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Dr. Marc Bekoff, joins Anitha to share his journey into the study of animal behaviour and how humans and non-human animals are not as different as some think. Dr. Bekoff talks about the many emotions, such as love, grief and empathy, that non-human animals show. He also talks about his long time friendship with Dr. Jane Goodall and he shares exciting news of an upcoming picture book he co-wrote with her—
Every Elephant Has a Name, by Jane Goodall and Marc Bekoff comes out in February of 2027!
To learn more about Dr. Bekoff, check out his website:
Marc Bekoff
As a thank you to Dr. Bekoff for sharing his story, Anitha donated to the Jane Goodall Institute and Animals Asia.
Dr. Jane, who passed away on October 1, 2025, was and still is a hero for Anitha. In fact, Anitha dedicated the month of April 2026 to showcasing folks who knew Dr. Jane and/or loved the animals she loved. To learn about the work the Jane Goodall Institute continues to do, check out the following link:
Jane Goodall Institute of Canada
Animals Asia is devoted to ending bear bile farming and improving the welfare of animals across Asia. They have been rescuing bears from lives of cruelty and giving them the safety and care they deserve for over 25 years.
To learn more about Animals Asia, check out their website: Animals Asia -
Shaine Kilyun joins Anitha to talk about the many ways she advocates for animals, including making wheelchairs for pets! She also shares being featured in Rebel Girls, a book series all about inspiring young women to chase their dreams!
Such an uplifting episode.
To learn more about Shaine and her work to help animals, check out the following link:
Wheelies for Dogs and Cats on IG
As a thank you to Shaine for sharing her story, Anitha donated to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota. This organization started in 1979 at the University of Minnesota as a student club of the Veterinary College and has grown into a wildlife hospital, admitting 25,000 patients annually.
To learn more about WRC, check out their website:
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota -
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Ingrid Smith joins Anitha to talk about how she supports and coaches parents of trans kids. She comes to this career from her own experience of having a transgender child.
Ingrid talks about the biggest concerns parents have, the importance of family and parental support to the person who comes out as LGBTQ+, parents not having to say the right thing all the time, and so much more.
A great episode to celebrate Pride.
To learn more about Ingrid’s coaching services, check out the following links:
The Way Forward on Instagram
The Way Forward- Website
As a thank you to Ingrid for sharing her story, Anitha donated to All Out Collective, an organization that provides creative, therapeutic and educational programming to 2SLGBTQ+ children, youth, and their families. To learn more about All Out Collective, check out their website:
All Out Collective -
Dr. Dale Kalina Samji, a medical physician and infectious disease specialist, joins Anitha to answer questions about two very different viruses which have many folks wondering, COULD HANTAVIRUS and/or EBOLA be the NEXT PANDEMIC?
Dr. Kalina Samji shares what the medical and scientific communities currently know about these viruses, such as how they spread and how they differ from COVID-19. Should we be concerned the FIFA World Cup is about to start and players from all over the world will be coming to North America?
Dr. Kalina Samji and Anitha also discuss the mistreatment and horrendous living conditions of non-human animals in captivity. Is this cruelty the reason diseases like bird-flu, swine flu, mad cow disease, SARS and Covid-19 spread from non-human animals to humans?
A must listen for anyone concerned about their health.
As a thank you to Dr. Kalina Samji for sharing his story, Anitha donated to OVC Pet Trust, Canada’s first charitable fund dedicated to improving and advancing companion animal health and well-being.
To learn more about OVC Pet Trust, check out their website: Pet Trust -
Animal lover Aliesha Verma joins Anitha to talk about all she does to help stray animals in India, including rescuing a puppy who couldn’t walk.
Aliesha who lives in Canada, regularly returns to India to visit family. Most of her visits are spent helping the many stray animals she comes across. From feeding them to providing shelter to getting them medical care such as spaying and neutering. But on one visit, she came across a puppy who was in such dire condition she knew they wouldn’t survive if she left them behind. So, Aliesha brought Baby Girl (the name she gave to the puppy) and her two sisters back to Canada.
