Talking Couch Potatoes – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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/⁠

Our guest this episode is Aislinn, a Veterinary Nurse, who introduces us to her hound Bertie, discusses the common issue of dental health and the interesting topic of greyhounds as universal blood donors.

Mel also addresses the email response from the Western Australian Racing and Gaming Minister, Paul Papalia, to our recent email blitz; once again pointing out the fallacies and misinformation provided by the WA Racing and Wagering department to justify the deaths and track safety in WA.

Details here for the Sandgroper Protest at Cannington Track https://fb.me/e/3N6P40j8v

Click this link to sign our petition if you are a WA resident https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/Parliament/LCePetitions.nsf/($All)/B0E44E4103D9D08C48258AC100256186?opendocument

See the lovely Ded Bets Runaway music video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQZF0eOqdFY

Our guest this episode is Sebastian Broadhurst, an economist that has investigated the methods and data used by the consulting firm IER; used by various racing bodies for their economic reports to government, including Racing and Wagering WA.

Termed as 'fluff pieces' these reports use bad methodology and at times non-existent data to glorify the economic benefit of the racing industry in Australia. Join us as Sebastian unveils the truth behind the reports and the danger of using such methods to inform government decision making.

Read Sebastian's report here https://www.freethehounds.com.au/economists-review-of-the-ier-report-2/

Sign our petition here https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/Parliament/LCePetitions.nsf/($All)/B0E44E4103D9D08C48258AC100256186?opendocument

Find the IER 83-page report here https://www.rwwa.com.au/about/corporate/corporate-reports/economic-social-impact-report/

In this episode, Matt and Mel dissect the 2024 Petition aiming to phase out greyhound racing in Western Australia. They break down the seven key points of the petition, ranging from welfare reform to the proposed three-year phase-out plan.

Exploring the topic from diverse perspectives, they also delve into recent events like the Perth heatwave and scrutinize the latest injury statistics from Racing and Wagering WA, pointing out questionable and misleading data.

Tune in as they navigate the complexities so you too can feel informed as you advocate for these beloved hounds.

Sign and share the petition here https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/Parliament/LCePetitions.nsf/($All)/B0E44E4103D9D08C48258AC100256186?opendocument

Join our hosts as they travel to the first national Greyhound Protection Workshop in Melbourne, where passionate advocates from across Australia convened to champion the changes needed to end greyhound racing. In this episode, we delve into the stories and perspectives of those driving the movement forward. Hear from experts, spokespeople and politicians as they share their insights, challenges and hopes for a brighter future for greyhounds in Australia.

Thanks to Free The Hounds, The Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, and Blue The Grey for driving this powerful meeting of minds to create change.

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

https://greyhoundcoalition.com/

https://www.bluethegrey.org/

In this episode, Matt and Mel interview Andrea Pollard, the President of the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG), a prominent national advocacy group in Australia. The discussion delves into the grim realities surrounding greyhound racing nation-wide, provides data-driven insights into the extent of the problems, and highlights the urgent need for advocacy and reform within the industry.

They explore the future for greyhounds, emphasizing the importance of collective action and legislative measures to ensure the welfare and protection of these beautiful animals.

With increased awareness of the ethical implications of greyhound racing, we hope listeners will be inspired to join the movement for change, guided by Andrea and our host's impassioned advocacy and commitment to justice for greyhounds.

Visit CPG's website here for further references and to sign up to volunteer

Visit Free The Hounds' website here

Sign the new WA Petition to End Greyhound Racing (WA residents only)

Sign up here to help us with our petition in Western Australia

Statistics, stewards reports and other references please find here

This episode, Matt and Mel interview Indy Davies, of Bad Publicity Co. Indy is the writer, director and producer of 'The Little Grey Film', a heartwarming short film starring many rescued greyhounds and their advocates around Australia.

Featuring the movie's soundtrack song, 'Runaway' by the Ded Bets.

Watch the trailer https://youtu.be/rZsMTc0KWmw?si=3ZYiFvbicmg2nPO3

Watch Indy's original short about beautiful Georgie https://youtu.be/xWUwojxP-tU?feature=shared

The Western Australian Government started the Greyhound Injury Recovery Scheme (GIFRS) in August 2019. Since then there's been almost a dog per week entered into the scheme.

This episode, Matt and Mel explore the Scheme, look at the data, and speak to a a greyhound adopter with a personal story about her lovely GIFRS hound, Charlotte.

See the Little Grey Film online https://thelittlegreyfilm.com/

Attend the Animal Rights Forum https://animalrightsforum.org/

Complete the FTH survey https://freethehounds.com.au/survey/

Check out the FTH website to see how you can get involved! www.freethehounds.com.au

Contact us on podcast@freethehounds.com.au

In this Xmas special, Eve West, Dog Behaviourist and Trainer, shares her wealth of knowledge about greyhound behaviors, offering insights into the nuances that make these dogs such a special breed. From their racing backgrounds to their life as couch potatoes, we explore the transition and adjustments these majestic dogs go through. As a Xmas treat, Matt strums and sings a special song he wrote dedicated to the hounds.

Learn more about Eve's service at https://trickydogtraining.com.au/