Maria chats with writer Melanie Kaplan about her book Lab Dog; the story of her adopted dog Hammy who came from a research lab.  On their journey together, they discover the horrors of animal research, which many people don't realize.   Learn more at melaniedgkaplan.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with writer Joanna Zelman and her dad Jared Zelman, about their documentary Cow Trip; their road trip with Mickey and Moose--two calves saved from dairy farms and transported  hundreds of miles to Rosie's Farm Sanctuary. To learn more about their journey COWTRIP.ORG.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with Jackie Ducci:  Founder of the Human-Animal Alliance ( h-aa.org) and documentary creator of Unspoken Bond. The documentary focuses on three people and their connection to animals. (One of the featured stories is with Nicole Navarro from Pawsitive Beginnings who was on Maria's Mutts & Stuff last April 2025!) Listen and learn about the connection we have with animals and the power of the bond!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with author Stacy Wilder whose books Liz Adams Mystery Series features Duke, a lie-detecting Lab! Stacy also donates a portion of the proceeds to wildlife conservation and the homeless--both people and pets.   Check out her website for books, info, recipes (!) and more! storystacy.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with actor, comedian and author Steve Schirripa about his new book WillieBoy Eats The World, a children's picture book about his dachshund Willie Boy! A fun conversation between the long-time friends about an adorable dog who teaches his owner about all the tasty foods in NYC! Aimed at ages 4-8, it teaches kids to try new things.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with celebrity animal medium Aliana Ziva about her work focusing on health, emotional wellbeing and finding peace. Living in Denmark, most of her work helps people and animals here in the states. Give a listen and learn about her beginnings and how her gift came to be. Follow "alianazivathemedium" on Instagram, and DM her if you'd like a reading.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with ornithologist, author and Pulitzer Prize finalist Scott Weidensaul about his latest book (he's written nearly 30!!) The Return of The Oystercatcher.   This book is optimistic and focuses on conservation and solutions. And Scott offers tips on what we can all do to help the bird population survive! Learn more at http://www.scottweidensaul.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with returning guest Pete Lillo who runs the Bear Brook Feather Friends Rescue and Sanctuary, where he takes care of dozens of ducks, geese and chicks! You'll learn a thing or two about our feathered friends, and  how you can help out Pete with food donations and more. And if you're in the area, he could always use volunteers!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria chats with Operation Pawpulation Founder Temma Martin about her not-for-profit spay and neuter clinic in Utah. Less than a year old, this clinic has already spayed or neutered over 1500 pets!They discuss how spaying and neutering pets actually saves lives of pets as fewer animals wind up  in shelters as a result. To learn more about Operation Pawpulation CLICK HERE! To find a low-cost clinic near you:  United Spay AllianceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Undercover animal investigator Pete Paxton returns in studio to discuss his latest focus on puppy mills and pet stores (specifically Petland).  This interview was also shot for the upcoming documentary Underbelly, which is investigating the mass production system of the $3 BILLION dog breeding industry! Stay tuned for release date.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.