Best National Book Club Conference Podcasts (2024)

1
Animals Today December 16, 2023: Lori gets real (mad) about the American Kennel Club. The Whale Sanctuary Project. 43:12

4M ago43:12

43:12

Lori leads off this episode exploring the issue of genetic defects in purebred dogs. There are over 500 known genetic defects in purebred dogs, causing health problems, many severe, at a much greater rate than in mixed breed dogs. These genetic defects go along with selective breeding to a “standard” and these standards are established and judged b…

1
Animals Today November 18, 2023. Hot news! The miraculous microchip. The Mexican rescue, Isla Animals is building a new home and you can help! Helping community cats in the cold weather. 43:14

5M ago43:14

43:14

Peter begins with hot news items including a mass bird killing at Chicago’s McCormick Place, Gavin Newsom signs a fur sale ban in California, a 17’ 2” Burmese python was captured and killed in the Everglades, hero dog in Lebanon saves dumped newborn human, and we say farewell to friend of animals Bob Barker. Lori then talks about the amazing techno…

1
Animals Today October 28, 2023. Captain Paul Watson and the book, Hitman for the Kindness Club. Adventures in cat shaving. Memorable dogs of the big and small screen. 43:26

6M ago43:26

43:26

Peter begins with the iconic Paul Watson, who continues to fight for animals and the seas. Now leading the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, his new book is titled, Hitman for the Kindness Club – High Seas Escapades and Heroic Adventures of an Eco-Activist. Paul discusses the roots of his activism, his role in virtually crushing the seal pelt market,…

1
Animals Today September 24, 2023. Captive orca Lolita (Tokitae) has died. Is a pet pig a good idea? PETA undercover work nets animal cruelty convictions. 43:10

7M ago43:10

43:10

Lori begins with the sad news of the death of Lolita (also known as Tokitae and Toki), an orca who has lived nearly her entire life in the small tank at the Miami Seaquarium. Even though there were discussions and reports about plans to transport her to a seaside sanctuary, Lori was skeptical that was in the cards when she discussed the situation i…

1
Animals Today September 16, 2023. Does the American Kennel Club help or hurt dogs? The Book Beloved Beasts, by Michelle Nijhuis 43:03

7M ago43:03

43:03

Lori leads off this episode exploring the issue of genetic defects in purebred dogs. There are over 500 known genetic defects in purebred dogs, causing health problems, many severe, at a much greater rate than in mixed breed dogs. These genetic defects go along with selective breeding to a “standard” and these standards are established and judged b…

1
Animals Today Sept 4, 2023. Ensuring Your Pets’ Future. Choosing Safe Dog Toys & Treats. The Official Animals of the 50 States. 43:15

8M ago43:15

43:15

We dive into a topic every pet owner should consider: What happens to your pets if you’re no longer around to care for them? Join Peter as he sits down with Attorney Ilene McCauley to discuss the intricacies of future planning for our cherished pets. A passionate animal enthusiast, McCauley applies her expertise to assist families in preparing for …

1
Animals Today August 20, 2023. Wind farms vs: whales. Bats, rabies and you! Wild and wonderful animal adaptations. Hot news. 43:19

8M ago43:19

43:19

Lori begins the show with worrisome events surrounding the ever-expanding offshore wind farm industry and its probable detrimental effect on whales. The recent alarming increase of the deaths of whales, mostly humpbacks, along the eastern shores of the US coincided with increased construction of wind farms and windf arm activity. There are many way…

1
Animals Today August 17, 2023: Mosquito musings. Bee and wasp stings. Animal Trivia. 43:18

8M ago43:18

43:18

This episode of Animals Today dives deep into the world of mosquitoes and their impact on our world. Did you know August 20th was World Mosquito Day? We discuss the history of these little pests, particularly their notorious connection to diseases like malaria. Discover how Sir Ronald Ross changed the game in 1897 by unveiling the link between mosq…

1
Animals Today August 5, 2023. There is no longer any justification for horse racing. What happens in industrial pig farming? Koalas exposed. 43:02

