Talking Couch Potatoes

A very personal episode. We sit down with Dr Ann Hakara Holdsworth, veterinarian and founder of Pets at Peace - Home Vet , a gentle home euthanasia and palliative care service for our furry family members 🕊️ Dr Ann is the vet who came to Matt's home the day he said goodbye to his beloved Princess, Bunny. Her first words at the door were "do you need a hug?" and honestly, that tells you everything about how she does this work 🤍 In this episode, Dr Ann shares: 🐦 Why she became a vet in the first place (spoiler: baby birds!) 😿 The loss of her own beloved cat, Kimmy...and the night that reshaped her entire approach to end-of-life care ⏰ Why it is kinder to be a week too early than a day too late ✨ The "three spunkies and still eating" rule, a beautifully simple way to gauge when it might be time 🧊 The iceberg effect..."nothing to see here". 🏡 Her whole model of care: peace over perfection, every single time Plus Mel brings the latest WA injury figures and they are grim 😔, we sit in the silence from the inquiry 🦗, Matt urges you to hound your MP 📣, and we meet Goofy, our Foster of the Fortnight who badly needs out of kennels 🐕 💛 A gentle heads up: this episode covers pet loss, grief and euthanasia. Be kind to yourself while you listen. 🕊️ Find Dr Ann here 🏡 Could you foster or adopt? Goofy and Zeus are both still waiting. Reach out to Greyhound Adoptions WA 🍽️ Huge thanks to our podcast sponsor Sprinkles and Sprouts Rescued, not retired 🐾 #TalkingCouchPotatoes #FreeTheHounds #EndGreyhoundRacing #AnimalAdvocacy #PetsAtPeace #PetLoss #RescuedNotRetired

Seventy episodes in, and we've marked it with one of the most remarkable conversations we've had! Michelle Carr first joined us back in Episode 48, sitting firmly on the other side of the fence. A welder by trade, dog enthusiast by nature, deep into ethology, breed history and genetics...she came on to make the case for racing. Then she reflected. Listened back. Started examining her arguments, going right through the stewards' reports, the economics and the research, until she'd written a full piece of her own: 📄 Public Costs, Private Industry. In this episode, Michelle discusses some of what she found: 🧵 Unravelling arguments 🏭 An industry consolidating 💸Gambling Harm and demographics 🐕 The "greyhounds will go extinct!" trope, dismantled 🧠 And her advice for anyone still sitting on the fence Plus 💔 Mel and Matt on the shocking death of a dog exercised behind a quad bike 📣 why right now - with the inquiry report due - is the moment to talk to your local MP, and 🐶 Foster of the Fortnight Zeus, a gorgeous black houndy mix who badly needs out of kennels and into a couch. 🛋️ 🙏 Special thanks to our podcast sponsor Sprinkles and Sprouts — delicious food made with grocery store ingredients 🐾 Want to meet Zeus? Get in touch with Greyhound Adoptions WA #TalkingCouchPotatoes #FreeTheHounds #EndGreyhoundRacing #AnimalAdvocacy

We are thrilled to bring you Stephen Walters - independent economist with Optimal Economics, and author of the very first Cost-Benefit Analysis of Greyhound Racing in WA (2026), commissioned by Animals Australia 📊 Perth-raised and now Sydney-based, Stephen started with a blank sheet of paper 📄, trawled through budget papers, audited annual reports and ABS data, followed the money trail 💰... and what he found blows the industry's "economic benefit" claims clean out of the water. In this episode, Stephen breaks down: 💸 Why WA is set to LOSE around $36 million in economic value from greyhound racing this year alone 🎰 The $110+ million in gambling harm that industry-sponsored studies conveniently leave out of their economic studies 🏛️ The estimated $39+ million this year of YOUR taxes propping up prize money, breeding bonuses and track upgrades 📉 A cost-benefit ratio of just 0.79 - spend $100, get only $79 of value back (odds no punter would take! 🙅) Plus 🐾 Mel introduces our Foster of the Fortnight, Red ❤️ a sweet, shy two-year-old boy looking for his forever family through Greyhound Adoptions WA ...and Matt opens proceedings with his best Summer of (Episode) '69 serenade 🎸😅 Read about the report here 👉 https://animalsaustralia.org/our-work/greyhound-racing/greyhound-racing-in-western-australia-is-costing-community-millions/ Special thanks to our awesome podcast sponsor Sprinkles and Sprouts 🌱 https://www.sprinklesandsprouts.com/ #TalkingCouchPotatoes #FreeTheHounds #EndGreyhoundRacing #AnimalsAustralia

