. In March 2014, she started a development program for the […]
July 1, 2017

Interview! Erika Kelly, founder of Operation Git-Meow

“The Navy has always been tied to cats, and that’s how the cats got to the base in the first place.” Only a year after graduating college, Erika Kelly is already well on her way to making waves in the animal welfare community—she started Operation Git-Meow in December 2016, a […]
July 8, 2017

Interview! Anthony Amos, Owner, HydroDog and Founder of the Bathe to Save Tour

“If you want to become a part of HydroDog, you’re not just part of a franchise; you’re committing to a long-term partnership with the animal rescue world.” Anthony Amos is the owner of HydroDog, a mobile grooming salon in Australia that travels from house to house bathing beloved household pooches. […]
July 15, 2017

Interview! Meredith Hippert, Director of Field Operations, Animal Balance

“Through this work, I recognized my passion for serving the underserved, and working with communities to implement change for animals.” Though largely self-educated in the field, Meredith Hippert holds an impressively broad resume in animal welfare, from admission guidelines and outreach to foster programming and TNR. Her journey started when she began […]
July 22, 2017

Interview! Kate Benjamin, Designer, Blogger of Hauspanther, Part 1

“I’m not just writing about cool-looking stuff. I’m writing about stuff that’s going to make a difference in these cats’ lives.” Kate Benjamin has combined her professional knowledge of design and product development with her love of cats to fill a unique niche—she blogs about cat products designed with the […]
July 29, 2017

Interview! Kate Benjamin, Designer, Blogger of Hauspanther, Part 2

“Not only does the design of the room at the shelter make it very functional and enjoyable, but it’s a showcase for what people can do when they get home.” In Part 2 of this two-part episode, Kate delves into how user-centered design theory can be applied to shelters, in […]
August 5, 2017

Interview! Nathan Winograd, Executive Director, The No-Kill Advocacy Center, Part 1

“It’s actually the policies and procedures of the shelter that are responsible for whether animals die in shelters.” It’s hard to name a field of animal welfare that Nathan Winograd doesn’t have experience in: his animal advocacy work started while attending Stanford Law School, and since then he has worked […]
August 12, 2017

Interview! Nathan Winograd, Executive Director, The No-Kill Advocacy Center, Part 2

“We had to come to the realization that just because you work at an animal shelter doesn’t mean you are passionate about cats and saving their lives.” In Part 2 of this two-part episode, Nathan describes the current animal welfare legislation he is working on—namely the Companion Animal Protection Act […]
August 19, 2017

Interview! Pat Brayer, Clinic Director at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona

“The adopters that are drawn to the shy feral kittens are the ones that are going to make them blossom the most.” Pat Brayer is the clinic director at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. In her shelter work, she has pioneered some of the field’s most innovative programs, such […]
August 26, 2017

Interview! Lorrie Shaw, Owner, Professional Pet Sitting & Blogger, Animals Unfolded

“Cats’ needs for enrichment are only becoming more understood.” Lorrie Shaw is the owner of Professional Pet Sitting and specializes in helping families care for hospice and special needs pets. Through her work, she has observed that medical issues and behavioral issues are very often linked—inappropriate elimination, for example, is the most […]
September 2, 2017

Interview! Maribeth Decker, Intuitive Animal Communicator, sacredgrove.com

“It’s a connection between two souls on a non-physical level.” Maribeth Decker is an intuitive animal communicator, whose dogs first began communicating with her after she became a Reiki Master. She herself only realized her gift when she adopted Tibor, a young fear-aggressive rescue dog, who sent her images of […]
September 9, 2017

Interview! Anna Skaya, CEO and Founder of Basepaws

“The bigger database, the more associations and discoveries we can make.” Anna Skaya is the CEO and founder of Basepaws, a commercial company that conducts feline genetic testing and research. Using the results from genetic testing, we can analyze an individual cat and assess her probability of contracting certain diseases. […]
September 16, 2017

Interview! Britt Collins, Author and Journalist, “Strays: A Lost Cat, a Homeless Man, and Their Journey Across America”

“Being a writer can be a lonely, hard process at the best of times.” Britt Collins is a writer, journalist, and animal activist, who has written investigative journalism on animal cruelty and has volunteered at animal rescues and sanctuaries around the world. Her most recent book, Strays: A Lost Cat, a Homeless […]
September 23, 2017