8M ago43:02

43:02

Peter begins the show welcoming Patrick Battuello to discuss the work of his organization, Horseracing Wrongs, in exposing the many cruelties thrust upon horses in the racing industry. Dedicated to ending the cruel and deadly horse racing industry in the United States, Horseracing Wrongs was the first and continues to be the only organization to sy…

1
Animals Today July 31, 2023. Negative consequences of dog breed stereotypes. Dogs rescued from the Yulin meat festival flown to their new lives. Names of groups of animals. 43:37

9M ago43:37

43:37

Lori begins the show by taking on the still controversial topic of laws and regulations aimed at specific dog breeds, generally referred to as breed specific legislation. There are hundreds of such laws and regulations on the books across the US, which regulate or ban certain dog breeds. Breed specific legislation (BSL) typically targets pit bull t…

1
Animals Today July 21, 2023: How to rescue a pet trapped in a hot car. Risks of blue-green algae to dogs. Rhinoceros protection and facts. 42:34

9M ago42:34

42:34

During the summer heat, you may come across a situation where an animal, typically a dog, has been left alone in a car that is too warm for comfort or safety. Even though it’s no secret that leaving dogs in hot cars is dangerous and often illegal, it continues to happen too frequently. So, we […]By Dr. Lori Kirshner

1
Animals Today June 24, 2023. Hot news update! Giraffe conservation facts and challenges. What defines a dangerous or vicious dog? Tough question! 42:51

10M ago42:51

42:51

Peter begins with an animal news round-up including giraffe conservation, why people must not approach wild animals in national parks or anywhere, imagining a world teeming with T. rexes, mad cow madness and the continuing tragedy of horse racing. Lori then continues the giraffe theme with facts and queries about these magnificent, gentle beings. J…

1
Animals Today June 3, 2023: Acclaimed animals, imaginary and real. Early days of the Audubon Society. You can help dogs, cats and horses in Africa with Animal-Kind International. 43:15

11M ago43:15

43:15

We begin the show with a delightful romp across the animal kingdom and the animated creatures of renown with Lori and Peter. Apologies to Jim Henson. Then, learn about the early days of the Audubon Society, why and how it came to be, with Kate Kelly. Peter continues by welcoming Karen Menczer, Founder and Director […]…

1
Animals Today May 14, 2023: The dark side of wind energy. Hail, amazing microchip. War dogs. Marsupial madness, feat. koalas. 43:10

11M ago43:10

43:10

Lori begins with a monologue about the state of the contemporary wind turbine industry, and their negative effects on animals. There is a lot of evidence that eagles are killed by wind turbines despite efforts of the companies to avoid being transparent. Lori favors efforts to move toward green energy but argues that animal protection […]…

1
Animals Today March 26, 2023. Law breaking in animal activism: The Direct Action Everywhere and Smithfield Foods episode. Frog conservation. Pet safety and pesticides. 43:23

1y ago43:23

43:23

Lori begins the show with the story of the five activists who, in 2017, entered Circle Four Farms in Utah, intent on documenting animal abuse at Smithfield Foods huge pig facility housed there. But not only was extremely graphic video obtained, but the men also rescued 2 nearly dead piglets, which was not part of […]…

1
Animals Today March 22, 2009. Steve Hindi of SHARK. Top reasons for vet visits. Feline diabetes. Understanding microchips. Why did 2 bull mastiffs kill their owner? 1:38:03

1y ago1:38:03

1:38:03

Lori’s First guest is Steve Hindi, who leads SHARK (Showing Animals Respect and Kindness). They discuss a variety of topics including canned pigeon shoots, rodeos and hunting. The hour concludes with Peter taking one of his first of many animal related quizzes. Lori continues discussing the most common reasons animals go to the veterinarian, and [……

1
Animals Today January 15, 2023. History of the animal rights movement. Pet care coverage in case of emergency at home. Please don’t adopt or buy a wolfdog. The Beatles had many songs about animals. Vertebral ... 43:13