The New Zealand people have been heard, and greyhound racing will permanently end on August 1st 2026! So this week we sit down with one of the people who helped make it happen: Emily Robertson, a spokesperson and volunteer for The Greyhound Protection League of New Zealand for over a decade. 🇳🇿✊Emily's not just an advocate, she's also a lawyer and has FIVE gorgeous hounds (Luigi, Niji, Carly, and litter mates Billy & Tilly) 🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕In this episode, Emily breaks down:🔑 The five key factors that won the fight to end greyhound racing in NZ⏳ Why persistence through over a decade of being ignored, laughed at and fought was non-negotiable🤝 How having a solid support system got them through advocate fatigue📰 The investigative journalism that finally dragged the issue into the public eye🐾 How greyhounds themselves turned out to be their own best advocates Plus Mel and Matt kick things off with a lovely recap of our BrewDog meet-up, a tender moment remembering the beautiful hounds we've lost, an update on our foster favourites (happy tails for Sandy who is officially ADOPTED 🎉), and an urgent callout for foster carers for Helena, plus Chopper and Des, who are currently stuck in boarding kennels. 🏠💛Greyhound Protection League of New Zealand https://www.gplnz.org/ Special thanks to our podcast sponsor Sprinkles and Sprouts 🌱 https://www.sprinklesandsprouts.com/ #TalkingCouchPotatoes #FreeTheHounds #EndGreyhoundRacing #GreyhoundProtectionLeagueNZ #AdoptDontShop

We are beyond excited to bring you a conversation that had us completely losing track of time...meet Carey Theil, Executive Director of GREY2K USA Worldwide, calling in all the way from Boston, Massachusetts, USA! Carey is co-founder of the most powerful greyhound advocacy organisation on the planet. His organisation played a key role in shutting down 46 greyhound racing tracks in the US, and 44 states declaring it illegal. He's got a TED Talk with co-founder Christine Dorchak on 25 years of activism, a PhD-level approach to policy, and interestingly, he's also a national chess master! 😉♟️ And he agrees that the most critical greyhound fight in the world right now is here in Australia. In this episode, Carey breaks down: 🌍 How GREY2K USA went from a heartbreaking loss in Massachusetts to closing almost all US dog tracks over 25 years 🤝 Why international collaboration between advocacy groups is the key to real, lasting change 🏆 Why the end of greyhound racing is inevitable. We only have to win once! 💛 And a reminder to look after yourself in advocacy work...we are playing a long game Plus we meet Jazz 🖤🤍, a gorgeous black tuxedo'd boy hoping for his furever-fam. Contact Greyhound Adoptions WA to meet this handsome fella! https://www.savour-life.com.au/adopt-a-dog/search-now/view/130006⁠ 🫣We also forgot to do the outro... because we were so deep in this conversation we had to record it from the pub. Sorry about that!🍺😂 Special thanks to our podcast sponsor Sprinkles and Sprouts 🌱 ⁠https://www.sprinklesandsprouts.com/⁠ #TalkingCouchPotatoes #FreeTheHounds #EndGreyhoundRacing #GREY2KUSA

