Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health

“What Does Effective Animal Advocacy Actually Look Like?” | S2 Ep 05

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

EPISODE SUMMARY
What if we didn't have to choose between saving human lives and ending animal suffering? Kathleen Conlee spent years inside a primate research facility before walking away and dedicating over 20 years to fighting for change. She brings a rare insider's perspective on what really happens in animal labs and explains how the science is advancing quickly, and ethics is a critical component of the discussion.

IN THIS EPISODE
- Kathleen's firsthand experience working inside a large primate breeding and research facility
- How monkeys were treated as products
- The illegal importation of wild-caught primates from overseas
- What happens when insiders raise concerns - how they are silenced
- The multi-billion dollar business built around animal research, from caging to restraint chairs
- Many researchers inside labs care, but feel trapped
- The emotional aftermath that hits after leaving the industry
- Why the choice between human health and animal welfare is a false one

KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Advancing human medicine and ending animal suffering are not competing goals. Better science can do both.
2. Animal research is a massive multibillion dollar industry with deep pocketed and well connected businesses profiting from the status quo
3. People inside labs who raise ethical concerns often face threats, intimidation, and accountability can be hard to achieve
4. The emotional burden of working in animal research is a heavy one
5. Public pressure on companies that fund animal testing remains one of the most powerful tools for change.

KEYWORDS
Kathleen Conlee, Humane World for Animals, animal research, primate testing, laboratory animals, animal welfare, animal testing alternatives, research ethics, whistleblower, non-human primates, animal advocacy, research reform, Dr. Johnny Lieberman, Puppies Pandemics and Public Health

Stewardship of Creation: How Factory Farming Challenges Catholic Values | S2 Ep.04

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

EPISODE SUMMARY
Ten billion land animals are farmed in the U.S. every year, and 99% of them live on factory farms. Kristin Dunn, founder of the Saint Francis Institute for Animals, explains why she believes Catholics have a moral obligation to confront this reality, and how faith can become a powerful force for animal protection.

IN THIS EPISODE
- The three numbers everyone should know: 10 billion, 99%, and double
- Why factory farming is not "the way it's always been" but a recent and rapidly growing system that causes so much harm to so many
- How Kristin went from "not an animal person" to founding a Catholic animal advocacy nonprofit
- Pope Francis's 2015 encyclical Laudato Si' and what it says about animals and stewardship
- The disconnect between Catholic values and current treatment of farmed animals-and how to rectify that
- Why awareness is the first step toward meaningful change

KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Factory farming has doubled in the last 35-40 years. This is not ancient history. It is a modern system that can be changed.
2. Most people, including many Catholics, simply do not know what happens inside factory farms. Education is the starting point.
3. Catholic teaching already calls for compassion toward animals. The work is not inventing new values but amplifying ones that already exist.
4. You do not have to be vegan or even vegetarian to start making choices that reduce animal suffering.
5. Everyone has something to contribute. Skills, ideas, and passion all matter in this work.

KEYWORDS
Kristin Dunn, Saint Francis Institute for Animals, Catholic animal advocacy, factory farming, Laudato Si', Pope Francis, animal welfare, faith and animals, stewardship, Catholic social teaching, farmed animals, plant-based, animal protection, Catholic ethics, food choices

Animal Welfare: Why Protecting Animals Means Protecting Ourselves | S2 Ep03

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

EPISODE SUMMARY

Fur farms still exist, and most people have no idea. Lesley Fox, Executive Director of The Fur-Bearers, explains why these facilities are a public health risk, an environmental hazard, and a drain on taxpayer dollars. If this industry didn't already exist, no one would argue for starting it now.

IN THIS EPISODE

- The origins of fur farming in 1800s Canada and how it spread globally as a get-rich-quick scheme

- How fur farms resemble actory farms and puppy mills in their confinement practices and negative externalities

- Why COVID brought new attention to fur farming's public health risks

- How taxpayer funding turns a "private" industry into a public concern

- Why NOW is the best time to take action to end mink farming

- Multiple entry points for advocates: animal welfare, environment, public health, workers' rights, or government accountability

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Fur farms are factory farms for fashion, cramming wild animals into small cages to produce a non-essential product.

2. When an industry receives public funding and creates public health risks, it stops being a private business matter.

3. The fur farming industry is weaker now than at any point in history, making this a winnable fight for advocates.

4. Tradition is not a justification for continuing harmful practices when new information shows the damage being done.

5. You don't have to care about animal welfare to oppose fur farming. Pick your issue: environment, workers, taxes, or disease.

KEYWORDS

Lesley Fox, The Fur-Bearers, fur farming, mink farms, animal welfare, public health, zoonotic disease, factory farming, wildlife protection, Canada, COVID, taxpayer funding, fashion fur trade, animal advocacy, environmental impact

Dogs in Labs: A Former Researcher on Why She Changed Sides | S2 Ep02

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

EPISODE SUMMARY

Dogs are still being used in medical research, and the science behind it is weaker than most people realize. Daria Bednarczyk, a former lab worker turned animal law advocate, joins Dr. Lieberman to unpack the outdated regulations, the ethical blind spots, and why better alternatives already exist but aren't being used.

IN THIS EPISODE

- Why dogs are still used in research despite being seen as pets by most people

- The emotional burnout researchers experience when working with lab animals

- How World War II era FDA regulations still dictate what counts as "gold standard" testing

- New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and why they're not being adopted faster

- The low translatability rate of animal testing to human outcomes

- Daria's personal journey from lab researcher to animal law advocate

- Why the system pays scientists to keep using animal models

- The disconnect between loving your pet at home and experimenting on animals at work

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Animal testing remains the default not because it works best, but because laws and regulations haven't caught up to current science, and researchers are still paid to perform experiments on animals.

2. New technologies can produce more human-relevant data than animal models, but adoption is blocked by outdated approval processes and a system set on maintaining the status quo.

3. Challenging long-held beliefs, especially ones tied to your identity or career, is uncomfortable but necessary for real change.

4. The conversation to move beyond animal research needs scientists, lawyers, animal advocates and the public at the same table.

KEYWORDS

Daria Bednarczyk, dogs in research, animal testing, lab animals, New Approach Methodologies, NAMs, FDA regulations, animal law, research ethics, translatability, animal advocacy, emotional burnout, alternatives to animal testing, public health

Inside Animal Research Labs: Where Dogs Live and Die for Bad Science | S2 Ep 01

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

EPISODE SUMMARY

Forty thousand dogs are used in research labs across the United States every year, and most people have no idea. Journalist Melanie Kaplan adopted a beagle named Hammy who spent nearly four years in a laboratory, and that relationship sent her on a five-year investigation into the hidden world of animal research. What she found challenges how we think about science, suffering, and the pets we love.

IN THIS EPISODE

- How Melanie adopted Hammy, a beagle with a tattoo in his ear and nearly four years of lab life behind him

- The dramatic drop from 500,000 dogs used annually in the 1960s to 40,000 today, and what that shift means

- Why mice and rats are excluded from Animal Welfare Act protections, leaving their numbers unknown but estimated at over 100 million

- The story of Marjorie, the dog credited with helping discover insulin, and the hundreds of unnamed dogs who died in the same experiments

- What daily life looks like for a dog in a research facility: confinement, no choices, no autonomy

- Why most lab animals are killed at the end of studies and how few make it to adoption

- The challenge of measuring whether animal research is actually worth the harm it causes

- How consumers, voters, and patients can make more informed decisions once they know the facts

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Most people assume dog experimentation ended decades ago. It did not.

2. The animals covered by federal welfare laws represent a tiny fraction of those actually used in research.

3. Measuring the benefit of animal research is nearly impossible because discoveries unfold over years or decades with no clear line from one animal to one outcome.

