People, Pets, and Purpose

Jul 17 2024
People, Pets, and Purpose Podcast artwork

People, Pets, and Purpose is an interview-style podcast that explores the human-animal bond and what really matters. This show is hosted by Diaz Dixon—the Maddie’s® Advisor for External Affairs and Partnerships for the Human Animal Support Services project.  The Human Animal Support Services project reimagines a world where the human and animal welfare industries work together to serve people and pets in need. Learn more about our work at humananimalsupportservices.org.

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Lexis Ly, Applied Animal Biology PHD Student

Jul 17 2024 38 mins  
In this episode, we are speaking with an individual who has dedicated her time, research and passion toward understanding how to keep people and pets together. Lexis Ly, a PHD student at the University of British Columbia studying Animal Welfare. Specifically, Lexis has published fascinating studies on the reasons behind animal shelter intake, supported-self rehoming and more.Find

Andy Bond & Matt Krentz, BestyBnB

Jun 10 2024 38 mins  
Our world can use a little hope, healing, and happiness—and BestyBnB aims to deliver just that for every animal in need of crisis sheltering. BestyBnB was born out of a mission to keep pets and people safe, connected, and together, especially in times of emergency. Founders Andy Bond and Matt Krentz share the important work BestyBnB is doing to provide cutting-edge technology to

Dr. Steven R. Hansen, Arizona Humane Society

May 16 2024 35 mins  
Dr. Steven R. Hansen, President and CEO of Arizona Humane Society, is the leader behind a new, state of the art animal welfare campus designed with the welfare of both people and pets in mind. More than an animal hospital and trauma center—this facility is a full pet resource and adoption center. Dr. Hansen discusses why Arizona Humane decided to make their focus about engaging w

Samantha Hill, Shelter Animals Count

May 02 2024 25 mins  
What does the future of data and technology in animal welfare look like in the next five years and beyond? Samantha Hill, Director of Data & Technology at Shelter Animals Count, the leading national database for the animal welfare industry, shares insights on this question and more data-driven topics, from implementation challenges to understanding how to make the best use of y

Jerrica Owen, National Animal Care & Control Association

Apr 18 2024 26 mins  
To celebrate Animal Control Officer (ACO) Appreciation Week, HASS is joining the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) in honoring field service officers. Join our special guest, Jerrica Owen, executive director of NACA, to learn more about the real role field officers play for our community and how they are often the first line of defense for preserving the human-a

Grant Korgan, Pilot and Adventurer Who Helps Pets

Mar 26 2024 42 mins  
This guest is not only an accomplished author, adventurer, and nano-mechanics professional but someone who faced a life-altering injury that led him to found the Moment Foundation, an aviation-based organization with a mission to curate life-enhancing, perspective-shifting experiential positivity for both people and animals. Learn more about Grant Korgan and his incredible journey

Jamie Tanner, Founder of Simple Sparrow Care Farm

Mar 11 2024 50 mins  
While farm animals are not our usual topic of conversation on People, Pets, and Purpose, we think you’ll love this program that helps people heal. Jamie Tanner is the founder of Simple Sparrow Care Farm, a nonprofit organization based near Austin, TX that truly understands the power of community and the human-animal bond. Now, what is a care farm, and how did this one start? List

Dr. Kwane Stewart, Co-Founder of Project Street Vet

Feb 28 2024 43 mins  
Have you ever seen the videos of pets of people experiencing homelessness treated on the streets of Los Angeles? Well, it may have been due to Dr. Kwane Stewart’s incredible work. Dr. Stewart has dedicated himself to preventing the separation of pets from people who love them. He is the co-founder and Board President of Project Street Vet, which started primarily on Skid Row in L

Rachel Herman and Carrie Nydick Finch, PAWS NY

Feb 14 2024 46 mins  
When older New Yorkers need some help walking their dog, scooping their cat's litter box, or feeding their pets, they are not going to have to face those challenges alone, thanks to PAWS NY. Rachel Herman is the founder of Pets Are Wonderful Support, also known as PAWS New York — and Carrie Nydick Finch is the Deputy Director of Programs and Strategy. Learn more about the incredi

Lori Kalef, Director of Programs for SPCA International

Jan 31 2024 38 mins  
Have you heard the stories of cats and dogs being airlifted out of the Middle East to be reunited with a service member who loves them? Well, meet the person behind those stories! Lori Kalef travels all over the world to help animals affected by war, natural disasters, the dog meat trade, and more, so they can be reunited with the people who love them. Hear her stories, what motiva