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you a conversation with one of Australia's most respected animal welfare advocates, Dr Jed Goodfellow, Co-Founder and Director of Policy and Government Relations at the Australian Alliance for Animals🦮⚖️Jed has spent over 20 years fighting for animals in courtrooms, parliamentary inquiries, and the media. He played a key role in campaigns to end live exports and battery cages, developed Macquarie University's Animal Law unit, and earned his PhD in animal welfare regulation. He is, quite simply, one of the most powerful voices for the voiceless in this country 💪In this episode, Jed breaks down:🐕 The Fair Go For Animals campaign, and what an independent Office of Animal Protection could look like📊 What the research actually says about community attitudes to animal welfare (spoiler: country Australians care just as much as city folk!)🗳️ Why greyhound racing's social license is all but gone, and why 2026 feels like a turning point🤝 The power of grassroots collaboration and why united voices create real political change🏆 The Young Political Advocacy Award, including a shout-out to our very own incredible young advocate, Hannah! 🌟Plus Mel shares her thoughts on the recent estimates committee hearing 😤, we farewell the beautiful Gina, Indy and Skippy 🌈❤️‍🩹🐾, we celebrate raising almost $16,000 at our recent fundraiser 🎉, and Matt reminisces his love of nanna bingo weddings 👰😂Special thanks to our podcast sponsor Sprinkles & Sprouts: https://www.sprinklesandsprouts.com/ 🌐 Australian Alliance for Animals: https://www.allianceforanimals.org.au/ #TalkingCouchPotatoes #FreeTheHounds #AnimalAdvocacy #AustralianAllianceForAnimals #FairGoForAnimals #EndGreyhoundRacing

This week, Matt & Mel welcome back veterinary physiotherapist Susan Yuen 🐕 from Physio For Pets ( https://physioforpets.com.au/ ) to dig deeper into chronic pain, corns, and the hidden injuries many greyhounds carry long after racing ends. 👀🐾💥From shoulder instability to toe injuries, hip pain, spinal issues, and long-term compensation. This episode uncovers why corns are often just the symptom, not the cause. ❤️‍🩹💥 Why “treating the corn” may not fix the pain❓ The controversial flexor tenotomy debate⚡ How chronic pain changes the way greyhounds move👀 What owners should look for at home As Sue says: “Corns tell a story.” 🧐This is an important episode for anyone who wants the best for their greyhound 🐶✨After surviving the racing world, they deserve comfort, care, and a pain-free life 🛋️💛📣 Share with every greyhound lover you know!Many thanks to our sponsor for this episode, Sprinkles & Sprouts 🍽️ Making life happier with food! 🥗 https://www.sprinklesandsprouts.com/ 🎟️Get your Nanna Bingo tickets ASAP!! https://events.humanitix.com/nanna-bingo-the-wedding-with-free-the-hounds

After the WA greyhound racing inquiry hearings… we needed a moment. A breather. A debrief. A bit of honesty. 💭 In this episode, we talk about: 🐾 What it was actually like being in the hearing room 💔 The emotional toll behind the scenes ❓ The questions that mattered (and the obfuscation!) ⚠️ The reality that can’t be avoided: dogs WILL be injured and killed racing. We also reflect on the people behind the advocacy — the volunteers, the foster carers, the adopting families, and the greyhounds themselves 🐕 who have changed so many minds just by being in our homes 🏡 And yes… there’s still a bit of classic Talking Couch Potatoes chaos in there too 😅🐾 A big welcome and thank you to our NEW sponsor Sprinkles and Sprouts 🍽️ https://www.sprinklesandsprouts.com/ Delicious food made with grocery store ingredients 😋 🐕 Foster of the Fortnight: Toby ✨ Gentle ✨ Affectionate ✨ A little quirky (the best kind 😄) Looking for a calm, dog-savvy home 💛 If you’ve ever thought about adopting… this is your sign 🐾 📅 April = Adopt a Greyhound Month = https://greyhoundadoptionswa.com.au/ Get your Nanna Bingo tickets here 👉 https://events.humanitix.com/nanna-bingo-the-wedding-with-free-the-hounds #TalkingCouchPotatoes #FreeTheHounds #AdoptAGreyhound 🐾 #GreyhoundRescue #EndGreyhoundRacing 🚫🐕

This week, Matt & Mel chat with Bec – long term foster carer, cat tester, and all-round legend, who has helped over 50 greyhounds transition from racing life into loving homes. With the help of her cat Lynx, Bec also tests greyhounds for prospective adoptive families with cats. This episode is equal parts eye-opening, heartwarming, and inspiring. ✨ What you’ll learn: 🐈Why many greyhounds can live with cats (and how it’s tested) 🏘️What makes a greyt foster carer ❤️‍🩹The reality of life after racing 🐾Why patience changes everything for these dogs 💛 PLUS: Greyhound Adoptions WA urgently needs foster carers...even short-term helps save lives. https://greyhoundadoptionswa.com.au/fostering/ 👉 If you’ve ever thought about fostering… this is your sign.⚡ 🎟️ And don’t forget: 👰Nanna Bingo Wedding Fundraiser – Sat May 16 Tickets on Humanitix! https://events.humanitix.com/nanna-bingo-the-wedding-with-free-the-hounds Laughs, live and silent auctions, BYO food and a cheap bar...all for the hounds 🐾 Thank you to our friends and sponsor Henry Houndwear 🐕what all the best dressed hounds are wearing! https://henryhoundwear.com.au/

