Keep it Humane

What happens when you hit rock bottom and find a reason to fight your way back? In this episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, we sit down with Zach Skow, founder of Marley’s Mutts, for a powerful conversation about addiction, recovery, resilience, and the life-changing bond between humans and animals.Zach’s journey is anything but ordinary. From battling addiction and facing end-stage liver disease to rebuilding his life through sobriety and animal rescue, he’s turned personal struggles into a mission that changes lives. Through Marley’s Mutts, Zach has helped create meaningful connections between people and dogs through rescue, rehabilitation, and programs that demonstrate just how much animals can transform our lives.We talk about the moments that changed everything, the challenges behind the work, and why helping animals can sometimes mean helping people heal, too.This is a conversation about second chances, finding purpose in unexpected places, and discovering that even at your lowest point, your story isn’t over.🐾 Learn more about Marley’s Mutts and the incredible work they do to help people and animals: https://www.marleysmutts.org/🎧 Tune in for an honest, inspiring conversation about recovery, redemption, and the power of the human-animal bond.

What happens when the job you dreamed of becomes something you can no longer reconcile with your values?In this episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, we sit down with Madeline Krasno, co-founder and Executive Director of Justify, to discuss her journey from working as a primate caretaker at the University of Wisconsin–Madison to becoming an advocate for animals used in research.Madeline shares her experiences working inside a primate laboratory, the animals who left a lasting impact on her, and what ultimately led her to speak out. We explore the realities of animal experimentation, the emotional toll on people who care for laboratory animals, and the importance of supporting those who want to create change from within the system.We also discuss transparency, free speech, and the challenges of challenging powerful institutions.This is a conversation about animals, accountability, and what happens when personal experience changes the way you see the world.Because helping animals sometimes means listening to the people who have seen things the public rarely gets to see.🎧 Tune in to Keep It Humane: The Podcast for another conversation about the complexities of animal welfare and the people working to make a difference.

In this episode, we sit down with Friends of Animals to explore the wide-ranging work they’re doing to advocate for animals around the world.From their roots in low-cost spay and neuter to wildlife protection, animal law, habitat conservation, vegan advocacy, and sanctuary work, Friends of Animals has taken a unique approach to animal advocacy for more than 65 years.We talk about their work protecting wild horses and burros, fighting for threatened and endangered species, supporting chimpanzee sanctuaries, challenging policies through the courts, and finding new ways to create a better future for animals.It’s a fascinating conversation about animal advocacy that goes far beyond the traditional shelter and rescue model—and the many different ways people can make a difference for animals.

What happens when animal rescue becomes about more than just saving an animal?In this episode, we sit down with The Gentle Barn to talk about the incredible work happening at their sanctuaries in California and Tennessee. From rescuing animals from abuse, neglect, and situations where they might otherwise be euthanized, to creating unique programs that connect people with animals, The Gentle Barn is doing some truly amazing work.We talk about rescue, rehabilitation, animal sanctuary, education, Cow Hug Therapy®, working with children and vulnerable communities, emergency animal evacuations, and the powerful stories behind the animals who call The Gentle Barn home.It’s a fascinating conversation about what happens when animals are given a second chance—and how those animals can, in turn, help people heal.

What happens when a professional hockey team uses its platform to make a difference far beyond the ice?In this episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, we sit down with Courtney Mahoney of the Chicago Wolves to talk about the incredible community work happening through the organization.Courtney joined us to help promote the Wolves’ upcoming adoption event at their first home game on October 10, 2026, but our conversation quickly became so much more.We dive into the Wolves’ commitment to animal adoption, their long-running Adopt-A-Dog program, community partnerships, charitable initiatives, and the many ways professional sports can create opportunities to help animals and the people who care about them.It’s a great conversation about animals, community, sports, and using a platform for something bigger than the game itself.🏒🐾 Chicago Wolves vs. Animal Homelessness? Now THAT’S a team we can get behind.Tune in and hear how the Wolves are helping make a difference both on and off the ice.