A Favor for Freddie

We delve into what horror might look like with the influence of Covid19, how horror is communal and their must see's for spooky season. Since part 1 of Freddie gets Fright Schooled, I have watched, appreciated, understood and just plain enjoyed the roller coaster ride that  'Horror' takes you on, we are on a 'Horror' movie kick right now with it culminating, for now,  in the original Halloween tonight (10/31/2020). Thanks to the boys from Fright School for expanding my mind, check out their podcast, you won't be sorry.

We get horror movie enlightened with the 'spooky kooks' from the podcast Fright School, Joshua Napier and Joe Fejeran, on part one of our two part Halloween special.

This week, I spoke to a few of Freddie's Friends to get their perspective on how life has been amidst the pandemic and how having pets has provided love and comfort during this time of social isolation.*names have been omitted as to protect their identity.

In part 2 of our conversation with founder of Grey Muzzle Manor, Marcy Tocker, we discuss more of the amazing programs incorporated within the foundation and where this passion to help, stems from.

Grey Muzzle Manor,  is the feature of this two part episode and we have the good fortune to speak to the founder Marcy Tocker about her foundation which provides a sanctuary for senior animals, provide hospice care and adoption services, and community outreach programs to assist senior pets from entering the shelter system.

Animal Chiropractor Amanda Kremer teaches us the importance of spine health and upkeep on a part of your body that you don't often think about, yet it protects the spinal cord that connects your brain with the rest of the body. Also, llamas!

This week, I speak with Trish Boaz, the Executive Director of the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy she talks about the trail that led her to where she is, the mission of the conservancy, their efforts to acquire lands and restore habitats, what can we do to help and preserve our environment, and so much more.

On todays episode we hear a story not often talked about, one most women who have experienced, don't share. The grief and emotional pain that comes with the finality of losing a piece of yourself, and the gift of redefining what it means to be a woman in the shadow of societies standards.

On this episode I had the opportunity to speak with Michele Wayland, Supervisor of the prison-trained K9 companion program in Colorado that was started in 2002, "saving humans through saving dogs." 

This week, I spoke with Dr. Sean Delaney, Veterinary Nutritionist and founder of Davis Veterinary Medical Consulting. He speaks on the intricacies and depths of pet nutrition and gives us a tool, his creation, 'Balance It' to help understand and properly fortify your specific pets needs.

On this heart expanding episode, we talk with Hope Shapiro Mackey about the heartbreak, breakthroughs and ultimate joy that she and her husband endured going through the foster to adopt program.

On this episode, we speak with the fantastic Dr. Glenn Brigden, veterinary dentist about proper upkeep for your pets dental well being, concerns for aging pets and pets with health issues. We also find out that sometimes a simple question can lead to big smiles. 

My guest for episode 15 is the notable Justin Hudnall, Executive Director of San Diego's So Say we All, a literary and performing arts non-profit platform dedicated to helping individuals give voice to their stories.

This week we speak with the incredible Heart Doctor, Dr. Carley Saelinger about the physiological functions of the heart and all the intricacies of this organ. We learn about the symptoms, causes and medications for different diseases and more specifically about Pulmonary Hypertension, the one that stole our heart, Freddie. 

On episode 13 we hear from former San Diego news anchor about her transition to working with the Alzheimer's Association when her best friend, her mom was diagnosed with the debilitating disease.

On episode 12, I have the extreme pleasure of speaking with Veterinary Ophthalmologist, Dr. Todd Strubbe. Listen as we delve into the world of optics.

On this episode, we listen to four teachers discuss the realities of education during the pandemic and the stark expectations placed upon them as they face returning to the classroom.

On July 8th, our dear boy would have turned 14. Though our hearts are incredibly heavy, we want to celebrate a day that brought a love like no other. 

On this episode I feature two front-line workers who might be behind the scenes, but they are crucial first responders, not only during these unprecedented times of Covid-19 but every day.

In this episode, we get to meet dads through their kids and hear some memorable moments they had with them.

On our Pride episode, I introduce you to two wonderful woman, who share their stories of overcoming, becoming, and succeeding. We also get a glimpse into life with a severely traumatized dog from the Korean meat trade and how patience, love and acceptance can make a difference in even the most downtrodden soul.

This week, we dip our toes into whether black dogs and black cats are less likely to be adopted and the reasons behind them.

Due to the world being in desperate need of a little bit of kindness we are posting our guest from last weeks Memorial Day episode, Ron Aiello, Vietnam Veteran and Co-founder of the US War Dog Associations answers to my 3 kindness questions.

On this very special Memorial Day episode, I speak with Ron Aiello, Vietnam Veteran and President and Co-Founder of the United States War Dog Association and Keri Giannotti, Museum Educator at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation and High School Teacher about their purpose honoring Military Service Dogs and educating the public of their invaluable service to our country.

On this episode, I speak with retired San Diego K9 Officer, Tony Zeljeznak about life on and after the force. We also discuss the dire need for being an organ donor and the importance it plays in his life. And where he believes is a treasure, not often visited, in the United States. I also ask a few of Freddie's Friends, what is one thing they think everyone should do/experience at least once in their lives.

It's so perfect that the word kids, is in the word kindness. They are its true root. In this weeks episode, I had the pleasure of exploring their take on the topic. 

In Episode 3, we speak with Psychotherapist, Marina Resa on navigating the grief associated with pet loss. http://www.marinaresatherapy.com/https://www.aplb.org/

While episode 3 is in the works, I wanted to tell you a little bit about how A Favor for Freddie came to be.

My guest, Master Teaching Artist at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, CA., James Pillar and I discuss Shakespeare, Sukhi and struggling with 'accomplishments' in the time of Covid. And I ask some of Freddie's friends, what have you always wanted to do, but haven't quite gotten around to.

In this, our inceptive episode, you will hear from the acutely knowledgeable Veterinarian, Dr. Lucinda Hodges. And, I ask some friends of Freddie's what made them smile this week.