Aliesha talks about the journey from India to Canada with three puppies and updates us on how they are all doing now.
An episode for all animal lovers.
To learn more about Aliesha, check out her Instagram account:
Alisha For Animals on IG
As a thank you to Aliesha for sharing her story, Anitha donated to Animal Aid Foundation Trust’s Go Fund Me page. This fundraiser was created to build an animal hospital and shelter in Hisar, India. Animal Aid Foundation Trust is an NGO providing free veterinary services to street animals. They are dedicated to creating a nation where each and every stray animal receives all the basic medical treatment.
To learn more about this organization check out their website and Instagram account:
Website
Instagram -
Jon Seymour, the founder of Tielmour Press, joins Anitha to talk about the world of publishing and how he united his love for the environment and his love of books.
By their very nature, books destroy trees. Books are made from paper and paper is made from trees. As someone who cares about the environment and the preservation of trees, it was important for Jon to find a way to reduce the environmental harm the publishing industry causes. And he has—Every book sold supports reforestation!
Tielmour Press, an independent Canadian publisher, promises that when someone buys one of their hardcover books, they donate to One Tree Planted, a non-profit organization focused on global reforestation.
Jon also talks about some other kind initiatives he has brought to publishing, such as amplifying books of other publishers. And of course, he and Anitha talk about books and what Tielmour Press is looking for in terms of submissions.
**UPDATE** As of June 2, 2026, Jon shared that unfortunately, Tielmour Press is winding down production and operations and will not be accepting any submissions until further notice. THEY STILL WILL be selling books and supporting reforestation.
To learn more about Tielmour Press and find out when they will be accepting submissions, check out these links:
Website
Instagram
As a thank you to Jon for sharing his story, Anitha donated to One Tree Planted. To learn more about this organization, check out their website:
One Tree Planted Website -
What would you do if you saw a shark struggling near shore? And not just a shark—a Great White Shark.
Rebecca Puckett joins Anitha to talk about what she did in this exact situation. She and her partner worked for hours to help a Great White shark break free of the sandbar and swim away. Their efforts were captured on video which has gone viral!
Rebecca also talks about her love for all non-human animals and her efforts to help as many individuals as she can.
An incredible conversation of the lengths some folks go to help other beings.
To follow Rebecca and her conservation efforts, click on the following links:
On Instagram
On Facebook
On TikTok
As a thank you to Rebecca sharing her story, Anitha donated to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. This charity saves gorillas and the ecosystems in which they live. To learn more about the work they are doing, check out their website:
Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund -
Tom joins Anitha to talk about his Instagram account JustAsking.US.CA, which he created to raise awareness about so many topical issues in the US and Canada. From healthcare to gun violence to racism to LGBTQ+ rights to the environment, Tom asks questions about all of these topics and more, in hopes of initiating healthy and respectful conversations from his followers.
He and Anitha also talk about the difference between Canada and the US when it comes to healthcare, access to guns, religion in politics and environmental protection.
A fascinating and timely conversation.
To follow Tom check out his Instagram page:
Just Asking on Instagram
You can also check out Tom’s sobriety journey here:
Practically Sober on Instagram
As a thank you to Tom sharing his story, Anitha donated to War Child Canada which supports children affected by war. To learn more about this charity, check out their website:
War Child Canada -
Stef Vachon joins Anitha to talk about his life growing up in Montreal, Canada in the 1970’s as a young boy who loved to figure skate and the trauma that followed.
Stef shares how the bullying and hate he endured as a child forced him to stop doing what he loved—skatiWebsiteng, but he also shares how, with the help of his son, he has returned to the ice and reclaimed his joy.
Stef talks about creating his podcast TOGETHER MOVING FORWARD in hopes that others would not have to go through all the struggles he faced.
An episode about healing, self love and giving back to your community.
