The Animal Wellness Podcast

About The Animal Wellness Podcast

Dedicated to knowing and supporting laws and lawmakers that benefit animals.

Publisher

Animal Wellness Action

Category

news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

23 Nov 2019

Latest episode

28 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

95 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   28 Jul 2026

   The Endangered Species Act Under Attack: Habitat, Owls, and America’s Wildlife Future | Episode 94

   For more than 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has served as America’s most effective law for preventing extinction. At its core is a simple idea: protecting wildlife means protecting the habitats they depend upon. But a major policy change by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could fundamentally alter that principle. In this episode of the Animal Wellness Podcast, host Joseph Grove examines the administration’s decision to rescind the longstanding regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act—a change critics say weakens one of the law’s most important conservation tools by removing habitat destruction from its traditional interpretation. Joining the discussion are four leading voices in conservation, environmental law, and wildlife protection who explore what this policy change could mean for endangered species, private landowners, public lands, and one of the most controversial wildlife-management programs in recent memory: the federal plan to kill as many as 450,000 barred owls over the next 30 years. You’ll hear from: Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy Scott Edwards, environmental attorney and conservation advocate Ted Williams, veteran wildlife journalist and conservation writer Heather King (“Thee Owl Queen”), wildlife rescuer, photographer, and owl advocate This episode examines: Why habitat protection has long been central to the Endangered Species Act What the administration’s new interpretation of “harm” actually changes How courts may respond to legal challenges already underway The role habitat restoration has played in recovering endangered species Whether wildlife conservation and private property rights can coexist Why critics believe the new rule threatens decades of conservation progress The contradiction between weakening habitat protections while authorizing the killing of hundreds of thousands of barred owls The scientific, ethical, and financial questions surrounding the federal barred-owl management plan Humane alternatives to large-scale wildlife killing What citizens can do to defend wildlife and the ecosystems upon which endangered species depend The debate over endangered species has never been simply about individual animals. It has always been about whether we are willing to protect the places that sustain life itself. This episode explores what may be at stake if that commitment begins to erode. Listen now to learn why many conservationists believe this may be one of the most consequential changes to the Endangered Species Act in decades—and what it could mean for America’s wildlife future. Take action! Let your legislators know you demand a stop to the insane scheme to kill 450,000 barred owls. Take action here TODAY! Watch our webinar on the barred owl kill plan—and why it needs to be stopped. And please subscribe, rate, and share the Animal Wellness Podcast to help amplify the movement for stronger protections for wildlife and the habitats they call home. The Animal Wellness Podcast is produced by Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. The show focuses on improving the lives of animals in the United States and around the world through stronger public policy, scientific innovation, and corporate responsibility. Hosted by veteran journalist and animal advocate Joseph Grove. ABOUT Animal Wellness Action: https://animalwellnessaction.org Center for a Humane Economy: https://centerforahumaneeconomy.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalWellnessAction https://www.facebook.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/ X: https://twitter.com/AWAction_News https://twitter.com/TheHumaneCenter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalwellnessaction/ https://www.instagram.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/animal-wellness-action/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI_6FxM4hD6oS5VSUwsCnNQ One recommendation I’d make one change from the Beagle show

2. 

