Rooted Futures 2025 Podcast Schedule: "Innovate, Educate, Liberate"
Host: Trapking / Junkyard / The Wolfkeeper
Time: Every Monday at 8 PM
Mission: To expand the knowledge of animal lovers worldwide by tackling challenging topics in animal welfare with dynamic experts.
SEPTEMBER: THE INNOVATORS (Focus on Technology & Modern Solutions)
- Monday, September 15th: The Future of Shelter Medicine
- Guest TBD: A Veterinary Technologist or Shelter Medicine Director
- Topic: Discussing telemedicine for shelters, managing infectious diseases in high-capacity environments, and advanced spay/neuter techniques. How is technology improving survival rates?
- Monday, September 22nd: Crypto for Canines: Blockchain in Animal Welfare
- Guest TBD: A Founder of a Blockchain-based Charity or Animal Welfare Tech Entrepreneur
- Topic: Exploring how blockchain ensures donation transparency, the rise of crypto fundraising for rescues, and NFTs funding animal care. A forward-thinking look at financing rescue.
- Monday, September 29th: The Data-Driven Rescue
- Guest TBD: A Data Scientist or Director of a National Welfare Organization (like ASPCA or HSUS)
- Topic: How is big data being used to predict shelter intake, allocate resources effectively, and measure the impact of large-scale intervention programs? Moving from emotion-based to evidence-based rescue.
OCTOBER: THE ADVOCATES (Focus on Legislation, Ethics, & Big Challenges)
- Monday, October 6th: Beyond BSL: Fighting Breed Discrimination Globally
- Guest TBD: A Legislative Advocate and a Certified Animal Behaviorist
- Topic: The ineffectiveness of Breed-Specific Legislation, science-based alternatives for community safety, and how to change public perception of "bully breeds."
- Monday, October 13th: The Ethics of Sanctuary: When is a Life Worth Saving?
- Guest TBD: Founder/Director of an Accredited Farm Animal or Exotic Animal Sanctuary
- Topic: A deep dive into the tough decisions sanctuaries face: quality of life vs. quantity of life, capacity for care, and the emotional burden of providing lifelong shelter.
- Monday, October 20th: The Unseen Crisis: Animal Welfare in Natural Disasters
- Guest TBD: Emergency Response Coordinator (e.g., from IFAW or American Humane)
- Topic: Planning and executing large-scale animal rescues during hurricanes, wildfires, and floods. The challenges of evacuation, temporary sheltering, and reunification.
- Monday, October 27th: The Conservation Crossroad: Zoos, Sanctuaries, and Endangered Species
- Guest TBD: A Conservation Biologist and an Ethical Zoo Director
- Topic: A nuanced debate on the role of modern zoos in species survival, the line between conservation and exploitation, and how the welfare of the individual animal fits into the bigger picture.
NOVEMBER: THE GAME CHANGERS (Focus on New Models & Global Perspectives)
- Monday, November 3rd: The Link: Violence to Animals and Violence to People
- Guest TBD: A Social Worker and a Law Enforcement Officer specializing in Animal Cruelty
- Topic: Exploring the proven link between animal abuse and domestic violence/other crimes. How cross-reporting between agencies can save human and animal lives.
- Monday, November 10th: Community Cats & TNR: The Global Feral Frontier
- Guest TBD: A Leader from a Major TNR Organization (e.g., Alley Cat Allies) and an International Guest (e.g., from a U.K./European Welfare Group)
- Topic: Comparing TNR strategies across different cultures and legal landscapes. What works, what doesn't, and how to manage community conflicts.
- Monday, November 17th: The Vegan Veterinarian: Nutrition, Ethics, and Client Demand
- Guest TBD: A Veterinarian specializing in plant-based nutrition for pets
- Topic: A science-based discussion on the viability of vegan diets for dogs and cats, addressing ethical concerns of pet food sourcing, and navigating client questions.
- Monday, November 24th: Beyond Adoption: The Foster Revolution
- Guest TBD: A Director of a Foster-Based Rescue and a "Super Foster" Parent
- Topic: How to build and maintain a massive, reliable foster network. The psychology of fostering, preventing foster burnout, and stories of healing in a home environment.
DECEMBER: THE FUTURE IS NOW (Focus on Hope, Healing, & What's Next)
- Monday, December 1st: Animal Assisted Therapy: The Science of Healing Paws
- Guest TBD: A Clinical Psychologist and a Therapy Animal Program Director
- Topic: Beyond feel-good stories, what does the research say? Discussing protocols, certification, and the measurable impact of animals on trauma, PTSD, and rehabilitation.
- Monday, December 8th: The Rural Rescue Dilemma
- Guest TBD: Founder of a Rural Rescue or Spay/Neuter Transport Organization
- Topic: Tackling the unique challenges of animal overpopulation in underserved rural areas where resources are scarce and access to veterinary care is limited.
- Monday, December 15th: Building a Career in Animal Welfare
- Guest TBD: A diverse panel: a Shelter Manager, an Animal Law Attorney, a Wildlife Rehabilitator, and a Humane Educator
- Topic: A guide for listeners who want to turn their passion into a profession. Discussing career paths, necessary education, and how to avoid compassion fatigue.
- Monday, December 22nd: The Psychology of Animal Hoarding
- Guest TBD: A Forensic Psychologist and an Animal Cruelty Investigator
- Topic: Understanding the mental health components of hoarding disorder. How to intervene compassionately, ensure long-term compliance, and break the cycle of recidivism for both the people and animals involved.
- Monday, December 29th: Rooted Futures: A 2026 Vision
- Guest TBD: A Futurist or Influential Thought Leader in the Animal Welfare Space
- Topic: A forward-looking, inspirational episode to end the year. What are the next big trends? Lab-grown meat for pet food? AI in behavior rehabilitation? This episode will send our listeners into the new year with hope and a call to action.