Truth, Lies, and Puppy Mills Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:49:40 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2462072 en-us © 2026 Truth, Lies, and Puppy Mills yes 8e7b8e05-4209-500b-b1af-8995179ed1d0 Bailing Out Benji episodic false We are bringing podcast back!! This will allow our team to go in-depth on the various facets of the puppy mill industry, the issues that advocates across the country face, as well as interviews with industry experts as we all work together to create lasting change for the animals trapped in commercial breeding facilities. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Bailing Out Benji https://storage.buzzsprout.com/w05emjhgs0bwarg0rds3sbatzsh3?.jpg Truth, Lies, and Puppy Mills Ep49: The Trauma of it All Ep49: The Trauma of it All What happens when the work you love starts to shape who you are or when the baggage you carry dictates where you go?

In this week's episode, Jalaine and Kristen dig into something we don’t talk about enough in animal welfare: trauma. Not just the heartbreak we witness, but how it compounds over time with case after case and story after story. All of that begins to live in us and influences our choices. 

We are joined by Emily, a licensed mental health counselor to explore what it means when your identity becomes intertwined with the work and why that can make change feel so personal (and so hard).

This is an honest conversation about burnout, boundaries, and the emotional weight behind doing this work. 

]]> What happens when the work you love starts to shape who you are or when the baggage you carry dictates where you go?

In this week's episode, Jalaine and Kristen dig into something we don’t talk about enough in animal welfare: trauma. Not just the heartbreak we witness, but how it compounds over time with case after case and story after story. All of that begins to live in us and influences our choices. 

We are joined by Emily, a licensed mental health counselor to explore what it means when your identity becomes intertwined with the work and why that can make change feel so personal (and so hard).

This is an honest conversation about burnout, boundaries, and the emotional weight behind doing this work. 

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-18979489 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500 4038 2 49 full true Ep48: Great Research, Greater Responsibility Ep48: Great Research, Greater Responsibility As our research has expanded over the years, our understanding of the industry has deepened. With that came a strong sense of responsibility to turn away from generalizations and approximations, and instead focus on what we know... The research and the data that comes from it. 

Alexis says it perfectly: "With great research, comes great responsibility".  

Tune in this week as Jalaine, Alexis, and Kristen chat about our database and the different ways we hope that people will use it. 

Haven't checked out our database in a while? We are adding to it and expanding to it daily. You can view it here: https://directory.bailingoutbenji.com/

]]> As our research has expanded over the years, our understanding of the industry has deepened. With that came a strong sense of responsibility to turn away from generalizations and approximations, and instead focus on what we know... The research and the data that comes from it. 

Alexis says it perfectly: "With great research, comes great responsibility".  

Tune in this week as Jalaine, Alexis, and Kristen chat about our database and the different ways we hope that people will use it. 

Haven't checked out our database in a while? We are adding to it and expanding to it daily. You can view it here: https://directory.bailingoutbenji.com/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-18941634 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500 2076 2 48 full false Ep47: The Greater Good Ep47: The Greater Good On this week's episode of "Truth, Lies, and Puppy Mills", we invite you to step outside of the usual outrage cycle and into something a little more nuanced and hopeful. As the USDA proposes changes that could reshape oversight of the commercial breeding industry, we go back to the question that drives our work: what if real change isn’t about calling out individuals, but about creating systems that actually improve dogs’ lives over time?

Today you will hear us speak candidly and honestly about our field research and the Canine Care program, including a visit to a kennel we first saw after their former USDA violation photos were circulated. A year later, we were invited in to see what had changed and what that progress says about the role that support, accountability, and consistency can play in helping to improve the lives of dogs.

Thank you for being here and for helping us create a world where we can work together for change, instead of yelling at each other in policy rooms. 

This seems like a good spot to put our "Advocacy without Pitchforks" article. Please read it and consider sharing the work we are doing: https://bailingoutbenji.com/advocacy-without-pitchforks/

]]> On this week's episode of "Truth, Lies, and Puppy Mills", we invite you to step outside of the usual outrage cycle and into something a little more nuanced and hopeful. As the USDA proposes changes that could reshape oversight of the commercial breeding industry, we go back to the question that drives our work: what if real change isn’t about calling out individuals, but about creating systems that actually improve dogs’ lives over time?

Today you will hear us speak candidly and honestly about our field research and the Canine Care program, including a visit to a kennel we first saw after their former USDA violation photos were circulated. A year later, we were invited in to see what had changed and what that progress says about the role that support, accountability, and consistency can play in helping to improve the lives of dogs.

Thank you for being here and for helping us create a world where we can work together for change, instead of yelling at each other in policy rooms. 

This seems like a good spot to put our "Advocacy without Pitchforks" article. Please read it and consider sharing the work we are doing: https://bailingoutbenji.com/advocacy-without-pitchforks/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-18896488 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500 3656 2 47 full true Ep46: Lessons Learned Ep46: Lessons Learned After a busy few weeks, Mindi and Kristen are back in the nook talking updates! On this week's episode we chat about Mindi's trip to DC and how she was able to learn from a few Chiefs of Staff about effective advocacy and how to get your message heard. We also talk about Kristen's first experience tuning into a hearing about a puppy store ban and we talk about the negative side effects of both 'sides' filling the room with people who all essentially say the same thing... for 7 hours straight. 

Don't forget to join us for next week's episode, as we continue this conversation but dive into Mindi's trip to visit a breeder with USDA violations who sells to pet stores.  

]]> After a busy few weeks, Mindi and Kristen are back in the nook talking updates! On this week's episode we chat about Mindi's trip to DC and how she was able to learn from a few Chiefs of Staff about effective advocacy and how to get your message heard. We also talk about Kristen's first experience tuning into a hearing about a puppy store ban and we talk about the negative side effects of both 'sides' filling the room with people who all essentially say the same thing... for 7 hours straight. 

Don't forget to join us for next week's episode, as we continue this conversation but dive into Mindi's trip to visit a breeder with USDA violations who sells to pet stores.  

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-18861619 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500 3156 2 46 full false Ep45: Hello, Clarisse Ep45: Hello, Clarisse This week Alexis and Kristen sit down with our intern/part time employee Clarisse to talk about her passion for animals and how she found our organization! We met Clarisse through the group she volunteered for "Students Helping Rescue Animals". 

]]> This week Alexis and Kristen sit down with our intern/part time employee Clarisse to talk about her passion for animals and how she found our organization! We met Clarisse through the group she volunteered for "Students Helping Rescue Animals". 

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-18823920 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500 2598 2 45 full false Ep44: The USDA's Puppy Mill Crackdown! Ep44: The USDA's Puppy Mill Crackdown! On this week's episode of "Truth, Lies, and Puppy Mills", join Alexis, Kristen, and Mindi as we chat through the USDA's plan on how they will be cracking down on puppy mills. We talk about what they say, what we think, and what we hope will come of this initiative. 

We also talk about how our online research will be a crucial tool for the USDA and state agencies as they begin their quest to bring breeders who sell online into compliance. Learn more about what we know about online brokers here: https://directory.bailingoutbenji.com/online-seller-directory

]]> On this week's episode of "Truth, Lies, and Puppy Mills", join Alexis, Kristen, and Mindi as we chat through the USDA's plan on how they will be cracking down on puppy mills. We talk about what they say, what we think, and what we hope will come of this initiative. 

We also talk about how our online research will be a crucial tool for the USDA and state agencies as they begin their quest to bring breeders who sell online into compliance. Learn more about what we know about online brokers here: https://directory.bailingoutbenji.com/online-seller-directory

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-18766441 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0600 3547 2 44 full false Ep43: Transparency Goes Live! Ep43: Transparency Goes Live! On this week's episode, join Mindi and Alexis as they chat about the release of our NEW directory! This website allows you to see even more of our research at your finger tips. You can search pet stores, online websites, breeders, brokers, and compare your state laws to others! We are proud to be the resource that people have come to trust for the most current and accurate data surrounding the puppy mill industry. 