This week on Talking Couch Potatoes, Matt & Mel are joined by an absolute legend in greyhound rescue - Lisa White, founder of Friends of the Hound, operating in Northern NSW and Queensland. 🐶💙 https://friendsofthehound.org.au/ What started with one greyhound she couldn’t forget, Zada, turned into more than 20 years of rescue… and thousands of lives saved! 🏆In this episode we talk about:👀 what rescue really looks like behind the scenes❤️‍🩹 the emotional (and financial) cost of saving injured racing dogs💪 why so many adopters become lifelong advocates🧐 whether greyhound racing can actually be reformed🚨 and why this moment - especially in WA - matters more than everThis one is powerful, emotional, honest… and full of hope 💙Listen, follow and share, to help us raise awareness 🎧And dont forget your tickets for Nanna Bingo WEDDING 👰 here https://events.humanitix.com/nanna-bingo-the-wedding-with-free-the-hounds Check out Toby, our Foster of the Fortnight, through Greyhound Adoptions WA https://greyhoundadoptionswa.com.au/ And as always, many thanks to our wonderful sponsors Henry Houndwear what all the best dressed hounds are wearing 🐕 https://henryhoundwear.com.au/

🚨EP61 of Talking Couch Potatoes is one of the most powerful conversations we’ve ever had.⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of the psychological impact of greyhound racing, including trauma to greyhounds. Take care listening ❤️‍🩹In this episode of Talking Couch Potatoes, we speak with Mark Layton, who grew up in a greyhound racing family and spent his childhood around kennels and racetracks.Mark shares his personal experience of the industry, including what it was like to be involved from a young age and how those experiences stayed with him into adulthood. His story offers an important perspective on something that is not often discussed — the human impact of greyhound racing on the children who grow up within the industry.We also unpack the recently released Review into governance and sustainability of WA racing. What it focuses on - and more importantly - what it leaves out.And of course we have our 🥁Foster of the Fortnight 🐾🐕 Meet Sandy – a sweet, curious five-year-old greyhound who loves a sniffy morning walk followed by a long day of snoozing in comfy beds. If Sandy sounds like the perfect addition to your home, please reach out to Greyhound Adoptions WA here https://greyhoundadoptionswa.com.au/ And let us know too!Proudly sponsored by Henry Houndwear 💅what all the best dressed hounds are wearing! https://henryhoundwear.com.au/ 🍽️Check out Sprinkles and Sprouts here 😋 https://www.sprinklesandsprouts.com/

We’ve hit the big 6-0… and we’re still raging (respectfully) 💅🔥 In this milestone episode of Talking Couch Potatoes, we sit down with Dr Liam Clay – PhD-qualified canine behaviour consultant and Director of AABA Consultants & Future Proof Training Academy – to unpack the science of greyhound behaviour: ❓ What actually happens when a greyhound leaves racing and enters a home? 🤔Why the “3-3-3 rule” needs a little adjustment for ex-racing hounds 👉 What emotional regulation really means 🚫 Why greyhounds aren’t “born to race” and what they’re capable of instead 🤭 Why greyhounds can appear socially awkward (relatable tbh) ✅Why structure + time = success 🐕 And the beautiful truth about what these dogs can become 💖 🔥This conversation is evidence-based, compassionate and eye-opening. If you’ve adopted, fostered, or are thinking about bringing a greyhound into your life – this episode is essential listening. And … we also introduce our very first 🐶 Foster of the Fortnight 🐾 Huey, a brindle gentleman waiting patiently for his forever home. 🤯Episode 60 and still fighting for a world where greyhounds live a full life like all other companion pups! 💬 Tell us what surprised you most. 🔁 Share with anyone considering adoption. 💌Sign up for the Free The Hounds newsletter and be informed of our latest campaigns! https://freethehounds.us21.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d87f42ca4948157c6be5559a1&id=07c947f9e1⁠ 🎉Huge thanks to our long time sponsors, Henry Houndwear, what all the best dressed hounds are wearing 🐕 https://henryhoundwear.com.au/ #TalkingCouchPotatoes #GreyhoundAdvocacy #OneWelfare #FutureProofTraining

