Sanctuary Life Podcast

Episode 18 - Around the Barnyard

This week's episode of the Sanctuary Life Podcast kicks off our month-long Flocktober Fest with a bang! We're joined by Kyle Behrend, co-founder of Around the Barnyard. Kyle, who has over 12 years of experience at Edgar's Mission Farm Sanctuary in Australia, is on a mission to help sanctuaries save time and focus on their true calling – caring for animals.
Around the Barnyard offers vital resources and cutting-edge AI tools. These tools generate customized content for social media and emails, saving sanctuary staff valuable time. Upcoming AI solutions include personalized chatbots and email filters to assist with common inquiries, all aimed at enhancing efficiency without replacing human workers. Plus, here's exciting news: the public Beta testing for Around the Barnyard opens on October 3rd, giving sanctuaries the chance to experience these game-changing tools firsthand.
One remarkable aspect of these AI tools is their ability to maintain consistent messaging and style, ensuring a unified brand, no matter who's posting. And speaking of connections, Kyle shares a heartwarming story about his special friendship with Hip Hop, a rescued pig who taught us the profound impact farm animals can have on our lives.
Kyle's vision is clear: to empower sanctuaries through Around the Barnyard, allowing them to focus on their critical work. Join us for this inspiring episode as we explore the synergy between technology and heartfelt connections within the sanctuary community during Flocktober Fest!
To stay updated on Around the Barnyard, find them on Facebook and Instagram, or visit their website at aroundthebarnyard.co. Click here for more information on The Open Sanctuary Project which we discuss during the episode.
 
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For more information on Butterfly Valley Rescue and Sanctuary visit butterflyvalleyrescue.com.

Episode 17 - EPIC Outreach

On this week's episode of the Sanctuary Life Podcast, we dive into the heartwarming world of EPIC Outreach, a remarkable nonprofit organization based in Jacksonville, Florida. Founded by Jessie Miller in 2015, EPIC Outreach is on a mission to make the world a kinder place for both people and animals.
 
Discover how in 2019 EPIC Outreach expanded by transforming a 7-acre property into a farm sanctuary, providing a safe haven for a diverse range of rescued animals, from horses and donkeys to dogs, cats, chickens, pigs, bunnies, and Guinea pigs. These animals, once facing uncertain futures, have become ambassadors of kindness, sharing their incredible rescue stories to inspire compassion and empathy.
 
Journey with us as we explore Jessie Miller's inspiring path into animal rescue and education, driven by a powerful moment in her youth. Learn how storytelling lies at the heart of EPIC Outreach's mission, challenging stereotypes and nurturing empathy by connecting people with the animals through compelling narratives.
 
EPIC Outreach engages the community in various ways, from interactive sanctuary tours that allow visitors to meet the animals in person to the creation of educational children's books authored and illustrated by Jessie Miller. These books impart valuable lessons about adoption, compassion, and the unique needs of animals, aiming to cultivate kindness in young minds.
 
But that's not all—EPIC Outreach goes beyond the sanctuary gates, bringing animals into schools to teach children the importance of compassion and care. Tune in to hear how their humane education outreach programs, featuring powerful stories like "Chance's Story," "Oliver's Big Problem," and "Winnie's Tale," have had a profound impact on shifting mindsets and inspiring positive change.
 
Join us on this heartwarming journey of transformation, compassion, and the power of storytelling as we explore the incredible work of EPIC Outreach. Don't miss this episode of the Sanctuary Life Podcast, where kindness knows no bounds!
 
To stay updated on EPIC Outreach, find them on Facebook, Instagram, check out the Be Kind TV channel on YouTube, or visit their website at epicoutreach.org. Click here to check out the entire amazing line of children's books.
 
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For more information on Butterfly Valley Rescue and Sanctuary visit butterflyvalleyrescue.com.

