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What makes a perfect home for your feline companion? In this knowledge-packed episode, Regina Swarn sits down with Jerri Clay Hays of Rescue Cats Incorporated for the second installment of their enlightening conversation about cat care and adoption.

Jerri draws on her 26 years of rescue experience to share practical wisdom about creating clean, cat-friendly environments. She explains why daily litter box maintenance matters, how the right water bowl can dramatically improve your cat's hydration, and why cats need a "safe room" when first arriving at a new home. For anyone preparing to welcome a cat, these insights are pure gold.

The conversation shifts to adoption ethics as Jerry breaks down the true value behind that $125 adoption fee. While "free kittens" might seem economical, she reveals how adopting from a rescue organization provides comprehensive veterinary care worth over $300—including spaying/neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, and disease testing. This investment not only ensures a healthier pet but supports the continued rescue of other animals in need.

Jerri tackles several specialized topics with compassion and clarity: the TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs that humanely manage feral cat populations, vacation planning for pet owners, and perhaps most poignantly, how to recognize when it's time to say goodbye to an aging or ill pet. Her guidance on quality-of-life assessment provides a compassionate framework for the most difficult decision pet owners face.

Ready to expand your feline knowledge or considering adding a cat to your family? Visit rescuecats.org to learn more or meet adoptable cats at the Mount Zion PetSmart in Morrow, Georgia on Saturdays. Mention this podcast during your visit for a special adoption discount!

RESCUE CATS INC 

EMAIL  - [email protected]

678- 817-9647 

 JERRI - 404- 304- 9210

OFFICIAL WEBSITE 

https://www.rescuecats.org

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Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of a growing podcast? In this intimate bonus episode, I pull back the curtain to share some exciting news while wrestling with a podcaster's dilemma: when to reveal your biggest guests and when to keep them under wraps.

I've been sitting on something major - a lineup of upcoming guests that spans from CEOs to renowned musicians and popular YouTubers. But rather than name-dropping to generate buzz, I'm choosing a different path. "Sometimes it's good to just hit them at the very end or right at the beginning of something. Sometimes it's not good to tell everything right away." This approach reflects my deeper philosophy about authentic growth versus chasing fame.

The journey of building this podcast has taught me profound lessons about loyalty. "It's the ones who stay with you until the end. Those are the ones that you hang on to. That's called loyalty." I share my genuine appreciation for listeners who've supported from day one, whether through monthly contributions or simple messages of encouragement. This contrasts sharply with those who may try to "jump on the bandwagon" once bigger names appear - a phenomenon I'm preparing for with a surprisingly firm stance.

Next week brings part two of my conversation with Jerri  Clay Hays from Rescue Cats Incorporated, whose insights apply far beyond cat rescue to all animal care. As for those mystery guests I'm keeping secret? You'll just have to stay tuned to find out. Connect with me at [email protected] or find the podcast on Buzzsprout. What upcoming guests are you most excited to potentially hear from?

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Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of a truly authentic podcast? Regina Swarn  pulls back the curtain in this heartfelt thank-you episode following her popular interview with Jerri Clay Hays from Rescue Cats Incorporated.

Regina celebrates the overwhelming positive response to Jerri's valuable insights for pet owners, announcing an upcoming second interview that will tackle the challenging but necessary topic of humane euthanasia. "I used to be so scared to do that because I'd say 'I'd kill my cat'," Regina confesses, highlighting the emotional complexities many pet owners face when making end-of-life decisions.

While reflecting on her podcasting philosophy, Regina makes a powerful case for authenticity over perfection. "I like the realness of my podcast. I like it real and raw," she explains, embracing background noises and unscripted moments that other podcasters might edit out. This commitment to genuine conversation extends to her diverse guest selection, featuring voices from all walks of life—from rescue workers to ministers, musicians to breast cancer survivors. Each interview becomes what Regina calls a "testimony," regardless of the subject matter.

Looking ahead, Regina teases exciting upcoming conversations with Brother Antonio Ford from Soldiers for Christ ministry and breast cancer survivors who are ready to share their journeys. With each diverse interview, Regina reinforces her core belief: "You cannot please everyone... so the best thing to do is to just try to go forth and do the best that you can in what you're passionate about." Connect with Regina at [email protected] to share your thoughts or subscribe to hear these powerful upcoming testimonies.

