This episode is a big one!
Not loud. Not shouty.
But important. 👀

We sat down with Deb King, Animal Welfare Policy Research Officer at RSPCA WA, to unpack one of the most common (and most misunderstood) arguments we see on our posts 👇

👉 “What about how many dogs the RSPCA euthanises?”

So let’s be crystal clear.

💔 RSPCA is not causing the crisis...they are dealing with the fallout.
They care for animals who are abused, neglected, traumatised or dumped. Animals who arrive already suffering.
RSPCA WA deals with the most vulnerable cases after everything has already gone wrong.
Meanwhile, the dog racers claim their animals are “elite athletes in peak condition”… yet dogs keep dying on track.

In this episode we talk about:
🐕 Why RSPCA’s work is science-led, not emotive
📊 Why transparency (or lack of it) matters
💥 On-track injuries, fractures and deaths
🧠 The myth of “inaction” and what actually happens behind the scenes
🤝 Why improving welfare requires facts, not whataboutism

If you’ve ever seen the RSPCA used as a shield to defend racing, this episode is for you.
If you care about greyhounds, evidence, and accountability, make sure you have a listen!

Thanks to our greyt sponsors Henry Houndwear https://henryhoundwear.com.au/

#TalkingCouchPotatoes #GreyhoundWelfare #EndGreyhoundRacing #RSPCA #AnimalWelfare #WhatAboutism

🎉 EP58 | Happy New Year 🎉

We’re back for 2026 with a short check-in episode to ease into the year - just us, a bit of reflection, and some important updates.

🐾 We touch on recent Free The Hounds happenings...
📊 And unpack the newly announced financial review of WA racing...including the timing with the WA Parliamentary Inquiry and what it could mean.
This one’s brief, but the year ahead is anything but. We’ve got a great line-up of guests coming your way in the next episodes, and some big conversations ahead.

Thanks for sticking with us since 2023, now let’s make 2026 count!
#TalkingCouchPotatoes #GreyhoundAdvocacy #EndGreyhoundRacing #PodcastUpdate #2026

🎄✨ Episode 57 is here! ✨🎄

In our final episode for the year, Talking Couch Potatoes brings you a story that is not just a conversation...it’s a journey.This episode features Kim Whiting, author of Simba’s Story - a deeply moving account of a traumatised greyhound who went missing for 16 days in the Dandenong Ranges, and the extraordinary community that refused to give up on him. ❤️

Simba’s story is about so much more than a lost dog.
It’s about trauma, trust, survival instincts, and unconditional love. It’s about what greyhounds endure before they ever reach a couch.

And it’s about the quiet power of people coming together when it matters most.

Matt and Jem talk with Kim about:
🐕 Adopting fearful, traumatised greyhounds
🌲 What really happens when a dog is lost and in survival mode
🤝 The unbelievable strength of the greyhound community
✨ The power of hope

📖 You can buy your own copy of Simba's Story here! https://www.balboapress.com/en-AU/bookstore/bookdetails/868814-simbas-storyAll proceeds from Simba’s Story go directly to Greyhound Rescue, making this book a gift that truly helps hounds in need. 📖❤️

This is our Christmas Miracle episode — and a reminder that love, patience, and community can change lives.

Proudly supported as always by the wonderful Henry Houndwear, what all the best dressed hounds are wearing! Get yours here https://henryhoundwear.com.au/

This week, we sit down with life and mindset coach, former veterinarian and long-time animal advocate, Anita Marriott and this conversation is one every advocate needs to hear!

✨ Anita breaks down the difference between empathy fatigue and compassion fatigue (or burnout), and why knowing the difference can keep you in the fight longer.

✨ She shares tools for sustainable advocacy, including practical mindset shifts that help us stay effective, grounded and connected to purpose.

✨ And she reflects on her heartbreaking early encounters with greyhounds inside the veterinary system, a stark reminder of how the exploitation continued beyond the track.

⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode includes descriptions of veterinary practices involving greyhounds being used as “donations” for training and blood collection. Take care listening.

We also talk about:
🔥 Why advocates burn out, and how to stop it
💛 Effective advocacy without sacrificing yourself
📌 Tips for leaders and individuals to stay in the game

Anita’s honesty and clarity will stay with you long after the episode ends. Check out her coaching services here https://theveganmindsetcoach.com/Plus, Matt & Jem unpack the brand-new WA voter survey on greyhound racing that indicates a 60% majority in favour of ending greyhound racing, across parties and across electorates! Read the survey results here https://www.freethehounds.com.au/wa-survey-on-dog-racing/
#FreeTheHounds #TalkingCouchPotatoes #GreyhoundWelfare #AdvocacyMatters

🐾 EP55 is here – and it’s a BIG one! 🎙️💥
We’re joined once again by powerhouse advocate, MP Georgie Purcell, leader in the fight to protect greyhounds and push for an end to the racing industry.