To view our new directory, click here: https://directory.bailingoutbenji.com/


And don't forget to support our nonprofit and mission here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> On this week's episode, join Mindi and Alexis as they chat about the release of our NEW directory! This website allows you to see even more of our research at your finger tips. You can search pet stores, online websites, breeders, brokers, and compare your state laws to others! We are proud to be the resource that people have come to trust for the most current and accurate data surrounding the puppy mill industry. 

To view our new directory, click here: https://directory.bailingoutbenji.com/


And don't forget to support our nonprofit and mission here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-18738893 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 1949 2 43 full false Ep42: Pedigrees, Popularity and Perception Ep42: Pedigrees, Popularity and Perception This week we invite you to tune in and listen to our stream of consciousness as we try to work through some of the harder conversations surrounding pedigrees and breeds! We want to remind people that we always tell you what we absolutely know, and then we tell you what we don't know but think or have opinions on. 

As we dive into different perspectives on issues like registries, doodles, and consumers, please remember that we bring these issues up and talk through them so we can all continue to be the best advocates that we can be for dogs in every kind of situation. 

Also, Kristen pretends that she is above being trendy. But even she bought our latest shirt... Have you? The sale ends Friday: https://www.bonfire.com/bailing-out-benji-1/

]]> This week we invite you to tune in and listen to our stream of consciousness as we try to work through some of the harder conversations surrounding pedigrees and breeds! We want to remind people that we always tell you what we absolutely know, and then we tell you what we don't know but think or have opinions on. 

As we dive into different perspectives on issues like registries, doodles, and consumers, please remember that we bring these issues up and talk through them so we can all continue to be the best advocates that we can be for dogs in every kind of situation. 

Also, Kristen pretends that she is above being trendy. But even she bought our latest shirt... Have you? The sale ends Friday: https://www.bonfire.com/bailing-out-benji-1/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-18703190 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 3436 2 42 full false Ep41: Dispatch, Driving, and Dogs Ep41: Dispatch, Driving, and Dogs This week Alexis and Mindi chat with Rosie, our part-time assistant research analyst! On top of working 911 dispatch in Des Moines, Iowa and monitoring USDA records for our team, Rosie volunteers for two Shiba Inu rescues. Listen as we talk about rescue missions, creeping from the road, and the heartbreaking side of getting discarded dogs from puppy mills. Rosie also shares her perspective on our field research and how it challenged her to evolve how she works to end this inhumane industry. 

In this episode we feature Kita, a former mama shiba that has been looking for her forever home for too long. Click this link to learn more about Kita and consider opening your home to this independent lady: https://www.petfinder.com/dog/kita-90486212-1f00-4781-bfd8-79a2ddd9a1ff/ia/bondurant/shiba-inu-rescue-association-il484/details/


]]> This week Alexis and Mindi chat with Rosie, our part-time assistant research analyst! On top of working 911 dispatch in Des Moines, Iowa and monitoring USDA records for our team, Rosie volunteers for two Shiba Inu rescues. Listen as we talk about rescue missions, creeping from the road, and the heartbreaking side of getting discarded dogs from puppy mills. Rosie also shares her perspective on our field research and how it challenged her to evolve how she works to end this inhumane industry. 

In this episode we feature Kita, a former mama shiba that has been looking for her forever home for too long. Click this link to learn more about Kita and consider opening your home to this independent lady: https://www.petfinder.com/dog/kita-90486212-1f00-4781-bfd8-79a2ddd9a1ff/ia/bondurant/shiba-inu-rescue-association-il484/details/


]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-18660068 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 3371 2 41 full false Ep40: Rethinking Puppy Mill Messaging Ep40: Rethinking Puppy Mill Messaging The words we use every day matter. They shape perception, they influence behavior, and they have the power to tear someone down or build them up. After taking the time to reflect on puppy mill advocacy and the language we use, our team sat down and started writing down the different ways our own terminology has evolved over the last few years. Join Mindi and Kristen this week as they chat through some of these language changes and then reach out to us to share your thoughts! 

And Mindi did meet her own challenge! You can read some of these language changes online here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/rethinking-puppy-mill-messaging/

]]> The words we use every day matter. They shape perception, they influence behavior, and they have the power to tear someone down or build them up. After taking the time to reflect on puppy mill advocacy and the language we use, our team sat down and started writing down the different ways our own terminology has evolved over the last few years. Join Mindi and Kristen this week as they chat through some of these language changes and then reach out to us to share your thoughts! 

And Mindi did meet her own challenge! You can read some of these language changes online here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/rethinking-puppy-mill-messaging/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-18619773 Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 3881 2 40 full false Ep39: This Is Not Normal... Ep39: This Is Not Normal... In today’s brief episode, we’re pausing our regular programming to acknowledge the heaviness that so many of us are carrying. At Bailing Out Benji, our work is rooted in research, accountability, and protecting dogs and their families from harm, but today we’re showing up as people before we show up as advocates.

This raw episode is a reminder to breathe, to step back if you need to, and to give yourself permission to rest in a world that too often feels relentless. You don’t need to have the right words, the right politics, or the right energy to listen, only your humanity.

]]> In today’s brief episode, we’re pausing our regular programming to acknowledge the heaviness that so many of us are carrying. At Bailing Out Benji, our work is rooted in research, accountability, and protecting dogs and their families from harm, but today we’re showing up as people before we show up as advocates.

This raw episode is a reminder to breathe, to step back if you need to, and to give yourself permission to rest in a world that too often feels relentless. You don’t need to have the right words, the right politics, or the right energy to listen, only your humanity.

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-18581960 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 1646 2 39 full false Ep38: What's in a Message? Ep38: What's in a Message? What if the way we talk about animal welfare is just as important as the policies we fight for?

In this episode, we’re joined by Hanna Lentz from SPARC for a candid and necessary conversation about the messaging that happens in the animal welfare world. How everything we say shapes public perception and affects real-world outcomes for animals and the people who love them.

We dig into our everyday interactions with the public- the moments that build trust, the moments that shut people down, and the unintended ripples (both positive and negative) that follow our words long after the conversation ends. From advocacy burnout to public backlash to unexpected allies, this episode explores how tone, framing, and empathy can either move people toward change or push them further away.

Thank you for joining us again this week and for being with us on this journey! 

To learn more about SPARC visit: https://www.sparcinsight.org/

]]> What if the way we talk about animal welfare is just as important as the policies we fight for?

In this episode, we’re joined by Hanna Lentz from SPARC for a candid and necessary conversation about the messaging that happens in the animal welfare world. How everything we say shapes public perception and affects real-world outcomes for animals and the people who love them.

We dig into our everyday interactions with the public- the moments that build trust, the moments that shut people down, and the unintended ripples (both positive and negative) that follow our words long after the conversation ends. From advocacy burnout to public backlash to unexpected allies, this episode explores how tone, framing, and empathy can either move people toward change or push them further away.

Thank you for joining us again this week and for being with us on this journey! 

To learn more about SPARC visit: https://www.sparcinsight.org/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-18536133 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 3472 2 38 full false Ep37: Times are Changin' Ep37: Times are Changin' This week's episode was recorded back in November, but the sentiment remains the same! The times are changing and we are excited to be leading the charge. 

Sit with Alexis, Kristen, and Mindi as they chat about a few conferences they attended at the end of last year and how the vibe is evolving among advocates. More people are seeing the importance of laying down the swords and working together to create change for animals and the people who love them. Civil discourse with people who don't act like you or think like you is what challenges us all to grow and we are excited to continue using our skills to build a new path. 

Thank you for being on the journey with us! 

]]> This week's episode was recorded back in November, but the sentiment remains the same! The times are changing and we are excited to be leading the charge. 

Sit with Alexis, Kristen, and Mindi as they chat about a few conferences they attended at the end of last year and how the vibe is evolving among advocates. More people are seeing the importance of laying down the swords and working together to create change for animals and the people who love them. Civil discourse with people who don't act like you or think like you is what challenges us all to grow and we are excited to continue using our skills to build a new path. 

Thank you for being on the journey with us! 