To follow Stef and his podcast check out the following links:
Together Moving Forward Website
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Amazon Music
As a thank you to Stef for sharing his story, Anitha donated to Refugio Animal Holbox, an animal rescue in Mexico. This shelter rescues, advocates and cares for animals by sterilizing them and educating the people in the community. To learn more about this rescue, check out their website:
Website -
Dean Wyrzykowski joins Anitha to talk about the incredible recent rescue of beagles from Ridglan Farms. Located in Wisconsin, Ridglan Farms is the second largest breeding and lab testing facility in the United States, with 2000 dogs bred and subjected to cruel and inhumane forms of testing without anesthetic.
Dean takes us back to 2017, when investigators witnessed firsthand the horrible conditions beagles, one of the most docile breeds of dogs, endure—living in cages that are a mere 2 feet by 4 feet in size, never going outside and having painful procedures performed without any anesthetic.
After almost ten years of protesting, gathering signatures, writing letters and a huge public outcry about what was happening to dogs at Ridglan Farms, it was finally time to celebrate. In May of 2026, several rescue organizations negotiated with Ridglan Farms for the release of 1500 of the 2000 dogs.
Dean hopes that all the dogs will be freed from Ridglan and this facility will forever be closed.
A story that shows that our voices do make a difference.
To follow Dean, check out these links:
Dean on Instagram
Dean on YouTube
Dean on Substack
As a thank you to Dean for sharing his story, Anitha donated to Save The Dogs, an organization determined to end the breeding of dogs for lab testing. To learn more about what they do, check out their website:
Save The Dogs Website -
Anitha is so grateful to have Dr. Izzy Hirji back on the show. Izzy talks about becoming a veterinarian, an animal activist, a conservationist and of course a friend to Dr. Jane Goodall. He also shares his journey into spirituality and wellness.
Anitha and Izzy spend a great deal of the episode talking about their mutual hero, Dr. Jane Goodall. Izzy shares stories of their time together and how he continues to carry Dr. Jane’s light with him.
A perfect way to bring this month-long celebration of Dr. Jane Goodall, who passed on October 1, 2025, to a close.
To follow Izzy and see all the ways he helps make the world a better place for all beings, check out his Instagram page.
Dr. Izzy on Instagram
As a thank you to Dr. Izzy for sharing his story, Anitha donated to Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, one of the many places Dr. Izzy helps animals. This charity believes all animals have the right to live free of fear or pain from humans. They are a place of healing and recovery from trauma. Check out Anitha’s conversation with Rachelle Hansen from Story Book Farm which aired September 10, 2025 and the sanctuary’s website to learn more:
Story Book Farm Website -
Comedian Aaron Foster joins Anitha to talk about his journey into comedy, his decision to share his struggles with mental health in his shows AND also reuniting with a dog he fostered twelve years ago!
Aaron and Anitha begin the conversation talking about Aaron’s decision to share his own struggles with mental health in hopes that it will help others who are also struggling.
The conversation then pivots to a call he received from an animal shelter in January 2026. A dog he had found in a Colorado snowstorm eleven years ago and fostered for three months, showed up as a stray in Las Vegas.
What did Aaron do? He jumped on a plane and brought the dog (Sadie) home. Aaron shares the story of how he first met Sadie and what her life is like now. A super sweet story of true commitment.
As Anitha continues her month-long celebration of Dr. Jane Goodall by chatting with folks who knew her or loved the animals she loved, this story of Aaron and Sadie seems perfect.
To follow Aaron for both his comedy and updates on Sadie, check out his Instagram page which has links to all the other places you can follow him.
Aaron's Instagram
As a thank you to Aaron for sharing his story, Anitha donated to World Wildlife Fund. This charity works to conserve species at risk, protect threatened habitats and address climate change.
To learn more about them, check out their website:
World Wildlife Fund Canada -
Kindness Is Caring For Those Left Behind—When someone dies, what happens to their beloved companion animal?
Anitha continues her month-long celebration of her hero Dr. Jane Goodall who passed on October 1, 2025 at the age of 91, by chatting with Lindsay Kirschner. Like Dr. Jane, Lindsay had a close relationship with her mom. Sadly, Lindsay's mom unexpectedly passed away leaving behind a grieving family which included an adorable dog named Coconut.