Episode 16 - Lopin’ Along the Farm Micro Sanctuary

In the latest episode of the Sanctuary Life Podcast, prepare to be deeply moved and inspired as we journey to Larwill, Indiana, to meet Jessica Wallace, the remarkable founder and director of Lopin' Along the Farm Micro Sanctuary. Jessica's unwavering commitment to rescuing and providing sanctuary to animals in need is nothing short of extraordinary. At the heart of her mission lies a profound dedication to animal welfare, offering a haven of love and care to those who have faced adversity, hardship, or disability.
Discover the compelling origin of the sanctuary's name, "Loping along," and the heartwarming story of Oscar, a disabled goat whose rescue sparked a transformation in Jessica's life. Dive into Jessica's incredible journey, from her early days rescuing cats and dogs at veterinary clinics to acquiring a farm and expanding her mission to embrace more animals, especially those with special needs. In 2020, a pivotal year marked by her transition to a vegan lifestyle, Jessica formalized the sanctuary's mission, turning it into a 501(c)(3) organization. Hear how a dynamic all-women board of directors united to amplify their message of compassion and advocate for a kinder world.
But the heart of this episode lies in the tale of Jack, a goat who defied all odds, transcending a severe spinal infection that veterinarians had deemed untreatable. Jessica's belief in Jack's potential for a quality life led her to take him home, and the journey of his incredible resilience unfolds before your ears. As Jack prepares to celebrate his second birthday, he becomes a living embodiment of the Farm Micro Sanctuary's unwavering commitment to animals with special needs.
Delve into Jessica's advocacy for ethical practices within the animal welfare community and the challenges she faced while transitioning from self-funding to seeking support for the sanctuary. The emotional toll of compassion fatigue, the importance of self-care, and the heartwarming triumphs of changing lives and perspectives are all explored in this poignant episode.
Join us for this heartwarming conversation with Jessica and be ready to witness the transformative power of love, compassion, and care for animals in need. This episode is a testament to the incredible impact one person can make in creating a more humane world for all living beings. Don't miss out on this inspiring journey of hope, resilience, and advocacy.
To stay updated on Lopin' Along the Farm Micro Sanctuary, find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok or join them on Patreon for as low as $2 per month.
 
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For more information on Butterfly Valley Rescue and Sanctuary visit butterflyvalleyrescue.com.

Episode 15 - LEAP (Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet)

In this special episode of the Sanctuary Life Podcast, join us for an inspiring discussion about the groundbreaking humane education program known as LEAP (Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet). Three remarkable leaders in the sanctuary community, Danielle Hanosh, co-founder and executive director of LEAP and co-founder of Blackberry Creek Farm Animal Sanctuary; Monica Stevens, co-founder of LEAP and co-founder & President of Jameson Humane; and Andrea Nassar, director of humane education at Catskill Animal Sanctuary, join us as we learn more about this remarkable new program.
Discover the heartwarming origin story of LEAP, rooted in the efforts of a high school freshman and her pig, Sebastian, and how it led to the creation of a nationwide initiative dedicated to transforming youth into compassionate leaders. Explore the core educational aspects of LEAP, focusing on domestic animals, the environment, and wildlife. Learn how the program empowers high school students with knowledge, training, and scholarships, and how it encourages positive shifts toward veganism and plant-based eating among participants.
Delve into the rapid expansion of LEAP from three initial sanctuaries to 24 sanctuaries across the country, driven by the desire to offer a humane alternative to traditional agricultural programs. Discover the plans for future growth and international involvement. Andrea discusses the program's impact and Catskill Animal Sanctuary's commitment to fostering meaningful connections between students and sanctuary animals. Learn about the program's nationwide response, plans for expansion into urban areas, and the critical role of funding in supporting these efforts. Discover how they hope to continue to grow the program and allow high school participants to teach younger generations and strengthen the connection between animal rights and human rights.
Join us in celebrating the growth and impact of LEAP, a program dedicated to inspiring the next generation of compassionate leaders who advocate for the well-being of animals, the environment, and society.
To stay updated on LEAP (Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet), find them on Facebook and Instagram or visit their website at leapforanimals.org. 
 
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For more information on Butterfly Valley Rescue and Sanctuary visit butterflyvalleyrescue.com.

Episode 14 - Fairytale Farm Animal Sanctuary

For this week's episode we head to Winston Salem, North Carolina to chat with Kimberly Dunckel, Founder of Fairytale Farm Animal Sanctuary. Fairytale Farm Animal Sanctuary is a volunteer run non-profit that was founded in May of 2021. Their mission is to provide a safe haven for animals in need and a goal of educating the public about animal welfare and the importance of treating all animals with kindness and respect. In January of 2023 the unthinkable occurred for Fairytale Farm Animal Sanctuary, when City of Winston-Salem officials informed Fairytale Farm Animal Sanctuary that they could not continue operating inside city limits. The ruling would cease all events, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities.
 Hear how non-profit legal firm Institute for Justice is helping Fairytale Farm fight back against the city of Winston-Salem. Hear how to Fairytale Farms all began with a 5-year-old little girl who questioned, "What am I eating," and never met another vegetarian until she was in college. Discover how a Teen Summer Camp worked on a project to create a sensory wall for their special needs goats who couldn't climb and play like the other goats. Explore how Fairytale Farm still found a big way to celebrate their birthday with a Happily Ever After event despite the challenging year they've had.  
Hear the story of an amazing special needs goat named Archie who was born with congenital leg deformities, and how he taught Kimberly an important lesson, to never fall asleep with a baby goat in your lap. Learn about their amazing, rescued resident Alice, who spent just one day at the sanctuary, before a serious wound suffered prior to her rescue, required her to spend nearly 5 weeks at NC State Veterinary Hospital before finally returning back to Fairytale Farm. Discover how a "fun" fundraiser featuring a calendar of firefighters and Fairytale Farm residents not only helped raise some funds but helped them branch out and meet new supporters. 
 
