In this episode of Critters and Cultures, host Dr. Azalia Boyd engages with Cheye Groves, a young animal control officer, to explore the complexities of animal welfare and the cultural dynamics that influence it. Cheye shares her personal journey into animal control, the emotional challenges of euthanasia, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation highlights the need for transparency in animal control agencies, the impact of mental health on officers, and the significance of providing resources to underserved communities. Cheye emphasizes the importance of kindness and understanding in her work, advocating for both animals and the people in her community.

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About Cheyè Groves

Cheyè Groves is a dedicated and innovative animal control officer from Detroit, Michigan, with a passion for transforming how communities view and interact with animal control services. At just 23 years old, Cheyè is making waves in the field, blending her professional expertise with a deep personal connection to her work.

Follow Her on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/html.seekat/⁠

Happy Paws and Tails Foundation: ⁠https://helper-consulting-services-llc-23803305.hubspotpagebuilder.com/happy-paws-tails-foundation⁠

GoFundMe Link: https://gofund.me/e3777067

About Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM

In this episode of Critters and Cultures, host Dr. Azalia Boyd engages with Daria Tavana, a standup comedian and animal welfare advocate, to explore the intersection of cultural diversity and animal care. Daria shares her unique upbringing with a Jewish mother and a Muslim Iranian father, emphasizing how food played a significant role in her cultural identity. The conversation delves into the importance of cultural traditions, the humor found in navigating diverse backgrounds, and the advocacy work being done for animal welfare and vulnerable populations, including children in Gaza. Daria highlights the human-animal bond and challenges misconceptions about pet ownership among unhoused individuals, advocating for empathy and understanding across cultural lines. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to consider plant-based living as a way to align their dietary choices with their values.

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Link Tree: Linktr.ee/azaliaboyd

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrittersandCultures

Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/critters-and-cultures

Website: https://www.drazaliaboyd.com/

About Daria Tavana

Daria is a human-animal rights activist with over 13 years of experience in digital fundraising, donor relations, and grant writing. She has raised millions of dollars for nonprofits focused on animal protection, environmental justice, and social causes. As the Development Director for The Street Dog Coalition, Daria is dedicated to supporting pets and their guardians experiencing homelessness. In her free time, she volunteers at the Animal Welfare Association of New Jersey, assisting with outreach and humane education. Daria lives in Voorhees, New Jersey, with her three rescue tuxedo cats, Norma Jeane, Wednesday Addams, and Peanut Butter.

The Street Dog Coalition: http://www.thestreetdogcoalition.org/

Instagram (@thestreetdogcoalition): https://www.instagram.com/thestreetdogcoalition/The Street

Dog Coalition on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestreetdogcoalition/

About Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM

Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM, is a distinguished veterinarian and educator committed to equitable veterinary care and community engagement. A proud alumna of Tuskegee University, she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Poultry Sciences in 2004, recognized with a Presidential Academic Scholarship. As CEO of Boyd Veterinary Services and Consulting, LLC, she mentors youth aspiring to veterinary careers and supports young minority students. Previously, she was the Chief Veterinary Medical Officer for Companion Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), working to bridge access gaps for BIPOC and marginalized communities. Dr. Boyd actively participates in professional associations like the AVMA and GVMA and holds certifications from the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton Online. An international speaker, she addresses improvements in veterinary care and cultural competency, positioning her as a leader in advancing the field for all.

In this episode of Critters and Cultures, Dr. Azalia Boyd engages with Altamush Saeed, a passionate advocate for animal welfare and environmental rights from Pakistan. They explore the intersection of cultural diversity and animal care, discussing Altamush's journey from youth activism to founding the Charity Doings Foundation, which focuses on interspecies justice. The conversation delves into the challenges of advocating for animal rights in a country where human issues often take precedence, the importance of community engagement, and the role of education in fostering empathy towards animals. Altamush shares his unique perspective on veganism within the Islamic context and emphasizes the need for compassionate leadership in activism. The episode concludes with a powerful reminder of the impact one can make in the world.