1+ y ago43:13

43:13

Lori begins with something any animal advocate ought to know about: the history of the animal rights and welfare movements. From the practices of ancient spiritual teachers of India, to the ideas of modern philosophers, Lori hopes this condensed history will inspire you to continue learning on your own. Next, do you have a plan […]…

1
Animals Today December 4, 2022. NYC Squirrel alert! Hitchcock’s birds. Toxoplasmosis update. Hazards of pet foods. Koalas rock! 42:46

1+ y ago42:46

42:46

Lori begins the show with news about some aggressive urban squirrels in Queens, NYC, who are reportedly jumping onto people and attacking them. Authorities advise against hand feeding, which probably contributed to the bold behaviors these animals are displaying. Fortunately squirrels rarely harbor rabies, and no documented case of transmission of …

1
Animals Today November 11, 2022. Helping Orangutans and the problems with palm oil. Good company: Paul and Cindy Rodgers’ impressive work as animal advocates. What’s a zoologist, anyway? 43:02

1+ y ago43:02

43:02

In recognition of International Orangutan Day, Lori and Peter kick off discussing some of the fascinating facts about these great apes. These gentle creatures are the largest tree-dwelling animals on earth. Indeed they even sleep in the trees, fashioning leafy nests each evening for that purpose. Orangutans are native to only 2 island on earth, […]…

1
Animals Today – October 15, 2022: Green energy is killing eagles. Is the term “crazy cat lady” fair? The working dogs of WW I. Keeping track of people convicted of animal cruelty. 43:18

1+ y ago43:18

43:18

Lori begins with a monologue about the state of the contemporary wind turbine industry, and their negative effects on animals. There is a lot of evidence that eagles are killed by wind turbines despite efforts of the companies to avoid being transparent. Lori favors efforts to move toward green energy but argues that animal protection […]…

1
Animals Today September 27, 2022. Ethical and practical considerations of breeding dogs. This AP level animal quiz has teachers crying. 43:19

1+ y ago43:19

43:19

Lori begins with a detailed exploration into the ethics of dog breeding. The purebred dog industry not only creates innumerable animals with genetic defects, causing dogs to have a lifetime of medical problems and diseases, but also interferes with the adoption of healthy dogs confined in shelters by enticing people to buy from breeders instead […]…

1
Animals Today August 25, 2022. It’s a tough road for owners in possible veterinary malpractice cases. Are you afraid of sharks quiz? 43:13

1+ y ago43:13

43:13

If you believe your pet was harmed by the actions of your veterinarian, what are your legal options for recourse? In this episode, Lori explores many aspects of veterinary malpractice with attorney Bob Ferber, former Los Angeles animal cruelty prosecutor. Although there are some parallels between the law as it relates to medical malpractice issues …

1
Animals Today August 3, 2022. How to rescue a pet trapped in a hot car. Risks of blue-green algae. Rhinoceros protection and facts. 43:19

1+ y ago43:19

43:19

During the summer heat, you may come across a situation where an animal, typically a dog, has been left alone in a car that is too warm for comfort or safety. Even though it’s no secret that leaving dogs in hot cars is dangerous and often illegal, it continues to happen too frequently. So, we […]By Dr. Lori Kirshner

1
Animals Today June 26, 2022. Update on breed specific legislation. More animal news stories. Wabbits. 43:19

2y ago43:19

43:19

Lori begins the show by taking on the still controversial topic of laws and regulations aimed at specific dog breeds, generally referred to as breed specific legislation. There are hundreds of such laws and regulations on the books across the US, which regulate or ban certain dog breeds. Breed specific legislation (BSL) typically targets pit bull […

1
Animals Today June 12, 2022. Hot news with Peter. Frogs in decline. High velocity animal quiz. Pesticides around the house. 43:18

2y ago43:18

43:18

We begin with Peter reporting on a new article which provides more details on the amazing color changing abilities of octopuses. Their tiny color altering organs are highly specialized and under the exquisite, fine control of the animals’ nervous system. The abilities of octopuses to control their displays improve as they mature. Peter continues di…