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-18501087 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 3603 2 37 full false Ep36: Our Year of Impact! Ep36: Our Year of Impact! HAPPY NEW YEAR and welcome back to Truth, Lies, and Puppy Mills! Join Alexis, Jalaine, Kristen, and Mindi this week as we chat about the impact that we had in 2025 and what our goals are for 2026. With an amazing volunteer team and a world of support, we are ready to be an even more effective voice for all the dogs, cats, and consumers out there. Thank you for being a part of this journey! 

]]> HAPPY NEW YEAR and welcome back to Truth, Lies, and Puppy Mills! Join Alexis, Jalaine, Kristen, and Mindi this week as we chat about the impact that we had in 2025 and what our goals are for 2026. With an amazing volunteer team and a world of support, we are ready to be an even more effective voice for all the dogs, cats, and consumers out there. Thank you for being a part of this journey! 

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-18467885 Wed, 07 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0600 3175 2 36 full false Ep35: Podcast Pause Ep35: Podcast Pause Happy Wednesday and thank you for joining us for another week of "Truth, Lies, and Puppy Mills!" Tune in to this very short episode to hear why we are taking a little break from recording and when to expect us back! 

If you have ever learned from us or from this show, please consider sending a year-end donation over to help us continue our work! 

https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Happy Wednesday and thank you for joining us for another week of "Truth, Lies, and Puppy Mills!" Tune in to this very short episode to hear why we are taking a little break from recording and when to expect us back! 

If you have ever learned from us or from this show, please consider sending a year-end donation over to help us continue our work! 

https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-18289237 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600 293 2 35 full false Ep34: Heart Work + Hard Work Ep34: Heart Work + Hard Work In this lighthearted episode full of laughter and smiles, we sit down with two members of Bailing Out Benji’s admin who help drive our mission every day: Alexis, our research analyst, and Jalaine, our volunteer coordinator. They share how their roles intersect through the incredible work of our volunteers, what collaboration looks like behind the scenes, and how partnering on presentations has strengthened both their work and their friendship. It's an uplifting peek into the people-powered engine that keeps Bailing Out Benji moving forward, grounded in transparency, teamwork, and a whole lot of love.


(No, but seriously, try to keep track of how many times they say they word 'love') 


]]> In this lighthearted episode full of laughter and smiles, we sit down with two members of Bailing Out Benji’s admin who help drive our mission every day: Alexis, our research analyst, and Jalaine, our volunteer coordinator. They share how their roles intersect through the incredible work of our volunteers, what collaboration looks like behind the scenes, and how partnering on presentations has strengthened both their work and their friendship. It's an uplifting peek into the people-powered engine that keeps Bailing Out Benji moving forward, grounded in transparency, teamwork, and a whole lot of love.


(No, but seriously, try to keep track of how many times they say they word 'love') 


]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-18214711 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0600 2355 2 34 full false Ep33: Online Sleuth Team Ep33: Online Sleuth Team Last week you heard us talk about the online world of puppy sales and what our team is doing to try and get a handle on it! This week Alexis and Kristen sit down with Ally and Sarah , two of our volunteers who helped jumpstart our online research. Join us as we chat with them about what it takes to find unlicensed breeders online, and what it takes to create a profile to sell online! 

Thank you for sitting with us this week and please don't forget to send a donation our way: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Last week you heard us talk about the online world of puppy sales and what our team is doing to try and get a handle on it! This week Alexis and Kristen sit down with Ally and Sarah , two of our volunteers who helped jumpstart our online research. Join us as we chat with them about what it takes to find unlicensed breeders online, and what it takes to create a profile to sell online! 

Thank you for sitting with us this week and please don't forget to send a donation our way: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-18174517 Wed, 12 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0600 3525 2 33 full false Ep32: Click, Click, Sold Ep32: Click, Click, Sold On this week's episode, Alexis, Kristen, and Mindi dig deep into the world of online puppy mills. We talk about the history of regulation and go into the work we are doing to try and wrangle the wild-wild-west of puppy sales. 

Love this topic? Next week we sit down with a few of our volunteers to talk about what doing this work looks like! 

Want a Benji shirt? Check out our pop up store here: https://pmapparel.chipply.com/store.aspx?eid=440338


]]> On this week's episode, Alexis, Kristen, and Mindi dig deep into the world of online puppy mills. We talk about the history of regulation and go into the work we are doing to try and wrangle the wild-wild-west of puppy sales. 

Love this topic? Next week we sit down with a few of our volunteers to talk about what doing this work looks like! 

Want a Benji shirt? Check out our pop up store here: https://pmapparel.chipply.com/store.aspx?eid=440338


]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-18128894 Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0600 3184 2 32 full false Ep 31: The One With The Questions Ep 31: The One With The Questions We didn't know what to expect when we opened ourselves up for questions, but we are here to answer all of them- even the tough ones! 

Join us this week as we wrap up with part two of our Q&A style episode and continue having nuanced conversations about our work and the puppy mill industry. Remember, we aren't here to force you to think like us! We are offering different perspectives and deep conversations about the puppy mill industry, in hopes of continuing to move the needle forward on animal welfare. 

If you haven't seen our recent article, please read our thoughts on how you can still be an effective advocate, without the pitchforks: https://bailingoutbenji.com/advocacy-without-pitchforks/

Do you have questions? Send them to info@bailingoutbenji.com! We would love to chat things through. 

Don't forget to support the work that we are doing, by making a donation today: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> We didn't know what to expect when we opened ourselves up for questions, but we are here to answer all of them- even the tough ones! 

Join us this week as we wrap up with part two of our Q&A style episode and continue having nuanced conversations about our work and the puppy mill industry. Remember, we aren't here to force you to think like us! We are offering different perspectives and deep conversations about the puppy mill industry, in hopes of continuing to move the needle forward on animal welfare. 

If you haven't seen our recent article, please read our thoughts on how you can still be an effective advocate, without the pitchforks: https://bailingoutbenji.com/advocacy-without-pitchforks/

Do you have questions? Send them to info@bailingoutbenji.com! We would love to chat things through. 

Don't forget to support the work that we are doing, by making a donation today: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-18090500 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500 3084 2 31 full false Ep30: Thirty and Thriving! Ep30: Thirty and Thriving! Whoop whoop! Our team has released 30 episodes so far!! Thank you for sticking with us as we found our groove. We have had thousands of listeners tuning in on various podcast apps and several dozen watching each week through Youtube! We are hearing from advocates and volunteers who love the content each week, as well as from people in the pet industry that are curious about how they can participate in the animal welfare conversation. 

Today's episode is a fun patchwork episode that Jalaine had a lot of fun editing! Listeners of our show sent in questions that they've had since they began tuning in and we had fun talking things through. The conversation ran so long that we will actually have a part 2 next week! 

If you have questions that you would like to write in or record yourself asking, please reach out to us at info@bailingoutbenji.com . We would love to answer them on an upcoming episode! 

We know that this conversation is rarely easy, but thank you for sitting with us in the discomfort as we keep learning to grow and evolve as animal welfare advocates! 

In today's show we reference the following study: 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23634679/

Don't forget to donate to keep your favorite anti-puppy mill advocates recording and researching! 
https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Whoop whoop! Our team has released 30 episodes so far!! Thank you for sticking with us as we found our groove. We have had thousands of listeners tuning in on various podcast apps and several dozen watching each week through Youtube! We are hearing from advocates and volunteers who love the content each week, as well as from people in the pet industry that are curious about how they can participate in the animal welfare conversation. 

Today's episode is a fun patchwork episode that Jalaine had a lot of fun editing! Listeners of our show sent in questions that they've had since they began tuning in and we had fun talking things through. The conversation ran so long that we will actually have a part 2 next week! 

If you have questions that you would like to write in or record yourself asking, please reach out to us at info@bailingoutbenji.com . We would love to answer them on an upcoming episode! 

We know that this conversation is rarely easy, but thank you for sitting with us in the discomfort as we keep learning to grow and evolve as animal welfare advocates! 