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About Altamush Saeed

Altamush Saeed is a BIPOC, award-winning Pakistani Interspecies Justice lawyer, activist, philanthropist, filmmaker & teacher. He is an animal, environmental, and Animal in disasters law lecturer at the University of Central Punjab Law School in Lahore, where he teaches Pakistan's 1st Animal Law Advocacy Course. He is a Founding Managing Partner at Environmental and Animal Rights Consultants, Pakistan’s 1st dedicated Animal and Environmental law and policy firm. He also co-founded Charity Doings Foundation, which works on Interspecies Justice (http://charitydoings.org) (501c3 Tax Exempt US/Non-profit in Pakistan) and runs Pakistan's 1st Disaster Zone Farm Animal Shelter and a plant-based school.

He is also the founder and lead for Pakistan's 1st International Animal and Environmental Rights Conference 2025 and the Director of Pakistan's 1st Animal Law Film Advocacy Series. Altamush has completed four law degrees, including a Human Rights/International Law LLM from the University of Michigan, an Animal Law LLM and an Environmental Law LLM from Lewis & Clark Law School, and a BA-LLB from Lahore University of Management Sciences in Pakistan.

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/altamushsaeed95/⁠,

⁠https://www.instagram.com/altamushsaeed/?hl=en⁠

⁠https://www.facebook.com/Altamushsaeed95/⁠

⁠https://m.facebook.com/EARCPAK⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/environmental-and-animal-rights-consultants-llp-pakistan⁠

Charity Doings Foundation Pakistan -

https://charitydoings.org/

To speak/volunteer/exhibit/showcase a film, register here:

For any queries, reach out to Altamush at [email protected]

https://forms.gle/JxNmXixZdKJUv2sN7

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/charitydoingsfoundation/⁠

⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/CharityDoingz/⁠⁠⁠

⁠https://pk.linkedin.com/company/charity-doings-foundation⁠⁠

About Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM

In this episode of Critters and Cultures, host Dr. Azalia Boyd speaks with veterinary student Eve Borel about her diverse cultural background and its influence on her journey in veterinary medicine. They discuss the challenges of code switching, misconceptions about Caribbean education, and the cultural significance of carnival celebrations. Eve shares her experiences navigating the veterinary field as a young black woman and emphasizes the importance of empathy in animal care. The conversation highlights the intersection of cultural identity and professional aspirations in the veterinary world.

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About Eve Borel

Eve Borel is a first-year veterinary student at St. George’s University in Grenada, interested in small animal medicine and nutrition. After earning a full scholarship to study Biology at the University of British Columbia, Eve has returned to the Caribbean, where her family roots lie. As a multinational person of color in veterinary medicine, she is exploring how her cultural background intersects with her studies. With a recent educational grant from DVMC, Eve is eager to see how her Caribbean heritage will shape and enhance her veterinary career.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evebvet_/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eve-borel-60906826a/

About Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM

In this episode of Critters and Cultures, Dr. Azalia Boyd and Dr. Cody Nielsen delve into the intricate relationship between cultural diversity, religious identity, and animal welfare. They discuss the systemic inequalities present in veterinary practices, the importance of inclusivity, and the challenges posed by white Christian supremacy. Dr. Nielsen emphasizes the need for ongoing conversations about pluralism and the real-life impacts of religious diversity in veterinary medicine, advocating for a more equitable and understanding approach to animal care.

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Link Tree: Linktr.ee/azaliaboydYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrittersandCultures

Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/critters-and-cultures

Website: https://www.drazaliaboyd.com/

About Dr. J. Cody Nielsen

A scholar and researcher as well as frequent speaker on systems-related areas of higher education and nonprofit work, Dr. Nielsen adjunct instructs at a variety of institutions around the country and is known for his passionate presentation style. He is as well the co-founder and lead planner of the new Conference on Higher Education Values, Identities, Belonging, and Purpose. He also serves as Associate Editor of the Journal of Student Affairs on Campus.