This episode is a big one! Not loud. Not shouty. But important . 👀 We sat down with Deb King , Animal Welfare Policy Research Officer at RSPCA WA , to unpack one of the most common (and most misunderstood) arguments we see on our posts 👇 👉 “What about how many dogs the RSPCA euthanises?” So let’s be crystal clear. 💔 RSPCA is not causing the crisis...they are dealing with the fallout. They care for animals who are abused, neglected, traumatised or dumped. Animals who arrive already suffering. RSPCA WA deals with the most vulnerable cases after everything has already gone wrong . Meanwhile, the dog racers claim their animals are “elite athletes in peak condition”… yet dogs keep dying on track. In this episode we talk about: 🐕 Why RSPCA’s work is science-led, not emotive 📊 Why transparency (or lack of it) matters 💥 On-track injuries, fractures and deaths 🧠 The myth of “inaction” and what actually happens behind the scenes 🤝 Why improving welfare requires facts, not whataboutism If you’ve ever seen the RSPCA used as a shield to defend racing, this episode is for you. If you care about greyhounds, evidence, and accountability, make sure you have a listen! Thanks to our greyt sponsors Henry Houndwear https://henryhoundwear.com.au/ #TalkingCouchPotatoes #GreyhoundWelfare #EndGreyhoundRacing #RSPCA #AnimalWelfare #WhatAboutism

🎉 EP58 | Happy New Year 🎉 We’re back for 2026 with a short check-in episode to ease into the year - just us, a bit of reflection, and some important updates. 🐾 We touch on recent Free The Hounds happenings... 📊 And unpack the newly announced financial review of WA racing... including the timing with the WA Parliamentary Inquiry and what it could mean. This one’s brief, but the year ahead is anything but. We’ve got a great line-up of guests coming your way in the next episodes, and some big conversations ahead. Thanks for sticking with us since 2023, now let’s make 2026 count! #TalkingCouchPotatoes #GreyhoundAdvocacy #EndGreyhoundRacing #PodcastUpdate #2026

🎄✨ Episode 57 is here! ✨🎄 In our final episode for the year, Talking Couch Potatoes brings you a story that is not just a conversation...it’s a journey.This episode features Kim Whiting , author of Simba’s Story - a deeply moving account of a traumatised greyhound who went missing for 16 days in the Dandenong Ranges, and the extraordinary community that refused to give up on him. ❤️ Simba’s story is about so much more than a lost dog. It’s about trauma, trust, survival instincts, and unconditional love . It’s about what greyhounds endure before they ever reach a couch. And it’s about the quiet power of people coming together when it matters most. Matt and Jem talk with Kim about: 🐕 Adopting fearful, traumatised greyhounds 🌲 What really happens when a dog is lost and in survival mode 🤝 The unbelievable strength of the greyhound community ✨ The power of hope 📖 You can buy your own copy of Simba's Story here! https://www.balboapress.com/en-AU/bookstore/bookdetails/868814-simbas-story All proceeds from Simba’s Story go directly to Greyhound Rescue , making this book a gift that truly helps hounds in need. 📖❤️ This is our Christmas Miracle episode — and a reminder that love, patience, and community can change lives. Proudly supported as always by the wonderful Henry Houndwear, what all the best dressed hounds are wearing! Get yours here https://henryhoundwear.com.au/

