The Purple Stars Podcast

How far would you go to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves? Today’s guest, Dr. Alka Chandna, is the Vice President of Laboratory Investigations at PETA, a lifelong animal rights advocate, and a woman whose work is guided by unwavering conviction and deep compassion. From growing up in a family shaped by India’s fight for freedom to boldly confronting the world’s most secretive labs, Alka’s journey is a story of courage, fierce purpose, and radical empathy.

Join us to discover:

1. Why Small, Quiet Wins Might Be the Most Powerful Kind

1. Real Lessons on Living Fully in Alignment with Your Heart

1. How Her Dog Jenny Changed Her Entire Life Trajectory

1. The Truth About PETA’s Undercover Work: Risks, Harsh Realities, and Rewards

This episode is perfect for you if:

· You’re wondering how to bridge purpose and passion.

· You’ve ever felt overwhelmed by injustice but still want to believe in good.

· You're an animal lover searching for ways to contribute meaningfully.

I hope this conversation inspires you to live more in alignment—with your heart, your values—and gives you the courage to make the difference you’re called to make.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this podcast episode. Head over to @purplestars.world on Instagram and share the valuable insights you gained from it. Can't wait to read your comments!

Sending lots of love,

Sarah

What we discussed:

02:47 Lessons from Her Father’s Fight for Indian Independence

06:18 No Dog Ever Judged Themselves for Gaining Weight

13:47 Eye-Opening Philosophy Animal Liberation by Peter Singer

22:18 Leaving Silicon Valley to Follow Her Heart

33:59 A Rare Glimpse into PETA’s Undercover Investigations

44:17 Redefining Success Through Quiet Victories

52:33 Self-Care as Activism: Exercise, Nature, And Nail Polish

01:15:53 Your Question, Our Answer: What Lessons About Humanity Have You Learned for Your Work with Animals, Both Good and Bad?

Connect with Dr. Alka Chandna and PETA:

Alka's Linked In

PETA Website

Instagram

Connect with us:

Website: https://purple-stars.us

Instagram: @purplestars.world

Instagram: @sarah.hoelzl

Youtube: @PurpleStarsWorld

The Purple Stars Podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are suffering from any mental health or medical conditions, please seek assistance from a qualified health professional.

How far would you go to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves? Today’s guest, Dr. Alka Chandna, is the Vice President of Laboratory Investigations at PETA, a lifelong animal rights advocate, and a woman whose work is guided by unwavering conviction and deep compassion. From growing up in a family shaped by India’s fight for freedom to boldly confronting the world’s most secretive labs, Alka’s journey is a story of courage, fierce purpose, and radical empathy.

Join us to discover:

1. Why Small, Quiet Wins Might Be the Most Powerful Kind

1. Real Lessons on Living Fully in Alignment with Your Heart

1. How Her Dog Jenny Changed Her Entire Life Trajectory

1. The Truth About PETA’s Undercover Work: Risks, Harsh Realities, and Rewards

This episode is perfect for you if:

· You’re wondering how to bridge purpose and passion.

· You’ve ever felt overwhelmed by injustice but still want to believe in good.

· You're an animal lover searching for ways to contribute meaningfully.

I hope this conversation inspires you to live more in alignment—with your heart, your values—and gives you the courage to make the difference you’re called to make.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this podcast episode. Head over to @purplestars.world on Instagram and share the valuable insights you gained from it. Can't wait to read your comments!

Sending lots of love,

Sarah

What we discussed:

02:47 Lessons from Her Father’s Fight for Indian Independence

06:18 No Dog Ever Judged Themselves for Gaining Weight

13:47 Eye-Opening Philosophy Animal Liberation by Peter Singer

22:18 Leaving Silicon Valley to Follow Her Heart

33:59 A Rare Glimpse into PETA’s Undercover Investigations

44:17 Redefining Success Through Quiet Victories

52:33 Self-Care as Activism: Exercise, Nature, And Nail Polish

01:15:53 Your Question, Our Answer: What Lessons About Humanity Have You Learned for Your Work with Animals, Both Good and Bad?

