Episode 1: The History of Dogs (Part 1)

This episode covers the domestication of dogs, the when, where, and how. It is the first in a three episode series. Today we have Dr. James A. Serpell, Emeritus Professor, Ethics and Animal Welfare, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He will answer our questions on the domestication of dogs. 

Episode 2: The History of Dogs (Part 2)

This is the second part of the three part series on the history of dogs. This episode explores the role of dogs in the Roman, Greek and Egyptian Empires, and in the Middle Ages.

Episode 3: The History of Dogs (Part 3)

This is the final episode of our three-part series on the history of dogs. In this episode, we explore how attitudes toward dogs shifted during the Victorian Era—and the lasting impact of that transformation. Our guest is Dr. Michael Worboys, Emeritus Professor at the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine at the University of Manchester, UK, and co-author of The Invention of the Modern Dog.

Episode 4: Puppy Mills

In this eye-opening episode, we uncover the harsh reality of puppy mills—the inhumane conditions that animals endure, how to recognize these operations, and the urgent need for action. Jackie Keeney, President of United Against Puppy Mills, shares her expert insights on the devastating impact of puppy mills and the ongoing efforts to fight this cruelty. This episode is an essential listen for anyone looking to better understand the issue and contribute to the cause.

Episode 5: The Terhune Sunnybank Memorial

If you loved the Albert Payson Terhune collie stories as a child—like Lad: A Dog, Wolf, Treve, and more—then this episode is for you. I’m thrilled to welcome Krissy Marshall and Judy Leathers, Officers of the Terhune Sunnybank Memorial, as my guests on Episode 5. They share insights about the purpose of the group, Mr. Terhune’s life, his beloved collies, and much more. Click here to read more.

Episode 6: ESD K9 Training

This episode features Sergeant Drew Christian, Special Federal Deputy Marshal and K9 Handler with the Boone County Sheriff’s Electronic Crimes Unit. He works with K9 Mozart (“Mo”), one of only four Labradors in Kentucky trained to detect electronic storage devices like phones and hard drives. Their unique skills help uncover hidden evidence in investigations of child exploitation and other electronic crimes. Click here to read more.

Episode 7: Mission K9 Rescue

In this episode, we shine a light on the incredible work of Mission K9 Rescue with special guest Bob Bryant, vice president and co-founder of the organization. Mission K9 is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting retiring and retired Military Working Dogs, Contract Working Dogs, and PD-K9s—honoring these heroes with the care, compassion, and second chances they deserve. Click here to support Mission K9 Rescue.

Episode 8: Cadaver Dogs

Get ready for a fascinating deep dive into the world of cadaver dogs—how they work, how they’re trained, and the incredible impact they make. Our guest expert, Marcia Koenig, has been training Search & Rescue and cadaver dogs since 1972, and she’s sharing decades of wisdom in this episode. Learn more at CadaverDog.com

Episode 9: Desmond’s Army

In this episode, we’re learning about Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates—a volunteer group dedicated to improving the lives of animals through legal advocacy. Their mission is to be a voice for the voiceless in Connecticut’s courts and Capitol while raising public awareness about the link between animal abuse and domestic or social violence.

My guests are Zilla Cannemela, cofounder and president of Desmond’s Army, and Linda Pleva, the group’s vice president and treasurer.

Episode 10: War Dog Heroes

In this episode, I share the stories of three extraordinary and decorated war dogs: Sergeant Stubby, a Boston Terrier mix who served in WWI; Smoky, a four-pound Yorkshire Terrier in WWII; and Chips, a German Shepherd–Husky mix in WWII. Their courage and service earned them recognition as true heroes.

Episode 11: Balto & Togo

In this follow-up to my previous episode on war dog heroes, we dive into the epic 1925 Race of Mercy, the sled dog relay that saved the remote Alaskan town of Nome from a deadly diphtheria outbreak. I’ll spotlight two of the most legendary sled dogs in history: Balto, the lead dog who carried the lifesaving serum into Nome on the final leg of the relay, and Togo, the often-unsung hero who covered the greatest distance and tackled the toughest conditions along the trail. Click here to read more.

Episode 12: Lassie

This episode dives into the legend of Lassie—the fictional hero dog who captured hearts around the world. We’ll share her story, her impact, and some little-known facts that make her legacy even more remarkable.