In today’s brief episode, we’re pausing our regular programming to acknowledge the heaviness that so many of us are carrying. At Bailing Out Benji, our work is rooted in research, accountability, and protecting dogs and their families from harm, but today we’re showing up as people before we show up as advocates.

This raw episode is a reminder to breathe, to step back if you need to, and to give yourself permission to rest in a world that too often feels relentless. You don’t need to have the right words, the right politics, or the right energy to listen, only your humanity.

What if the way we talk about animal welfare is just as important as the policies we fight for?

In this episode, we’re joined by Hanna Lentz from SPARC for a candid and necessary conversation about the messaging that happens in the animal welfare world. How everything we say shapes public perception and affects real-world outcomes for animals and the people who love them.

We dig into our everyday interactions with the public- the moments that build trust, the moments that shut people down, and the unintended ripples (both positive and negative) that follow our words long after the conversation ends. From advocacy burnout to public backlash to unexpected allies, this episode explores how tone, framing, and empathy can either move people toward change or push them further away.

Thank you for joining us again this week and for being with us on this journey!

To learn more about SPARC visit: https://www.sparcinsight.org/

This week's episode was recorded back in November, but the sentiment remains the same! The times are changing and we are excited to be leading the charge.

Sit with Alexis, Kristen, and Mindi as they chat about a few conferences they attended at the end of last year and how the vibe is evolving among advocates. More people are seeing the importance of laying down the swords and working together to create change for animals and the people who love them. Civil discourse with people who don't act like you or think like you is what challenges us all to grow and we are excited to continue using our skills to build a new path.

Thank you for being on the journey with us!