Connect with Dr. Alka Chandna and PETA:

Alka's Linked In

PETA Website

Instagram

Connect with us:

Website: https://purple-stars.us

Instagram: @purplestars.world

Instagram: @sarah.hoelzl

Youtube: @PurpleStarsWorld

The Purple Stars Podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are suffering from any mental health or medical conditions, please seek assistance from a qualified health professional.

A curated list for you until we’re back in January 2026 

Transform All Your Relationships with Therapist Dr. Sara Kuburic (ep 23): https://youtu.be/kAHg_E8cAPE?si=1I9wYxkyTOTDV3Q9

Unlocking the Secrets of Animal Communication with Kara Daniels (ep 26): https://youtu.be/hmWphmBHZAk?si=QxEQXgFuzfpcaJBB

A Journey of Strength and Hope with Tanner Olson (ep 30) https://youtu.be/-kdMl45UcFk?si=sebN8stlYCgVikzP

How to Heal Your Body with Dr. Steven Farmer (ep 48): https://youtu.be/L4WWKqSqVr8?si=Lf9ffDG2RGjMzFWZ

8 Simple Ways to Regulate Your Nervous System: Tools for Everyday Stress (ep 50):https://youtu.be/vlhReG1DqqE?si=TiTs5wBLm_D-EWQj

Connect with us:

Website: https://purple-stars.us

Instagram: @purplestars.world

Instagram: @sarah.hoelzl

Youtube: @PurpleStarsWorld

The Purple Stars Podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are suffering from any mental health or medical conditions, please seek assistance from a qualified health professional.

In today’s snippet, visual artist Carolyn Mara shares the powerful story behind one of her most iconic self-portraits — an image of eggs sliding off her body, with only one remaining. Originally captured during a moment of reflection on infertility and loss, this photo became a visual metaphor for hope — in all its fragile, fierce, and miraculous forms.

✨ Whether you’re navigating uncertainty, feel like giving up, or simply need a reminder that things can change — this one’s for you.

➡️WATCH THE FULL EPISODE #19 How To Create Deeper Connections Through Art with Carolyn Mara

We would love to hear your thoughts on this podcast episode. Head over to @purplestars.world on Instagram and share the valuable insights you gained from it. Can't wait to read your comments!

Sending lots of love,

Sarah

Connect with us:

Website

Instagram: @purplestars.world

Instagram: @sarah.hoelzl

Youtube: @PurpleStarsWorld

Disclaimer: The Purple Stars Podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are suffering from any mental health or medical conditions, please seek assistance from a qualified health professional.

Today’s snippet is from Episode 60 with Dr. Cliff Redford, a veterinarian and animal advocate who has dedicated his life to rescuing animals across the globe.

Usually, I like to introduce snippets with words, but this time, words just don’t seem enough to capture the kindness and goodness this man and his team bring into the world. So instead, I’ll simply invite you to open your heart and let their story warm you deeply.

➡️WATCH THE FULL EPISODE #60 From War Zones to Wildlife: Dr. Cliff Redford, the Vet Who Won’t Stop Helping

We would love to hear your thoughts on this podcast episode. Head over to @purplestars.world on Instagram and share the valuable insights you gained from it. Can't wait to read your comments!

Sending lots of love,

Sarah

Connect with us:

Website

Instagram: @purplestars.world

Instagram: @sarah.hoelzl

Youtube: @PurpleStarsWorld

Disclaimer: The Purple Stars Podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are suffering from any mental health or medical conditions, please seek assistance from a qualified health professional.

In today’s snippet from Episode 31, Ellie Laks — founder of The Gentle Barn and author of Cow Hug Therapy — shares the moving story of Magic, a horse who struggled with depression and a deep longing for applause. Through Ellie’s compassionate care and insight, Magic’s journey takes a profound turn.