4. Simply knowing a single fact or meeting one former lab dog can change how someone votes, shops, or advocates.

5. The dogs who survive and get adopted are the rare exceptions, not the rule.

KEYWORDS

Melanie Kaplan, Lab Dog, beagle research, animal testing, laboratory animals, Animal Welfare Act, dog experimentation, Hammy, animal research ethics, insulin discovery, lab animal adoption, science journalism, animal welfare, research dogs, public health

Purpose Bred: The Dog Breeding Industry You've Never Heard Of | Ep. 27

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

EPISODE SUMMARY
Thousands of dogs are bred each year in facilities designed to supply laboratories with test subjects. Most people have no idea this mutibillion dollar industry exists. Animal advocates Ella Magers and Gretchen Primack are calling on ordinary people to join them to help end the purpose bred dog breeding industry.

IN THIS EPISODE
- The story of Jane, a beagle rescued from Ridglan Farms after spending her first 18 months in a wire cage
- How purpose-bred dog facilities operate 
- Learn how animal testing fails over 90% of the time, yet the industry still receives billions in federal funding
- The March to Abolish Animal Testing: a 15-day, 207-mile walk from Albany to Marshall Bioresources in September 2026
- What the march organizers are demanding from lawmakers and research institutions
- How two people with no event planning experience launched a national campaign
- Why taking action is the antidote to despair when facing massive systemic problems

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Over 90% of drugs that pass animal testing fail in human trials, yet the practice continues to receive billions in government funding.
3. The Ridglan Farms open rescue helped draw attention to the secretive industry of purpose bred dog breeding.
4. You don't need to be a professional organizer to make change. 

KEYWORDS
Ella Magers, Gretchen Primack, animal testing, beagle rescue, dog experimentation, March to Abolish Animal Testing, Marshall Bioresources, Ridgeland Farms, purpose-bred dogs, animal advocacy, lab animal welfare, research alternatives, Jane the beagle, animal rights, federal research funding

Where Do Pet Store Puppies Really Come From? | Ep. 26

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

EPISODE SUMMARY
Every puppy sold in a pet store or online has parents living in misery somewhere you'll never see. Lori Greenstone spent 15 years fighting to shut down the pipeline between puppy mills and pet stores in Colorado, and she finally won. This is the story of what puppy mills actually look like, why the industry stays hidden, and how a state-level law can save thousands of dogs from lives of suffering.

IN THIS EPISODE
- What a puppy mill actually is: factory farms for dogs with no vet care, no socialization, and no escape
- The hidden lives of breeding dogs who never touch grass, never see a toy, and are discarded when they can no longer produce
- How puppy mills connect directly to pet stores and online puppy sales
- Lori's path from "What's a puppy mill?" to leading a 15-year legislative campaign
- The federal Pups Bill and why state-level action became the real strategy
- Colorado's new law banning pet stores from selling puppy mill dogs and kittens
- Mill dog rescues and what recovery looks like for dogs who've never known kindness

KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. When you buy a puppy from a pet store or online, you are funding the suffering of the breeding dogs who live and die in puppy mills.
2. Puppy mills operate in the shadows on purpose, keeping consumers unaware of conditions that would horrify them.
3. Dogs rescued from mills often take years to recover, and some never learn to trust humans or understand basic comforts like grass or blankets.
4. State-level legislation can succeed where federal bills stall, and Colorado just proved it.
5. You can still find the puppy you want without supporting this industry.

KEYWORDS
Lori Greenstone, Colorado Voters for Animals, puppy mills, pet store puppies, animal welfare legislation, breeding dogs, mill dog rescue, Pups Bill, humane pet adoption, Colorado animal laws, commercial dog breeding, puppy mill reform, National Mill Dog Rescue

From Animal Researcher to Animal Advocate: One Scientist's Journey | Ep. 25

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

EPISODE SUMMARY
A biomedical scientist who spent 14 years experimenting on animals now runs Canada's first centre dedicated to replacing them. Dr. Charu Chandrasekera explains why the animal research you assume is necessary may not be, and what that means for the drugs you take.

IN THIS EPISODE
- How heart failure is artificially induced in dogs and rats through surgery, pacemakers, and arterial restriction
- The four primary methods used to create disease in lab animals: surgical removal, chemical destruction, genetic modification, and dietary manipulation
- Why results from animal models often fail to translate to human treatments
- Dr. Chandrasekera's personal shift from cardiovascular animal researcher to advocate for human-based methods
- The difference between basic biomedical research and safety testing in animal use
- How the culture of science pressures researchers to validate human data using animal models
- What it means that animal experiments taught us the limits of animal experiments

KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Every animal experiment labeled "necessary" by ethics boards and peer reviewers is not automatically necessary. The approval process does not guarantee scientific value.
2. Animal models of disease are artificially induced, which means researchers are studying a manufactured condition, not the same disease process that develops naturally in humans.
3. The technologies available in 2025 are not the technologies of 1921. The argument that we needed animals to discover insulin does not mean we need them now.
4. Acknowledging the historical contributions of animal research and acknowledging its colossal limitations are not contradictory positions.
5. The scientific culture itself, not just individual researchers, drives continued animal use through funding structures, validation requirements, and training norms.

KEYWORDS
Dr. Charu Chandrasekera, animal testing, animal research alternatives, Canadian Centre for Alternatives to Animal Methods, heart failure research, drug development, translational research, biomedical ethics, lab animals, human-based methods, cardiovascular research, scientific culture, research regulation

Good Intentions, Permanent Harm. Rethinking How We Care for Pets | Ep24

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

EPISODE SUMMARY
Most people who bring pets into their homes consider them family. But some of the choices we make, from where we get our animals to procedures we assume are harmless, cause real suffering. Megan Senatori breaks down what cat declawing actually does to cats, why pet stores are a problem, and how the law is starting to catch up with what the science already knows.

IN THIS EPISODE
- What cat declawing really involves and why it's not like trimming nails
- Long-term consequences of declawing, including chronic pain, biting, and litter box avoidance
- How declawing can lead to pet surrenders and shelter overcrowding
- The eight states that have banned cosmetic declawing
- Why landlords requiring declawing is a policy problem, and Delaware's response
- The hidden cost of buying pets from pet stores and supporting puppy mills
- How well-meaning people cause harm through lack of information
- The role of veterinarians in perpetuating or preventing these procedures

KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Cat declawing is amputation at the first knuckle, not a nail trim, and it causes lifelong pain and behavioral problems.
2. Where you get your pet matters. Buying from pet stores often supports puppy and kitten mills.
3. Laws banning harmful cosmetic procedures are growing, with eight states now prohibiting non-therapeutic declawing.
4. Landlord policies requiring declawing push pet owners into harming their animals, and only one state has addressed this.
5. Loving your pet like family means making informed choices, even when vets or landlords suggest otherwise.

KEYWORDS
Megan Senatori, cat declawing, animal law, Lewis & Clark Law School, companion animal welfare, puppy mills, pet store regulations, veterinary ethics, animal protection, tail docking, ear cropping, shelter surrenders, pet ownership, animal cruelty laws, Center for Animal Law Studies

Animal Testing: The Science Has Changed. Has the Public? | Ep23

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

EPISODE SUMMARY
For 40 years, governments have quietly acknowledged that animal testing often fails to predict what medicines will do to humans. So why does the public still believe it's the gold standard? Jeffrey Brown, an epidemiologist who advises on animal-free testing methods, explains why the science has moved on, even if the narrative hasn't.

IN THIS EPISODE
- Why animal testing results often don't translate to human safety outcomes
- The 1986 European Union directive that called for moving away from animal methods
- How basic cell and molecular biology research differs from regulatory safety testing
- The latest EU data showing animal use in research is declining
- What the FDA and other regulatory agencies actually need from safety testing
- How to evaluate conflicting messages from research institutions and advocacy groups
- The gap between public perception of animal testing and what scientists know

KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Animal testing is not the reliable safety check most people assume it is, and scientists who work in regulatory affairs know this.
2. The European Union has tracked animal use in research for decades, and the numbers keep dropping as better methods take hold.
3. Moving away from animal testing is not just an ethical position. It is a scientific one, backed by 40 years of regulatory policy.
4. When governments and drug approval agencies push for non-animal methods, they are trying to get more accurate data, not less.
5. You do not have to be an expert to ask better questions about where safety data comes from.