Despite being devastated by the sudden loss of her mom, Lindsay didn’t hesitate to bring Coconut back home to live with her.
Lindsay talks about what their lives (hers and Coconut's) are like now. She also shares stories of Coconut and her boyfriend, who used to be Lindsay’s boyfriend, before Coconut decided he was hers!
Often when someone dies without making arrangements for their companion animal, the dog or cat or bunny, who is already grieving the loss of their human, finds themselves alone and scared and at a shelter. Lindsay and Anitha talk about how important it is to make sure that someone will care for your beloved fur-baby should you die before they do. Coconut is one of the lucky ones. She had family ready and willing to step in and care for her.
An episode about healing and how from great loss there can be great love.
To follow Coconut’s journey, check out her awesome Instagram page.
Coconut on Instagram
As a thank you to Lindsay and Coconut for sharing their story, Anitha donated to Pet Orphans of Southern California. This is the rescue that cared for Coconut before Lindsay’s mom adopted her. To learn more about this rescue, check out their website:
Pet Orphans of Southern California Website -
Kindness Is Loving Dogs—From fostering to creating an animal sanctuary
Anitha continues her month-long celebration of her hero Dr. Jane Goodall who passed on October 1, 2025 at the age of 91, by chatting with Alyssa Blackwell. Like Dr. Jane, Alyssa loves dogs. Alyssa has been fostering dogs since she was 16 years old.
For the past 20 years Alyssa has cared for, fallen in love with and had her heart broken each time her foster dog finds their forever family. And now she and her husband are opening their own animal sanctuary called SACRED PAWS DOG SANCTUARY.
An episode full of love and hope and inspiration of what it means to follow your dream of helping animals.
To learn more about Alyssa, the dogs she fosters, and her sanctuary, check out these links:
Alyssa's Fostering Journey on InstagramSacred Paws Dog Sanctuary on InstagramSacred Paws Dog Sanctuary on YouTubeSacred Paws Dog Sanctuary on TikTokSacred Paws Dog Sanctuary Website
As a thank you to Alyssa for sharing her story, Anitha donated to Sacred Paws Dog Sanctuary. -
Kindness Is Carrying On A Legacy–How the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada continues the work of Dr. Jane Goodall.
Dr. Jane Goodall passed on October 1, 2025 at the age of 91. She was and still is Anitha’s hero. To honour her, Anitha is dedicating the month of April (Dr. Goodall was born on April 3rd) to showcase folks who are helping the animals Dr. Jane loved.
We start off with Bella Lam, the CEO of the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada. Bella shares memories of Dr. Jane, the legacy she created and of course, the chimps Dr. Jane loved.
An inspiring and uplifting conversation about one of the most incredible and kind humans who ever existed.
To learn more about the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, check out their website where you can access all of their social media links.
JGI Website
As a thank you to Bella for sharing her story, Anitha donated to JGI Canada. -
Kindness Is From Fauna—Spreading awareness about cultivated meat.
Sixteen-year-old Shimoi Kalra started working with From Fauna when she was 11 years old. She joins Anitha to talk about why she joined this non-profit that shares information about cultivated meats in a way everyone can understand. Apparently, the is a lot of technical jargon behind the science of creating cultivated meats and one of Shiomoi’s jobs is to take in all this information and share it in a way that is much simpler to understand.
Shimoi talks about the many advantages of cultivated meat—from animals no longer being exposed to cruelty and slaughter to the health benefits to eating meat made in a clean and stress-free environment to the benefits to the environment itself. As Shimoi said, cultivated meat is a win-win-win for all. People can still have their steak, pork, chicken, fish etc. without the guilt of causing harm to animals and also know that the meat they are consuming is healthier for them.
A must hear episode for all those who are faced with the challenge of loving animals but also wanting to eat meat and fish—there is a solution and it’s cultivated meat.