➡️WATCH THE FULL EPISODE #31 How Cows Can Change Your Life with The Gentle Barn Founder Ellie Laks

We would love to hear your thoughts on this podcast episode. Head over to @purplestars.world on Instagram and share the valuable insights you gained from it. Can't wait to read your comments!

Sending lots of love,

Sarah

Connect with us:

Website

Instagram: @purplestars.world

Instagram: @sarah.hoelzl

Youtube: @PurpleStarsWorld

Disclaimer: The Purple Stars Podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are suffering from any mental health or medical conditions, please seek assistance from a qualified health professional.

Today’s snippet is from Episode 33 with Ruud Tombrock, Executive Director of HSI/Europe. In this heartfelt recap, Ruud shares one of my favorite stories — a story that warmed my heart so deeply, I just had to (re)share it with you.

➡️WATCH THE FULL EPISODE #33 From Passion to Purpose, Life-Changing Impact in Animal Welfare with Ruud Tombrock

We would love to hear your thoughts on this podcast episode. Head over to @purplestars.world on Instagram and share the valuable insights you gained from it. Can't wait to read your comments!

Sending lots of love,

Sarah

Connect with us:

Website

Instagram: @purplestars.world

Instagram: @sarah.hoelzl

Youtube: @PurpleStarsWorld

Disclaimer: The Purple Stars Podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are suffering from any mental health or medical conditions, please seek assistance from a qualified health professional.

Today’s snippet is from Episode 17 with Kaity Neiswonger - EFT practitioner and the In this heartfelt recap, we explore a powerful yet often overlooked healing tool: tapping — and how both you and your pet can benefit from it emotionally, physically, and mentally.

Whether your dog struggles with anxiety or you’ve ever had the feeling they’re picking up on your stress, this conversation is a gentle and powerful reminder of how connected we truly are — and how healing can happen on both ends of the leash.

➡️WATCH THE FULL EPISODE #17 Become the Best Version of Yourself with EFT Tapping with Kaity Neiswonger

We would love to hear your thoughts on this podcast episode. Head over to @purplestars.worldon Instagram and share the valuable insights you gained from it. Can't wait to read your comments!

Sending lots of love,

Sarah

Connect with us:

Website

Instagram: @purplestars.world

Instagram: @sarah.hoelzl

Youtube: @PurpleStarsWorld

Disclaimer: The Purple Stars Podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are suffering from any mental health or medical conditions, please seek assistance from a qualified health professional.

Today’s snippet is from Episode 30 with the inspiring Tanner Olson. A poet and speaker whose gentle words carry deep, life-changing truths. In this recap, we share three powerful mantras to help you live a better live— and I believe one will stay with you long after you listen. And I’d love to hear which one it was. Head over to @purplestars.world on Instagram and share it with us. Can't wait to read your comments!

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE #30 The Power of Faith: A Journey of Strength and Hope with Tanner Olson

Sending lots of love,

Sarah

Connect with us:

Website

Instagram: @purplestars.world

Instagram: @sarah.hoelzl

Youtube: @PurpleStarsWorld

Disclaimer: The Purple Stars Podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are suffering from any mental health or medical conditions, please seek assistance from a qualified health professional.

Today’s snippet is from Episode 27 with my dear friend Stuart (who you all love so much!). We dive into one of the most important friendship skills: honest communication, especially when things aren’t going well.

Often, when friendships start to feel draining or one-sided, our natural response might be to withdraw or stop responding. But what if we pause and communicate how we really feel instead?

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE 27. Exploring the Depths of Friendship with My Friend Stuart

We would love to hear your thoughts on this podcast episode. Head over to @purplestars.world on Instagram and share the valuable insights you gained from it. Can't wait to read your comments!

Sending lots of love,

Sarah

Connect with us:

Website

Instagram: @purplestars.world

Instagram: @sarah.hoelzl

Youtube: @PurpleStarsWorld

Disclaimer: The Purple Stars Podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are suffering from any mental health or medical conditions, please seek assistance from a qualified health professional.