KEYWORDS
Jeffrey Brown, animal testing, non-animal methods, FDA, drug safety, epidemiology, cell biology, medical device testing, European Union animal research policy, regulatory science, public health, animal-free research, toxicity testing, Science Consortium

Factory Farming Is Polluting America’s Water and Nobody’s Stopping It | Ep22

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

EPISODE SUMMARY

Factory farming produces 98% of the meat Americans eat, and its environmental damage runs far deeper than most people realize. Ken Swensen, founder of Inside Animal Ag, breaks down how industrial animal agriculture has become the primary driver of water pollution in the United States, contaminating drinking wells, killing aquatic life, and creating dead zones in our oceans.

IN THIS EPISODE

- Why 98% of animal products in the U.S. come from factory farms, despite misleading packaging

- How concentrated manure and fertilizer runoff cause nutrient pollution in waterways

- The link between factory farming and the Gulf of Mexico dead zone

- Nitrate contamination in private wells and why 1.5 million Americans drink unsafe water

- Health effects of nitrate exposure, including blue baby syndrome, cancer, and birth defects

- Agricultural exceptionalism and why regulators look the other way

- How meat labels deceive consumers into thinking they're buying humane products

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Factory farming is the primary cause of water pollution in the United States, driven by excess manure and fertilizer from feed crops.

2. Even nitrate levels at half the EPA's legal limit can cause serious health problems, including cancer and birth defects.

3. Most consumers believe they're avoiding factory farm products, but deceptive labeling keeps them in the dark.

4. Aquatic species are the most threatened animals in the U.S., largely because of nutrient pollution from industrial agriculture.

5. The health and environmental costs of factory farming are quietly transferred from corporations to rural communities who never agreed to bear them.

KEYWORDS

Ken Swensen, Inside Animal Ag, factory farming, industrial animal agriculture, water pollution, nutrient pollution, nitrates in drinking water, Gulf of Mexico dead zone, manure runoff, feed crops, agricultural exceptionalism, food labeling, public health, environmental health, rural communities

Behind the Label: How Industries Shape What We Believe About Animals | Ep21

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Dr. Johnny Lieberman talks with Ashley Frohnert, Director of Social Media at PETA, about humane-washing, consumer psychology, and the hidden realities behind products marketed as ethical, humane, or compassionate. From her childhood in 4-H to leading one of the world’s most influential animal advocacy social media teams, Ashley shares how questioning deeply held beliefs can lead to unexpected discoveries about animals, industry, and ourselves.

Humane Washing: The Labels Consumers Trust and the Truth Behind Them with Amber Canavan | Ep20

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 27 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Amber Canavan joins Dr. Johnny Lieberman to discuss humane washing, the marketing tactics used to make industrial animal agriculture appear ethical and compassionate. Together, they explore consumer psychology, public perception, animal advocacy, and the growing role of social media in exposing hidden realities behind food labeling and animal welfare claims.

Why Animal Testing Is a Broken System and What's Replacing It with Mackensey Alexander | Ep19

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 13 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

What if the biggest obstacle to curing Alzheimer's, ALS, and cancer isn't funding or effort, but the model we've been using for 2,000 years? Mackensey Alexander, bioethicist and law student at Lewis & Clark, makes the case that animal testing isn't just ethically wrong, it's scientifically broken. With a 90% failure rate in translating results to humans and $23 billion in taxpayer dollars spent annually on animal models, Mackensey and Dr. Lieberman break down the growing field of New Approach Methods (NAMs), from tumor organoids to organ-on-a-chip technology, and why the science of the future is already here. Plus: what's happening right now in Washington D.C. that could change everything.

Making Your Voice Heard: Public Comments, Rulemaking, and Animal Welfare with Nicole Wood | Ep 15

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 07:05:00 GMT

What if you could directly shape the rules that govern factory farming, environmental protections, and more without ever running for office?

In this eye-opening episode of Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, host Dr. Johnny Lieberman talks with Nicole Wood, a second-year law student at Lewis & Clark Law School focused on animal law and industrial agriculture reform. Nicole explains the rulemaking process, where agencies turn broad laws into enforceable details, and how anyone can submit public comments during open periods to make their perspective count.

Drawing from their own journey from growing up around family farms to becoming a vegan advocate and active commenter on issues like feedlot pollution Nicole demystifies terms like "humane washing" and "greenwashing," exposes misleading industry labels, and offers practical steps: using regulations.gov and federalregister.gov, crafting persuasive comments with personal testimony and facts, and even building records for future legal challenges.

Whether you're passionate about animal rights, the environment, public health, or any regulated issue, this episode empowers you to move beyond frustration and into action balancing industry influence with your voice as a consumer, parent, or concerned citizen.

Top 3 Takeaways:

Public Comment Periods Are Open to Everyone When agencies propose or update rules (under laws they've been tasked to implement), they must open a notice-and-comment period anyone can submit input via regulations.gov. No expertise or direct impact required; your perspective adds visibility and can influence outcomes.
Persuasive Comments Combine Personal Testimony and Facts Start with who you are and why the issue matters to you (e.g., as a consumer or parent), then back it up with evidence, studies, or corrections to agency claims. Agencies review and often respond to comments in groups when finalizing rules; strong, fact-based input carries real weight.
"Humane Washing" and "Greenwashing" Exploit Consumer Values Labels like "cage-free" or "climate-friendly" often mislead chickens may still be overcrowded and stressed, or companies claim net-zero goals without plans or tech to achieve them (as in Tyson's settled case). Research beyond marketing; public comments help challenge these gaps in regulation.

About the Guest:

Nicole Wood is a second year JD student at Lewis & Clark Law School, specializing in animal law with a focus on challenging industrial animal agriculture through regulatory advocacy, consumer protection, and environmental law. A longtime vegan advocate, Nicole serves as Symposium Editor for the Animal Law Review, External Projects Chair for the Animal Legal Defense Fund student chapter, and has contributed to public comments on issues like feedlot pollution permits. Their pre-law experience in financial compliance sharpened their eye for regulatory gaps, driving their commitment to corporate transparency and animal protection. Nicole is a 2025-26 Law Scholars for Change recipient for their dedication to farmed animal advocacy.

Websites:

ALDF: Animal Rights and Welfare : https://aldf.org/article/take-action/
Food and Water Watch: Clean Water, Climate Change, Wildlife Protection, Fighting Factory Farms: https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/get-involved/
Center for Food Safety: Pesticides, Clean Water, Fighting Factory Farms, Wildlife Protection: https://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/policy-comments
New comment opportunities in press releases: https://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/news
Brooks Institute: Animal Rights and Welfare : https://thebrooksinstitute.org/subscribe

About the Show:

Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health explores the intersection of animal welfare, public policy, and human health. Hosted by Dr. Johnny Lieberman, each episode invites changemakers, legal experts, and health advocates to shed light on what really impacts our communities—and what we can do about it.

About the Host:

Dr. Johnny Lieberman is a physician, public health advocate, and lifelong animal lover with a passion for connecting the dots between animal welfare, human behavior, and the systems that shape our lives. With a background in both medicine and public health policy, Johnny brings a unique lens to conversations about how our treatment of animals impacts human health, the environment, and social justice.

In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies).

Whether he's discussing legislative loopholes or snuggling his rescue dog between recordings, Dr. Lieberman believes that creating a healthier world starts with how we treat its most vulnerable beings.

Connect with Dr. Johnny Lieberman

Email: John@johnliebermanmd.com

Beyond the Pet Store: Tips for Finding a Healthy Dog with Koli Walker | Ep3

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 07:05:00 GMT

What if the adorable puppy you’re eyeing came from a life of unimaginable suffering—and you could prevent it with a few simple checks?

In this episode of Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, host Dr. Johnny Lieberman chats with Koli Walker, manager at family-owned Healthy Pets Northwest in Portland, Oregon, about the hidden world of puppy mills and responsible dog breeding. Koli reveals how the first eight weeks of a puppy’s life shape its future health, from allergies to anxiety, and breaks down red flags like breeders who won’t let you meet the parents or facility.

From the horrors of commercial breeding operations to the power of “adopt, don’t shop,” they discuss why pet stores may still source from mills, the flaws in USDA oversight, and how choosing adoption saves lives—while touching on better nutrition for longer, healthier pet lives.