In today's show we reference the following study: 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23634679/

Don't forget to donate to keep your favorite anti-puppy mill advocates recording and researching! 
https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-18039581 Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2771 2 30 full false Ep29: Cracks in the System: The Daniel Gingerich Case Ep29: Cracks in the System: The Daniel Gingerich Case The Daniel Gingerich puppy mill case was one of the hardest cases we have ever worked on. In 2021 we helped shut down the worst USDA licensed dog breeder in history, but it didn’t come without learning some lessons and hard truths.

As we come upon the 4 year anniversary of the seizure and rescue of all of the dogs on his property, Mindi and Kristen chat about how laws and regulations often enable problematic breeders to stay in business. We also chat about unlikely allies in this case that could have helped save dogs a lot earlier, had we been open enough to reach out. For those who listened to our first podcast and followed this journey, please sit down and revisit the case, as we look back at it with all of the information that was missing the first time.

When we know better, we can do better. but first we have to acknowledge that there is growth to be had!

*Also, we misspoke during this episode. It was a $100,000 grant.

*Please remember that the discussions we have are our opinions from our lens of work. We are not speaking on behalf of anyone else or organization* 

]]> The Daniel Gingerich puppy mill case was one of the hardest cases we have ever worked on. In 2021 we helped shut down the worst USDA licensed dog breeder in history, but it didn’t come without learning some lessons and hard truths.

As we come upon the 4 year anniversary of the seizure and rescue of all of the dogs on his property, Mindi and Kristen chat about how laws and regulations often enable problematic breeders to stay in business. We also chat about unlikely allies in this case that could have helped save dogs a lot earlier, had we been open enough to reach out. For those who listened to our first podcast and followed this journey, please sit down and revisit the case, as we look back at it with all of the information that was missing the first time.

When we know better, we can do better. but first we have to acknowledge that there is growth to be had!

*Also, we misspoke during this episode. It was a $100,000 grant.

*Please remember that the discussions we have are our opinions from our lens of work. We are not speaking on behalf of anyone else or organization* 

]]> Buzzsprout-18005841 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500 3487 2 29 full false Ep28: The Good, the Bad, and the Steve Ep28: The Good, the Bad, and the Steve Steve, Steve, Steve... We can't seem to keep his name out of our mouths! As TSwift might say, "it's actually romantic" how often we talk about Steve Kruse, owner of Stonehenge Kennels in Iowa- lol- okay maybe not. But in all reality he is just kind of everywhere and he seemingly evades all consequences! The tentacles that this person has within the puppy mill industry would shock you, but that doesn't stop us from trying to hold him accountable every way that we can. 

In this episode we talk about one of the most glaring examples of what the public thinks when they picture a puppy mill. We talk about a facility that has dozens of violations (including direct and critical) and has had multiple suspensions, yet still somehow sells his puppies to brokers and pet stores across the country! Sit with us this week as we talk through an extremely frustrating part of our work and let us catch you up on some of the tea :) 

Oh- and don't forget to send a little support our way! Our small but mighty nonprofit is putting in the work to put an end to puppy mill cruelty: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/



]]> Steve, Steve, Steve... We can't seem to keep his name out of our mouths! As TSwift might say, "it's actually romantic" how often we talk about Steve Kruse, owner of Stonehenge Kennels in Iowa- lol- okay maybe not. But in all reality he is just kind of everywhere and he seemingly evades all consequences! The tentacles that this person has within the puppy mill industry would shock you, but that doesn't stop us from trying to hold him accountable every way that we can. 

In this episode we talk about one of the most glaring examples of what the public thinks when they picture a puppy mill. We talk about a facility that has dozens of violations (including direct and critical) and has had multiple suspensions, yet still somehow sells his puppies to brokers and pet stores across the country! Sit with us this week as we talk through an extremely frustrating part of our work and let us catch you up on some of the tea :) 

Oh- and don't forget to send a little support our way! Our small but mighty nonprofit is putting in the work to put an end to puppy mill cruelty: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/



]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17973838 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500 3929 2 28 full false Ep27: Puppies, People, and Purpose Ep27: Puppies, People, and Purpose This week, our admin team sits down and talks about the importance of gathering together with our supporters in person to share our work. Community is extremely important and having connections in our home state and across the country are what make Bailing Out Benji so successful in our mission. 

Thank you for tuning in this week! 

Shop for our Paw and Order shirts or other merch here: https://store.bailingoutbenji.com

]]> This week, our admin team sits down and talks about the importance of gathering together with our supporters in person to share our work. Community is extremely important and having connections in our home state and across the country are what make Bailing Out Benji so successful in our mission. 

Thank you for tuning in this week! 

Shop for our Paw and Order shirts or other merch here: https://store.bailingoutbenji.com

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17933122 Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2615 2 27 full false Ep26: The Case of the Disappearing Puppies Ep26: The Case of the Disappearing Puppies On this week's episode, Mindi and Kristen discuss our investigation into "California and the Case of the Disappearing Puppies". While this specific research project led to a story with the LA Times and subsequent bills being filed, it also caused some hard discussions with our colleagues about how to best tackle new issues as they come up. Our research found that hundreds of puppies were leaving some of the worst facilities in Iowa only to be delivered to names and addresses that didn't exist! 

As usual-- sit with us to talk about the messy and don't hesitate to get involved in the conversation :) We would love to hear from you! 

To read more about our investigation and the LA times article: https://bailingoutbenji.com/ca-puppies/

To support our work: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> On this week's episode, Mindi and Kristen discuss our investigation into "California and the Case of the Disappearing Puppies". While this specific research project led to a story with the LA Times and subsequent bills being filed, it also caused some hard discussions with our colleagues about how to best tackle new issues as they come up. Our research found that hundreds of puppies were leaving some of the worst facilities in Iowa only to be delivered to names and addresses that didn't exist! 

As usual-- sit with us to talk about the messy and don't hesitate to get involved in the conversation :) We would love to hear from you! 

To read more about our investigation and the LA times article: https://bailingoutbenji.com/ca-puppies/

To support our work: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17889495 Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500 3039 2 26 full false Ep25: Sham, Retail, or Real? Let's Talk Rescue! Ep25: Sham, Retail, or Real? Let's Talk Rescue! Today we dive head first into the world of rescue. We start off by talking about 'sham rescues', those that are shell companies for the puppy mill industry, and then get into the messy discussion of 'retail rescues'. Retail rescue is a newer term that has been used most frequently by the pet industry to highlight why rescues need more regulation. These are typically rescues that buy puppies or dogs from breeders and then adopt them out for higher prices in their own communities. 

Join us for a conversation about how puppy mill dogs find their way into rescue and which situations feel a little yucky. 


If you would like to support our work: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Today we dive head first into the world of rescue. We start off by talking about 'sham rescues', those that are shell companies for the puppy mill industry, and then get into the messy discussion of 'retail rescues'. Retail rescue is a newer term that has been used most frequently by the pet industry to highlight why rescues need more regulation. These are typically rescues that buy puppies or dogs from breeders and then adopt them out for higher prices in their own communities. 

Join us for a conversation about how puppy mill dogs find their way into rescue and which situations feel a little yucky. 


If you would like to support our work: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17853145 Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500 3274 2 25 full false Ep24: Laws and Pitfalls Part 2 Ep24: Laws and Pitfalls Part 2 We had SO much to say about the most common puppy mill laws (and their pitfalls!) that we broke this episode into 2 parts! Make sure that you listen to part 1 before diving in. We finish up this two-part episode by discussing sourcing laws, state registries, and shutting down puppy mills with animal cruelty laws! Next week we continue the conversation about laws by discussing sham rescues and retail rescues! 

In this episode, we mention "The Puppy Kingpin" a podcast that Sony productions published that covers our early investigative work into California. You can learn more and listen here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/puppy-laundering/

Don't forget, we are a very small organization and every donation matters! Please consider giving back and help us continue our work: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> We had SO much to say about the most common puppy mill laws (and their pitfalls!) that we broke this episode into 2 parts! Make sure that you listen to part 1 before diving in. We finish up this two-part episode by discussing sourcing laws, state registries, and shutting down puppy mills with animal cruelty laws! Next week we continue the conversation about laws by discussing sham rescues and retail rescues! 