1
Animals Today Radio May 21, 2022. Chickens are very smart and have individual personalities: Celebrating a special day for chickens. Animal knowledge challenge. 43:23

2y ago43:23

43:23

Animals Today Radio May 8, 2022. Chickens are very smart and have individual personalities: Celebrating a special day for chickens. Animal knowledge challenge. The question about the chicken and the egg has puzzled people since antiquity and has served as a metaphor for many circumstances in our world. Lori begins the show offering up some […]…

1
Animals Today April 30, 2022. Do rats deserve their own special day? Is sleeping with pets disruptive or helpful? Avoiding rabies. 43:22

2y ago43:22

43:22

In recognition of World Rat Day, Lori kicks off the show by going deep on these ubiquitous mammals. Rats are very social, affectionate, and intelligent. They get lonely and anxious when isolated. But when in their family group (referred to as a mischief) they will care for the injured and sick. Rats can be trained […]…

1
Animals Today April 23, 2022. Latest difficult news from Ukraine. Dog Bite Prevention Week. 37:03

2y ago37:03

37:03

Lori begins speaking about the disaster for animals in Ukraine with Chris DeRose and Cindy Beal DeRose from Last Chance for Animals (LCA). The situation on the ground for animals continues to be bleak and deadly. Terrified abandoned dogs are starving and do not know where to go. Dogs, cats and other animals are enduring […]…

1
Animals Today April 2, 2022: Ukraine war update from Paws of War. The cruelty continues at Alaska’s infamous sled dog race. More animal adaptations. 42:38

2y ago42:38

42:38

Lori begins with an update on the situation in Ukraine and the war region with Robert Misseri, founder and President of Paws of War. The situation Robert describes is very fraught, with starving and terrified animals roaming and hiding, worsened by severe hindrances to relief efforts due to the ever-present danger. Sometimes, dumping bags of […]…

1
Animals Today March 26, 2022. Toxin and poison hazards for pets. Delight in zebras 42:39

2y ago42:39

42:39

What toxins and poisons would you guess are most commonly ingested by our dogs and cats? Well, the data on this question actually exists, thanks to the ASPCA, which recently published a list of the most common exposure and ingestion incidents from the ASPCA Poison Control Center (APCC). Lori explores this list, adding our personal […]…

1
Animals Today March 12, 2022. The captive orca Lolita at the Miami Seaquarium is “retiring”. Ukraine animal report. Dogfighting goes on. Bunnies and rabbits in popular culture: a quiz. 43:19

2y ago43:19

43:19

Lori begins with big news from Florida where the captive Orca named Lolita (also known as Tokitae) has finally been permitted to “retire.” Lori recounts the life of this poor, lonely creature, ripped from her mother at age four for a life in captivity at the Miami Seaquarium. Lolita has been performing for 52 years! […]…

1
Animals Today Feb 20, 2022. Support the FDA Modernization Act! What can and should shelters disclose about the history of their adoptable dogs? 43:19

2y ago43:19

43:19

We begin speaking with Wayne Pacelle about pending legislation in both the House and Senate, the FDA Modernization Act, which would eliminate the animal testing mandate for development and approval of new pharmaceutical drugs for human use. Mr. Pacelle, as President of Center for a Humane Economy, Founder of Animal Wellness Action, and CEO of […]…

1
Animals Today Feb 13, 2022. Honoring Cecil, the gentle giant. Oral health in pets. Trivia quiz. 41:19

2y ago41:19

41:19

Lori begins this show honoring the iconic Lion, Cecil, who was killed in 2015. Some of our younger listeners may not remember this tragic event, but its reporting broke through to the popular press and social media, raising awareness about the horrors of sport hunting and trophy hunting. Cecil was a large, black-maned male Lion […]…

1
Animals Today February 5, 2022. First pig to human heart transplant spells trouble. Truck carrying 100 macaques crashes, releasing animals onto the frigid highway. Hot news. Dementia in dogs. Famous dogs ... 43:19