Whether you’re dreaming of a new furry family member or just love dogs, this episode arms you with the knowledge to make ethical, informed choices that prioritize animal welfare and public health.

Top 3 Takeaways:

The First Eight Weeks Are Critical for Lifelong Health
A puppy’s early life with its mother and littermates is essential for proper nutrition, socialization, and development. Removing them too soon leads to behavioral issues like severe anxiety and health problems like allergies or stunted growth—issues that can persist for life.
Spot Red Flags in Breeders to Avoid Puppy Mills
Beware if a breeder won’t let you visit the facility, meet the parents, or disclose litter history (e.g., a mom on her 8th+ litter signals overbreeding). Sponsored by big brands but inflexible on food? Another warning. Responsible breeders limit litters (3-5 max) and retire breeding dogs humanely.
Adopt, Don’t Shop—And Demand Transparency from Pet Stores
Shelters euthanize 600,000+ dogs and cats yearly due to overcrowding, while puppy mills profit from misery. Opt for adoption to save lives and avoid funding abuse. In pet stores, ask for breeder details; USDA certification isn’t a guarantee of humane treatment due to lax enforcement.

About the Guest – Koli Walker

Koli Walker - the inventory specialist for Healthy Pets Northwest and am part of the family that owns it. Every animal deserves a happy healthy life and we aim to help them achieve that.
Website: https://healthypetsnw.com

About the Show

About the Host

In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens—while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies).

Factory Farming’s Risks: Safeguard Your Health from Cancer and Antibiotics with Dr. Rajesh K. Reddy | Ep4

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 07:05:00 GMT

What if the milk and meat you buy are silently fueling cancer risks, antibiotic resistance, and the next pandemic?

In this compelling episode of Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, host Dr. Johnny Lieberman sits down with Dr. Rajesh K. Reddy, a professor and expert in public health, to uncover the dark side of factory farming. Dr. Reddy exposes how dairy cows endure violent artificial insemination and calf separation, while beef cattle live in filthy feedlots—both pumped with antibiotics that breed resistant bacteria. These practices not only harm animals but also raise your risk of cancer and infections like livestock-associated MRSA.

From choosing plant-based milks like oat or almond to cutting back on processed meats, Dr. Reddy offers practical ways to break this cycle. Whether you’re a parent, a health-conscious eater, or concerned about the environment, this episode will empower you to make choices that protect your family, animals, and the planet.

Top 3 Takeaways:

Factory Farming Fuels Antibiotic Resistance
Over 80% of U.S. antibiotics are used in livestock, often as “growth promoters” in cramped, unsanitary conditions. This breeds antibiotic-resistant bacteria like livestock-associated MRSA, which can infect workers, nearby communities, and consumers through contaminated meat.
Meat and Dairy Increase Cancer Risk
Processed and red meats (bacon, sausage, beef) are linked to higher cancer risk, per the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Living near factory farms also raises cancer risks, including leukemia and lymphoma, especially for children of workers or nearby residents.
Plant-Based Choices Are a Game-Changer
Opting for plant-based milks (soy, oat, almond) over dairy or reducing meat consumption can lower your health risks, reduce animal suffering, and combat environmental harm. Consumer demand drives change—your choices shape the market.

About the Guest – Dr. Rajesh K. Reddy

An Assistant Professor of Law, Rajesh K. Reddy directs the Animal Law Program at the Center for Animal Law Studies at Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon, where he teaches International Animal Law, Animal Legal Philosophy, and an emerging topics seminar dedicated to understanding and advancing the interest of insects. As part of his advocacy efforts, Rajesh also co-directs Lewis & Clark’s Animal Law Clinic. 🔗 Learn more about Dr. Reddy

About the Show

About the Host

In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens—while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies).

The Truth About Puppy Mills Pet Stores Don’t Want You to Know | Ep11

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 08:05:00 GMT

If you've ever considered buying a puppy from a pet store or online, this episode will change your perspective forever.

Dr. Johnny Lieberman sits down with seasoned undercover investigator Pete Paxton to uncover the grim realities of puppy mills, the massive breeding operations that supply pet stores with dogs raised in filth, neglect, and suffering. Pete shares firsthand accounts from over two decades of investigations, including wire cages piled with feces, dogs driven "cage crazy," and breeders who prioritize profit over welfare. The conversation exposes how pet stores mislead consumers with glossy ads and false claims of "reputable breeders," while USDA inspections often fail to enforce even basic standards due to inherent conflicts of interest.

Beyond the shock, Dr. Lieberman and Pete discuss the broader implications: the health risks to puppies (and buyers), the environmental ties to climate disasters increasing shelter overcrowding, and why adoption from shelters or fosters saves lives and provides better-matched, healthier pets. This episode empowers listeners to make compassionate choices, reject the "adopt don't shop" myths, and support real solutions like volunteering and fostering, without judgment, but with eye-opening facts.

Top 3 Takeaways

Adopt, Don't Shop: When seeking a new dog, prioritize adoption from shelters or foster-based rescues over pet stores or online sellers. This saves lives from overcrowded shelters, avoids supporting puppy mills' cruelty, and often provides healthier, better-socialized pets with known personalities. Research local options, visit, and match based on your lifestyle for a fulfilling bond.
Focus on Personality Over Breed: Ignore breed stereotypes when choosing a dog; emphasize personality traits that fit your family, like energy level or compatibility with kids/pets. Shelters assess and train dogs for better matches, reducing behavioral issues. Volunteer at rescues to observe firsthand, ensuring a happier, more suitable companion without fueling profit-driven breeding.
Volunteer or Foster to Help: Combat puppy mill cruelty by volunteering at shelters: walk dogs, assist with training, or foster temporarily to free space and prepare pets for adoption. This directly saves lives amid rising disasters displacing animals. Start small, contact local groups like Humane Society, and contribute time over money for ethical impact.

About the Guest:

Pete Paxton is the Director of Investigations at SEED (Strategies for Ethical and Environmental Development), where he leads animal cruelty investigations focused on factory farms and pollution. With over two decades of experience since 2001, Pete has gone undercover at puppy mills, pet stores, slaughterhouses, and commercial fishing operations. His work has been featured in HBO documentaries like Dealing Dogs and Death on a Factory Farm, as well as National Geographic's Animal Undercover. He is co-author of the book Rescue Dogs, which outlines solutions to animal exploitation.

Websites: ethicalstrategies.org, humaneworld.org, and capweb.org.

About the Show

About the Host

In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens—while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies).

Chickens Are Individuals: Inside the Hidden Costs of Industrial Egg Production | Ep9

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 09:05:00 GMT

What if the biggest problem with the egg industry isn’t just how chickens are housed—but how we’ve learned not to see them at all?

Dr. Johnny Lieberman welcomes Joyce Tischler, Professor of Law and co-founder of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, to unpack the realities of modern industrial egg production. Drawing from decades of legal work—and a recent personal experience rescuing chickens from a closing egg facility—Joyce explains how breeding, confinement, and misleading consumer labels obscure the profound suffering embedded in “cheap” animal products.

The conversation reframes chickens not as interchangeable units of production, but as individuals with personalities, social structures, and emotional responses—beings whose bodies have been genetically pushed beyond their limits to maximize output. Together, they challenge common assumptions about “organic,” “cage-free,” and “free-range” labels, exposing how little those terms actually improve animal welfare.

This episode invites listeners to question long-held narratives, confront cognitive dissonance around food choices, and consider small, realistic ways to reduce harm—whether by rethinking egg consumption, seeking local sources, or simply seeing farm animals more clearly for who they are.

Key Themes & Takeaways

Chickens are individuals with distinct personalities and behaviors
How selective breeding harms animals long before slaughter
Why “organic” and “cage-free” labels often mislead consumers
The physical toll of extreme egg production on hens
How factory farming depends on emotional and physical distancing
The role of cognitive dissonance in food choices
Why true humane egg production is rare—and hard to verify
Practical ways consumers can reduce harm without perfection

About the Guest

Joyce Tischler is a Professor of Law and co-founder of the Animal Legal Defense Fund. Her work focuses on animal law, industrial agriculture, and the legal systems that govern how animals are bred, raised, and commodified. Joyce has spent decades challenging factory farming practices and is currently co-authoring a first-of-its-kind casebook on industrial animal agriculture law.