💬 Georgie dives into:
📉 How transparency wins in Victoria are forcing truthful reporting on deaths & injuries
🐕 How public opinion has shifted from dogs as commodities to beloved companions
📊 The explosive financial reality of taxpayer money propping up the industry
🤝 The unstoppable strength of rescue groups, volunteer advocates & everyday supporters
📍 Why inquiries and accountability are the beginning of the end for greyhound racing

From political strategy to community impact, this episode pulls the curtain back on what’s really happening behind racing's glossy messaging – and why its time is running out.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring, passionate, funny and fiercely hopeful conversation!

In this powerful episode, Matt & Mel discuss the fast-approaching deadline for submissions to the WA Parliamentary Inquiry into Greyhound Racing — closing 17th November. 🗓️

Special guest Honi Rawlings, a former on-track vet nurse, opens up about her confronting experiences inside the industry - from the emotional toll of euthanising injured dogs 💔 to the joy of adopting her own greyhounds 🐾.

Whether you're a long-time advocate or just learning about the issue, this episode is a heartfelt reminder of why your voice matters. 🗣️

🎧 Tune in for honest conversations, emotional stories, and real advocacy in action!

👉 Submissions close 17th Nov — don’t miss your chance to speak up for the dogs. SUBMIT HERE! https://www.freethehounds.com.au/wa-government-inquiry-into-greyhound-racing/

Artist Elliott Fox joins Matt and Mel to discuss his powerful exhibition, Saint Grey - a breathtaking tribute to greyhounds and a call for compassion through art. 🎨🐕

Elliott shares how his muse, rescue greyhound Adam Barker, inspired him to create Saint Grey, a life-size sculpture with angelic wings symbolising hope, protection, and the spirit of every dog who’s ever needed saving. 🕊️

Together they explore how art can move hearts, shift perspectives, and give a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves. 💫

🗓️ Saint Grey comes to Perth — January 13–21, 2026.
🎨 Learn more at elliottfox.art
🐾 Proudly sponsored by Henry Houndwear, find your hound's fashion at henryhoundwear.com

#SaintGrey #ElliottFox #TalkingCouchPotatoes #GreyhoundLove #ArtForChange #FreeTheHounds

This episode, we’re diving headfirst into the WA Greyhound Racing Inquiry 🐕

Join Matt & Mel as they unpack what this monumental inquiry means for greyhounds in WA and how YOU can get involved before November 17th 🗓️https://freethehounds.us21.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d87f42ca4948157c6be5559a1&id=07c947f9e1

✨ Special guest Fran Chambers, founder of Let Greyhounds Run Free, joins us from Tasmania to share how her team helped push for the defunding of greyhound racing there 🙌 proof that people power works!

💬 Expect passionate advocacy, inspiring insights, a few giggles 😂, and plenty of greyhound love 🐾

💙 Proudly sponsored by Henry Houndwear 🐶✨ What all the best dressed hounds are wearing! https://henryhoundwear.com.au/

#TalkingCouchPotatoes #FreeTheHounds #LetGreyhoundsRunFree #GreyhoundRacingInquiryWA

In this episode, Matt & Mel welcome Cecilia, founder of Rainy Day Pets 🐾

Cecilia shares how her beloved greyhound Archie 🐕‍🦺, her childhood dog Rein 🐶, and the many greyhounds she has fostered inspired her to create a proudly anti-racing business. From supporting charities 💙 to designing products that bring comfort, Cecilia’s work is rooted in compassion.

Her hero product, the cuddlepillar toy 🐛✨, has become a must-have for greyhound households, and she gives us a peek at what’s next for Rainy Day Pets!

Of course, it wouldn’t be TCP without giggles😂

🍰 Blooper involving cake!🙈 Another dopey dick argument!

🎧 Tune in for heartfelt stories, advocacy in business, and plenty of grey-talk!🐶Proudly sponsored by Henry Houndwear https://henryhoundwear.com.au/

Subscribe to our newsletter for ways to help the hounds!

https://freethehounds.us21.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d87f42ca4948157c6be5559a1&id=07c947f9e1

🎉🐾 Talking Couch Potatoes has hit Episode 50! 🐾🎉

In this milestone episode, we’re joined by Sian from Snooter Brown 💜

Sian’s passion for greyhound rescue, advocacy, and her unique training approach takes centre stage as she shares her inspiring journey.

✨ What’s inside:
🐕 The challenges & rewards of rehoming greyhounds
💔 The tough realities of the racing industry
💖 The resilience of these gentle souls
🚫Why the ACT’s ban on greyhound racing is a beacon of hope for WA 🌟
📚 Practical tips & heartfelt stories for hound paw-rents

🎙️ Whether you’re a long-time greyhound lover or new to the breed, this episode is packed with insight, compassion, and attempted humour!

👉 Tune in & help us celebrate 50 episodes of sharing stories that matter!

Check out Snooter Brown here

👉 https://snooterbrown.com/

And thanks to our wonderful sponsors Henry Houndwear👉https://henryhoundwear.com.au/

#TalkingCouchPotatoes #GreyhoundRescue #EndGreyhoundRacing #AdoptDontShop