It’s the first episode of Keep it Humane for 2026, and we’re kicking off the year by catching up.

Daniel Ettinger, Ashley Bishop, and Ashlee Bishop sit down to reflect on the past year—what challenged us, what surprised us, and what reminded us why this work matters. From lessons learned in animal control and animal welfare to the realities of burnout, leadership, and showing up for both people and animals, this episode is an honest look back at where we’ve been.

We also talk about the road ahead: what we’re hopeful about in 2026, what needs to change in the profession, and how we can continue to help people help animals in meaningful, sustainable ways.

If you work in animal control, shelters, rescue, or animal welfare—or care about the people doing the work—this episode sets the tone for the year ahead.

In this powerful episode, Daniel Ettinger and Ashlee Bishop sit down with Nina Jackel, founder of Lady Freethinker, for an in-depth conversation about the global fight against animal cruelty and what it takes to create real, lasting change.

Nina shares her remarkable journey from freelance journalist to leading an international nonprofit that exposes abuse, funds on-the-ground rescuers, and drives policy change around the world. From shutting down dog meat auction houses in South Korea to helping authorities dismantle a dogfighting ring in Chile—resulting in the longest animal cruelty sentence in the nation’s history—Nina walks us through some of Lady Freethinker’s most impactful victories.

The discussion digs into the evolving landscape of online animal cruelty, challenges in prosecuting abuse cases under current laws, and why cross-organization communication remains one of the biggest obstacles in animal advocacy. Daniel, Ashlee, and Nina explore what meaningful collaboration could look like—from local enforcement to global activism—and how summits, networking, and unified messaging could strengthen the field.

Listeners will also hear candid personal updates, reflections on leadership in animal welfare, and actionable ways to support Lady Freethinker’s work, including their investigative efforts, global campaigns, and upcoming initiative to tackle social media cruelty in 2026.

If you care about animals, accountability, and the future of animal protection, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Daniel Ettinger, Ashley Bishop and Ashlee Bishop sit down with Dr. A. Michelle Gonzalez—veterinarian, forensic expert, and host of The Animal Welfare Junction. Dr. Gonzalez has been leading a groundbreaking investigative series on Steffen Baldwin, a self-proclaimed “trainer” whose history of animal cruelty and misconduct has sent shockwaves through the animal welfare community.

Together, we unpack the complex layers of this case:
• how Baldwin built influence in the dog-training world,
• the red flags that were ignored or minimized,
• the survivors—both canine and human—impacted by his actions,
• and the systemic gaps that allow abusers to hide in plain sight.

Dr. Gonzalez shares what she’s learned through extensive research, interviews, and forensic review for her podcast, offering a candid look at how misinformation, inadequate regulation, and industry silencing contribute to ongoing harm.

Whether you work in animal control, sheltering, veterinary medicine, law enforcement, or advocacy, this episode provides essential insight into how we can better protect animals, empower victims, and build a safer, more accountable animal welfare landscape.

This is an episode you won’t want to miss—honest, unsettling, educational, and ultimately a call to action for all who believe animals deserve better.