About the Show

About the Host

In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens—while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies).

Inside Animal Research Labs: The Hidden Human and Animal Costs with Madeline Krasno | Ep12

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:05:00 GMT

What if the "necessary" animal research we rely on is breaking the people who conduct it?

In this episode of Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, host Dr. Johnny Lieberman speaks with Madeline Krasno, Executive Director of Justify and a former primate lab caretaker at UW Madison. Drawing from her two years caring for over 500 monkeys, preparing minimal "enrichment," administering meds, and witnessing daily stress and injuries. Madeline exposes the moral injury and compassion fatigue that plague lab workers. She shares how her experiences led to free speech lawsuits against UW Madison and the NIH, sparking national conversations on transparency. The discussion dives into systemic issues: stressed animals yielding unreliable data (with ~100% failure rates in human translation), lack of enforcement for violations, and the urgent need to shift toward animal-free technologies. Madeline also explains Justify's mission to support lab workers through confidential spaces, resources, and community-building to heal and advocate for change. This episode challenges assumptions about animal experimentation's validity and ethics, highlighting its links to human health, worker well-being, and public policy.

Top 3 Takeaways

Lab Workers Face Profound Psychological Harm: Caretakers in animal research endure moral injury and compassion fatigue from witnessing suffering, with little support, highlighting that humans, too, pay a heavy price in this system.
Animal Suffering in Labs Undermines Scientific Validity: Monkeys and other animals live in tiny cages under constant stress, leading to unreliable data; nearly 100% of experiments fail to translate to humans, questioning the necessity of such research.
Enforcement and Transparency Are Severely Lacking: Violations like injuries or poor conditions often go unpunished with just "slaps on the wrist," while whistleblowers face retaliation—calling for better oversight and a shift to ethical, non-animal methods.

About the Guest – Madeline Krasno

Madeline Krasno is a former primate lab worker turned advocate for compassion and transparency in science. Her successful free speech lawsuits against UW Madison and the NIH, featured in the Washington Post, sparked national dialogue about the hidden human and animal costs of experimentation.

Today, she is Executive Director and co-founder of Justify, a nonprofit creating space for current and former animal research professionals to process their experiences, reclaim their voices, and help build a more ethical, human-relevant future in science. Madeline holds a master's degree in Humane Education from Valparaiso University and a dual bachelor's degree in Zoology and Child Development from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her background spans animal care, wildlife rehabilitation, curriculum development, public speaking, outreach, and community building.

🔗 Read more about Madeline Krasno:

Website: https://whenwejustify.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinekrasno
Instagram: @justify.global

About the Show

About the Host:

In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens—while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies).

Cultivated Meat, Consumer Choice, and the Politics of Food with Hira Jaleel | Ep8

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 08:00:00 GMT

What happens when innovation collides with politics, fear, and entrenched industry power?

Dr. Johnny Lieberman welcomes Hira Jaleel—legal scholar and food systems researcher—to explore the rapidly evolving world of cultivated meat (also known as cell-cultured meat). Far from hype or sci‑fi fantasy, cultivated meat is positioned as one potential tool—not a silver bullet—for addressing the harms of industrial animal agriculture, including animal suffering, environmental pollution, and public health risks.

The conversation walks listeners through how cultivated meat is produced, why it eliminates many systemic risks of conventional meat production, and why eight U.S. states have moved to ban its sale altogether. Hira explains the regulatory framework, the massive subsidy imbalance favoring conventional meat, and the constitutional challenges now unfolding in courts.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Lieberman reframes the debate: not as “natural vs. unnatural,” but as a question of transparency, consumer sovereignty, and whether the public is being protected—or shielded from choice.

Key Themes & Takeaways

Why the U.S. food system is structurally broken—and what role industrial animal agriculture plays
What cultivated meat actually is (and common misconceptions)
The public health implications of conventional meat: zoonotic disease, antibiotics, and contamination
The true scale of subsidies propping up factory farming
Why state bans on cultivated meat may be unconstitutional
Consumer choice vs. agricultural protectionism
Why neutral, rigorous regulation matters more than political fear\

About the Guest – Hira Jaleel

Hira Jaleel is a legal scholar whose work focuses on food systems, animal law, and constitutional issues at the intersection of public policy and innovation. Her research examines how emerging food technologies—like cultivated meat—are regulated, challenged, and sometimes blocked by state and federal law. Hira brings a rigorous, non‑ideological lens to debates about consumer choice, competition, and the future of food.

About the Show

About the Host

In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens—while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies).

Rethinking Farmed Animal Welfare — Laws, Loopholes & What the Public Doesn’t Know | Ep7

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 05:45:00 GMT

What protections do farmed animals actually have in the United States?

As attorney and Farm Sanctuary General Counsel Cynthia Von Schlichten explains — far less than the public believes.

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Johnny Lieberman uncovers how federal laws governing farmed animals are filled with exclusions, loopholes, and industry-written exceptions that leave billions of chickens, pigs, cows, and turkeys without meaningful protection at any stage of their lives.

Cynthia breaks down:

Why 95%+ of animals slaughtered for food (birds) are excluded from the U.S. humane slaughter law
How the 28-Hour Law — the only federal transport protection — is rarely enforced and excludes entire species
Why mass-execution methods like Ventilation Shutdown Plus are not only legal, but paid for by taxpayers
How industry standards allow painful procedures like tail docking, beak removal, castration, and forced molting without anesthesia
Why government inspectors are being replaced with plant employees — and what that means for animals and food safety

This episode challenges the assumptions most people carry about animal agriculture and offers practical steps listeners can take to reduce harm — from supporting local farms to advocating for stronger laws.

Top 3 Takeaways

1. Most Farmed Animals Aren’t Protected by Federal Law

Chickens — who make up 95% of all animals slaughtered for food — are excluded from the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act.

2. Transport “Protections” Are Barely Enforced

The 28-Hour Law sounds humane, but in practice, animals routinely travel long distances without food, water, or rest.

3. Taxpayers Fund Mass-Kill Events

Ventilation Shutdown Plus — which kills animals through heat and suffocation — is legal, widely used, and heavily subsidized by government payments.

About the Guest – Cynthia Von Schlichten, LLM

Cynthia Von Schlichten is the Senior Manager of Legal Affairs for Farm Sanctuary, where she leads legal strategy on rescues, cruelty cases, and policy reform. A practicing attorney for over a decade, Cynthia has worked across the animal rights spectrum, including roles at the American Anti-Vivisection Society and Compassion in World Farming. She is an active member of the ABA’s Animal Law Committee and has drafted municipal legislation to protect animals.

For over 20 years, Cynthia has been a vegan and fierce advocate for animal rights, with a mission to give animals a voice in our legal system.

🔗 Read more about Cynthia

About the Show

About the Host

In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens—while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies).

Eyewitness to Cruelty Inside Factory Farms and Fish Hatcheries | Ep10

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 08:05:00 GMT

If you’ve ever trusted a label at the grocery store—cage-free, humane, organic—this episode will challenge everything you think you know.

Dr. Johnny Lieberman welcomes undercover investigator Erin Wing, who spent years working inside factory farms to document what the animal agriculture industry works aggressively to conceal. What Erin describes is not isolated abuse, but standard operating procedure: chickens packed by the tens of thousands into dark sheds filled with toxic ammonia fumes, dairy cows repeatedly impregnated, separated from their calves, beaten when their bodies give out, and salmon raised in overcrowded tanks swimming in their own waste while disease spreads unchecked.

This conversation moves beyond shock value. It confronts the deeper systems at play—how animals are reduced to units of production, how consumer labels are engineered to soothe guilt rather than reflect reality, and how emotional distance allows cruelty to become normalized.

Dr. Lieberman and Erin explore the moral cost of convenience, the public health implications of industrial farming, and the difficult but necessary role of undercover investigations in exposing truth. The episode doesn’t demand perfection—but it does insist on honesty, awareness, and informed choice.

