In this episode of 'Talking Couch Potatoes,' hosts Matt and Mel welcome special guest, Lisa Baker, a member of the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia, and a strong advocate for animal welfare, LGBTQIA+ rights, climate action and the empowerment of women and vulnerable communities worldwide.

Lisa shares her journey into politics, highlighting early challenges and incredible achievements. Her dedication to social justice and animal welfare is evident as she discusses her ventures into greyhound welfare reform and the establishment of the WA Parliamentary Friends of the Greyhound group.

Lisa also speaks about her passion for the future of food, focusing on alternative proteins as a sustainable complement to animal-based diets. Despite facing criticism and pushback, Lisa emphasizes the importance of remaining in the room to influence policy and create positive change.

A fascinating interview with a truly inspiring local hero for Free The Hounds. Dont miss it!!

Learn more about Lisa's new project on the Future of Food here https://www.youtube.com/@lisabakerfutureoffood

🎶 Sing along with Lily Longnose 🎶 As promised in Episode 28 of Talking Couch Potatoes "The New Adventures of Lily Longnose", we are thrilled to share with you Lily's first sing-along song! 🥰🐶

#LilyLongnose #PodcastBonus

In this powerful episode of Talking Couch Potatoes, Matt and Mel dive into the misconceptions surrounding Staffy and Bully breeds with special guest Maddie from Staffy and Bully Breed Rescue (SABBR), a no-kill organization serving Perth Metro and regional Western Australia.

Maddie shares the rewarding yet challenging journey of rescuing abandoned, surrendered, and unwanted dogs, all without government funding. She debunks myths about these loving breeds, revealing how they make ideal family pets and deserve a fair chance.

The conversation shines a light on the critical need for foster homes, donations, and resources for rescue groups like SABBR. They discuss the heavy toll greyhound racing takes on local rescues, creating competition for foster homes, forever homes, funding, and dedicated volunteers.

The WA Government Department of Racing and Wagering’s incentives for breeding greyhounds have led to an overpopulation problem, with the expectation that the public will adopt dogs discarded by the industry. Phasing out greyhound racing could profoundly impact local rescues, helping them focus on animals already in need.

With a parliamentary inquiry into the greyhound racing industry on the horizon, it's time to examine the stark contrast between the financial support this industry receives and the constant struggle of grassroots rescues like SABBR. Tune in to discover SABBR’s incredible work and learn how you can help shift the narrative around these misunderstood breeds.

https://www.sabbr.com.au/

In this funny new episode, Matt & Mel(ificent!) cover the latest updates from the recently tabled 2024 WA Petition to phase out greyhound racing (just short of 27,000 signatures!), recommendations from the WA Government Estimates Committee, and upcoming public events such as Little Beans Gourmet Fair Day and PrideFest Fair Day.

Special guest Emily Norman, author of best selling greyhound children's book "Lily Longnose Finds A Home" celebrates her one year anniversary with the latest adventures of Lily: book readings at schools and libraries, fundraising efforts and exciting news and announcements for future Lily adventures!

In this episode of Talking Couch Potatoes, we sit down with Susan Yuen, a seasoned pet physiotherapist, to explore the world of greyhound wellness.

Sue shares her journey into pet physiotherapy and her expert insights on managing the unique challenges greyhounds face, including painful corns and chronic discomfort.

We delve into how physiotherapy can bring relief, improve mobility, and enhance the overall quality of life for these amazing dogs. Whether you’re a greyhound owner or simply curious about pet health, this episode is packed with valuable tips on keeping your hound happy and pain-free.

Sue's practice is Physio for Pets in Bibra Lake, Perth, Western Australia...however please contact her for invaluable information through online webinars to assist your pet's ongoing health wherever you are in the world! https://physioforpets.com.au/

In this episode of 'Talking Couch Potatoes', Mel has a chat with Ben Cave, CEO of RSPCA Western Australia, to discuss the unique challenges the organization faces in advocating for racing greyhounds.

Ben sheds light on the legislative restraints that limit the RSPCA's role in greyhound welfare and shares insights into the broader challenges confronting the RSPCA WA.

Despite these hurdles, he highlights the incredible work they do in animal welfare through their inspectorate, advocacy, and education programs.

A must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of animal protection in Australia, and how affecting change within government legislation is the slow but steady path to free the hounds.

Check out the valuable work of the RSPCA WA here https://www.rspcawa.org.au/

In this one year anniversary episode of 'Talking Couch Potatoes', Matt and Mel sit with Sophie, a dedicated volunteer from Greyhound Adoptions WA (GAWA). Sophie shares her experiences of fostering and rehoming greyhounds, highlighting the alarming increased demand for foster homes in Western Australia.

She explains how GAWA supports foster carers with resources, guidance and the added bonus of a friendly new community and network of greyhound advocates.

Build a deeper understanding of the significant impact you could make through fostering these beautiful creatures, and join our commitment to address the root causes of the rehoming crisis which is only getting worse.

Click here to find out how to become a foster carer! ⁠https://greyhoundadoptionswa.com.au/⁠

Click here to download a copy of the 2024 WA Petition

⁠https://www.freethehounds.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Free-The-Hounds-Hardcopy-Petition-2024.pdf⁠

Nine year old Luka joins Matt and Mel in the studio this episode, after writing a lovely feedback email about his most favourite animal - greyhounds! Walter, Poppy, Huey and Alfie are all lucky rescues that have known the love of Luka and his family (including Grandma!)

Luka's endearing affection for greyhounds, plus his cheeky giggle and mature insight into the complexities of fostering and adoption will melt your heart...

This podcast finishes with a touching tribute from Mel to her Heart Dog, the beautiful Anna, who was taken suddenly and too soon, just days before recording.

Please click the link to learn more about Osteosarcoma in Greyhounds and fill in the survey to help Free The Hounds track the data of this dreaded genetic disease, and hopefully find a way to eradicate it from our beloved breed.

⁠https://www.freethehounds.com.au/dr-belinda-oppenheimer-examines-osteosarcoma-in-greyhounds/⁠

⁠https://www.freethehounds.com.au/survey/⁠