Talking Couch Potatoes

Get ready to be charmed by our youngest guests, Hannah and Layla, on this episode of Talking Couch Potatoes! Join these 8-year-old champions as they share 'paw-some tails' about their beloved greyhounds, sprinkled with some giggling over funny poop stories and doggy jokes! They'll melt your heart while shedding light on the truth about the racing industry and why it's time to take a stand. Get ready for laughter and a whole lot of puppy love! Sign the petition to #endgreyhoundracinginWA here https://bit.ly/endgreyhoundracinginWA

"Talking Couch Potatoes" hosts Matt and Mel sit down with Sasha to discuss the challenges and rewards of adopting Dustin, the face of the 2024 Free The Hounds Petition. Sasha recounts her experiences of welcoming Dustin into her home and the bond that has since developed between them. The episode also touches on Lena, Sasha's first rescued greyhound, whose story is tinged with sadness. Tune in to Sasha's inspiring tale of love, companionship, and the transformative power of giving a rescued greyhound a happy life. Sign the 2024 Petition here https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/Parliament/LCePetitions.nsf/($All)/B0E44E4103D9D08C48258AC100256186?opendocument Help a rescued greyhound here https://greyhoundadoptionswa.com.au/

Our guest this episode is Aislinn, a Veterinary Nurse, who introduces us to her hound Bertie, discusses the common issue of dental health and the interesting topic of greyhounds as universal blood donors. Mel also addresses the email response from the Western Australian Racing and Gaming Minister, Paul Papalia, to our recent email blitz; once again pointing out the fallacies and misinformation provided by the WA Racing and Wagering department to justify the deaths and track safety in WA. Details here for the Sandgroper Protest at Cannington Track https://fb.me/e/3N6P40j8v Click this link to sign our petition if you are a WA resident https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/Parliament/LCePetitions.nsf/($All)/B0E44E4103D9D08C48258AC100256186?opendocument See the lovely Ded Bets Runaway music video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQZF0eOqdFY

Our guest this episode is Sebastian Broadhurst, an economist that has investigated the methods and data used by the consulting firm IER; used by various racing bodies for their economic reports to government, including Racing and Wagering WA. Termed as 'fluff pieces' these reports use bad methodology and at times non-existent data to glorify the economic benefit of the racing industry in Australia. Join us as Sebastian unveils the truth behind the reports and the danger of using such methods to inform government decision making. Read Sebastian's report here https://www.freethehounds.com.au/economists-review-of-the-ier-report-2/ Sign our petition here https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/Parliament/LCePetitions.nsf/($All)/B0E44E4103D9D08C48258AC100256186?opendocument Find the IER 83-page report here https://www.rwwa.com.au/about/corporate/corporate-reports/economic-social-impact-report/

In this episode, Matt and Mel dissect the 2024 Petition aiming to phase out greyhound racing in Western Australia. They break down the seven key points of the petition, ranging from welfare reform to the proposed three-year phase-out plan. Exploring the topic from diverse perspectives, they also delve into recent events like the Perth heatwave and scrutinize the latest injury statistics from Racing and Wagering WA, pointing out questionable and misleading data. Tune in as they navigate the complexities so you too can feel informed as you advocate for these beloved hounds. Sign and share the petition here https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/Parliament/LCePetitions.nsf/($All)/B0E44E4103D9D08C48258AC100256186?opendocument

Join our hosts as they travel to the first national Greyhound Protection Workshop in Melbourne, where passionate advocates from across Australia convened to champion the changes needed to end greyhound racing. In this episode, we delve into the stories and perspectives of those driving the movement forward. Hear from experts, spokespeople and politicians as they share their insights, challenges and hopes for a brighter future for greyhounds in Australia. Thanks to Free The Hounds, The Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, and Blue The Grey for driving this powerful meeting of minds to create change. https://www.freethehounds.com.au/ https://greyhoundcoalition.com/ https://www.bluethegrey.org/

