Toni Unleashed

In her very first solo episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni pulls back the curtain and shares the stories of her own three dogs—Bo, Layla, and Greyson—and the lessons they've taught her about health, resilience, and love. She begins with Bo, a 13-year-old cattle dog who came to her overweight and misunderstood, and how proper nutrition, exercise, and supplements helped him thrive into his senior years. Toni also talks about Layla, her rescued Great Dane, and the challenges of early spay, joint health in giant breeds, and supporting a picky eater with patience and raw feeding. Finally, she introduces Greyson, her newest rescue from Puerto Rico, whose journey through parvo and mange has shaped him into a gentle soul and the perfect playmate for Layla. Throughout the episode, Toni shares the supplements, feeding practices, and therapies she relies on—from raw food and bone broth to CBD, mushrooms, and rehab fitness programs. More than that, she reflects on the emotional side of life with her pack: the joy, the challenges, and why staying curious and proactive as a pet parent is the key to helping our animals live longer, healthier lives.

Toni and Emily talk about the three top-selling chemical flea and tick products, what is in them and why they can be dangerous. In reference Dr.Judy Morgan, why she avoids chemical flea and tick products, and what she recommends that are safe for humans and dogs. They also reference other ways to care for your lawn and pets to make it easier to avoid chemicals. Toni and Emily note that chemicals are a good option in various situations, and they do not want anyone to feel bad about using them. They want to share information with their listeners so that they are informed to make the best decision possible for their animals.

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni welcomes back David Hartigan, co-founder of Hemp Heros, for a second deep dive into CBD and natural wellness for pets. David shares updates on Hemp Heros' mission to provide safe, effective alternatives for pets dealing with pain, anxiety, inflammation, and other health concerns.

Together, Toni and David explore the growing world of functional mushrooms—like reishi, lion's mane, and turkey tail—and how they can boost immunity, cognitive function, and overall vitality for dogs and cats. They also discuss the importance of quality control, third-party testing, and educating pet parents to make confident choices about supplements.

This follow-up conversation is packed with insights, science, and actionable tips for anyone curious about holistic approaches to pet health.

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni sits down with Kim Tamburri and Lindsey Perriello, the duo behind Auctions for Animals PGH, a grassroots nonprofit that has raised over $50,000 in just four years for local shelters and international rescues.

Kim and Lindsey share the story of how a simple closet clean-out turned into a thriving Facebook auction group that now supports both Pittsburgh-area rescues and the Beach Dog Rescue of Costa Maya in Mexico. From coordinating donations and pick-ups to growing a community of nearly 1,000 members, they talk about the creativity, challenges, and joy that comes with turning everyday items into lifesaving funds.

The conversation also highlights their upcoming 3rd Annual Cash Bash, an evening of prizes, games, raffle baskets, and community fun—all benefiting animals in need through both Costa Maya and the Izzy Fund. With stories of street dog rescues, spay/neuter campaigns abroad, and the power of community giving, this episode shows how small ideas can grow into incredible impact for animals.

https://theizziefund.org/

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In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni welcomes back her longtime friend Vinnie Soma, founder of Say It Once Dog Training and Say It Once Dog Rescue League. Vinny shares the mission behind the Rescue League—partnering with shelters to provide training for dogs most at risk of being returned or overlooked due to behavior issues—and how this work helps more dogs find and stay in forever homes.

The conversation dives into the annual Dog Derby, happening September 28th at Boyce Park: a 5K obstacle-style course designed for dogs and their families, complete with vendors, food trucks, and community fun—all in support of the Rescue League.

Toni and Vinnie also go deep on training philosophies, from the importance of structure, play, and crate training to the hot-button topics of spay/neuter timing and training tools. With honesty, humor, and plenty of passion, Vinny shares why evolving methods, balanced approaches, and clear communication matter for both dogs and their humans.

Whether you're curious about rescue work, looking for training insights, or just love a good dog story, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and heart.

In Part Two of Toni Unleashed live from SuperZoo, Toni continues her conversations with innovative founders and educators from across the pet industry. Each story highlights passion, creativity, and the power of supporting independent pet retailers.