Interview! Esther Mechler, Founder of Spay USA

“What’s the tipping point? What’s the age that we could get the veterinarians to agree? The answer seemed to be, by five months.” Esther is back for another episode of the Community Cats Podcast, in which she shares more information on the Feline Fix By Five campaign, an initiative to encourage […]
September 30, 2017

Interview! Dr. Nels Rasmussen, Animal Chiropractor and Spiritual Animal Healer

“Everyone else is saying ‘There’s just no hope anymore,’ and I’m here to say there is.” Dr. Nels Rasmussen is a third-generation animal chiropractor who now works as a spiritual animal healer in neuroenergetic balancing. In the early days of his practice he worked with paralyzed and injured horses, restoring […]
October 7, 2017

Interview! Cathy Unruh and Chad Thompson, Board President and Executive Director, Meow Now, Inc.

“My ultimate vision is that there really are no more community cats, because the entire United States has bought into TNVR.” Cathy Unruh and Chad Thompson are the founding board president and executive director of Meow Now, Inc., respectively. Meow Now is the first and only non-profit organization providing TNVR […]
October 14, 2017

Interview! Bryan Kortis, Director of National Programs for Neighborhood Cats

“It feels like we are starting over in Maui. We are having fascinating on-the-ground experiences!” Stacy catches up with Bryan Kortis today to cover a wide range of topics from what is happening in Hawaii with pending legislation that would help community cats, to an update on the group’s work in Jersey […]
October 21, 2017

Interview! Katie Lisnik, Director of Cat Policy and Protection, Humane Society of the United States

“We’re trying to package these bills in a media-friendly way, a legislator-friendly way, and an advocate-friendly way. Everybody has to be on board.” Ready for Round 5 of Policy Jeopardy? Katie Lisnik once again updates us on the various changes and new initiatives in community cat policy across the US. […]
October 28, 2017

Interview! Sarah-Jane Farrell, Multi Sensory and Forensic Medical Intuitive

“The trust process is the first step in our ability to trust that we are enough. It is as ancient as humankind.” Sarah-Jane Farrell is a pragmatic psychologist who specializes in healing trauma through utilizing the animal relationships in our lives. Sarah-Jane grew up in Zimbabwe, where she always felt […]
November 4, 2017

Interview! Dr. Mike Greenberg, Program Director for Target Zero

“We want to teach people to set goals, and then to use metrics to measure their progress towards them.” Dr. Mike Greenberg is the program director for Target Zero, a project that helps municipal shelters achieve live release rates of 90% or above for community cats. He is also the […]
November 11, 2017

Interview! Adam Myatt, The Cat Man of West Oakland

“These cats are street smart, tough as nails, and have definitely seen some stuff, but they are our neighborhood cats and are softies at heart.” Cats have been taking over this amazing guy’s life for the last eight years! What started as a small photography hobby has turned into a […]
November 18, 2017

Interview! Matt Michelson and Calvin Bohn, Co-Founders, Smalls

“58% of cats are overweight, and 28% of those are considered obese. This is up 7% since just 2011 and something clearly needs to change.” Matt, the Master Business Person, and Calvin, Head Chef, are taking a fresh look at feeding felines after seeing just how many cats are overweight, […]
November 25, 2017

Interview! Jim Tedford, President and CEO for the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators, SAWA

“Our role is to make connections between people who need relief versus the members we know who can provide relief.” Jim is a returning guest who has been actively engaged in the animal welfare movement for over 30 years. He was involved in the professional association of leaders in animal […]
December 2, 2017

Interview! Cameron Moore, Program Manager, Million Cat Challenge

“Hurricane Irma’s reach was intense for shelters across Florida, but it will only help us to plan for future incidents.” Cameron Moore is a return guest (head to Episode 61 for information on how she got started in the business) who is here today to discuss the hurricane relief efforts […]
December 9, 2017

Interview! Sandy Rees, Founder and Chief Encouragement Officer – Get Fully Funded

“I’ve always felt deep in my soul that I’m here to help lots of people. I have a sensitive heart and can’t stand to see anyone suffer.” Sandy Rees helps nonprofits and charities who have been used to nickel and dime fundraising work  get to six or seven figures on […]
December 16, 2017