Shimoi is an excellent and very knowledgeable advocate for cultivated meats.
To learn more about From Fauna and the work they do, check out these links:
From Fauna Website
LabMeatGuy Youtube
LabMeatGuy Instagram
As a thank you to Shimoi for sharing her story, Anitha donated to the Toronto Humane Society. In addition to being an animal shelter, this charity is also a leading voice in animal welfare and accessible care. To learn more about them, check out their website:
THS Website -
Kindness Is Food Empowerment—How the power of one’s food choices can create a just & sustainable world.
Lauren Ornelas, the founder of The Food Empowerment Project (FEP) joins Anitha to talk about all the amazing work this organization does. From encouraging healthy, vegan food choices to spotlighting the abuse of farm animals to raising awareness about the unfair working conditions for produce workers and the lack of healthy foods in low-income areas and so much more!
Lauren believes we have great power to bring about a kinder world just by our food choices. At least three times a day when we have a meal, we decide if that meal is going to result in harm to animals, the environment and people or if the food we eat will build a just and sustainable world.
This was such an uplifting and empowering conversation.
To learn more about The Food Empowerment Project, check out their website & the following links:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
As a thank you to Lauren for sharing her story, Anitha donated to FEP. -
Kindness Is The Caregivers Journey—A podcast helping caregivers of Alzheimer's and other dementias.
Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan join Anitha to talk about their podcast, The Caregivers Journey. Both Nancy and Sue share their personal stories of caring for someone with dementia and how that not only brought them together but inspired them to create a platform for others who are facing the difficult and often lonely ordeal of being a caregiver. Their goal is to help folks who feel overwhelmed caring for a loved one to feel supported on their caregiving journey.
An episode full of insight and incredibly helpful suggestions on caring for yourself so you can support loved ones in the best possible way.
To learn more about The Caregivers Journey, check out their website full of helpful information:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
As a thank you to Nancy and Sue for sharing their story, Anitha donated to The Caregivers Journey. -
Kindness Is Blink Now—How a gap year turned into a life dedicated to empowering children & women in Nepal
Humanitarian and CNN Hero of the Year, Maggie Doyne joins Anitha to talk about the incredible initiative she co-founded called BlinkNow Foundation. What started as a gap year for 19-year-old Maggie grew into a love story between her and the children of Nepal. In the past 20 years, she has helped build a children’s home, a school, and a women’s centre.
Maggie shares the many joys from seeing children she helped raise go off to University, find careers and live amazing lives. She also talks about the tragedy of losing her beloved baby Ravi and how she got through the worst time in her life. But most of the conversation is about the power of love and community and the incredible things that grow from it.
You can catch a glimpse of the special place Maggie has co-founded through the documentary Between The Mountain And The Sky— Between The Mountain and the Sky website YouTube Link
To learn more about BlinkNow, check out the following links:
BlinkNow—Website
BlinkNow- Instagram
BlinkNow — Facebook
As a thank you to Maggie for sharing her story, Anitha donated to BlinkNow Foundation. -
Kindness Is Creating Transfarmation—Helping to build a just & sustainable food system.
Katherine Jernigan, the Director of the Transfarmation Project, joins Anitha to answer a question Anitha has often wondered about—What would it take to transform an animal agricultural farm to a farm that grows vegetables, fruits and other plants for human consumption?
Katherine also talks about the harm to animals AND farmers who raise animals for food, the cost of transforming a farm and the advantages to animals, humans and the environment when a farm becomes more plant-based.
This was such an interesting conversation and shone a new light on not only the issues around animal agriculture, but more importantly, provided a valid option.
To follow learn more about The Transfarmation Project, click on the following links:
The Transfarmation Project's Website
The Transfarmation Project on Facebook
The Transfarmation Project on IG
As a thank you to Katherine for sharing her story, Anitha donated to the Iowa Farm Sanctuary, who provide a safe haven for rescued farm animals. To learn more about what they do and how you can support them, check out their website: Iowa Farm Sanctuary - Visa fler