Key Themes & Takeaways

What undercover investigations reveal when no one thinks they’re being watched
Why “humane,” “cage-free,” and “natural” labels often hide more than they reveal
The physical and emotional suffering built into industrial chicken, dairy, and fish farming
How dairy cows and their calves are systematically separated—and why it matters
The hidden public health risks of animals raised in filth and overcrowding
Why consumer ignorance is not accidental—but engineered
What informed choice really looks like when the truth is uncomfortable

About the Guest

Erin Wing is an undercover investigator and animal advocate with Animal Outlook. Erin has spent years working inside chicken farms, dairy operations, and salmon hatcheries to document conditions the animal agriculture industry works aggressively to keep hidden. Their investigations have helped expose systemic cruelty, inform legal advocacy, and empower consumers with truth.

To learn more about Erin’s work and ongoing investigations, visit animaloutlook.org.

About the Show

About the Host

In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens—while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies).

Dogs in Research: Taxpayer Funded Suffering and the Push for Human Relevant Science | Ep16

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:05:00 GMT

What if the animal research you thought was saving lives was actually driven more by money and outdated methods than real scientific progress?

In this powerful episode of Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, host Dr. Johnny Lieberman sits down with Jeremy Beckham, animal rights activist and third year law student at Lewis & Clark Law School. With over 20 years of advocacy experience including work with PETA, the Beagle Freedom Project, and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine Jeremy reveals how the multi-billion-dollar animal research industry is disconnected from actual patient outcomes.

From the shocking use of beagles in painful toxicity tests to the story of chimpanzees that led to a major policy shift, Jeremy explains why 92% of drugs that pass animal tests still fail in humans, how institutions prioritize grants and publications over results, and why non animal methods are often superior. He also shares hard-won victories, including campaigns that closed dog labs and shifted universities toward better science.

Whether you’re a dog lover, a physician, a scientist, or simply someone who wants medical research that actually works, this episode is a must listen wake up call about where your tax dollars are going and how we can demand better for both animals and human health.

Top 3 Takeaways:

Animal Research Is Driven by Money, Not Results Research universities and breeding companies profit from massive federal grants and animal sales, but the system is untethered from delivering new therapies or cures for patients. Careers are built on publications, not real world outcomes.
Most Drugs That Work in Animals Fail in Humans A shocking 92% of drugs deemed safe and effective in animal tests fail in human clinical trials. Meta analyses and real world examples like tobacco industry studies on beagles and monkeys show that animal data often misleads and delays progress.
Public Pressure and Sunlight Work Campaigns exposing labs (including undercover footage from facilities like Ridglan Farms) and policy wins like ending chimpanzee research and the FDA Modernization Act show that scrutiny, advocacy, and shifting funding toward human relevant methods can create real change.

About the Guest: Jeremy Beckham

Jeremy Beckham is a third year law student at Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon, and a dedicated animal rights activist with more than 20 years of experience. He has worked in various capacities for PETA’s laboratory investigations department, the Beagle Freedom Project (as Research Specialist), and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Jeremy has managed major campaigns against dog labs (including at Texas A&M and the University of Utah), helped pass state legislation requiring labs to offer dogs for adoption instead of euthanasia, and participated in numerous Freedom of Information Act efforts to expose lab practices.

He is passionate about using the law to advocate for better science and stronger protections for animals. After graduating, Jeremy plans to continue litigating on behalf of animal protection organizations and activists.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jsbeckham

About the Show:

About the Host:

Email: John@johnliebermanmd.com

Exposing Taxpayer-Funded Animal Experiments with Justin Goodman | Ep2

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 07:05:00 GMT

What if your taxes were funding billions in cruel, ineffective animal experiments with near-zero benefit to human health?

In this eye-opening episode of Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, host Dr. Johnny Lieberman talks with Justin Goodman, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy at White Coat Waste Project, about the hidden world of government-funded animal testing. With over 20 years in advocacy, Justin exposes how agencies like NIH, FDA, and DOD waste $20 billion annually on experiments that fail to translate to humans—often with 95% failure rates. From beagle vocal cord surgeries to primate sepsis tests and potential COVID origins in U.S.-funded Wuhan labs, Justin details campaigns that have shut down facilities and saved animals.

He emphasizes shifting to human-relevant research, adopting lab survivors, and using tools like FOIA to drive change. Whether you're concerned about ethics, public health, or fiscal waste, this episode uncovers why taxpayer accountability is key—and how you can help end the cycle.

Top 3 Takeaways

Government's Role in Animal Testing: Government Is the Biggest Funder of Animal Testing U.S. agencies like NIH and DOD spend $20 billion yearly on experiments—two-thirds of all U.S. animal testing—with failure rates up to 95%, yielding little human benefit.
Wasteful and Cruel Practices: Experiments Are Wasteful and Cruel From beagle toxicity tests to primate sepsis models, most fail to translate to humans; campaigns have exposed and shut down labs, highlighting ethical and fiscal issues.
Advocacy and Adoption for Change: Advocate for Change and Adoption Use FOIA for transparency, support laws for lab animal adoption, and push for human-relevant research to end waste and improve science.

About the Guest – Justin Goodman, MA

Justin Goodman is the Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy at non-profit government watchdog White Coat Waste. For more than 20 years, Justin has led high-profile, winning grassroots and lobbying campaigns to expose and end billions in wasteful and cruel taxpayer-funded experiments on dogs, cats, primates and other animals. Justin’s work has been covered by all major media outlets and awarded by the American Association of Political Consultants, LUSH Cosmetics, and others.

Website: https://www.whitecoatwaste.org

About the Show

About the Host

In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens—while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies).

My Origin Story: From Infectious Disease Doctor to Animal Advocate | Ep14

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:05:00 GMT

What happens when a life-changing bond with a dog reshapes your entire career?

In this intimate origin story episode of Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, host Dr. Johnny Lieberman opens up about his transformation from a thriving infectious disease physician in Colorado to a law student in Oregon focused on animal welfare. Drawing from over two decades in medicine, Johnny recounts how adopting his first dog, Celeste, ignited a passion for animal rights, leading him to confront issues like puppy mills, factory farming, and systemic flaws in healthcare.

From navigating personal loss and depression to volunteering against animal exploitation and rebooting his life during the COVID-19 surge, Johnny reveals the tipping points that shifted his focus to One Health, a framework connecting animal welfare, human health, and the environment. He also exposes healthcare industry pitfalls, like profit-driven decisions that deny care to high-risk patients.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, animal lover, or someone contemplating a career pivot, this episode inspires reflection on identity, compassion, and making systemic change for a better world.

Top 3 Takeaways:

The Power of the Human-Animal Bond: A deep connection with dogs like Celeste and Sienna can profoundly change your perspective, teaching presence, empathy, and the joys of rescue, while exposing hidden cruelties like puppy mills.
Healthcare's Hidden Conflicts: Profit motives in medicine, such as value-based purchasing systems, often prioritize hospital scores over patient needs, leading to denied surgeries for high-risk individuals and a broken system driving early retirements.
Embracing One Health for Systemic Change: Animal welfare, human health, and environmental management are interconnected; shifting careers to advocate in this space can leverage skills like medical expertise to reduce suffering and create a broader positive impact.

About the Show

About the Host

In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens—while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies).

Connect with Dr. Johnny Lieberman :

Email: John@johnliebermanmd.com

You Are What You Eat: One Health Plant Based Nutrition and How Your Food Choices Impact Others with Dr. Faraz Harsini | Ep13

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:05:00 GMT

What if your daily food choices could prevent pandemics, protect the planet, and end unnecessary animal suffering?

In this eye-opening episode of Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, host Dr. Johnny Lieberman chats with Dr. Faraz Harsini, a biomedical scientist and CEO of Allied Scholars for Animal Protection. With a background in cancer research, zoonotic diseases, and sustainable food systems, Dr. Harsini shares his journey from a meat-eating background to vegan advocacy, exposing the hidden costs of animal farming, from environmental destruction and public health risks to the ethical horrors of factory farming.

They dive into cognitive dissonance, the myth of "humane" animal products, and innovative solutions like cultivated meat that offer the same taste without the harm. Dr. Harsini emphasizes One Health: a way to live prosperously while respecting human, animal, and environmental well-being.