Interview! Frances Carlisle, Attorney

“An important and usually neglected part of estate planning is what will happen to a client’s pets and animals. Charities which are already overburdened than have to step in, taking resources away from their other needs.” Frances Carlisle is a New York attorney who prepares wills and trusts, including trusts […]
December 23, 2017

Interview! Haydn Hilton, Owner of Java Cats Cafe in Atlanta, GA

“If I would have known how much work a cat cafe was, I might have turned around, but the cats are where the magic is. They market the coffee shop all by themselves when people walk by!” Meet twenty-six-year-old Haydn Hilton, owner of Java Cats Café. Located in the heart […]
December 30, 2017

Interview! Natalise Kalea, COO of poundWISHES

“We want to save animals, help animals, and better the lives of animals around the world. We aim to execute on our mission through creative innovation and community.” Natalise Kalea has always been an animal lover, and she always dreamed of putting her business skills to good use to help […]
January 6, 2018

Interview! Keoni Vaughn, Executive Director of Lanai Cat Sanctuary

“My job has helped me instantly get to the heart of what I want to do, which is rescue and protect animals that can’t speak for themselves.” Keoni Vaughn is the Executive Director of the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, where a staff of just six people provide daily care for almost […]
January 13, 2018

Interview! Nell Thompson – Coordinator of National Getting To Zero Program

“I’m passionate for improving outcomes for community cats. I believe TNR would work great with cooperation and collaboration to achieve community change.” Nell Thompson has worked in the animal welfare world for over twenty-five years. With a background as a veterinary technician, she has exceptional experience and knowledge. Her journey […]
January 20, 2018

Interview! Gavin Ehringer, Author of Leaving the Wild: The Unnatural History of Dogs, Cats, Cows and Horses

“It’s not enough to take care of animals after they’re born, we have to think about their circumstances before the act of breeding even takes place.” Gavin takes a critical look at breeding and how our values shape our animals for good and bad in his new book, Wild. The […]
February 3, 2018

Interview! Ann Dunn, Founder of Cat Town, Oakland, CA

“Nobody wanted to be standing in a cafe making coffee, they wanted to be helping the cats. But now, we’re seeing how helpful it has been to forgotten kittens and see how successful it has been.” Ann Dunn founded Cat Town, an Oakland, CA organization focused on helping the most […]
February 10, 2018

Interview! Brianna Grant, Communications Associate at Alley Cat Rescue

“We believe in protecting all cats, no matter what area they are in.” Brianna Grant was always involved with cats and when she was younger, she found a particularly sweet whose terrible condition broke Brianna’s heart. She spent the next few months taking care of this little stray and in […]
February 17, 2018

Interview! Kimberley Heeney, Vice President of Operations Activ4Pets

“My goal is that anyone, anytime, anywhere, irregardless of economics or world areas, would be able to utilize Activ4Pets for their pet’s well-being and health.” With over twenty-five years of experience in the human healthcare industry, Kimberley Heeney brings a wealth of expertise to the Activ4Pets team. She has always […]
February 24, 2018

Interview! Dr. Linda Harper, Clinical Psychologist, Compassionate Heart Specialist and Author

“Feeling compassion fatigue isn’t really a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. We naturally put ourselves on the back burner over the animals we help.” Dr. Linda Harper, a lifelong animal lover and advocate, is an author and clinical psychologist in the Chicago area. She is passionate about […]
March 3, 2018

Interview! Kate Cote, Founder of Fur Love Comfort Cats

“It’s always such a wonderful time to visit a place for 5 to 6 hours, letting people pet and interact with the cats, and brightening up someone’s day.” “It’s always such a wonderful time to visit a place for 5 to 6 hours, letting people pet and interact with the […]
March 10, 2018

Interview! Kaleel Sakakeeny, Founder, The Other Me Coaching

“You can’t apply a one-size-fits-all for losing a pet or animal in your life. People shouldn’t be ashamed of their feelings of grief when losing an animal.” Kaleel Sakakeeny is back with another great episode about dealing with the grief that can come from losing a pet. Check out his […]
March 17, 2018

Interview! Dr. Lynn Bahr, Feline Veterinarian and Owner of Dezi and Roo

“I like to look at life through a cat’s point of view, not my point of view, and I think that that helps me to understand them better, to communicate with them better, and to know what they need.” How did a dog-loving legal secretary end up becoming a cat-only […]
March 24, 2018

Interview! Daniel Spehar, Co-Founder of the Together Initiative for Ohio’s Community Cats