2y ago43:19

43:19

We begin with the very big story of the first transplant of a heart from a pig to a human. Xenotransplantation, organ transplant between species, has been a medical goal for decades. The main hinderances to “progress” in this field have been related to organ rejection owing to the brisk immune response to foreign tissues. […]…

1
Animals Today January 15, 2022. Leaving animal testing behind. Should you worry about rabies? MRI scans on dogs? Is sleeping with your pet disruptive? Saving the Saola. Hot news. 43:19

2y ago43:19

43:19

Lori begins the show with a discussion of the myriad problems with testing of consumer products like cosmetics on animals. Despite rapid advances in technology that is capable of replacing animal testing, antiquated and cruel methods still are often employed in the US and Canada. Notably, the FDA does not require animal testing and 40 […]…

1
Animals Today January 8, 2022: Home invader killed by owner’s pet dogs – who is responsible? The miracle of the microchip. Eight big cats in zoo get sick after getting COVID vaccine. Hot animal news to ... 43:19

2+ y ago43:19

43:19

The show begins with Lori sharing fascinating animal news items. First, a 21-year-old man broke into a Georgia home and was mauled to death by the homeowner’s 2 dogs. The dogs were confiscated but later returned to the owner. Lori analyzes the many important legal and social elements here such as, who is responsible for […]…

1
Animals Today Dec 30, 2021. Aggressive squirrels in NYC. Hitchcock’s The Birds. Feline toxoplasmosis. Tainted pet food harms and kills hundreds of dogs and cats. 43:19

2+ y ago43:19

43:19

Lori begins the show with news about some aggressive urban squirrels in Queens, NYC, who are reportedly jumping onto people and attacking them. Authorities advise against hand feeding, which probably contributed to the bold behaviors these animals are displaying. Fortunately squirrels rarely harbor rabies, and no documented case of transmission of …

1
Animals Today December 4, 2021. Citizens revolt against Oakland’s aggressive killing of free roaming cats. Golf courses still want to shoot migratory birds. Is your dog or cat getting a bit fat? Bodacious ...

2+ y ago

—

Toward the end of 2020, without public notification, the East Bay Parks District in Oakland, California began killing (specifically, shooting) free roaming cats. After a local news report exposed the actions, the story exploded, as cat lovers, rescuers and the community at large became shocked and enraged by the sanctioned cruelty. The city claimed…

1
Animals Today November 23, 2021. Wild elephants captured to become zoo exhibits. Growing use of comfort dogs in court. Animal facts you need to know. 43:20

2+ y ago43:20

43:20

It was recently disclosed that the Namibian Government auctioned off 57 elephants caught from the wild, with the intention to export 42 of them to foreign zoos. With the widespread awareness about the cruelty of keeping wild elephants in captivity, this news is both shocking and tragic. Elephant expert and President of Humane Society International,…

1
Animals Today August 28, 2021. Mosquitoes, malaria and DDT. Protecting dogs from bee and wasp stings. 34:44

2+ y ago34:44

34:44

Lori begins the show speaking about those pesky and sometimes dangerous mosquitoes, because August 20th was World Mosquito Day! Mosquitoes carry malaria, yellow fever, West Nile Virus, Zika virus, and others. World Mosquito Day is intended to raise awareness about mosquitoes transmitting malaria and other diseases. In 1897, the link between mosquit…

1
Animals Today September 18, 2021: Hot animal news. History of the first animal shelter. Keeping pets save from encounters with snakes. 43:19

2+ y ago43:19

43:19

The show begins with a very strange story about a lost and frightened cat observed at a packed football stadium heroically rescued by American patriots as she slipped off the upper deck railing. We continue with an update on the horse abuse during the modern pentathlon event at the Tokyo Olympics and there’s incredible new video […]…

1
Animals Today August 14, 2021: Coexisting with coyotes with Dr. Robert Reed. Our most beloved animated animals. Successful and safe road trips with cats.