Whether you're a health enthusiast, environmentalist, or animal lover, this episode empowers you to make informed, compassionate choices that align with your values, and shows how small changes can create massive impact.

Top 3 Takeaways

One Health Connects Us All Human health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability are interconnected. We can thrive without harming animals or the planet by shifting to plant-based diets and sustainable alternatives.
Cognitive Dissonance in Food Choices Many people love animals but consume products from industries that exploit them. Recognizing this hypocrisy, often rooted in marketing and habit, can lead to ethical, healthier decisions.
Cultivated Meat: A Game-Changer Real meat grown from cells eliminates animal suffering, antibiotics, and environmental waste. It's a cruelty-free option that tastes the same, with massive potential for public health and sustainability.

About the Guest – Dr. Faraz Harsini, PhD

Dr. Faraz Harsini is a biomedical scientist and the Founder and CEO of Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP), a nonprofit that mentors students in animal advocacy, environmental protection, and public health. He also serves as a Senior Scientist in Bioprocessing at the Good Food Institute, focusing on cultivated meat. With a bachelor's in chemical engineering, a master's in biotechnology and cancer research, and a PhD in cell physiology and molecular biophysics, Dr. Harsini has worked on zoonotic diseases, pandemics, and sustainable food systems. A vegan for over a decade, he advocates for One Health and ethical living.

🔗 Read more about Dr. Harsini: https://farazharsini.com

About the Show

About the Host

In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens—while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies).

Rethinking Animal Testing — Innovation, Futility, and Hope with Dr. Zaher Nahle | Ep6

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 08:05:00 GMT

What if the research model we’ve trusted for nearly a century is holding back medical progress?

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Johnny Lieberman speaks with Dr. Zaher Nahle, former lab scientist turned policy innovator, about how outdated animal testing continues to waste billions in taxpayer dollars, delay life-saving treatments, and perpetuate unnecessary suffering.

Dr. Nahle shares his personal journey from leading animal-based studies to realizing their futility—highlighting the shocking 95% clinical failure rate for drugs that pass animal trials. Together, they unpack why this system persists, the political and financial barriers to change, and how non-animal testing methods (NAMs) are transforming drug development.

From AI modeling and organ-on-a-chip technology to the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, this episode reveals a hopeful path forward—and calls on every listener to speak up for smarter, more humane science.

Top 3 Takeaways

Animal Testing Fails 95% of the Time
Despite decades of use, animal models rarely predict human outcomes. This inefficiency wastes time, money, and lives.
Non-Animal Methods Are the Future
The FDA now allows the use of NAMs—New Approach Methodologies—including AI modeling and organ-on-a-chip systems that mimic real human biology.
Public Engagement Drives Change
Progress depends on advocacy. Contact your lawmakers and support organizations like the Center for Humane Economy to demand funding for modern, human-relevant research.

About the Guest – Dr. Zaher Nahle

Dr. Zaher Nahle is a biomedical scientist and policy expert with a PhD in Physiology and Biophysics from Stony Brook University and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. A former lab leader at Weill Cornell and Vanderbilt, Dr. Nahle now serves as Senior Scientific Advisor to the Center for Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action, championing innovation and ethics in science. His work has helped drive legislation like the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, advancing alternatives to animal testing.

🔗 Learn more: Center for Humane Economy

About the Show

About the Host

In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens—while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies).

CAFOs: The Hidden Dangers of Industrial Farming with Daria Bednarczyk, JD, MBA, MELP | Ep1

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:00:00 GMT

Most of us don’t think twice about where our food comes from—but what if the system behind it was quietly putting both people and the planet at risk?

In this powerful debut of Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Dr. Johnny Lieberman sits down with Daria Bednarczyk, a recent graduate of Vermont Law and Graduate School with degrees spanning Animal Law, Environmental Policy, Marine Science, and Business. Daria brings her unique interdisciplinary expertise to unpack the toxic realities of CAFOs.

From manure lagoons leaking thousands of gallons of waste daily, to nitrate-contaminated drinking water and even deadly hydrogen sulfide gas exposures, Daria sheds light on the human, environmental, and animal costs of industrial farming. She shares insights from the groundbreaking CARE v. Cow Palace case, which revealed just how devastating these operations can be for surrounding communities.

Whether you live near a farm or not, this episode underscores why awareness and consumer choices matter—and why reform is long overdue.

Top 3 Takeaways

Manure Lagoons = Public Health Risk
CAFO waste storage pits can leak thousands of gallons of untreated manure daily, contaminating air and water with toxins like nitrates and hydrogen sulfide.
Landmark Case Sets Precedent
CARE v. Cow Palace (2015) established that mismanaged manure could legally qualify as “solid waste” under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, opening the door for community lawsuits.
Industrial Farming Impacts Everyone
From nitrate-linked health risks (like Blue Baby Syndrome and cancer) to air pollution and natural disaster fallout, CAFOs affect far more than animals—they affect entire communities.

About the Guest – Daria Bednarczyk, JD, MBA, MELP

Daria is a recent graduate of Vermont Law and Graduate School, where she earned her Juris Doctor with a concentration in Animal Law. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science, an MBA, and a Master of Environmental Law and Policy (MELP).

Passionate about leveraging her diverse educational background, Daria is committed to advancing animal welfare and raising awareness of the broader human and environmental harms tied to industrial agriculture.

About the Show

About the Host

In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens—while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies).

Learn more at www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/johnnyliebermanmd

Daria Bednarczyk Returns: The Legal Loopholes Letting Factory Farms Pollute | Ep5

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 07:05:00 GMT

In this follow-up conversation, Dr. Johnny Lieberman welcomes Daria Bednarczyk, JD, for a deeper dive into agricultural exceptionalism—the legal concept that allows industrial farms to bypass environmental regulations that every other industry must follow.

Daria unpacks how Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) continue to contaminate air and water, release dangerous levels of methane and ammonia, and escape oversight under the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act. Together, they reveal the public-health consequences—from blue baby syndrome and asthma to cancer risks—and discuss what can be done to close these loopholes.

Whether you caught her first episode or are joining for the first time, you’ll leave this conversation understanding why our food system’s hidden policies affect everyone—and how everyday choices can drive change.

Top 3 Takeaways:

Agricultural Exceptionalism, Explained (Again)
Large-scale animal operations enjoy special legal exemptions that let them self-regulate pollution—undermining decades of environmental progress.
When Loopholes Become Health Hazards
Daria connects the dots between lax regulation, nitrate-contaminated drinking water, and respiratory illness in communities near CAFOs.
Action Starts Local
You can make a difference: learn where CAFOs operate near you, contact local officials about enforcement, and support small farms practicing sustainable agriculture.

About the Guest – Daria Bednarczyk
Daria Bednarczyk is a graduate of Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS), holding a Juris Doctor with a concentration in Animal Law, plus a B.S. in Marine Science, an MBA, and a Master of Environmental Law and Policy (MELP). Her interdisciplinary background fuels her advocacy for stronger environmental protection and animal welfare.

About the Show

About the Host

In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens—while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies).

Foie Gras: Force-Feeding, Cruelty, and the Grassroots Fight to Ban a Diseased Delicacy | Ep17

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:50:00 GMT

What if the fancy appetizer on upscale menus is actually a diseased organ produced through daily torture?

In this powerful episode of Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, host Dr. Johnny Lieberman sits down with Sam Schillinger, Oregon Campaign Director for Pro Animal Future. Sam shares his journey from growing up in Iowa’s factory farm heartland to becoming a full-time organizer fighting to end animal agriculture through policy change.

The conversation dives deep into the hidden cruelty of foie gras production where birds are force fed via tubes multiple times a day, leading to organ perforation, extreme trauma, and mortality rates far higher than normal. Sam explains why Pro Animal Future is prioritizing bans on the sale and production of force fed foie gras through ballot initiatives and direct lobbying in Portland, Denver, and Washington DC.

You’ll hear why political organizing and empowering people as voters (rather than just consumers) offers huge untapped potential for helping farmed animals, how public support often exceeds what legislators prioritize, and practical ways anyone can get involved from signing petitions and attending socials to joining signature gathering efforts like Goosapalooza in DC.