“I hope all of us can focus on a shared goal of fewer community cats instead of focusing on the differences. Let’s focus on the most effective and humane ways to reach our common goal.” Daniel Spehar works to enact animal-friendly legislation as a volunteer with the Humane Society of […]
March 31, 2018

Interview! Ask Stacy! Online Cat Conference Review

“I’m passionate about the idea of having a dedicated annual cat conference nationally and this was a great way to work towards providing access to everyone.” Stacy is back to discuss all of the in’s and out’s of how the first Online Cat Conference went this past January! She always […]
April 7, 2018

Interview! Vickie Fisher – President of The International Cat Association (TICA)

“We cherish both pedigree and non-pedigree cats. We just want the world to value cats as companion animals.” Vicki Fisher had a successful career in finance & management, but in retirement, she has really been able to devote more time to her passion: CATS! She is the President of the […]
April 14, 2018

Interview! Sterling Davis, Atlanta’s “Trap King”

“You don’t lose cool points for compassion.” Sterling Davis left behind a promising rap music career to begin working with cats professionally several years ago when he took a temporary job at an animal shelter in between tours. A lifelong animal lover, Sterling soon got hooked on TNR and cats. […]
April 21, 2018

Interview! Jennifer Blough, Compassion Fatigue Expert and Author

“Self care—it’s not selfish; it’s really charging your batteries so you can go out and have the energy to do what you love to do, which is saving animals.” Jennifer Blough, a licensed therapist, compassion fatigue expert and author of the bookTo Save a Starfish: A Compassion Fatigue Workbook for […]
April 28, 2018

Interview! Christina Ha, Creator of Cat Camp

“I’m so incredibly excited for Cat Camp this year!” Christina Ha, who originally joined us on Episode 144, is back to talk about this year’s Cat Camp—now known as Jackson Galaxy’s Cat Camp. Galaxy, who attended last year’s event, loved it so much that he wanted to expand it. Cat […]
May 5, 2018

Interview! Part 1 – Dr. Sara Pizano, Veterinarian and Animal Welfare Consultant

“Northern Kentucky will be no-kill for cats this year, absolutely, hands-down!” Dr. Sara Pizano, who joined us previously on Episode 171, is a veterinarian who has been involved in animal welfare for over thirty years. She has extensive experience helping shelters move away from euthanasia as a means of population […]
May 12, 2018

Interview! Part 2 – Dr. Sara Pizano, Veterinarian and Animal Welfare Consultant

“You don’t need millions of dollars—you need to allocate your pie of resources intelligently … that’s really the key.” In part 2 of our two-part episode with Dr. Sara Pizano, she talks about the big picture in animal welfare these days, and about where she feels the focus should be […]
May 19, 2018

Interview! Kim Freeman, Professional Missing Cat Finder

“I would really like anyone who has anything to do with lost cats to realize how important it is not to give up, and not to assume anything.” Kim Freeman turned her lifelong love for cats into a career as a professional missing cat finder. When her own cat Mr. […]
May 26, 2018

Interview! Michele Tilford, Cat-Assisted Therapy Advocate

“I really believe animals have such an ability to get people. They have an intuitiveness which I find amazing.” Michele Tilford has over five years of experience as a cat-assisted therapy handler—but when she first became interested in cat-assisted therapy, the only programs she could find were for dogs. Eventually […]
June 2, 2018

Interview! Dr. Philip Bushby, Professor of Humane Ethics and Animal Welfare at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine

“I long for the day when I can walk into a shelter and not find any cats in the shelter — and it’s achievable.” Dr. Philip Bushby, a veterinarian and well-known advocate for early age spay/neuter, can’t remember a time that he didn’t want to be a veterinarian. He became […]
June 9, 2018

Interview! Niki Cochran, Program Manager at Alley Cat Rescue

“Just because you’re getting the [positive] combo test … that doesn’t mean ‘death sentence’. That means ‘OK, now I have to go and educate myself about what that combo test result is.’ ” Niki Cochran, Program Manager at Alley Cat Rescue in Washington, DC, has been a cat lover her […]
June 16, 2018

Interview! Richard Angelo, Legislative Attorney for Best Friends Animal Society

“Getting those community cat programs started, where cats are not even entering the shelter… it’s so key in saving lives.” Richard Angelo, a legislative attorney for Best Friends Animal Society, is a long-time animal welfare advocate who fell into animal law when he ran across the story of a pit […]
June 23, 2018