In this episode, we mention "The Puppy Kingpin" a podcast that Sony productions published that covers our early investigative work into California. You can learn more and listen here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/puppy-laundering/

Don't forget, we are a very small organization and every donation matters! Please consider giving back and help us continue our work: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17812533 Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500 1925 2 24 full false Ep 23: Laws and Pitfalls Ep 23: Laws and Pitfalls Sit with us this week as we dive into the most common types of puppy mill legislation that advocates work on! In this two-part episode, we discuss some of the biggest pieces of legislation that has been passed and what the research shows happened after the laws went into effect. 

We called this episode "laws and pitfalls" because no piece of legislation is perfect and it is up to advocacy organizations to make sure that policy matches the needs of each community. It is also important to make sure that we aren't just passing laws and leaving, without studying the ramifications of our legislation. 

In this episode, we discuss "The Puppy Kingpin" a podcast that Sony productions published that covers our early investigative work into California. You can learn more and listen here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/puppy-laundering/

Don't forget, we are a very small organization and every donation matters! Please consider giving back and help us continue our work: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Sit with us this week as we dive into the most common types of puppy mill legislation that advocates work on! In this two-part episode, we discuss some of the biggest pieces of legislation that has been passed and what the research shows happened after the laws went into effect. 

We called this episode "laws and pitfalls" because no piece of legislation is perfect and it is up to advocacy organizations to make sure that policy matches the needs of each community. It is also important to make sure that we aren't just passing laws and leaving, without studying the ramifications of our legislation. 

In this episode, we discuss "The Puppy Kingpin" a podcast that Sony productions published that covers our early investigative work into California. You can learn more and listen here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/puppy-laundering/

Don't forget, we are a very small organization and every donation matters! Please consider giving back and help us continue our work: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17772461 Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2539 2 23 full false Ep 22: Skibidi Podcast Takeover Ep 22: Skibidi Podcast Takeover We also don't know what Skibidi means (besides everything and nothing?) but we are in it now. Carsten and Gus are here for this week's episode and they tell us all about Bailing Out Benji and the animal welfare world through the lens of (almost) teenagers. These two keep us laughing and have a surprising grasp on some pretty complex issues. 

Carsten was recently named our "Youth Volunteer of the Year" and will be honored at our upcoming 'Bark After Dark' gala. Both Carsten and Gus have become leaders within our pet food pantry program! Tune in and listen to them share their volunteer stories! 

]]> We also don't know what Skibidi means (besides everything and nothing?) but we are in it now. Carsten and Gus are here for this week's episode and they tell us all about Bailing Out Benji and the animal welfare world through the lens of (almost) teenagers. These two keep us laughing and have a surprising grasp on some pretty complex issues. 

Carsten was recently named our "Youth Volunteer of the Year" and will be honored at our upcoming 'Bark After Dark' gala. Both Carsten and Gus have become leaders within our pet food pantry program! Tune in and listen to them share their volunteer stories! 

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17738290 Wed, 27 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2528 2 22 full false Ep21: Kibbles and Chaos Ep21: Kibbles and Chaos On this week's episode, Jalaine, Kristen, and Mindi sit down and discuss "Kibbles for a Cause"- the newly formed coalition between Central Iowa groups who provide pet food assistance to families! They also take the time to share what every day people can do to help provide pet food to families, without starting an entire new pantry themselves... Beyond that... The episode was a little bit of chaos and a whole lot of fun. 

Big apologies to our podcast editor extraordinaire, Jalaine, for just how messy this truly was. Listeners, just know that we have hours of footage that doesn't make it into each episode because we can get a little * messy * :) 

Everything on our Pantry wishlist is less than $25, if you would like to choose an item or two to send: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/32J89EWBEKXPO/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3

You can also make a donation directly here: https://secure.everyaction.com/ETtsapRILECTVrUIhSS_ug2

Oh- and if you haven't already planned to come in for our Gala- do ittttttt! We are equally as fun in person: https://bailingoutbenji.com/bark-after-dark-gala/

]]> On this week's episode, Jalaine, Kristen, and Mindi sit down and discuss "Kibbles for a Cause"- the newly formed coalition between Central Iowa groups who provide pet food assistance to families! They also take the time to share what every day people can do to help provide pet food to families, without starting an entire new pantry themselves... Beyond that... The episode was a little bit of chaos and a whole lot of fun. 

Big apologies to our podcast editor extraordinaire, Jalaine, for just how messy this truly was. Listeners, just know that we have hours of footage that doesn't make it into each episode because we can get a little * messy * :) 

Everything on our Pantry wishlist is less than $25, if you would like to choose an item or two to send: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/32J89EWBEKXPO/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3

You can also make a donation directly here: https://secure.everyaction.com/ETtsapRILECTVrUIhSS_ug2

Oh- and if you haven't already planned to come in for our Gala- do ittttttt! We are equally as fun in person: https://bailingoutbenji.com/bark-after-dark-gala/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17701071 Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2857 2 21 full false Ep20: Bark After Dark Ep20: Bark After Dark On this week's episode, Mindi, Kristen, and Jalaine get all dressed up to talk about our Gala! The intent of the episode is to give a glimpse of what the night is like and why we host this kind of event :) We also have many ways that you can support us during the evening in person AND from afar! 

If you can join us in person, please get your tickets soon, as we are almost to our limit: https://tinyurl.com/BenjiGalaTix

If you have a puppy mill survivor that you would like to honor: https://tinyurl.com/2025Survivors

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor: https://tinyurl.com/2025BenjiSponsor

And if you aren't able to attend, but want to participate from afar, please consider making a donation to our Gala fundraiser here: https://tinyurl.com/BarkForBenji

]]> On this week's episode, Mindi, Kristen, and Jalaine get all dressed up to talk about our Gala! The intent of the episode is to give a glimpse of what the night is like and why we host this kind of event :) We also have many ways that you can support us during the evening in person AND from afar! 

If you can join us in person, please get your tickets soon, as we are almost to our limit: https://tinyurl.com/BenjiGalaTix

If you have a puppy mill survivor that you would like to honor: https://tinyurl.com/2025Survivors

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor: https://tinyurl.com/2025BenjiSponsor

And if you aren't able to attend, but want to participate from afar, please consider making a donation to our Gala fundraiser here: https://tinyurl.com/BarkForBenji

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17660740 Wed, 13 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500 1847 2 20 full true Ep19: Puppy Mills and Page Turners Ep19: Puppy Mills and Page Turners On this extremely special episode, Jalaine and Kristen sit down with two of our Wisconsin volunteers who are also published authors! Both Peggy Race ("Deputy Paws and the Puppy Mill Cause", "Desiree, The Music of My Soul") and Molly Weinfurter  ("Save Our Dogs") share with us what lead them to write their books and how they used their personal experiences to inspire their work. We talk about the process and what it takes to market a book that you've written! 

To learn more about Molly and her writings: https://www.mollyweinfurterwriting.com

To read more about Peggy's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07GSKXRR7?ccs_id=b49ce8cc-e289-4d14-bb71-788d77c79144

As always, to support our work please consider making a donation: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> On this extremely special episode, Jalaine and Kristen sit down with two of our Wisconsin volunteers who are also published authors! Both Peggy Race ("Deputy Paws and the Puppy Mill Cause", "Desiree, The Music of My Soul") and Molly Weinfurter  ("Save Our Dogs") share with us what lead them to write their books and how they used their personal experiences to inspire their work. We talk about the process and what it takes to market a book that you've written! 

To learn more about Molly and her writings: https://www.mollyweinfurterwriting.com

To read more about Peggy's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07GSKXRR7?ccs_id=b49ce8cc-e289-4d14-bb71-788d77c79144

As always, to support our work please consider making a donation: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17614202 Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2089 2 19 full false Ep18: The Magic Website Ep18: The Magic Website On this week's episode, we talk about a world where a magic website exists for the public to use in order to avoid puppy mills. Advocates and consumers can type in a name or license number and learn about a breeder's inspection history in order to make informed decisions. According to one TikTok user, magic is the only way something like that could exist. 

*If only* we had magic. Instead, you get to listen to Alexis, Kristen, and Mindi talk about the totally real and completely cool search engine that we created to help fill some information gaps in the puppy-buying process!  