   22 Jul 2026

   The End of Horse-Drawn Carriages? New York City’s Historic Choice | Episode 93

   Two recent deaths—a carriage horse named Deniz and an 18-year-old tourist named Romanch Mahajan—have reignited one of New York City's longest-running animal welfare debates. As momentum builds to end horse-drawn carriage rides in Manhattan, host Joseph Grove sits down with two of the movement's leading voices to discuss what may be the industry's defining moment. For generations, horse-drawn carriages have been one of New York City's most recognizable attractions, carrying millions of tourists through Central Park beneath the Manhattan skyline. Supporters call them a cherished tradition. Critics see something very different: horses forced to navigate one of the busiest and most chaotic urban environments in the world. Now, two recent tragedies have transformed a long-running debate into a defining moment. In this episode of The Animal Wellness Podcast, host Joseph Grove examines the growing movement to end New York City's horse-drawn carriage industry and the legislation that could finally bring it to a close. Joining the program are Wayne Pacelle, president of the Center for a Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action, and Edita Birnkrant, executive director of NYCLASS, one of the nation's leading organizations working to end the use of carriage horses in New York City. Together they discuss the deaths of Deniz, a carriage horse who died after consuming poisonous Japanese yew leaves, and Romanch Mahajan, the 18-year-old tourist killed after a carriage horse bolted through Central Park. They examine how those tragedies have reshaped public opinion, accelerated political momentum, and placed Intro. 943—the bill to phase out horse-drawn carriage rides—closer to passage than ever before. The conversation explores: • Why horse-drawn carriages remain one of New York City's most controversial animal-welfare issues. • What carriage horses experience every day on Manhattan's crowded streets. • Why decades of regulation have failed to prevent accidents involving both horses and people. • The misconceptions surrounding the care and treatment of carriage horses. • What would happen to the horses if Intro. 943 becomes law. • Whether New York City could become the catalyst for ending horse-drawn carriage rides in other cities. • How this campaign fits into the broader movement to improve protections for horses, including efforts to end horse slaughter. Edita Birnkrant also reflects on nearly two decades of advocacy and what it would mean personally to see New York finally retire its carriage horses after years of public education, political organizing, and legislative work. Whether you're interested in animal welfare, public policy, urban history, or the future of horses in America, this episode provides an inside look at one of the nation's most consequential animal-protection campaigns—and why many believe New York City now stands at a historic crossroads. Guests Wayne PacellePresident, Center for a Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action Edita BirnkrantExecutive Director, NYCLASS Learn More Animal Wellness Actionhttps://www.animalwellnessaction.org Center for a Humane Economyhttps://www.centerforahumaneeconomy.org NYCLASShttps://www.nyclass.org "Horses Deserve Better"https://animalwellnessaction.org/horses-deserve-better/ Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends and colleagues. Your support helps us continue bringing you conversations about the people, policies, and campaigns advancing animal protection around the world. The Animal Wellness Podcast is produced by Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. The show explores the people, policies, and campaigns working to improve the lives of animals in the United States and around the world through legislation, corporate reform, and public engagement. Hosted by veteran journalist and animal advocate Joseph Grove. Follow Us Websites • https://www.animalwellnessaction.org • https://www.centerforahumanee

3. 

   14 Jul 2026

   Kangaroos Win the World Cup | Episode 92

   For decades, the world’s top soccer players laced up boots made from the skins of wild kangaroos. Manufacturers claimed kangaroo leather offered unmatched performance, and millions of kangaroos were commercially killed across Australia each year to supply the global athletic footwear industry. That story has changed dramatically. In this episode of the Animal Wellness Podcast, host Joseph Grove examines one of the most successful corporate animal-protection campaigns of recent years: the effort to eliminate kangaroo leather from elite soccer. Joining the program are Wayne Pacelle, president of the Center for a Humane Economy, and Ryan Luterman-Sevel, director of social media and the campaign’s resident numbers guy. Ryan’s detailed research tracked every player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, documenting which boots they wore throughout the tournament. The results were striking. Just four years after kangaroo leather was already beginning to decline, only one player initially appeared to be wearing kangaroo-leather boots at the 2026 World Cup—and by the tournament’s later rounds, even that player had switched to synthetic footwear. The conversation explores: Why kangaroo leather became the industry standard for elite soccer boots. How synthetic materials now outperform traditional leather in many respects. The six-year Kangaroos Are Not Shoes campaign and the strategy behind it. Why major brands including Nike, adidas, Puma, New Balance, ASICS, Mizuno and Diadora moved away from kangaroo leather. How consumer pressure, corporate engagement and legislative advocacy combined to change an entire marketplace. What the disappearance of kangaroo leather at the World Cup means for wildlife conservation and animal welfare. What lessons this campaign offers for future efforts to replace animal-derived products with humane alternatives. The episode also discusses the science of modern performance materials, the myths surrounding kangaroo leather, and how sustained advocacy can produce measurable, global change—even within industries long considered resistant to reform. Whether you’re a soccer fan, an advocate for wildlife, or simply interested in how campaigns influence major corporations, this episode offers an inside look at how persistence, data and strategic advocacy helped transform one of the world’s most recognizable sporting traditions. Guests Wayne PacellePresident, Center for a Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action Ryan Luterman-SevelDirector of Social Media, Center for a Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action Learn More Center for a Humane Economy Animal Wellness Action Kangaroos Are Not Shoes campaign Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends and colleagues. Your support helps us continue bringing you conversations about the people and campaigns advancing animal protection around the world. The Animal Wellness podcast is produced by Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. It focuses on improving the lives of animals in the United States and abroad through legislation and by influencing businesses to create a more humane economy. The show is hosted by veteran journalist and animal-advocate Joseph Grove. www.animalwellnessaction.org www.centerforahumaneeconomy.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalWellnessAction Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWAction_News Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHumaneCenter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalwellnessaction/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/animal-wellness-action/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI_6FxM4hD6oS5VSUwsCnNQ

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

151,736

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

15 ratings

Spotify

3.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 64 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

55

Social presence

97

YouTube

82

Engagement

51

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.