Interview! Joyce Briggs, President of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs

“I am determined it’s going to be my legacy in this field that we get the tools that we need to really reach the cats we want to be able to help.” Joyce Briggs, President of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACC&D), told us all about how […]
June 30, 2018

Interview! Chad Nelson, Advocacy Director at PawsWatch Rhode Island

“Tons and tons of cat lovers have no idea … that there’s this whole population of cats that really need our help.” Chad Nelson, a lawyer by trade, is the Advocacy Director at PawsWatch Rhode Island, an all-volunteer network for community cats. Chad came to his work in TNR and […]
July 7, 2018

Interview! Ellen Quinlan, Executive Director of Darbster Foundation

“We definitely don’t want to displace animals that are native to New England.” Ellen Quinlan, Executive Director of Darbster Foundation, was one of those kids who always brought home every stray animal she found, and that passion for helping animals has stayed with her as an adult. The mission of […]
July 14, 2018

Interview! Mike Keiley (MSPCA) & Carmine DiCenso (Dakin Humane Society), “The Mike & Carmine Show,” Part I

“Overpopulation is very, very different than not allowing your animals to leave your shelter.” – C.D. Stacy speaks with Mike Keiley, the Director of Adoption Centers and Programs at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), and Carmine DiCenso, Executive Director of the Dakin Humane Society […]
July 21, 2018

Interview! Mike Keiley (MSPCA) & Carmine DiCenso (Dakin Humane Society), “The Mike & Carmine Show,” Part 2

“I think it’s time for us to pull together and really work towards how we might be able to help the largest number of people and animals.” – MK Tune in to the second part of “The Mike and Carmine Show,” with Mike Keiley of the MSPCA and Carmine DiCenso […]
July 21, 2018

Interview! John Boone, Research Coordinator at Great Basin Bird Observatory, Nevada

“The best solution to [community cat] issues is going to be significant changes in how people care for their cats.” John Boone’s professional track has been that of a wildlife biologist, but he also serves as a consultant with Humane Society International, Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and […]
August 4, 2018

Interview! Pamela Merritt, Cat Advice Columnist

“Be proud of loving cats!” Pamela Merritt — better known as “Dear Pammy” through her cat advice blog — didn’t become a cat fan until she married one. At the time, she says, cats were really still second-class citizens in this country. There weren’t any no-kill shelters, and she and her […]
August 11, 2018

Interview! Erin Robinson, Community Cats Program Manager at Humane Rescue Alliance

“Return to Field has always been the right decision for cats who are thriving and have somewhere to go.” Erin Robinson admits that once upon a time, she simply didn’t know that community cats existed, let alone what you were supposed to do about them. That all began to change […]
August 19, 2018

Interview! Danielle Bays, Director of Cat Protection and Policy, Humane Society of the United States

“If there isn’t anything that prohibits what you’re doing [for cats], you don’t necessarily need to make a law that actually allows for it.” Danielle Bays, the new Director of Cat Protection and Policy at the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), plays “Cat Protection and Policy Jeopardy!” with […]
August 25, 2018

Interview! Karen Kraus, Executive Director of the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon, and Bob Sallinger, Conservation Director at the Audubon Society of Portland

“… the key is recognizing that in general … the public wants solutions that are good for birds and cats.” Karen Kraus and Bob Sallinger’s organizations, the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon and the Audubon Society of Portland, have formed what may seem to some to be a most unlikely […]
September 1, 2018

Interview! Jim Tedford, President & CEO of The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement

“… we are really doubling-down on our commitment to bringing professional development to the [animal welfare] industry.” Jim Tedford, President & CEO of The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (formerly SAWA), who previously appeared on Community Cats Podcast episode #199, joins Stacy again to discuss his organization’s new name, their […]
September 8, 2018

Interview! Olivia Westley, Development Director for Forgotten Cats, Inc.