Dr. Nielsen’s research focuses on two core area of consideration within higher education and societal systems: First, areas of concern related to religious, secular, and spiritual equity within campus and organizational climates through a lens of policies and practices. Second, a focus on larger questions of institutional climate, organizational structures, and systems work is a current topic.

Convergence Strategies: https://www.convergencestrategies.org/

Connect on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-cody-nielsen/

About Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM

Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM, is a distinguished veterinarian and educator committed to equitable veterinary care and community engagement. A proud alumna of Tuskegee University, she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Poultry Sciences in 2004, recognized with a Presidential Academic Scholarship. As CEO of Boyd Veterinary Services and Consulting, LLC, she mentors youth aspiring to veterinary careers and supports young minority students. Previously, she was the Chief Veterinary Medical Officer for Companion Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), working to bridge access gaps for BIPOC and marginalized communities. Dr. Boyd actively participates in professional associations like the AVMA and GVMA and holds certifications from the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton Online. An international speaker, she addresses improvements in veterinary care and cultural competency, positioning her as a leader in advancing the field for all.

In this episode of Critters in Cultures, Dr. Azalia Boyd engages with Irene Chansawang, a Thai American philanthropic professional, to explore the intersection of animal welfare, cultural diversity, and environmentalism. They discuss Irene's journey in animal welfare, the influence of Buddhism on animal care in Thai culture, the community's approach to stray dogs, and the significance of Mudeng, a pygmy hippopotamus, as a symbol of joy and connection. The conversation also highlights the Elephant Nature Park and the impact of climate change on animals, emphasizing the need for compassion and collective action in animal welfare efforts.

Link Tree: Linktr.ee/azaliaboyd

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrittersandCultures?sub_confirmation=1

Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/critters-and-cultures

Website: https://www.drazaliaboyd.com/

About Irene Chansawang

The Abraham Foundation is a U.S.-based partner of Elephant Nature Park. Through the Trunks Up program, they are matching donations up to $100,000 in response to the recent floods in Chiang Mai that led to the evacuation of all the animals housed at ENP.

https://www.hiltonfoundation.org/humanitarian-prize

The Hilton Humanitarian Prize

https://www.abrahamfoundation.org/

https://funraise.org/give/Abraham-Foundation-%7C-Trunks-Up/78fb2743-f393-4967-868a-cfae217c685f/

About Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM

In this episode of Critters and Cultures, Dr. Azalia Boyd interviews Dr. Turnera Croom, a trailblazer in veterinary medicine and a veteran of the Army Veterinary Corps. They discuss Dr. Croom's unique journey, her experiences in the military, and her transition to holistic pet care and telehealth solutions. The conversation highlights the importance of leadership, ethics in animal research, and the need for diversity and representation in veterinary medicine. Dr. Croom shares insights on her internship program for aspiring veterinarians and her commitment to providing holistic care for pets, emphasizing the significance of inclusivity and compassion in the field.

For Pre-Veterinary students college age and above who are interested in joining our Telemedicine Internship, fill out the application here: https://bit.ly/4aPoHqb

Dr. Croom created a GPT for those interested in making their pet an Emotional Support Animal, go to https://bit.ly/EmotionalSupportAnimalRegistration

About Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM

In this episode of Critters and Cultures, Dr. Azalia Boyd engages with Kenny Lamberti, a leader in animal welfare, discussing the intersection of animal care and cultural diversity. They explore the importance of challenge and self-discovery, Kenny's journey in animal welfare, and the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the field. The conversation delves into radical realism, the evolving nature of culture, and the misconceptions surrounding animal care across different communities. Kenny emphasizes the need for genuine engagement and the importance of breaking down societal categories to foster understanding and compassion.

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrittersandCultures?sub_confirmation=1

Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/critters-and-cultures

Website: https://www.drazaliaboyd.com/

About Kenny Lamberti

Kenny Lamberti is at his core a community organizer and activist. Kennys professional life began in his hometown of Boston organizing around violence interruption and advocacy for people living in under served communities. Kenny's lifelong love and bond with dogs created pathways to work at the intersection of human and animal welfare, where he has created and lead initiatives for some of the largest animal welfare org's in the world. Kenny has studied martial arts and mindfulness modalities for many years and teaches meditation as well as practicing as a Reiki master. Kenny is a fierce advocate for justice and equity for all beings and works diligently to live every day in accordance with those values. Kenny lives in New Orleans with his wife Shelina and their rescue dog Odin.

Connect with Kenny on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/kenny-lamberti

About Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM

In this episode of Critters and Cultures, Dr. Azalia Boyd engages with Jeremiah Pouncy, a veterinary student and entrepreneur, discussing the intersection of animal welfare and cultural diversity. They explore Jeremiah's impactful experiences in Ghana, the challenges of representation in veterinary medicine, and the importance of community engagement through entrepreneurship. The conversation also delves into time management strategies, the significance of international experiences, and the encouragement to take risks and bet on oneself in pursuing one's passions.

About Jeremiah Pouncy

He is 'Just livin' life for the story'. Jeremiah Pouncy is a proud alum of the phenomenal HBCU, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, where he majored in Animal Science while double-minoring in Chemistry & Entrepreneurship. Now, he's a 2nd-year veterinary student at Cornell University, where he is pursuing his veterinary education while serving as the President-Elect for Cornell's chapter of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA), and on the e-board of the Student National Association of Black Veterinarians. Gratitude for his many blessings, and a drive to be the best big brother & son that he possibly can be, is what he leads his life with as he pursues his many dreams. This is, Jeremiah Allen Pouncy - a dreamer at heart, a visionary in action, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the world of veterinary medicine and beyond.

Connect with Jeremiah Pouncy:

Instagram: @‌thrujeremiahseyes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thrujeremiahseyes

Contact via Email - [email protected]

Tsunami Bottled Waters: https://linktr.ee/tsunamiwater

LinkedIn - https://lnkd.in/gudJstTV

About Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM

Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM, is a distinguished veterinarian and educator committed to equitable veterinary care and community engagement. A proud alumna of Tuskegee University, she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Poultry Sciences in 2004, recognized with a Presidential Academic Scholarship. As CEO of Boyd Veterinary Services and Consulting, LLC, she mentors youth aspiring to veterinary careers and supports young minority students. Previously, she was the Chief Veterinary Medical Officer for Companion Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), working to bridge access gaps for BIPOC and marginalized communities. Dr. Boyd actively participates in professional associations like the AVMA and GVMA and holds certifications from the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton Online. An international speaker, she addresses improvements in veterinary care and cultural competency, positioning her as a leader in advancing the field for all.

In this episode of Critters and Cultures, Dr. Azalia Boyd speaks with Dr. Katherine Fogelberg about her unique journey as a Korean adoptee raised in a white American family, her experiences in veterinary medicine, and her work in establishing a nonprofit school in Kenya. They discuss the complexities of cultural identity, the impact of stereotypes like the model minority, and the importance of cultural awareness in veterinary practice. Katherine shares valuable lessons from her endurance running experiences and emphasizes the significance of embracing individuality and supporting diverse communities.

Connect with Dr. Katherine Fogelberg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msomiacademy

Msomi Academy: https://msomiacademy.org/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kfogelberg-dvm-phd

Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM, is a distinguished veterinarian and educator committed to equitable veterinary care and community engagement. A proud alumna of Tuskegee University, she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Poultry Sciences in 2004, recognized with a Presidential Academic Scholarship. As CEO of Boyd Veterinary Services and Consulting, LLC, she mentors youth aspiring to veterinary careers and supports young minority students. Previously, she was the Chief Veterinary Medical Officer for Companion Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), working to bridge access gaps for BIPOC and marginalized communities. Dr. Boyd actively participates in professional associations like the AVMA and GVMA and holds certifications from the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton Online. An international speaker, she addresses improvements in veterinary care and cultural competency, positioning her as a leader in advancing the field for all.