To view our map for yourself: https://bailingoutbenji.com/search-engine/

To support or attend our gala: https://bailingoutbenji.com/bark-after-dark-gala/

To support our efforts: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/




]]> On this week's episode, we talk about a world where a magic website exists for the public to use in order to avoid puppy mills. Advocates and consumers can type in a name or license number and learn about a breeder's inspection history in order to make informed decisions. According to one TikTok user, magic is the only way something like that could exist. 

*If only* we had magic. Instead, you get to listen to Alexis, Kristen, and Mindi talk about the totally real and completely cool search engine that we created to help fill some information gaps in the puppy-buying process!  

To view our map for yourself: https://bailingoutbenji.com/search-engine/

To support or attend our gala: https://bailingoutbenji.com/bark-after-dark-gala/

To support our efforts: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/




]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17583513 Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2406 2 18 full false Ep17: No Space for Amish Hate Ep17: No Space for Amish Hate On this week's episode, our team sits down to discuss the interview with Devon and highlight some of the ways we have seen progress within the Amish community. 

Unfortunately, Amish dog breeders are one of the most vilified groups in the country. Often labeled as cruel and inhumane, breeders from the Plain Community have to work twice as hard to prove that their operations are reputable. The comments we hear and read regarding this group of people can be awful and come across as extremely threatening. We are working hard to change that. 

Hate has no place at our organization and we won't tolerate it in the spaces that we sit. 

*This is the last official episode of our 'field research' series* 

If you would like to support our work, click here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> On this week's episode, our team sits down to discuss the interview with Devon and highlight some of the ways we have seen progress within the Amish community. 

Unfortunately, Amish dog breeders are one of the most vilified groups in the country. Often labeled as cruel and inhumane, breeders from the Plain Community have to work twice as hard to prove that their operations are reputable. The comments we hear and read regarding this group of people can be awful and come across as extremely threatening. We are working hard to change that. 

Hate has no place at our organization and we won't tolerate it in the spaces that we sit. 

*This is the last official episode of our 'field research' series* 

If you would like to support our work, click here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17541409 Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2267 2 17 full false Ep16: An Unlikely Friendship Ep16: An Unlikely Friendship In our latest episode, Mindi has a candid phone conversation with an unlikely ally, Devon- an Amish dog breeder who sells puppies to pet stores. Their friendship defies expectations, but is rooted in mutual respect and a shared desire to see the dog breeding industry improve. 

For the first time publicly, an Amish breeder shares his story, his breeding program, and why he believes change is necessary from within. This powerful exchange challenges assumptions, finds common ground, and proves that progress sometimes starts with an honest conversation. 


]]> In our latest episode, Mindi has a candid phone conversation with an unlikely ally, Devon- an Amish dog breeder who sells puppies to pet stores. Their friendship defies expectations, but is rooted in mutual respect and a shared desire to see the dog breeding industry improve. 

For the first time publicly, an Amish breeder shares his story, his breeding program, and why he believes change is necessary from within. This powerful exchange challenges assumptions, finds common ground, and proves that progress sometimes starts with an honest conversation. 


]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17509161 Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2947 2 16 full false Ep15: Progress Over Perfection Ep15: Progress Over Perfection This week, Alexis joins Mindi and Kristen as we continue our conversations about our trips to visit USDA dog breeders and brokers. We share stories about what we've seen and discuss the surprising transparency that we've been given by some of the most notorious names in the business. 

To view our interactive search engine: https://bailingoutbenji.com/search-engine/

To support our work: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> This week, Alexis joins Mindi and Kristen as we continue our conversations about our trips to visit USDA dog breeders and brokers. We share stories about what we've seen and discuss the surprising transparency that we've been given by some of the most notorious names in the business. 

To view our interactive search engine: https://bailingoutbenji.com/search-engine/

To support our work: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17471298 Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500 3359 2 15 full false Ep14: When Advocacy Hurts the Advocates Ep14: When Advocacy Hurts the Advocates This week we are taking a break from our field research series to discuss a really important and heavy topic after the animal welfare world experienced an incredible loss last week. A fellow rescuer died by self harm due to the cyberbullying that she experienced from her colleagues. Unfortunately, bullying and harassment occurs very frequently in the animal welfare space and it has got to stop. 

Join Kristen and Mindi as they discuss the weight of this work and the realities advocates face when we bury ourselves deep within it. This is a sensitive episode and we suggest only listening if you are in the headspace to do so. 

If you are in need of emotional support or if you are experiencing thoughts of self harm, please reach out to the crisis hotline: 988 

To read Mindi's personal experience with bullying, click here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/dogs-not-drama/

]]> This week we are taking a break from our field research series to discuss a really important and heavy topic after the animal welfare world experienced an incredible loss last week. A fellow rescuer died by self harm due to the cyberbullying that she experienced from her colleagues. Unfortunately, bullying and harassment occurs very frequently in the animal welfare space and it has got to stop. 

Join Kristen and Mindi as they discuss the weight of this work and the realities advocates face when we bury ourselves deep within it. This is a sensitive episode and we suggest only listening if you are in the headspace to do so. 

If you are in need of emotional support or if you are experiencing thoughts of self harm, please reach out to the crisis hotline: 988 

To read Mindi's personal experience with bullying, click here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/dogs-not-drama/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17432293 Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2617 2 14 full false Ep13: Rewind: From Horror to Hope Ep13: Rewind: From Horror to Hope On this week’s episode Mindi and Kristen take a look back at the webinar our team gave last Fall regarding their first trip to visit USDA kennels. The original webinar hosted an audience of inspectors, state officials, animal advocates, dog breeders, dog brokers, pet stores, and more. 

If you are watching on Youtube, you will see the slideshow with photos. If you are listening via audio, then you will just hear our charming selves talking to you like normal 🙂 Thank you for sitting with us again this week! 

To view the webinar in full, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFdyojmKZes&t


To support our work, click here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> On this week’s episode Mindi and Kristen take a look back at the webinar our team gave last Fall regarding their first trip to visit USDA kennels. The original webinar hosted an audience of inspectors, state officials, animal advocates, dog breeders, dog brokers, pet stores, and more. 

If you are watching on Youtube, you will see the slideshow with photos. If you are listening via audio, then you will just hear our charming selves talking to you like normal 🙂 Thank you for sitting with us again this week! 

To view the webinar in full, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFdyojmKZes&t


To support our work, click here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17392963 Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500 3062 2 13 full false Ep12: Behind Closed Kennel Doors Ep12: Behind Closed Kennel Doors This week Mindi and Kristen dive into a topic that we know many people have been anxious to hear about- our USDA kennel visits. This episode serves as a jumping off point for our team as they intend to spend the next several episodes sharing our experience visiting USDA dog breeders and brokers as a part of our Field Research.


We ask you to listen to this series with an open mind, an open heart, and the understanding that we are working within an imperfect system in order to create change for the dogs who exist to be bred.


All feelings are valid. But being mean isn’t.


To view our new online search engine: https://bailingoutbenji.com/search-engine/

To donate to support our work: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> This week Mindi and Kristen dive into a topic that we know many people have been anxious to hear about- our USDA kennel visits. This episode serves as a jumping off point for our team as they intend to spend the next several episodes sharing our experience visiting USDA dog breeders and brokers as a part of our Field Research.


We ask you to listen to this series with an open mind, an open heart, and the understanding that we are working within an imperfect system in order to create change for the dogs who exist to be bred.


All feelings are valid. But being mean isn’t.


To view our new online search engine: https://bailingoutbenji.com/search-engine/

To donate to support our work: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17348708 Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500 3700 2 12 full false Ep11: A Tail of Two Stephanies Ep11: A Tail of Two Stephanies This week Mindi and Kristen continue their conversation about the lessons they learned at their recent conference. In this episode, they reflect on meeting two different Stephanies who served as important reminders that we must keep reaching the puppy-buying public with our message. 

They also discuss the importance of treating everyone with kindness and grace- especially those who make choices than we would.