To stay updated on Fairytale Farm Animal Sanctuary, find then on Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok or visit their website at fairytalefarm.org. 
 
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For more information on Butterfly Valley Rescue and Sanctuary visit butterflyvalleyrescue.com.

Episode 13 - Unity Farm Sanctuary

 
 
For this week's episode we head northeast to the Boston suburb of Sherborn, MA to meet Co-founder and Executive Director of Unity Farm Sanctuary, Kathy Halamka. Unity Farm Sanctuary formally began in December 2016 with a mission to provide a safe and loving lifelong home for farmed animals, to offer the public unique educational programs, and to promote a culture of kindness and connection. Unity Farm Sanctuary's 30-acres are home to 62 mammals and 260 birds and includes more than 4.5 miles of public walking trails.  Learn how this rurban sanctuary's location allows them access to a massive population to make a big impact with animal rescue, social justice and environmental advocacy. Hear how it is essential for them to have a board of directors that not only believe in their mission but live their mission being 100% donating and vegan. Understand the importance of having perpetuity and a forever plan in a sanctuary and how Unity Farm Sanctuary has developed their plan. Learn about their amazing humane education programs such as the Unity Animal Care Circle for middle school aged students to help teach compassion and expose them to the care of farmed animals. Hear about how important it was for Unity Farm Sanctuary to be one of 25 sanctuaries throughout the country selected to host the LEAP (Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet) program. Discover how Unity Farm Sanctuary installed webcams to not only give people 24 hours access to see what's going on at the sanctuary, but more importantly to provide transparency. Fall in love with the stories of Dudley the Scottish Highland cow and their resident social butterfly, Handsome Paul Turkey.
 
To stay updated on Unity Farm Sanctuary, find then on Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok or visit their website at unityfarmsanctuary.org. 
 
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For more information on Butterfly Valley Rescue and Sanctuary visit butterflyvalleyrescue.com.

Episode 12 - Cloven Heart Farm Sanctuary

For this week's episode we stay in the Lone Star State to meet Davy Divine who is co-founder and Director of Operations for Cloven Heart Farm Sanctuary in China Springs, TX. Cloven Heart, whose mission is to Nurture respect, empathy, and compassion for farmed animals through advocacy, education, and rescue, was founded by the mother-daughter duo of Davy and her daughter Tab Sabre. These lifelong animal lovers and rescuers moved from Honolulu, Hawaii to Texas in 2016, went vegan in 2017, and founded their sanctuary in 2018.
 
Learn how Davy uses her background in education as a former Middle and High School teacher to help educate and lead advocacy efforts at Cloven Heart. Hear about how they help their residents heal, find peace, and to learn to trust again by meeting them where they are in their recovery process. Discover how Davy has published multiple books including the most recent book, “Charlie's New Family", to help people understand where amazing rescues such as Charlie the bull come from. Fall in love with the story of an amazing goat named Symphony who was the heart behind Cloven Heart Farm Sanctuary.
 
Learn how Cloven Heart Farm Sanctuary is helping others interested in starting their own sanctuary with an amazing book titled, “One Day I Want To Have A Farm Sanctuary: Things You Don't Know To Expect”. Experience the challenges and struggles of finding adequate veterinary care and how you must find a vet to work with you, not talk at you. Feel the pressure of having to deal with nearly 40 straight days of 100 degree temperatures and how Cloven Heart is battling the Texas heat.
 
To stay updated on Cloven Heart Farm Sanctuary, find then on Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok or visit their website at clovenheartfarmsanctuary.org. Find additional information like where to purchase merchandise, their books, or make donations on their Linktree.
 
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For more information on Butterfly Valley Rescue and Sanctuary visit butterflyvalleyrescue.com.

