In Episode 7, Mark and Julie welcome three guests for discussions on pet food safety, the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, and the influence of pet ownership on voting behaviour.
First, Dr. Sean Callan, Chief Science Officer at the Clean Label Project, joins the hosts to discuss the organization's recent report on cat food. He shares insights into the levels of contaminants detected, addresses questions surrounding the findings, and explores the controversy the report has sparked within the pet industry.
With the U.S. midterm elections approaching on November 3, Mark and Julie then turn their attention to the intersection of politics and pet ownership. Mark Cushing, CEO of the Animal Policy Group, shares his perspective on how the election results could shape the future of the pet industry, particularly regarding veterinary clinic ownership, the expansion of telehealth services, and the evolving business models of traditional veterinary practices.
Finally, Professor Lori Kogan of Colorado State University joins the conversation to discuss her 2025 research examining the relationship between pet ownership and voting behaviour in the United States. She reveals fascinating differences in voting patterns among cat-only households, dog-owning households, and those with both cats and dogs, offering a unique perspective on how our relationships with pets may influence our political choices.
26 Oct 2026
Episode 6: The Tortoise Who Stole the Spotlight
Recorded October 19, 2026
In Episode 6, hosts Mark and Julie share the remarkable story of Gus, the 104-year-old gopher tortoise who has been a beloved fixture at the Museum of Natural History in Halifax, Nova Scotia, since 1942. Gus recently made international headlines after it was announced that he needed to undergo surgery to remove a bladder stone. Jeff Gray, Manager of the Museum, joins the hosts to share a delightful and often whimsical account of Gus’s extraordinary life at the museum, his recent surgery, and his prognosis for returning to his familiar surroundings and resuming his role as one of Nova Scotia’s most famous and cherished residents.
Earlier in the episode, Mark and Julie welcome Ana Zorrilla, CEO of the Louisiana SPCA in New Orleans. Ana offers fascinating insights into leading one of the United States’ most prominent animal welfare organizations, sharing her passion for saving animals, supporting pets and their families, and strengthening the communities they serve. She also discusses her organization's innovative and highly successful work with women in correctional facilities, highlighting the powerful connection between animal welfare, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
26 Oct 2026
Episode 5: The Hidden Plight of Working Donkeys
Recorded October 5, 2026
In Episode 5, hosts Julie and Mark examine a new study on contaminants in cat food published by the Clean Label Project, a Denver, Colorado-based nonprofit organization. They explore the study's findings and the potential political backlash from the pet food industry and veterinary community.
The episode also features a conversation with Andy Foxcroft, CEO of Safe Haven for Donkeys, a charitable organization founded in 2000 to improve the lives of thousands of working donkeys in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Andy shares insights into the organization's expanding efforts to provide veterinary care and improve the welfare of donkeys and other equines across the Middle East, including its latest initiative to support donkeys working in Egypt's brick kilns.
Julie and Mark also welcome Sue Cosby, Senior Advisor of Strategy and Integration at Best Friends Animal Society, to discuss the organization's growing influence within the U.S. animal welfare community and its ongoing commitment to advancing the no-kill movement nationwide.
26 Oct 2026
Pets & Politics 04: The Politics of Pet Ownership in British Columbia
Recorded on September 28, 2026
In Episode 4, Julie and Mark examine the case of “Walter,” a Boston Terrier at the centre of a family law dispute, in the context of the 2024 changes to British Columbia’s Family Law Act. Staying in B.C., the hosts also debate whether companion animal issues could influence voters as municipal and provincial elections take place in back-to-back weeks in October.
Special guests on Episode 4 include Sharon Harvey, CEO of Cleveland Animal Protection League, and Peter Benedict, Managing Director and Senior Research Analyst at RW Baird.
Under Sharon’s leadership, the Cleveland APL has significantly expanded its size, scope, and reach throughout the community while playing a leading role in advocating for legislative changes that strengthen animal welfare protections in Ohio.
Turning to the financial markets and publicly traded companies, Peter provides valuable insight into four stocks covered by his firm that are either exclusively or significantly involved in the pet industry.
1 Oct 2026
Pets & Politics 03: New Brunswick’s Veterinary Care Shake-Up
Recorded September 14, 2026
In Episode 3, Mark and Julie investigate the Government of New Brunswick's decision to exit the business of providing large animal veterinary care in the Province and Carleton AgriSolutions' announcement that it is acquiring those assets. Assisting in the investigation is Danielle Connell President of the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick whose candid interview can be found in Segment 5 of the show.
Before that, in Segment 3, Mark and Julie speak with Brad Shear the CEO of Potter League for Animals in Middletown Rhode Island. Brad's wealth of experience gained from his leadership roles at animal welfare organisations in 4 states as well as his involvement in various national associations provides listeners with unique insights into the key issues impacting animal welfare today.
1 Oct 2026
Pets & Politics 02: The Politics of Consumer Packaging
Recorded on August 24, 2026
In Episode 2, Mark and Julie look at a variety of topics including the growth of some newer companies focusing on the pet industry including, the trend of those larger publicly traded companies to be using cash to buy back shares rather than invest in their businesses and the move by 7 States including California to shift the costs of packaging waste away from the taxpayer and the municipalities and on to the manufacturers.
The episode' s featured guest is Sherry Silk, CEO of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay . Sherry is one of the great leaders in animal welfare and was one of the first CEO's to launch a full service hospital at the main campus in Hillsborough and to complete a merger with another animal welfare organisation in this case the Humane Society of Pinellas. Over the past 12 months her organisation has adopted out more than 11,000 pets and her clinic has served over 45,000 animals principally dogs and cats.
1 Oct 2026
Pets & Politics 01: Intro to Pets & Politics
Recorded August 24th, 2026
In the first episode of Pets & Politics, host Mark Warren introduces himself and his co-host, Julie Houde, and shares the thinking behind the podcast. Together, they outline what listeners can expect each week and explain where Pets & Politicsfits within the growing marketplace of ideas, information, products, and policies influencing how pet parents care for their dogs and cats.
The episode also features a conversation with Alice Calabrese, President & CEO of Lollypop Farm the Humane Society of Greater Rochester. Founded in 1873, Lollypop Farm is the largest animal welfare organization serving the Greater Rochester region and today cares for approximately 10,000 animals each year with the support of more than 160 staff members and 800 volunteers.
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