Seeing Animals

Just in time for the binge-worthy release of Tiger King on Netflix, Annie interviews Tammy, founder of Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone, Minnesota. Housing tigers, cougars, lions, and other exotic cats, Tammy tells us about the work of her sanctuary in rehabilitating animals from the unsettling and wild world of illegal exotic pet trafficking. Recorded just days after the sentencing of Joe Exotic, we consider how our own choices on social media and in entertainment can create serious ramifications for beloved species of animals.

Dr. Ben Houlton, Director of UC Davis' Muir Institute of the Environment, sits down with Annie to discuss the increasing impacts of a changing climate on people, animals, and ecosystems. From growing up in Wisconsin to being on the forefront of innovative climate solutions in California, Ben's knowledge and passion have shaped him into a "climate optimist." In the midst of urgent challenges is a monumental opportunity for humanity.

Bees: A Comeback Story. This week Annie switches gears from exploring questions of animal rights to examining the movers and shakers of our ecosystem: pollinators. Bridget Mendel of the University of Minnesota Bee Squad explains the symbiotic relationship of bees with, well, everything! A creative writer, she shows us the shifts in our collective imagination of bees through history and literature, while also explaining the unique services offered through the U of M Bee Veterans program.

Local shoutout: Vegan East in White Bear & Minneapolis, Minnesota

Virtue Salon of Columbus, Ohio is a pioneer in humane cosmetics, dedicating their entire operation to cruelty-free and vegan products and services. Annie hears from founder and stylist Melanie Guzzo about the impacts of our beauty and hygiene choices on animals, the environment, and our own bodies.

Annie sits down with Elizabeth Feldhausen, owner of Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary, to hear how stories of cruelty and neglect can become ones of compassion and hope. With two locations, dozens of adoptable cats, and one very famous 'cat grandpa', Safe Haven works tirelessly to give special needs felines a forever home.

Local shoutout: Wicked Willow in Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Paramedic by day and activist the rest of the time, Jered Camp of Iowa Farm Sanctuary joins Annie as she considers our moral responsibility to animals in food production. Listen closely for a surprise visit from a rescued piglet named Wilma. 

Local shoutout: J Selby's in Saint Paul, Minnesota