Episode 11 - HodgePodge Farm & Rescue

For this week's episode we head to the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex to introduce you to Lauren of Argyle, TX who founded HodgePodge Farm & Rescue. We learn about this amazing rescue & sanctuary that's primary objectives are Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Rehome. As a sanctuary, HodgePodge strives to provide care for their residents, "For Life or Longer”. Hear how Lauren, who says her first word was horse, went from riding horses and participating in 4-H as a kid, interning for equines veterinarians in high school, and getting a degree in animal science, to running a hodge podge of an animal rescue.
Learn what HodgePodge Farm & Rescue is doing to help end the slaughter of America's horses and what you can do to help. Hear the story of Huckleberry, who helped land Lauren recognition as an animal hero from The Dodo. Meet an amazing Barbados Black Belly sheep Ewe named Wheezie. Experience the challenges that extreme weather present when running a sanctuary in North Texas including ice, hail, tornadoes, heat, cold, and more. Learn about how HodgePodge Farm & Rescue is planning a 1,550 move to their Forever Farm in central New York.
To stay updated on HodgePodge Farm & Rescue, find then on Facebook and Instagram or visit their website at hodgepodgerescue.com. Learn more about Huckleberry, Lauren and the crew at HodgePodge on their episode of The Dodo. Find additional information like where to purchase merchandise or make donations on their Linktree. 
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For more information on Butterfly Valley Rescue and Sanctuary visit butterflyvalleyrescue.com.

Episode 10 - Viva Rescue

In honor of our milestone 10th episode, we take you out to sunny Southern California to meet Viva Rescue. Joined by Viva Executive Director and co-founder Maya Benperlas we learn about this amazing sanctuary that's committed to providing innovative care and permanent refuge to animals in need. Viva finds a way to do it all offering numerous programs and services including a sanctuary for horses and farm animals, a neonatal nursery to help neonatal kittens, goats, lambs, and other species, natural disaster rescue and response, pet assistance to low-income communities, and they even operate an animal emergency hotline to assist others.
Hear how Viva is keeping their residents cool during the recent heat wave. Learn about Viva's one-of-a-kind ruminant cleft palate program called The Miracle Fund and hear the story of the little goat that inspired a big mission. Find out how Viva is providing innovative mobility to their residents using wheelchairs, custom made prosthetics, splinting and casting, and surgical intervention. Experience the story of a little goat named Tinkerbell, who overcame significant birth deformities and learned to walk upright on two legs. Learn how Viva uses more than 30 different types of holistic therapies and rehabilitation techniques aid in the mental and physical healing of their residents. Hear about an exciting upcoming event titled Sanctuary Serenity targeted toward the LGBTQIA+ community that is sold out. 
To stay updated on Viva Rescue, find them on Facebook and Instagram or visit their website at vivaglobalrescue.org. Support them on Patreon for as little as just $1 per month to make a different. Find additional information like where to purchase merchandise or make donations on their Linktree. 
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For more information on Butterfly Valley Rescue and Sanctuary visit butterflyvalleyrescue.com.

Episode 9 - Friends of Philip Fish Sanctuary

This week we bring you a very special aquatic edition of the Sanctuary Life Podcast in honor of my favorite week of the year, Shark Week! We couldn't imagine anything more appropriate for our Shark Week Special than to host a fish sanctuary. We are excited to introduce Gwendolyn Church, founder of Friends of Philip Fish Sanctuary, a 501(c)3 non-profit fish and aquatic animal sanctuary in Reno, NV. 
Hear how one super skinny, pale, little Betta fish in the back of the pet store shelf named Philip set Gwendolyn on a path to turn her passion into a microsanctuary helping fish in need. Learn what it took logistically to move an entire fish sanctuary from Sonoma County, California to Reno, Nevada. Experience how the heartbreaking loss of a goldfish named Wednesday, pushed her aquarium mate Lucas into a deep depression. Learn how important veterinary care is for a fish and aquatic animal sanctuary and how one amazing aquatic veterinarian named Dr. Sanders has been such an essential part of Friends of Philip Fish Sanctuary. Meet some of Friends of Philip's newest rescues Sammy the rooster and Becca the hen and here where their journey is taking them next.
We remind you to..."Live every week, like it's shark week.”and never forget that..."Fish are friends, not food!"
To stay updated on Friends of Philip Fish Sanctuary, find them on Facebook and Instagram. You can find additional information like where to make donations on their Linktree. 
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For more information on Butterfly Valley Rescue and Sanctuary visit butterflyvalleyrescue.com.