To support our work: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/


To learn more about our Gala: http://bailingoutbenji.com/bark-after-dark

]]> This week Mindi and Kristen continue their conversation about the lessons they learned at their recent conference. In this episode, they reflect on meeting two different Stephanies who served as important reminders that we must keep reaching the puppy-buying public with our message. 

They also discuss the importance of treating everyone with kindness and grace- especially those who make choices than we would.


To support our work: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/


To learn more about our Gala: http://bailingoutbenji.com/bark-after-dark

]]> Buzzsprout-17314207 Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2945 2 11 full false Ep10: Still Standing Ep10: Still Standing This week, Mindi and Kristen reflect on the conversations they had at a recent conference in Philadelphia. Nonprofit leaders across various fields came together to share their struggles and inspire hope for what the future holds. They also discuss how important it is for organizations to make space for new ideas and opinions if we want to see meaningful change happen. 

To support our work: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

To learn more about our Gala:  http://bailingoutbenji.com/bark-after-dark

]]> This week, Mindi and Kristen reflect on the conversations they had at a recent conference in Philadelphia. Nonprofit leaders across various fields came together to share their struggles and inspire hope for what the future holds. They also discuss how important it is for organizations to make space for new ideas and opinions if we want to see meaningful change happen. 

To support our work: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

To learn more about our Gala:  http://bailingoutbenji.com/bark-after-dark

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17274057 Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500 1897 2 10 full false Ep9: Sparking Conversation Ep9: Sparking Conversation It's a full house today! Mindi and Kristen are joined this week by Jalaine and Alexis as we all discuss and reflect on why our volunteers are so amazing and how our grassroots advocacy efforts are very effective on the local level. This fun, 'patchwork' episode was made complete with two zoom interviews with three of our amazing team members! 

In order to share a glimpse of our volunteer program with you, we are first joined by Lauren from Colorado, who shares what it’s like to protest outside of puppy-selling pet stores- and how these peaceful demonstrations are shifting public perception one sign at a time. Then, Melissa and Rachel from Wisconsin open up about their experiences with tabling events- from setting up educational booths to having tough, eye-opening conversations with the public about where puppies really come from.

Whether you're already active in this movement or just curious about how to get involved, this episode will leave you informed, motivated, and hopeful for change. 

Contact us today about becoming a volunteer: https://bailingoutbenji.com/how-you-can-help/volunteer/

Or about making a donation to support our efforts: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> It's a full house today! Mindi and Kristen are joined this week by Jalaine and Alexis as we all discuss and reflect on why our volunteers are so amazing and how our grassroots advocacy efforts are very effective on the local level. This fun, 'patchwork' episode was made complete with two zoom interviews with three of our amazing team members! 

In order to share a glimpse of our volunteer program with you, we are first joined by Lauren from Colorado, who shares what it’s like to protest outside of puppy-selling pet stores- and how these peaceful demonstrations are shifting public perception one sign at a time. Then, Melissa and Rachel from Wisconsin open up about their experiences with tabling events- from setting up educational booths to having tough, eye-opening conversations with the public about where puppies really come from.

Whether you're already active in this movement or just curious about how to get involved, this episode will leave you informed, motivated, and hopeful for change. 

Contact us today about becoming a volunteer: https://bailingoutbenji.com/how-you-can-help/volunteer/

Or about making a donation to support our efforts: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17237085 Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2849 2 9 full false Ep8: Data Doesn’t Have an Agenda Ep8: Data Doesn’t Have an Agenda In this week’s episode, we dive into the powerful role that data plays in exposing the truth about the puppy mill industry. Mindi and Kristen speak with Alexis about our quarterly USDA inspection audit and how those reports have evolved since we began them in 2022. We also discuss the due process of it all and what it takes to actually get a license revoked.

Sit down with us as we unpack how Bailing Out Benji collects, analyzes, and uses public records to connect the dots between puppy mills and the places they sell their puppies. When emotions run high and misinformation spreads fast, the facts should speak for themselves- because data doesn't have an agenda.

To view our most recent audit, click here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/2025-usda-q1/

To buy one of our shirts, click here: https://www.ordergroupwear.com/bailing_out_benji/shop/home


To sign up to be one of our volunteers: https://bailingoutbenji.com/volunteer/

]]> In this week’s episode, we dive into the powerful role that data plays in exposing the truth about the puppy mill industry. Mindi and Kristen speak with Alexis about our quarterly USDA inspection audit and how those reports have evolved since we began them in 2022. We also discuss the due process of it all and what it takes to actually get a license revoked.

Sit down with us as we unpack how Bailing Out Benji collects, analyzes, and uses public records to connect the dots between puppy mills and the places they sell their puppies. When emotions run high and misinformation spreads fast, the facts should speak for themselves- because data doesn't have an agenda.

To view our most recent audit, click here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/2025-usda-q1/

To buy one of our shirts, click here: https://www.ordergroupwear.com/bailing_out_benji/shop/home


To sign up to be one of our volunteers: https://bailingoutbenji.com/volunteer/

]]> Buzzsprout-17200361 Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2703 2 8 full false Ep7: 10,000... More or Less? Ep7: 10,000... More or Less? How many puppy mills are in operation in the United States? 


Did you say 10,000? We bet you said that there were 10,000. That number has been floating around the internet since around 2015 (as far as we can tell) and it is used everywhere! Would you be surprised to hear that this approximation is more of a ballpark guess and isn't rooted in fact or projections based on data? 


On this week's episode of "Truth, Lies, and Puppy Mills", Mindi and Kristen are joined by Alexis for an inside look at Bailing Out Benji's research and what it reveals about the public's understanding of puppy mills. The episode kicks off with real answers from everyday people who were asked “What is a puppy mill?” and “What do they look like?” .


Our team discusses the gap between public perception and reality, including the belief that there are 10,000 puppy mills in the U.S. They also talk about why just telling people where not to get a puppy isn’t enough—and discuss the importance of diving deeper than the slogans to educate the public on how to get a pet without supporting a puppy mill.


Fun fact: Between the recording of this episode and the publishing (roughly one week), the number of breeders we are tracking has greatly increased (including adding an additional 400 facilities with violations). Things change daily, which is why our field has to keep evolving and making sure we are advocating for best practices and meaningful change for animals and the people who love them.


To support our work, please consider making a donation: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/


We also have a limited edition t-shirt fundraiser happening right now: https://www.ordergroupwear.com/bailing_out_benji/shop/home

]]> How many puppy mills are in operation in the United States? 


Did you say 10,000? We bet you said that there were 10,000. That number has been floating around the internet since around 2015 (as far as we can tell) and it is used everywhere! Would you be surprised to hear that this approximation is more of a ballpark guess and isn't rooted in fact or projections based on data? 


On this week's episode of "Truth, Lies, and Puppy Mills", Mindi and Kristen are joined by Alexis for an inside look at Bailing Out Benji's research and what it reveals about the public's understanding of puppy mills. The episode kicks off with real answers from everyday people who were asked “What is a puppy mill?” and “What do they look like?” .


Our team discusses the gap between public perception and reality, including the belief that there are 10,000 puppy mills in the U.S. They also talk about why just telling people where not to get a puppy isn’t enough—and discuss the importance of diving deeper than the slogans to educate the public on how to get a pet without supporting a puppy mill.


Fun fact: Between the recording of this episode and the publishing (roughly one week), the number of breeders we are tracking has greatly increased (including adding an additional 400 facilities with violations). Things change daily, which is why our field has to keep evolving and making sure we are advocating for best practices and meaningful change for animals and the people who love them.


To support our work, please consider making a donation: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/


We also have a limited edition t-shirt fundraiser happening right now: https://www.ordergroupwear.com/bailing_out_benji/shop/home

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17148152 Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2173 2 7 full false Ep6: Licensed to be Confused Ep6: Licensed to be Confused
The murky world of companion animal regulation: 

This week Mindi and Kristen break down the complicated, and often misunderstood, world of licensing in the animal industry. Do rescues and shelters need to be inspected? Are puppy mills licensed? Why is the state and federal government involved? These two explore how different standards (or lack thereof) create a gray area that the public rarely sees. 