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The journey of saving nearly 12,000 cats doesn't happen without extraordinary passion and dedication. Meet Jerri Clay Hays, the driving force behind Rescue Cats Incorporated, who transforms the lives of abandoned felines and the humans lucky enough to adopt them.

Why do adult cats often get overlooked in shelters? Jerry makes a compelling case for choosing older cats: they're calmer, have established personalities, cause less destruction, and desperately deserve second chances. She shares the heartbreaking reality that most end up homeless through no fault of their own—often victims of their owners' financial hardships or housing changes.

Jerri's wealth of practical knowledge transforms how you'll understand your feline companion. Discover why cats dash away from litter boxes (a wild survival instinct), why they sometimes bite during affectionate moments (excitement overload), and the surprising reason your cat needs a wider water bowl (whisker sensitivity). Her insights on proper hydration might save your cat's life, as kidney disease becomes increasingly common among domestic cats.

The "3-3-3 rule" emerges as a game-changing approach to introducing new cats to your home: three days to explore their immediate space, three weeks to adjust to household rhythms, and three months to truly settle in. This patient approach creates harmonious multi-pet households and prevents unnecessary stress.

Behind the success stories lurk challenging realities like hoarding cases—Jerry recounts rescuing nearly 100 cats from deplorable conditions, highlighting why spay/neuter campaigns matter so deeply. With female cats able to reproduce as young as five months old and only a 62-day gestation period, unaltered pets can quickly create overwhelming situations.

Looking to make a difference? Visit rescuecats.org to explore adoption opportunities or donate directly to their life-saving work, where 100% of contributions fund animal care rather than administrative costs. Mention this podcast when adopting an adult cat and receive $20 off your adoption fee!

Rescue Cats Inc.

rescuecats.org 

Email - [email protected]

678-817-9647 or JERRI - 404-304-9210 * 

Any feedback or questions please feel free to contact rescue Cats 🐈 

*If you would like to make a donation  please checkout all the links at the official website. 

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What makes your story worth telling? Everyone walking this earth carries a unique narrative shaped by their experiences, culture, and perspective. Some tales originate just across the street, while others travel continents to reach us—like Braxton, my beloved cat from Germany.

Welcome to the newest chapter of Regina Swarn Audio Series Presents! After recognizing my purpose to amplify diverse voices, I'm launching a fresh interview series featuring fascinating individuals from every conceivable background. This isn't a podcast limited to celebrities or experts in narrow fields. Instead, I'm creating space for animal rescuers, musicians, actors, spiritual leaders, and everyday people with extraordinary stories.

Our journey begins this Thursday with Jerri  Clay Hays, coordinator of the Kitten and Cat Rescue in Georgia—the organization that connected me with all my feline companions. Jerri will share heartwarming rescue stories, including how my German cat Braxton found his way into my home. This marks just the beginning of our storytelling adventure. I've already lined up conversations with an eclectic mix of guests, each bringing their unique perspective to our growing collective narrative. Though the production process has changed (I'm now handling much of what my sister Lora once managed), my commitment to authentic storytelling remains unwavering.

Have a story worth sharing? I'm eager to hear it. Whether I've already reached out or we've yet to connect, know that this platform exists to celebrate the beautiful diversity of human experience. Subscribe now to join our storytelling community and discover the remarkable tales waiting just around the corner.

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Why do we wait until flowers wither to appreciate their fragrance? In this powerful, intimate heart-to-heart conversation, I explore one of humanity's most puzzling tendencies – our habit of fully valuing people only after they've passed away.

Through personal observations and heartfelt musings, I unpack the strange phenomenon where someone becomes your "best friend" in death, despite rarely receiving your call in life. We examine how posthumous praise often contradicts our living actions, creating a world where people become saints, queens, and Mother Teresas only after they can no longer hear our admiration. This disconnect isn't just ironic – it's tragic.

The core message resonates with stark clarity: smell the roses while they're living. I challenge listeners to reflect on their own relationships and ask uncomfortable questions about who we're overlooking today that we might eulogize tomorrow. Who deserves your support, belief, and treasure right now? This isn't about performative appreciation but authentic connection while time still permits it.