“Anything is possible, and I hope that there can be a lot more organizations like Forgotten Cats in this world.” Olivia Westley, a former teacher who discovered her true passion for helping cats when she started volunteering in a Forgotten Cats pet store adoption center, now serves as the group’s […]
September 15, 2018

Interview! Darlene Duggan, Director of Operations at Tree House Humane Society

“We’re not going to solve this problem on our own … we have to team up, we have to get together with our community members … to solve this problem.” Darlene Duggan, the Director of Operations at Tree House Humane Society in Chicago, holds a master’s degree in public health […]
September 22, 2018

Interview! Anne Lindsay, Founder & President, Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC) – Part I

“That’s what a coalition should be about … giving people an opportunity to share their side of the story and be understood.” Anne Lindsay, the founder & president of the Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC), has been an animal advocate for over 30 years. Founded in 2000, MAC was one of […]
September 29, 2018

Interview! Anne Lindsay, Founder & President, Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC) – Part II

“I can’t believe that … we are where we are. I never could have written the script… but it’s worked out.” In Part II of this two-part episode, Stacy continues her conversation with Anne Lindsay, the founder & president of the Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC). Anne talks about what she […]
October 6, 2018

Interview! Julie Jacobson, Spay Tennessee and CCP Grants Coordinator

“You can do it. We promise. We’re here to help.” Those of you who have been CCP fans for a long time may remember hearing Stacy chat with Julie Jacobson before in Episodes 2 and 92. Julie runs Spay Tennessee, but is also the CCP grants coordinator. If you don’t […]
October 13, 2018

Interview! Kelly Duer, Foster Program Consultant with Maddie’s Fund

“Foster is the most humane and cost-effective solution.” Kelly Duer, Foster Program Consultant for Maddie’s Fund, has worked with many organizations over the years, including such big names as FEMA and Best Friends Animal Society. The goal of her work is to help groups increase live outcomes for animals through […]
October 20, 2018

Interview! Gary Willoughby, President & CEO of SPCA Serving Erie County

“It seems like we’re at a good crossroads here [with community cats].” Gary Willoughby, the President and CEO of the SPCA Serving Erie County in West Seneca, New York, joins Stacy to talk about what’s going on at the nation’s second oldest humane society. A passionate life-long learner, Gary joined […]
October 27, 2018

Interview! Liz Illg, Owner of Puff & Fluff Grooming & Pet Sitting

“Not every single groomer can groom a cat … A cat feeds off people’s energy, and so the person working on that cat needs to be very gentle and kind and understanding.” Liz Illg, owner of Puff & Fluff Grooming & Pet Sitting, located in Phoenix, Arizona, joins Stacy to […]
November 3, 2018

HubCats TV! Featuring Dr. William Snell, Veterinarian at Blue Pearl Pet Hospital

“You didn’t sign up to be a vet to get the bills paid. You signed up to help animals.” This week our show is a little different. In addition to hosting The Community Cats Podcast, Stacy LeBaron also appears on HubCats TV, a show on Chelsea Cable Access where she […]
November 10, 2018

Interview! Aaron Hancox & Michael McNamara, Directors of Catwalk: Tales from the Cat Show Circuit

“You don’t have to be a cat person to love this movie.” Aaron Hancox and Michael McNamara of Markham Street Films join Stacy in this episode to talk about their documentary,Catwalk: Tales from the Cat Show Circuit, which follows the Canadian competitive cat show world. Aaron is a long-time cat […]
November 17, 2018

Interview! Moshow, Cat Rapper

“Get ready for some cat-tastic stuff!” Internet sensation Moshow was born and raised in inner city Baltimore, MD. He didn’t grow up with pets, and it wasn’t until he was in college that what he calls “cat fever” took over. Since then, Moshow has combined his passion for cats and […]
November 24, 2018

Preparing for the Online Cat Conference with Stacy LeBaron and Kristen Petrie, Head Cat and Technical Cat of the Community Cats Podcast

“We’re going to have a lot of fun!” As the year is drawing to an end, at the podcast we’re already working on ways to help you turn your passion for cats into action in 2019. This week Stacy LeBaron, the host and head cat of the Community Cats Podcast, […]
December 1, 2018

A Best of CCP Episode! Mike Keiley (MSPCA) & Carmine DiCenso (Dakin Humane Society)

“Overpopulation is very, very different than not allowing your animals to leave your shelter.” – C.D. Durning the month of December, we’re revisiting some of our favorite, most informative shows. This is a rebroadcast of episodes 256 and 257 which we dubbed “The Mike & Carmine Show” – enjoy! Stacy speaks […]
December 8, 2018

A Best of CCP Episode! Jackson Galaxy, Star of Animal Planet’s My Cat from Hell, and Founder of the Jackson Galaxy Foundation

