Desmond's Army Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.

Desmond's Army Podcast

Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates

Kids & Family

News

Frequency: 1 episode/17d. Total Eps: 5

Join the fight for the voiceless with the Desmond's Army Podcast @DesmondsPodcast - produced by Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates—a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Connecticut. Guided by our motto #SpeakingForTheVoiceless, we shine a spotlight on the harsh realities of animal abuse and its proven links to domestic violence and broader societal harm. Each episode delivers powerful education, in-depth updates on criminal cases involving animal abusers, and unwavering advocacy for justice and accountability. Whether you're an animal lover, a concerned citizen, or someone passionate about breaking cycles of violence, this podcast empowers you to make a difference. We are streaming on-demand 24/7 on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Please LIKE, SHARE, COMMENT, SUBCRIBE and contact us at desmondspodcast@gmail.com !

Read moreCollapse

Site

RSS

Apple

Data updated on 14/07/2026

Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

No recent rankings available

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.

See all

https://open.spotify.com/show/3x5sBMmMa1YefZJIqLEbqe?si=94858bc49ae747df
2 shares

https://www.desmondsarmy.org/
2 shares

RSS feed quality and score

Technical evaluation of the podcast's RSS feed quality and structure.

See all

RSS feed quality

To improve

Score global : 63%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

Year

Latest published episodes

Recent episodes with titles, durations, and descriptions.

See all

The Smolak Case

Season 1 · Episode 5

Friday, February 13, 2026 • Duration 46:00

In this episode of the Desmond's Army podcast, hosts Matt Caron and Zilla Cannamela discuss the complex and troubling case of Sarah Smolak, an individual charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty. The conversation delves into the rescue of a dog named Marshmallow, the subsequent investigation, and the broader implications for animal welfare and rescue practices. Michele Walsh from AMA Animal Rescue shares insights into the case, the challenges faced, and the ongoing efforts to ensure justice for the animals involved. The episode highlights the importance of community advocacy and the need for stricter oversight in animal rescue operations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Desmond's Army Podcast
04:35 Marshmallow's Journey and Adoption
07:51 Communication Breakdown and Concerns
12:46 Community Response and Investigations
16:13 The Horrors Uncovered
17:41 Understanding the Mind of an Abuser
19:24 The Autopsy Revelation
20:05 David Reid's Connection
21:05 The Layered Charges Against Smolak
21:45 Conditions of the Seized Dogs
22:57 New Victims Emerge
24:18 Complexities of the Case
26:42 The Civil Case Against Smolak
27:24 Continued Cruelty Allegations
28:20 Violations of Release Conditions
31:40 Fostering Controversies
35:13 The Role of the Town
36:01 The Psychological Control of Abusers
39:52 Lessons Learned by AMA Animal Rescue
43:48 Next Steps in the Case

Read moreCollapse

The Data

Season 1 · Episode 4

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 • Duration 46:28

In this episode of the Desmond's Army podcast, host Matt Caron is joined by Zilla Canamella, the president of Desmond's Army, and attorney advocate Joyce Glass. They discuss the ongoing efforts in animal advocacy, particularly focusing on the implications of Desmond's Law, which aims to protect animals from cruelty and neglect. The conversation highlights the importance of data in understanding the effectiveness of the law, as well as the challenges faced by attorney advocates in navigating the legal system. Joyce shares insights from a recent study conducted by Desmond's Army, revealing alarming statistics about animal cruelty cases in Connecticut, including the prevalence of misdemeanors over felonies and the link between animal abuse and domestic violence.

Read moreCollapse

The Cases

Season 1 · Episode 3

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 • Duration 45:09

In this episode 🎙️ of the Desmond's Army Podcast 🐾, host Matt Caron and Vice President Linda Pleva discuss various cases of animal cruelty and neglect, highlighting the urgent need for legislative changes in Connecticut ⚖️. They cover specific cases, including the abandonment of dogs Eeyore and Piglet, the opening of a controversial retail pet shop 🚫, and the tragic stories of Bambi and Bear, who suffered from starvation and neglect💔. The conversation emphasizes the importance of advocacy and community involvement.

00:00 Introduction to Desmond's Army Podcast 02:03 Case Review: Eeyore and Piglet 07:46 The Impact of Retail Pet Shops 16:06 Justice for Bambi 24:02 The Tragedy of Bear's Starvation 27:06 The Responsibility of Pet Owners 29:15 The Sarah Smolak Case: A Foster's Perspective 33:36 The Impact of Animal Cruelty on Children 39:23 The Need for an Animal Abuser Registry 42:00 The Link Between Animal Cruelty and Domestic Violence 48:02 Advocating for Stronger Animal Welfare Laws

Read moreCollapse

The Link

Season 1 · Episode 2

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 • Duration 01:01:01

In this episode of the Desmond's Army podcast, President Zilla Cannamela, Vice President Linda Pleva and Host Matt Caron engage in a profound discussion with Phil Arkow, a leading figure in animal welfare. They explore the critical link between animal cruelty and domestic violence, emphasizing the need for legislative reforms, education, and collaboration among various agencies. Personal stories highlight the emotional impact of these issues, while the conversation also addresses the challenges faced in the legal system regarding accountability for animal cruelty. The episode concludes with a call to action for more pet-friendly shelters and increased awareness of these interconnected issues.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Desmond's Army Podcast
02:45 The Link Between Animal Cruelty and Domestic Violence
05:38 Legislation and Pet Protection Orders
08:40 Phil Arkow's Journey in Animal Welfare
11:39 Understanding the Link: Research and Findings
14:41 Challenges in the Legal System
17:20 Rehabilitation vs. Incarceration
20:26 Breaking the Cycle of Reoffending
23:33 Enforcement of Animal Cruelty Laws
25:29 Navigating Legislative Challenges for Animal Welfare
27:44 Understanding the Link Between Domestic Violence and Animal Abuse
31:33 The Importance of Pet-Friendly Shelters
34:26 Best Practices in Animal Welfare Legislation
37:08 The Complexity of Reporting Animal Cruelty
40:41 Personal Stories: The Impact of Domestic Violence
44:29 Educating Legislators on the Human-Animal Bond
45:04 The Power of Impact Statements
45:40 The Importance of Education in Animal Welfare
46:41 Rising Trends in Animal Cruelty
48:38 Lack of Accountability in Animal Cruelty Cases
50:38 The Judicial System's Role in Animal Welfare
54:33 Collaboration for Better Outcomes in Animal Protection
57:29 The Need for Education and Awareness
01:00:20 Community Engagement and Fundraising Efforts

PODCAST LINKS

FACEBOOK:

The Beginning

Season 1 · Episode 1

Monday, December 8, 2025 • Duration 42:19

Welcome to the Desmond's Army Podcast @DesmondsPodcast. This is Episode 1 featuring Desmond's Army President and Co-Founder Zilla Cannamela. We are discussing Desmond's Law, the beginnings of how Desmond's Army was formed, and all about our mission to keep #SpeekingForTheVoiceless. Please, LIKE, SHARE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE and contact us at desmondspodcast@gmail.com.

Read moreCollapse

Desmond's Army Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Desmond's Army Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Youtube3

Spotify1

Other1

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Youtube3

Spotify1

Other1