Whether you’re concerned about animal suffering, food system ethics, or using democracy to create change, this episode is a compelling call to move beyond awareness into organized action.

Top 3 Takeaways:

Policy Change Through Political Organizing Has Massive Potential While many animal advocacy efforts focus on individual consumer choices, turning broad public support for animals into laws via ballot initiatives and lobbying is an underutilized but powerful lever that can create lasting systemic change.
Foie Gras Is a Diseased Organ Produced Through Extreme Cruelty Ducks and geese are force fed massive amounts of food through tubes jammed down their throats up to three times daily until their livers become pathologically enlarged (up to 10x normal size), with high rates of organ perforation and mortality. This is not a natural or healthy product, it's a diseased liver marketed as a delicacy.
Grassroots Power Works Even Against Industry Resistance Despite a recent committee setback in Portland, persistent advocacy is bringing the foie gras sales ban back to full city council. Meanwhile, Denver has already qualified a ban for the 2026 ballot, and DC is launching a major signature collection. Victories come from volunteers, community building, and sustained pressure on elected officials.

About the Show:

Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health explores the intersection of animal welfare, public policy, and human health. Hosted by Dr. Johnny Lieberman, each episode invites changemakers, legal experts, and health advocates to shed light on what really impacts our communities and what we can do about it.

About the Guest Sam Schillinger:

Sam Schillinger is the Oregon Campaign Director for Pro Animal Future and a dedicated community organizer and animal advocate. Originally from Iowa, one of the nation’s top factory farming states, Sam studied philosophy in college, which prompted him to critically examine the ethics of our food system. After beginning as a petition circulator and briefly attending law school, he dropped out to pursue full-time advocacy for farmed animals.

In his role with Pro Animal Future, Sam works with volunteers, voters, and elected officials to pass pro-animal policies, including efforts to ban the sale of force-fed foie gras in Portland. He is passionate about building political power for animals and turning public concern into enforceable laws. Outside of advocacy, Sam enjoys ultra-distance running, traveling, and theater.

🔗 Learn more: Pro Animal Oregon

Pro-Animal Oregon Website: https://proanimaloregon.org/

Stampede: stampede.proanimal.org

Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/pro-animal-oregon/

Link to join Signal Chat: https://signal.group/#CjQKIMcRPytTHn3iNlON_IlLUjUYBdTjdgP_l-8-lyY2vpIaEhCp7zIsQG99xu0j_9Kvlad7

Goosapalooza Registration: https://proanimal.org/goosa

About the Host:

In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies).

Email: John@johnliebermanmd.com

Animal Research: Bad Science, and A Broken System: A Former Lab Researcher Speaks Out | Ep18

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

What if the system we rely on to develop life-saving medicines is fundamentally flawed, causing immense animal suffering while failing to produce reliable results for humans?

In this powerful episode of Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Dr. Johnny Lieberman speaks with Dr. Emily Trunnell, Director of Science Advancement and Outreach at PETA. A former neuroscience researcher who conducted experiments on rats and mice during her PhD, Dr. Trunnell reveals the shocking realities of lab animal research from dehydrated rats dying due to basic care failures and rats being forcibly intoxicated while lab workers joke about it, to Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) acting as little more than rubber stamps.

You’ll hear why more than 90% of drugs that pass animal tests still fail in human trials, the massive reproducibility crisis in animal research, species differences that make translation unreliable, and exciting non-animal methods (like organs-on-chips and AI modeling) that are already proving more human-relevant. This episode exposes a broken, self-regulated system and highlights the momentum toward modern, animal-free science that could accelerate medical progress while reducing harm.

Top 3 Takeaways:

The Animal Research Oversight System Is Broken and Self-Regulatory IACUCs are dominated by animal researchers who “police themselves.” They check minimal boxes under the Animal Welfare Act (which excludes 95–99% of animals like mice and rats), rarely question justifications for pain or multiple surgeries, and provide almost no real protection.
Animal Experiments Are Poorly Reproducible and Rarely Translate to Humans Up to 89% of preclinical studies cannot be reproduced. 95% of drugs that succeed in animals fail in human clinical trials due to vast species differences, unnatural lab conditions, and publication bias that hides negative results.
Modern Non-Animal Methods Are Superior and Already Available Technologies like organs-on-chips, organoids, and AI-driven in silico modeling use human cells and biology, deliver faster and more accurate results, and can replace animal tests with agencies like the FDA now actively working to make animal testing the exception rather than the rule.

About the Guest: Dr. Emily Trunnell

Dr. Emily Trunnell graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Georgia with a degree in Nutrition Science and earned her doctorate in Neuroscience from the University of Georgia in 2016. She is currently the Director of Science Advancement and Outreach at PETA, where she works to modernize science policy, scientific publishing practices, and university education to support the transition to animal-free research methods. A former animal researcher who conducted experiments on rats and mice during her PhD, Dr. Rinne lives with a passion for advancing human-relevant science that benefits both people and animals.

🔗 Learn more: scienceadvancement.org.

About the Show:

About the Host:

Email: John@johnliebermanmd.com

The Lie on the Label: Why This Podcast Exists | Ep0

Dr. Johnny Lieberman — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 23:15:36 GMT

Ever stared at a label and wondered if any of it meant what it claimed? “Cage-free.” “Organic.” “Grass-fed.” What do these words really mean—and more importantly, who’s profiting from our confusion? Is using animals in biomedical research really the best way to discover medicines for humans?

In this inaugural teaser episode of Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Dr. Johnny Lieberman introduces the why behind this bold, truth-telling podcast. As an infectious diseases physician turned law student, Dr. Lieberman connects the dots explaining the close connection between how we treat animals as a society, and its direct impact on your health, the health of your family, and how you spend your money. From slaughterhouses to the shelf at your local grocery store, to puppy factories, and what really goes on behind the closed doors in research labs, Dr. Lieberman exposes how hidden systems shape our health, our environment, our wallet, and our lives, every day.

This is not a conspiracy podcast. It’s a clarity podcast. The truth is we’re not being told the full story about our food, medicine, or the animals in our homes—and it’s not by accident. But you don’t need another scare tactic. You need facts with context, delivered by someone who knows how to cut through the noise.

You’ll hear from scientists, lawyers, whistleblowers, and maybe even a tofu enthusiast or two. But most importantly, you’ll hear the stories that matter to your family, your choices, and your future.

The show officially launches August 27th—hit subscribe now to make sure you don’t miss a beat.

Top 3 Takeaways

You’re Not Crazy for Feeling Confused – Labels lie. Headlines mislead. This show clears the fog.
Everything is Connected – The food on your plate, the medicine in your cabinet, the dog in your home—none of it exists in a vacuum.
Truth Requires Curiosity – You don’t need to be a doctor or a lawyer to understand what’s really going on. You just need to care—and be willing to look closer.

About the Show

Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health is a truth-seeking, BS-cutting, systems-exposing podcast for people who care about what’s really going on. Hosted by Dr. Johnny Lieberman, this show connects the dots between medicine, law, food systems, environmental health, and the industries that quietly shape our lives.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting health advice, misled by food packaging, or just want to understand what the heck a “puppy mill” really is—this podcast is for you.

About the Host

Dr. Johnny Lieberman is not your average doctor. He’s a board-certified internist and infectious diseases physician who spent over two decades practicing medicine—only to trade the white coat for law books and a microphone. Johnny’s also a published author, lifelong learner, and accidental dog dad whose pets turned him into an animal welfare advocate.

With one foot in medicine and the other in law, he brings an unmatched perspective on how policy, public health, and industry secrets collide. Johnny doesn’t do fluff. He does facts—with wit, warmth, and the occasional dig at corporate hypocrisy.

🔗 Follow & Connect with Dr. Lieberman

🌐 Website: [Coming Soon]
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-lieberman-38739b30/
📸 Instagram: @dr.lieberman.md
📺 YouTube: [Coming Soon]
🐾 Facebook: [Coming Soon]

✉️ Email: avoiceforthevoiceless@gmail.com