2+ y ago

—

The show kicks off with a talk about coyotes with Robert Reed, DVM, Medical Director at VCA Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital in Rancho Mirage, California. Coyotes are one of the most maligned animals in the US. Yet, despite systematic abuse and eradication efforts, their range is bigger than ever. Coyotes have a long history living […]…

1
Animals Today July 30, 2021: Top ten pet toxins and poisons. Another insane animal quiz. 43:19

2+ y ago43:19

43:19

What worrisome toxins and poisons would you guess are most commonly ingested by our dogs and cats? Well, the data on this question actually exists, thanks to the ASPCA. In 2020, the ASPCA Poison Control Center (APCC) helped more than 370,500 animals by providing lifesaving information and supplying safety guides. They compiled the top ten […]…

1
Animals Today July 17, 2020. Tips on rescuing overheated dogs from locked cars. Unsuspecting tourists aid the abuse of pack animals in Arizona. Should we worry about toxoplasmosis? 43:19

2+ y ago43:19

43:19

As the summer temperatures rise, you may come across a situation where an animal, typically a dog, has been left alone in a car that is too warm for comfort or safety. Even though it’s no secret that leaving dogs in hot cars is dangerous and often illegal, it continues to happen too frequently. So, […]…

1
Animals Today July 10, 2021. Hazards of so-called blue-green algae to dogs. Medicated lotion for people poses toxic risk to pets. Using simulations to train law enforcement on dog encounters. Know your ... 43:19

3y ago43:19

43:19

This season, there have been reports of dogs becoming sick and dying after exposure to ponds harboring the so-called blue-green algae. Especially frightening is that even clear ponds can sometimes have the blue-green algae growing in them and that exposure can cause rapidly progressive illness and sometimes death. Blue-green algae contain deadly ba…

1
Animals Today June 20, 2021. A dark side of shelter operations. Potpourri quiz. 43:19

3y ago43:19

43:19

This show features Attorney Bob Ferber, former Los Angeles animal cruelty prosecutor, who joins Lori to explore some of the rarely discussed practices in shelters claiming to be “no-kill.” The Term “no-kill”, as in no kill shelter, imparts a feel-good aura to shelters, but in reality, it is poorly defined and not used in a […]…

1
Animals Today July 2, 2021. Celebrating the American eagle. Is xylitol toxic to dogs? Risks of blue-green algae to your dog. 43:19

3y ago43:19

43:19

Celebrating the American eagle In honor of Independence Day we begin with a discussion about how the bald eagle became part of the Great Seal of the United States, and how its extinction was averted. Bald eagle populations are now strong. Then, Lori continues with more fascinating facts about both bald and golden eagles. The […]…

1
Animals Today June 6, 2021. Lotsa animal news! Bee and wasp stings. Famous dogs of the big and small screen. 43:19

3y ago43:19

43:19

We begin with news from around the world including the discovery of a giant tortoise on Fernindina Island on the Galapagos (which was thought to be extinct), great white sharks are thriving off the pacific coast, two Texas sheriffs shot and killed while making a house call about a dog bite incident, President Biden urged […]…

1
Animals Today May 1, 2021. A condensed history of the animal rights movement. Free roaming cat issues. Pet obesity epidemic. Pro safety tips for choosing treats and toys. 43:19

3y ago43:19

43:19

Lori begins with something any animal advocate ought to know about: the history of the animal rights and welfare movements. From the practices of ancient spiritual teachers of India, to the ideas of modern philosophers, Lori hopes this condensed history will inspire you to continue learning on your own. We continue with stories about hummingbirds, …

1
Animals Today April 24, 2021: Is there meaningful recourse in cases of veterinary malpractice? Rhino challenge. 41:21

3y ago41:21

41:21

If you believe your pet was harmed by the actions of your veterinarian, what are your legal options for recourse? In this episode, Lori explores many aspects of veterinary malpractice with attorney Bob Ferber, former Los Angeles animal cruelty prosecutor. Although there are some parallels between the law as it relates to medical malpractice issues …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

National Book Club Conference Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide