Keep it Humane

In this episode of Keep it Humane, Daniel and Ashley sit down with Douglas Starr, Professor Emeritus of Science Journalism at Boston University and longtime science writer, to unpack one of the most polarizing topics in animal welfare today: the no-kill movement and the influence of large national organizations like Best Friends Animal Society.

Douglas joins the show to discuss his recent Smithsonian Magazine article, “The Nation’s Biggest Animal Sanctuary Operates Under the Mantra ‘Save Them All.’ How Controversial Is That?”, which you can read here:
👉 https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/nations-biggest-animal-sanctuary-operates-under-mantra-save-them-all-how-controversial-180987638/

Drawing from time spent at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and extensive historical research, Douglas shares what he learned about the ideals, psychology, and politics behind the no-kill philosophy. While acknowledging the dedication of many working within the movement, the conversation explores how language, public pressure, and one-size-fits-all approaches can create unintended consequences for shelters, communities, and public safety.

Together, Daniel, Ashley, and Douglas have an honest, nuanced discussion about the harm caused by labels like “kill shelter,” the pressure placed on municipal agencies, the silencing of dissenting voices, and the difficult ethical decisions faced by animal welfare professionals every day. With decades of combined experience, the episode emphasizes the need for balance—prioritizing humane care and community safety, accountability in pet ownership, access to spay and neuter services, and moving beyond slogans toward practical, collaborative solutions.

This episode challenges simplistic narratives and invites listeners to think critically about what responsible animal welfare really looks like.

It’s the first episode of Keep it Humane for 2026, and we’re kicking off the year by catching up.

Daniel Ettinger, Ashley Bishop, and Ashlee Bishop sit down to reflect on the past year—what challenged us, what surprised us, and what reminded us why this work matters. From lessons learned in animal control and animal welfare to the realities of burnout, leadership, and showing up for both people and animals, this episode is an honest look back at where we’ve been.

We also talk about the road ahead: what we’re hopeful about in 2026, what needs to change in the profession, and how we can continue to help people help animals in meaningful, sustainable ways.

If you work in animal control, shelters, rescue, or animal welfare—or care about the people doing the work—this episode sets the tone for the year ahead.

In this powerful episode, Daniel Ettinger and Ashlee Bishop sit down with Nina Jackel, founder of Lady Freethinker, for an in-depth conversation about the global fight against animal cruelty and what it takes to create real, lasting change.

Nina shares her remarkable journey from freelance journalist to leading an international nonprofit that exposes abuse, funds on-the-ground rescuers, and drives policy change around the world. From shutting down dog meat auction houses in South Korea to helping authorities dismantle a dogfighting ring in Chile—resulting in the longest animal cruelty sentence in the nation’s history—Nina walks us through some of Lady Freethinker’s most impactful victories.

The discussion digs into the evolving landscape of online animal cruelty, challenges in prosecuting abuse cases under current laws, and why cross-organization communication remains one of the biggest obstacles in animal advocacy. Daniel, Ashlee, and Nina explore what meaningful collaboration could look like—from local enforcement to global activism—and how summits, networking, and unified messaging could strengthen the field.

Listeners will also hear candid personal updates, reflections on leadership in animal welfare, and actionable ways to support Lady Freethinker’s work, including their investigative efforts, global campaigns, and upcoming initiative to tackle social media cruelty in 2026.

If you care about animals, accountability, and the future of animal protection, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Daniel Ettinger, Ashley Bishop and Ashlee Bishop sit down with Dr. A. Michelle Gonzalez—veterinarian, forensic expert, and host of The Animal Welfare Junction. Dr. Gonzalez has been leading a groundbreaking investigative series on Steffen Baldwin, a self-proclaimed “trainer” whose history of animal cruelty and misconduct has sent shockwaves through the animal welfare community.

Together, we unpack the complex layers of this case:
• how Baldwin built influence in the dog-training world,
• the red flags that were ignored or minimized,
• the survivors—both canine and human—impacted by his actions,
• and the systemic gaps that allow abusers to hide in plain sight.

Dr. Gonzalez shares what she’s learned through extensive research, interviews, and forensic review for her podcast, offering a candid look at how misinformation, inadequate regulation, and industry silencing contribute to ongoing harm.

Whether you work in animal control, sheltering, veterinary medicine, law enforcement, or advocacy, this episode provides essential insight into how we can better protect animals, empower victims, and build a safer, more accountable animal welfare landscape.

This is an episode you won’t want to miss—honest, unsettling, educational, and ultimately a call to action for all who believe animals deserve better.

While Daniel was somewhere over the Rockies on a flight, Ashlee and Ashley held down the fort and sat down with one of animal welfare’s most respected leaders: Kenny Lamberti.

In this episode, Kenny shares insights from his decades of experience in community engagement, shelter operations, and national-level advocacy. Together, they dig into the evolving landscape of animal welfare, the importance of building trust with communities, and how we can better support the people doing the work on the ground. Kenny also talks about leadership, equity in access to care, and what the next generation of animal welfare professionals needs from us.

This conversation is packed with honesty, heart, and practical wisdom—perfect for anyone striving to “keep it humane” in their daily work.

In this special throwback episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, we revisit one of our most powerful interviews featuring David Hunt from the Ohio Department of Agriculture. David was an avid and skilled investigator of animal fighting cases, dedicating his career to uncovering and dismantling some of the most complex operations in the field.

This episode is packed with insight, strategy, and practical tips for animal welfare professionals, law enforcement, and anyone passionate about ending cruelty. David’s deep experience and calm, methodical approach to investigations make this a must-listen for those who want to understand how to identify, investigate, and build solid cases against animal fighters.

💡 Tune in to learn from one of the best — a true professional who helped set the standard for humane investigations and collaboration between agencies.

In this episode of Keep it Humane, Daniel and Ashley explore an inspiring initiative where teens aren’t just learning about animal welfare—they’re actively shaping it. We dig into the story of the Snake River Animal Shelter’s “Paws for a Cause” program, which brought local teenagers into direct service with shelter animals and their community. East Idaho News
You’ll hear how the five-week program immerses teens in the world of animal care, advocacy and emotional growth—starting with tours and instruction on humane treatment, engaging presentations from animal control officers and vet techs, and then reaching a hands-on high point: creating enrichment activities for shelter pets and a visit to a nearby assisted-living facility with a shelter dog in tow. East Idaho News
We’ll discuss how this kind of humane education benefits everyone involved:

• For teens: building life skills, emotional health, leadership, and a sense of purpose. East Idaho News

• For shelter animals: improved socialization, enrichment, and increased chances of adoption. East Idaho News

• For the community: stronger connections between youth, animal welfare and service.
  We’ll also unpack how shelters and agencies can replicate or adapt similar programs in their own jurisdictions—even if resources are limited—and how these initiatives tie into larger themes of staff and volunteer engagement, retention, and building culture in animal welfare (something we often talk about on this show).
  Grab your earbuds, because this conversation brings hope, practical ideas and a reminder that when young people are empowered—and animals are included—the ripple effects can be powerful.

Takeaways for listeners:

• What it actually looks like to run a hands-on humane education program for teens.

• How to measure and communicate the benefits for all stakeholders (teens, animals, shelters, community).

• Ideas for adapting the model to your local animal control or shelter setting.

• Lessons on staff and volunteer culture: empowering younger generations, creating meaningful roles, and building an inclusive “we” culture.

• Inspiration for turning caring into action—both for the animals you serve, and the people working in the trenches every day.

As Albuquerque faces what some are calling a “kitten takeover,” shelters across New Mexico are stretched to capacity. In this episode, Daniel Ettinger and Ashley Bishop sit down with Val Wilson, Executive Director of Animal Humane New Mexico, to discuss what’s behind the surge in kitten intakes and how shelters can adapt to the changing landscape of animal welfare.

Val shares insights from her leadership journey and the innovative strategies her team is using to balance lifesaving outcomes with sustainable operations. From expanding foster networks to improving access to spay and neuter, she explains how collaboration—not competition—is the key to weathering the storm of kitten season.

We also explore the human side of shelter work: how to maintain staff morale, prevent burnout, and lead with compassion during times of crisis.

Whether you’re an animal control officer, shelter professional, or advocate for community cats, this episode sheds light on what it takes to keep it humane when the kittens take over.

In this episode, Daniel and OG Bishop dive into an inspiring story out of Eastpointe, Michigan, where Animal Control Officer Ashley Sanchez is making a real difference for pets and their owners. They explore how strict city ordinances (Eastpointe spans just five square miles) have been paired with a compassionate outreach program: a pet-food pantry, low-cost vaccination and micro-chip clinics, and a full-service shelter transformation under Sanchez’s leadership. CBS News
Daniel asks: what does this approach tell us about community responsibility and the bond between humans and their animals? OG Bishop brings in a personal angle—how reform and empathy co-exist in unexpected places, and how giving even one creature a better chance changes a bigger story. They’ll unpack the article’s key moves (grant funding for free microchips, the “Four-Legged Friends Pantry,” a microchip-scanning station) and reflect on how similar models might work elsewhere. CBS News
Listeners will hear about the challenges of animal welfare, the creative pivot from a three-kennel garage to a full shelter under Sanchez’s drive, and leave with practical ideas: how to support local pet-owners in financial stress, how to volunteer or set up a micro-chip clinic, and why enforcement plus empathy is a powerful combo for community change. CBS News

Tune in for an uplifting conversation that shows animals’ wellbeing and human community health are more connected than we often think.

In this unfiltered episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, Daniel and Ashley drop the script, silence the filters, and just talk. No guests. No agenda. No BS.
They open up about the highs and lows of working in animal welfare — the burnout, the wins that keep them going, the moments they’ve doubted themselves, and the people who’ve helped them grow along the way. This is an honest, vulnerable conversation between two friends who’ve seen it all in the world of animal control and sheltering.
If you’ve ever felt the weight of the work or questioned whether you’re making a difference, this one’s for you.