The case of Steffen Baldwin is often defined by the animals he failed—but the animals were not the end goal. They were a means to power, manipulation, and personal gain.

In this episode, special guest Maya Badham joins us to examine how Baldwin used animals as tools of coercive control—not only over intimate partners, but also over individuals drawn into his schemes. Together, we explore the patterns behind his behavior, how he was able to evade accountability for so long, and why so many people were vulnerable to his manipulation.

This conversation aims to provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play—holding Baldwin accountable while recognizing the complexity of victimization, without blame or stigma.

If you found this episode valuable, please consider liking, rating, and sharing. Your support helps us expand our reach, educate others, and advocate for both animals and the people who care for them.

WARNING: Real stories of domestic violence

In this episode we learn about how Steffen used dogs to manipulate vulnerable people. The LINK between interpersonal violence and animal cruelty is well known, and Steffen is just another example of how malicious and manipulative these abusers can be.

You can help us expand our reach by following, rating, and sharing our series. Together we can make a difference for both animal and the people who care for them.

Episode 7 is the story of some of the dogs Steffen failed. We talk about Sammie, Beretta and Cheyenne as well as some of the collateral damage in their stories.

In this episode, we are joined by trainer Jenny Falvey in discussing how Steffen failed these dogs behaviorally.

These episodes discuss sensitive topics, and we hope they can help these animals get a voice and help listeners avoid people like Steffen, who claimed to want to help but in the end just had his own interests in mind.

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Season One: State vs Steffen Baldwin / Episode 6: The Con Whisperer

We will be diving into the stories of Baldwin's victims. In this episode, we discuss:

• Chesty
• Romeo
• Belle
• PeeWee, and Coco

Some of these dogs survived him, others were not as lucky. We want to share their stories and that of the people who cared about them.

Throughout the next episodes, we will talk about the animal and human victims of Steffen Baldwin. These episodes include interviews, news stories, and courtroom testimony during Baldwin's trial.

These episodes cover sensitive topics such as animal abuse and domestic violence, so please take care of yourself as e recognize these victims for their sacrifices.

Steffen Baldwin lied about his credentials and past experience to enter the animal world through the Union County Humane Society. With lies, deception, and the help of social media, he developed a persona who gained the trust of the animal welfare community. Due to his perceived greatness as the Executive Director of Union County, he was hired to run the Top of Ohio Shelter in Bellefontaine, Ohio. In his short period of employment, he took a promising yet struggling shelter to a point of no return.

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The Animal Welfare Junction Season One: State v. Steffen Baldwin / Episode 4 The Rise to Fame Part 2

If you have not listened to Part 1, pause and come back after you have listened to or watched Part 1.

This episode is presented in two parts, both released simultaneously.

Investigators, witnesses and victims share their experiences as Steffen Baldwin rose to fame as an animal advocate.

This episode is available on YouTube by searching for the Animal Welfare Junction. YouTube episodes contain video and pictures of the case.

The Animal Welfare Junction Season One: State v. Steffen Baldwin / Episode 4 The Rise to Fame Part 1

This episode is presented in two parts, both released simultaneously.

Investigators, witnesses and victims share their experiences as Steffen Baldwin rose to fame as an animal advocate.

This episode is available on YouTube by searching for the Animal Welfare Junction. YouTube episodes contain video and pictures of the case.

Season 1: State vs Steffen Baldwin / Episode 3: Who is Steffen Baldwin?

Steffen Baldwin fooled the animal welfare world with his “masked persona”, presenting himself as a dog savior when in fact he was harming and killing the dogs he was asked to help. But how does someone evolve into this? What factors in someone’s childhood effect the person we become?

In this episode, Author James Renner, talks about his research into Baldwin’s childhood and early adulthood to help our audience understand a bit of the person behind the mask. We may not truly understand him, but this will give us some insight to the early influences that helped developed him into the monster he became.

RATE, SHARE and LIKE this episode to help us reach more people! This can happen anywhere, and together we can make a difference in the lives of animals our communities.

Season 1: State vs Steffen Baldwin / Episode 2: The Rabbit Hole

After finding out that Steffen had secretly euthanized Remi, the Kargakos’ found themselves looking for someone to investigate Steffen and get to the truth of what happened to Remi.

In Episode Two, Officer Jim Conroy, from the Mahoning County Police Department, takes us through the beginning of the investigation, how he became involved and how looking into Remi's story took him into a complex case, filled with more crimes everywhere he looked.

Share and Like this episode to help us reach more people! This can happen anywhere, and together we can make a difference in the lives of animals our communities.

Season 1: State v Steffen Baldwin / Episode 1: Remi

Steffen Baldwin gained popularity in the State of Ohio as a "dog savior", proclaiming that he could rehabilitate and rehome any dog, including those deemed dangerous and not adoptable. He spent years sharing his "success" stories, but the truth was revealed when one of his victims, Litsa Kargakos, discovered his horrific scheme which claimed the lives of many dogs and hurt the people who cared about them.

In Episode One, Dr. G and Litsa share the story of Remi, his fate, and how it started a long court battle against Baldwin.

Share and Like this episode to help us reach more people! This can happen anywhere, and together we can make a difference in the lives of animals our communities.