In this episode, Matt and Mel interview Andrea Pollard, the President of the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG), a prominent national advocacy group in Australia. The discussion delves into the grim realities surrounding greyhound racing nation-wide, provides data-driven insights into the extent of the problems, and highlights the urgent need for advocacy and reform within the industry. They explore the future for greyhounds, emphasizing the importance of collective action and legislative measures to ensure the welfare and protection of these beautiful animals. With increased awareness of the ethical implications of greyhound racing, we hope listeners will be inspired to join the movement for change, guided by Andrea and our host's impassioned advocacy and commitment to justice for greyhounds. Visit CPG's website here for further references and to sign up to volunteer Visit Free The Hounds' website here Sign the new WA Petition to End Greyhound Racing (WA residents only) Sign up here to help us with our petition in Western Australia Statistics, stewards reports and other references please find here

This episode, Matt and Mel interview Indy Davies, of Bad Publicity Co. Indy is the writer, director and producer of 'The Little Grey Film', a heartwarming short film starring many rescued greyhounds and their advocates around Australia. Featuring the movie's soundtrack song, 'Runaway' by the Ded Bets. Watch the trailer https://youtu.be/rZsMTc0KWmw?si=3ZYiFvbicmg2nPO3 Watch Indy's original short about beautiful Georgie https://youtu.be/xWUwojxP-tU?feature=shared

The Western Australian Government started the Greyhound Injury Recovery Scheme (GIFRS) in August 2019. Since then there's been almost a dog per week entered into the scheme. This episode, Matt and Mel explore the Scheme, look at the data, and speak to a a greyhound adopter with a personal story about her lovely GIFRS hound, Charlotte. See the Little Grey Film online https://thelittlegreyfilm.com/ Attend the Animal Rights Forum https://animalrightsforum.org/ Complete the FTH survey https://freethehounds.com.au/survey/ Check out the FTH website to see how you can get involved! www.freethehounds.com.au Contact us on podcast@freethehounds.com.au

In this Xmas special, Eve West, Dog Behaviourist and Trainer, shares her wealth of knowledge about greyhound behaviors, offering insights into the nuances that make these dogs such a special breed. From their racing backgrounds to their life as couch potatoes, we explore the transition and adjustments these majestic dogs go through. As a Xmas treat, Matt strums and sings a special song he wrote dedicated to the hounds. Learn more about Eve's service at https://trickydogtraining.com.au/

In this episode of Talking Couch Potatoes, your host Matt talks with Andrew Knight, a leading Veterinary Professor, in a thought-provoking exploration of pet nutrition and environmental sustainability. Professor Knight unveils his latest groundbreaking research on the feasibility and impact of plant-based diets for our furry friends. See links for Professor Knight's study, and the infographic as an excellent visual aid. https://www.andrewknight.info/article-pet-food-environmental-sustainability/ https://aknight.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Pet-food-sustainability-2023-PDF.pdf https://sustainablepetfood.info/

An extended interview with leading Animal Welfare Veterinary Professor Andrew Knight. In part 1 of this interview, Matt and guest host Alan Dolphin discuss Professor Knight's 2018 publication on injuries in racing greyhounds and the recommendations for safer tracks. All information discussed can be found at www.andrewknight.info

In this heartwarming episode, we dive into the enchanting world of children's literature.Join Matt and Mel as they embark on a special journey with a unique guest, 8-year-old Hannah, and Emily Norman, author of the delightful children's book "Lily Longnose Finds A Home."

Matt & Mel chat with Toni Donnelly from Greyhound Adoptions WA, a community run and funded agency committed to safely rehoming greyhounds; focusing on the current rehoming crisis in Western Australia.

In this episode Matt and Mel introduce regular segments, including listener feedback, fortnightly stats in Western Australia and greyhound related shoutouts. They discuss the current export bill to ban greyhound exports after Free The Hounds revealed Australian hounds in China's illegal gambling rings. One lucky survivor was secretly rescued and he will be welcomed back home for the sweet life very soon!

In this episode of Talking Couch Potatoes, we chat to Georgie Purcell, Member of Parliament for the Animal Justice Party in Northern Victoria. Georgie is an incredible advocate for greyhounds and she shares her insights into politics, greyhound racing, exports and more.

In this new podcast series, by Free the Hounds (FTH), our host Matt will explore the complexities of the Greyhound Racing Industry in Western Australia, share the quirks of this loveable breed, hear from community members and more. In this introductory episode you'll hear Mel Harrison, the President of FTH, chat about what FTH does, touch a little on the racing industry and dream about all the potentials of this new podcast series.