“I was used to not following rules and cats don’t follow rules for the most part.” Durning the month of December, we’re revisiting some of our favorite, most informative shows. This is a rebroadcast of episode 175 featuring cat behaviorist and host of Animal Planet’s “My Cat From Hell”, Jackson […]
December 15, 2018

A Best of CCP Episode! Adam Myatt, The Cat Man of West Oakland

“These cats are street smart, tough as nails, and have definitely seen some stuff, but they are our neighborhood cats and are softies at heart.” Durning the month of December, we’re revisiting some of our favorite, most informative shows. This is a rebroadcast of episode 222 featuring The Cat Man […]
December 22, 2018

A Best of CCP Episode! Shaun Sears, Arborists and Co-Owner of Canopy Cat Rescue

“What we do is extremely dangerous…even savvy tree climbers have difficulty rescuing cats.” Durning the month of December, we’re revisiting some of our favorite, most informative shows. This is a rebroadcast of episode 143 featuring the man who has one of the most interesting jobs we’ve ever heard of, Shaun […]
December 29, 2018

A Best of CCP Episode! Kim Freeman, Professional Missing Cat Finder

“I would really like anyone who has anything to do with lost cats to realize how important it is not to give up, and not to assume anything.” Durning the month of December, we’re revisiting some of our favorite, most informative shows. This is a rebroadcast of episode 248 featuring […]
January 5, 2019

Interview! Larry Shively, Owner, ProVetLogic

“At the end of the day, the most important thing is consistency in [sanitation] protocol.” In this episode, Stacy talks with Larry Shively, owner of ProVetLogic, one of the sponsors of 2019 Online Cat Conference, about controlling the spread of disease among cats, particularly in shelter-type environments. Nine years ago, […]
January 12, 2019

Interview! Sara Kent, CEO, Shelter Animals Count

“The goal is to have a standard data set that every organization can follow.” Sara Kent, the first CEO and paid staff member of Shelter Animals Count (SAC), sits down with Stacy to discuss how SAC came to be, what its mission is, and some of its latest statistics. Sara […]
January 19, 2019

Interview! Dr. Graham Brayshaw, Director of Animal Services at Animal Humane Society

“We’ve got to sterilize absolutely everyone we can.” Dr. Graham Brayshaw, a 2004 graduate of Texas A&M’s veterinary school, is both the chief veterinarian and the director of animal services for the Animal Humane Society (AHS), an organization based in the twin cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. Dr. Brayshaw’s interest […]
January 26, 2019

Interview! Dana Andresen, Executive Director, Feline Rescue

“People love to help cats…that’s something that we have in common with our donor base.” Dana Andresen started as the first executive director of Feline Rescue, a St. Paul, Minnesota-based, no-kill companion cat rescue organization, in April 2016. Dana came to her current role after working with a pet food […]
February 2, 2019

Interview! Veronica Coit, Asheville Cat Weirdos

“I’m following the guide of my gut instinct and what the community tells me they need.” Veronica Coit, a full-time hairdresser who is married with two children, calls herself a “cat lady for life.” She spearheads the Asheville Cat Weirdos, a Facebook group that she started in 2016. That group […]
February 9, 2019

Interview! Dr. Angie Kraus, Boulder Holistic Vet

“We really need to do a better job of understanding what our cats need.” Dr. Angie Kraus, a holistic house-call veterinarian in Boulder, CO, has known since the age of 3 that she wanted to be a vet. She was trained conventionally, but after graduation, she began to explore other, […]
February 16, 2019

Interview! Sandy Rees, Arf Club Founder

“Stop thinking about just the money and think about the person who’s giving that money.” Sandy Rees, the CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) at Get Fully Funded and Founder of Arf Club, joins us for her second visit to Community Cats Podcast. If you missed her first chat with Stacy, check […]
February 23, 2019

Interview! Kay Stout, ED of PAAS Vinita

“What hurts us so often in rescue is that the passion gets in the way of progress.” Kay Stout is the Executive Director of PAAS Vinita in Oklahoma, a multi-faceted group that grew out of the initial shelter that gives the group its name (PAAS stands for “Peaceful Animal Adoption […]
March 2, 2019

Interview! Elena Battles, Shelterluv

“Any way that I can help, I want to.” Elena Battles of Shelterluv software has been working for animals in one capacity or another since 1999. It was then that she found Trini, a stray beagle who truly changed her life. Elena had been working as a physical therapist, but […]
March 9, 2019