Thank you for sitting with us again this week and for being a part of the conversation! 


To support our work, please make a donation here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]>
The murky world of companion animal regulation: 

This week Mindi and Kristen break down the complicated, and often misunderstood, world of licensing in the animal industry. Do rescues and shelters need to be inspected? Are puppy mills licensed? Why is the state and federal government involved? These two explore how different standards (or lack thereof) create a gray area that the public rarely sees. 

Thank you for sitting with us again this week and for being a part of the conversation! 


To support our work, please make a donation here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17113245 Wed, 07 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500 3265 2 6 full false Ep5: Meet Them Where They're At Ep5: Meet Them Where They're At In this week's episode, Kristen sits down with Alexis to discuss her recent trip to Missouri to volunteer at Humane Lobby Day with our volunteers. Alexis talks about the type of research prep she does ahead of these events and what type of information our teams need to be successful when they have conversations in their communities. Jalaine later joins the podcast to discuss how important our grassroots volunteer reach is and talk about what it takes to get our teams signed up for events across the country! 

Everything we do at Bailing Out Benji is a team effort and we consider you to be a part of that team! Thank you for sitting with us each week and for being a part of the conversation. 


To support our work, please make a donation here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/


To make a last minute donation to our microchip clinic, click here: https://secure.everyaction.com/40cAsFdzrE-7WqljzHo-DA2

]]> In this week's episode, Kristen sits down with Alexis to discuss her recent trip to Missouri to volunteer at Humane Lobby Day with our volunteers. Alexis talks about the type of research prep she does ahead of these events and what type of information our teams need to be successful when they have conversations in their communities. Jalaine later joins the podcast to discuss how important our grassroots volunteer reach is and talk about what it takes to get our teams signed up for events across the country! 

Everything we do at Bailing Out Benji is a team effort and we consider you to be a part of that team! Thank you for sitting with us each week and for being a part of the conversation. 


To support our work, please make a donation here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/


To make a last minute donation to our microchip clinic, click here: https://secure.everyaction.com/40cAsFdzrE-7WqljzHo-DA2

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17065149 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2048 2 5 full false Ep4: Working Upstream Ep4: Working Upstream This week Mindi and Kristen discuss the nuances of working upstream and discuss the various types of organizations that work in the animal welfare space. We talk about our role in educating the puppy-buying public and the importance of investing in prevention before the chaos lands at our feet. 

Thank you for sitting with us and joining in on the conversation! 

Links we discussed in this episode include: 


Harry Eckman's linkedin post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/harry-eckman-45b9a847_youre-standing-by-a-river-when-you-hear-activity-7300177402935001091-1bSL?

Vaccine clinic fundraiser: https://secure.everyaction.com/40cAsFdzrE-7WqljzHo-DA2

general donation link: https://secure.everyaction.com/LT0t7MN4DEOSsBsgg1IC6A2

]]> This week Mindi and Kristen discuss the nuances of working upstream and discuss the various types of organizations that work in the animal welfare space. We talk about our role in educating the puppy-buying public and the importance of investing in prevention before the chaos lands at our feet. 

Thank you for sitting with us and joining in on the conversation! 

Links we discussed in this episode include: 


Harry Eckman's linkedin post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/harry-eckman-45b9a847_youre-standing-by-a-river-when-you-hear-activity-7300177402935001091-1bSL?

Vaccine clinic fundraiser: https://secure.everyaction.com/40cAsFdzrE-7WqljzHo-DA2

general donation link: https://secure.everyaction.com/LT0t7MN4DEOSsBsgg1IC6A2

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-17018133 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500 3228 2 4 full false Ep3: Focusing on the Fix Ep3: Focusing on the Fix This week Mindi and Kristen sit down to chat about bringing the podcast back and go over some of the conversations we are excited to have in future episodes. Bailing Out Benji is a few years older since our last podcast and we've learned SO much about the puppy mill industry during the hiatus. We are excited to talk and learn alongside all of you as we set our sights on the future and we focus on the fix. 

Thank you for sitting with us this week! Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review in order to help us reach even more people. 

The link to learn about how to support our free microchip / vaccine clinic, click here: https://secure.everyaction.com/40cAsFdzrE-7WqljzHo-DA2

]]> This week Mindi and Kristen sit down to chat about bringing the podcast back and go over some of the conversations we are excited to have in future episodes. Bailing Out Benji is a few years older since our last podcast and we've learned SO much about the puppy mill industry during the hiatus. We are excited to talk and learn alongside all of you as we set our sights on the future and we focus on the fix. 

Thank you for sitting with us this week! Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review in order to help us reach even more people. 

The link to learn about how to support our free microchip / vaccine clinic, click here: https://secure.everyaction.com/40cAsFdzrE-7WqljzHo-DA2

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-16985964 Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2330 2 3 full false Ep2: The Pack Behind the Purpose Ep2: The Pack Behind the Purpose Last week you heard about how Bailing Out Benji was founded and some of the amazing work that we have done. This week, tune in as we introduce you to the people behind the scenes who keep this nonprofit running! Alexis, Jalaine, and Kristen are integral to who we are at Bailing Out Benji and each play a unique role in what we do. We are excited to give you a small glimpse into different parts of our organization and for you to meet the team! 

Thank you for sitting in this week and for having a conversation with us :) 


If you would like to support our work, please consider making a donation here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

For questions or comments email: info@bailingoutbenji.com

]]> Last week you heard about how Bailing Out Benji was founded and some of the amazing work that we have done. This week, tune in as we introduce you to the people behind the scenes who keep this nonprofit running! Alexis, Jalaine, and Kristen are integral to who we are at Bailing Out Benji and each play a unique role in what we do. We are excited to give you a small glimpse into different parts of our organization and for you to meet the team! 

Thank you for sitting in this week and for having a conversation with us :) 


If you would like to support our work, please consider making a donation here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/

For questions or comments email: info@bailingoutbenji.com

]]> Buzzsprout-16938878 Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2660 2 2 full false Ep1: Research Before You Buy Ep1: Research Before You Buy Hello, new friends and longtime friends :) Thank you for joining us for our first episode back in the podcast space! Today you will hear about Bailing Out Benji's origin story,  how our first protests began, and about how a little documentary changed our world! We might be a small team, but the impact we are having on the commercial dog breeding industry is massive. 

Thank you for sitting in this week and for having a conversation with us :) 

If you would like to support our work, please consider making a donation: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/


]]> Hello, new friends and longtime friends :) Thank you for joining us for our first episode back in the podcast space! Today you will hear about Bailing Out Benji's origin story,  how our first protests began, and about how a little documentary changed our world! We might be a small team, but the impact we are having on the commercial dog breeding industry is massive. 

Thank you for sitting in this week and for having a conversation with us :) 

If you would like to support our work, please consider making a donation: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/


]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-16858102 Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500 2071 2 1 full false Guess Who's Back? Guess Who's Back? So much has happened since we released our last episode nearly three years ago! With the addition of new staff, more volunteers, and lots and lots of hours of new research and networking and important conversations, it feels like the perfect time to reconnect with you all. So we're bringing the show back!

In this brief check-in episode, Mindi is here to chat about what to expect as the podcast is reborn. Think of it as Truth, Lies, and Puppy Mills 2.0: some new voices, new stories, and new perspectives, with the same passion for reform and progress as before.

So join us every other Wednesday on your favorite podcast platform, or on YouTube. We can't wait to jump back in!

]]> So much has happened since we released our last episode nearly three years ago! With the addition of new staff, more volunteers, and lots and lots of hours of new research and networking and important conversations, it feels like the perfect time to reconnect with you all. So we're bringing the show back!

In this brief check-in episode, Mindi is here to chat about what to expect as the podcast is reborn. Think of it as Truth, Lies, and Puppy Mills 2.0: some new voices, new stories, and new perspectives, with the same passion for reform and progress as before.

So join us every other Wednesday on your favorite podcast platform, or on YouTube. We can't wait to jump back in!

]]> Bailing Out Benji Buzzsprout-16818484 Tue, 18 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0500 414 puppy mills, nonprofit, animal welfare, 2 1 bonus false