This episode features:

• Nulo Pet Food — built on the philosophy of fueling pets like athletes with high-meat, low-carb, low-glycemic nutrition.

• The Do Loop — a simple, sustainable solution for hands-free poop bag carrying, made in Maine with recycled materials.

• Teddy the Dog — beloved for witty USA-made apparel that entertains, inspires, and gives back through philanthropic causes.

• Native Pet — clean-label, science-driven supplements designed to extend pets' healthspan with innovative products like their gut health line.

• MycoDog & CBD Dog Health — harnessing the power of medicinal mushrooms and plant extracts to support longevity, cognitive health, and wellness in pets.

From better nutrition to clever everyday solutions, Part Two continues to showcase why independent brands are at the heart of pet health and innovation.

In this special live episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni takes you inside SuperZoo, one of the pet industry's largest trade shows. Over two days on the show floor, she sat down with more than a dozen innovative pet business owners to spotlight their stories, missions, and the unique products they bring to independent pet retailers.

You'll hear from:

• Mountain Wild — turning unused elk and deer meat into sustainable, high-value treats.

• Polkadog — makers of the iconic hand-rolled Cod Skins and other mission-driven, sustainable treats.

• Ruff Town — a brand born from a bold career change, crafting natural treats with plans to blend rescue, community, and pet wellness.

• FirstMate — a family-owned company with deep fishing roots, known for limited-ingredient diets and sustainable sourcing.

• Momentum Carnivore Nutrition — Wisconsin-based freeze-dried specialists dedicated to supporting independent retailers.

• Skout's Honor — eco-friendly, science-backed cleaning and grooming products that put pets and planet first.

• Closer Pets — innovative feeders, fountains, and pet doors designed to make life easier for pets and their people.

From sustainability to creativity, each story showcases why shopping independent pet stores matters now more than ever. This is Part One of a two-part SuperZoo series, packed with ideas, inspiration, and the people shaping the future of pet care.

In this milestone 100th episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni reunites with former co-host Emily Claire and former producer Cyd Traversari for a heartfelt (and often hilarious) walk down memory lane. Together, they revisit the origins of the podcast, from YouTube harness-fitting videos and makeshift recording spots to the chemistry and chaos that shaped the show.

The trio swaps stories from their years working together at Healthy Pet Products—sharing favorite events, road trip adventures, and the behind-the-scenes moments that bonded them as friends. They reflect on standout interviews, memorable rescue work, and the beloved pets who became part of the Toni Unleashed family.

Between laughter, candid confessions, and a few tender moments, Toni, Emily, and Cyd celebrate the growth of the podcast, the power of shared passion, and the community of listeners who have been along for the ride. It's a nostalgic, unfiltered celebration of friendship, animals, and 100 episodes strong.

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni welcomes back David Hartigan, founder of Hemp Heroes and Mush & Co., to talk about setting a new standard in pet wellness. David shares how his team developed a cold-pressed CBD extraction method, built their own facility in Buffalo, and earned B Corp certification—all to ensure transparency, quality, and affordability.

They dig into the problems with white-labeled CBD products, the importance of third-party testing, and why clinical research (including a recent arthritis study) is critical to building trust. David also gives a preview of Mush & Co's functional mushroom tinctures and their plans for future clinical trials.

Toni and David also discuss the role of independent pet retailers in reshaping the supplement space—offering education, community connection, and a path away from the mass-market status quo.

In this episode of Toni Unleashed, Toni Shelaske talks with Gabrielle Brown of the Happily Living podcast about environmental awareness and practical steps to live more sustainably. They cover the impact of ocean windmills and cruise ships on marine life, the pervasive problem of plastic pollution, and innovative cleanup efforts like The Ocean Cleanup organization.

Gabrielle shares tips for reducing plastic use and creating a healthier yard environment with natural pest deterrents like lemongrass and cedar mulch. They also discuss how these changes benefit pet health and support ecological balance.

The conversation wraps with Gabrielle's podcast goals and upcoming episodes focused on shark conservation and coral reef protection, inspiring listeners to make small shifts that benefit both people and the planet.