Interview! Kim Saunders, Operations Director, Liberty Humane Society

“People caring for [community] cats might not realize that the shelter supports them in their efforts to do so.” Kim Saunders was a practicing attorney when she decided to move into the animal welfare world full-time (after years of volunteering). She spent 15 years at Petfinder before moving into a […]
March 16, 2019

Interview! Karen Anderson, Animal Communicator, Afterlife Expert, and Coach

“You are the most important person in the world to your cats. … Those bonds of love never die.” In this interview, Stacy speaks with Karen Anderson, an animal communicator and afterlife expert who has been practicing for over 20 years. She has received several awards and is a best-selling […]
March 23, 2019

Interview! Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado, Cat Behaviorist

“I don’t think of shelter cats as…any different from pet cats, except that yesterday they were a pet and today they’re in a shelter, and their behavior may not really reflect who they were in that previous home.” Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist with a Ph.D. […]
March 30, 2019

Interview! Danielle Bays, Director of Cat Protection and Policy, HSUS

“We’ve seen…so much progress so rapidly across the country.” Danielle Bays, Director of Cat Protection and Policy at the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), is a frequent flyer here on CCP, having appeared before on Episode 55 and Episode 261. She joins Stacy again here to talk about […]
April 6, 2019

Interview! Nikki Martinez, Trapper, Foster Mom, and Feline Welfare Activist

“Fostering absolutely saves lives, but TNR saves more.” Nikki Martinez was always a dog person. That all changed one day when a kitten ran in front of her car on her way to a post-surgical doctor appointment. Feeling down and overly focused on herself after her surgery, Nikki poured her […]
April 13, 2019

Interview! Kate Hurley, DVM, Director of U.C. Davis Koret School of Veterinary Medicine and Co-founder of Million Cat Challenge

“In the time I’ll talk to you, twenty fewer cats will lose their lives in animal shelters because of the progress we’ve made in this field in the last five years.” You may remember Dr. Kate Hurley, Director of U.C. Davis Koret School of Veterinary Medicine and co-founder of Million […]
April 27, 2019

Interview! Keith Williams, C5 (Community Cat Coalition of Clark County)

“C5 has exactly one program: we trap, neuter, and return free-roaming, unowned cats for colony caretakers.” In this interview, Keith Williams of C5 in Las Vegas joins Stacy to discuss the group’s founding and how they have managed to trap 35,000 cats in just 10 years of operation. You may […]
May 4, 2019

Interview! Dave Hanley, CEO of Tomorrow

“Do this for yourself. Do this for your cats.” Listen to Episode #298 Now Dave Hanley, developer of the Tomorrow app, is an entrepreneur who is also a pet (and human) parent. Tomorrow is designed to help anyone set up a legal will quickly and easily—and even appoint guardians for […]
May 11, 2019

Interview! Lindsay Hamrick, Policy Director for Companion Animals, HSUS

“On the community cat front, it’s abundantly clear that cats have been second in all of the policies that have been pushed forward.” Lindsay Hamrick, Policy Director for Companion Animals at the Humane Society of the United States, works to support local, state and federal policies protecting pets. She holds […]
May 18, 2019

Interview! Bryan Kortis, Director of National Programs, Neighborhood Cats

“Things can get better, no matter how long they’ve been bad.” For the 300th episode of Community Cats Podcast, Stacy is joined by Bryan Kortis, Director of National Programs for Neighborhood Cats. Previously featured on CCP Episode 13, Episode 127, and Episode 218, Bryan is back to talk about how […]
May 24, 2019

Interview! Christina Ha, Cat Camp & Meow Parlour Cat Café

“If you love cats, we’ll have something for you this weekend.” Christina Ha joins Stacy again (having been interviewed by Stacy in CCP episode 144 and episode 245), this time to discuss the third annual Cat Camp event, to be held this June 1 and 2 in New York City at […]
June 1, 2019

Interview! Sarah Dunsmore, CDE Animal Cages

“We only want shelters to have to shop for cages one time.” Listen to Episode #302 Now   In this episode, Stacy is joined by Sarah Dunsmore, who co-owns CDE Animal Cages with her husband. Lifelong animal lovers, Sarah and her husband purchased the thirty-year old company several years ago […]

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