This week, we sit down with life and mindset coach, former veterinarian and long-time animal advocate, Anita Marriott and this conversation is one every advocate needs to hear! ✨ Anita breaks down the difference between empathy fatigue and compassion fatigue (or burnout), and why knowing the difference can keep you in the fight longer. ✨ She shares tools for sustainable advocacy , including practical mindset shifts that help us stay effective, grounded and connected to purpose. ✨ And she reflects on her heartbreaking early encounters with greyhounds inside the veterinary system, a stark reminder of how the exploitation continued beyond the track. ⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode includes descriptions of veterinary practices involving greyhounds being used as “donations” for training and blood collection. Take care listening. We also talk about: 🔥 Why advocates burn out, and how to stop it 💛 Effective advocacy without sacrificing yourself 📌 Tips for leaders and individuals to stay in the game Anita’s honesty and clarity will stay with you long after the episode ends. Check out her coaching services here https://theveganmindsetcoach.com/ Plus, Matt & Jem unpack the brand-new WA voter survey on greyhound racing that indicates a 60% majority in favour of ending greyhound racing, across parties and across electorates! Read the survey results here https://www.freethehounds.com.au/wa-survey-on-dog-racing/ #FreeTheHounds #TalkingCouchPotatoes #GreyhoundWelfare #AdvocacyMatters

🐾 EP55 is here – and it’s a BIG one! 🎙️💥 We’re joined once again by powerhouse advocate, MP Georgie Purcell, leader in the fight to protect greyhounds and push for an end to the racing industry. 💬 Georgie dives into: 📉 How transparency wins in Victoria are forcing truthful reporting on deaths & injuries 🐕 How public opinion has shifted from dogs as commodities to beloved companions 📊 The explosive financial reality of taxpayer money propping up the industry 🤝 The unstoppable strength of rescue groups, volunteer advocates & everyday supporters 📍 Why inquiries and accountability are the beginning of the end for greyhound racing From political strategy to community impact, this episode pulls the curtain back on what’s really happening behind racing's glossy messaging – and why its time is running out. 🎧 Tune in for an inspiring, passionate, funny and fiercely hopeful conversation!

In this powerful episode, Matt & Mel discuss the fast-approaching deadline for submissions to the WA Parliamentary Inquiry into Greyhound Racing — closing 17th November . 🗓️ Special guest Honi Rawlings , a former on-track vet nurse, opens up about her confronting experiences inside the industry - from the emotional toll of euthanising injured dogs 💔 to the joy of adopting her own greyhounds 🐾. Whether you're a long-time advocate or just learning about the issue, this episode is a heartfelt reminder of why your voice matters. 🗣️ 🎧 Tune in for honest conversations, emotional stories, and real advocacy in action! 👉 Submissions close 17th Nov — don’t miss your chance to speak up for the dogs. SUBMIT HERE! https://www.freethehounds.com.au/wa-government-inquiry-into-greyhound-racing/

Artist Elliott Fox joins Matt and Mel to discuss his powerful exhibition, Saint Grey - a breathtaking tribute to greyhounds and a call for compassion through art. 🎨🐕 Elliott shares how his muse, rescue greyhound Adam Barker , inspired him to create Saint Grey , a life-size sculpture with angelic wings symbolising hope, protection, and the spirit of every dog who’s ever needed saving. 🕊️ Together they explore how art can move hearts, shift perspectives, and give a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves. 💫 🗓️ Saint Grey comes to Perth — January 13–21, 2026. 🎨 Learn more at elliottfox.art 🐾 Proudly sponsored by Henry Houndwear, find your hound's fashion at henryhoundwear.com #SaintGrey #ElliottFox #TalkingCouchPotatoes #GreyhoundLove #ArtForChange #FreeTheHounds

This episode, we’re diving headfirst into the WA Greyhound Racing Inquiry 🐕 Join Matt & Mel as they unpack what this monumental inquiry means for greyhounds in WA and how YOU can get involved before November 17th 🗓️ https://freethehounds.us21.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d87f42ca4948157c6be5559a1&id=07c947f9e1 ✨ Special guest Fran Chambers, founder of Let Greyhounds Run Free , joins us from Tasmania to share how her team helped push for the defunding of greyhound racing there 🙌 proof that people power works! 💬 Expect passionate advocacy, inspiring insights, a few giggles 😂, and plenty of greyhound love 🐾 💙 Proudly sponsored by Henry Houndwear 🐶✨ What all the best dressed hounds are wearing! https://henryhoundwear.com.au/ #TalkingCouchPotatoes #FreeTheHounds #LetGreyhoundsRunFree #GreyhoundRacingInquiryWA