This episode serves as both gentle rebuke and loving encouragement – a call to shift our attention from posthumous admiration to present appreciation. Break the cycle of delayed recognition. Reach out to someone important today. Write to me at [email protected] with your thoughts, and continue following these reflections on the Regina Swarn Audio Series Presents podcast. Don't wait until it's too late to show someone how much they matter.

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Some connections transcend typical fandom, becoming deeply personal tributes that span decades. In this heartfelt episode, I share my unique bond with Ananda Lewis dating back to the early 2000s, when I asked everyone in my life to call me "Ananda" – a request honored with a birthday celebration where colleagues created a special poster with "Happy Birthday Ananda" alongside my photo.

This isn't about jumping on a memorial bandwagon after someone's passing. My admiration for Ananda began during her Teen Summit days and continued throughout her career. What always stood out was her deliberate choice to maintain authenticity and privacy even during her years in the spotlight. In an entertainment landscape that often rewards controversy, Ananda chose substance and meaningful work before stepping away from public life – a decision I've always deeply respected.

The news of her passing brought to mind poignant conversations I had with my own sister before her death, imagining the weight of Ananda's final moments with her beloved son and family. As we remember her as "a great beacon of hope" and "champion of peace," I invite listeners to direct their prayers toward those she left behind. While Ananda moves on to paradise, her family remains to navigate life without her physical presence. Join me in honoring the quiet grace of an extraordinary woman whose impact went far beyond her public persona – a soul who inspired me to temporarily take her name and permanently embrace her values.

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What would you focus on if you knew your time was limited? Regina Swarn tackles this profound question in a special Father's Day bonus episode that moves beyond simple celebration to explore the intersection of love, loss, and living with intention.

Regina opens with touching reflections on her own father, Mr. Charlie—a quiet man whose inner strength and devotion to family left an indelible mark on her life. Through personal stories of her father who passed in 2007, she illustrates how we often fail to fully appreciate our loved ones until they're gone. This Father's Day message extends beyond biological dads to honor all men who show up with love and commitment for their families.

The heart of this episode centers on a powerful observation: when people receive terminal diagnoses, their priorities instantly transform. Petty grievances, gossip, and interpersonal conflicts suddenly seem meaningless. Regina challenges listeners: why wait for a "death sentence" to gain this clarifying perspective? Drawing from experiences with family members who battled cancer, she highlights how stress and negativity can contribute to illness, while offering practical wisdom about living more consciously.

Regina's authentic, conversational style creates an intimate space for contemplating mortality not as something morbid, but as a lens that brings life's true priorities into sharp focus. Rather than believing in karma, she emphasizes that we "reap what we sow," encouraging listeners to cultivate compassion and positivity in their daily interactions.

If you've ever caught yourself trapped in cycles of stress, resentment or gossip, this episode offers a gentle but firm redirect toward a more meaningful approach to living. Connect with Regina at [email protected] and watch for her upcoming live recording that promises more of her signature blend of life wisdom and heartfelt conversation.

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Sometimes the smallest nudges change our life's direction completely. When I nearly abandoned my podcast in 2020, it was my sister Lora's deathbed encouragement that kept me going. Fast forward to today—612 episodes later—and I'm preparing to launch an exciting new interview series focusing on stories that usually go unheard.

My first guest will be Jerry Hayes from Rescue Cat Georgia, the remarkable woman who connected me with almost all my feline family members. We'll be discussing senior pet adoption and why older cats like my nine-year-old Braxton deserve loving forever homes. As anyone who works the overnight "graveyard shift" knows, having a furry friend waiting at the door when you return home makes all the difference in the world. These senior animals may not be the cute kittens that everyone gravitates toward in shelters, but they bring immeasurable joy and companionship.

This marks a new direction for my podcast—more live interviews, more diverse voices, more authentic conversations. Whether in person or over the phone, I'm committed to sharing stories that matter. If you have a story worth telling, don't hesitate to reach out at [email protected]. And to listeners like Stephen Paul who've supported me since the early 2000s, thank you for being part of this journey. Even sharing an episode expands our community more than you know. Stay tuned for these upcoming interviews—they're going to be worth your time.

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