The Community Cats Podcast

The Community Cats Podcast

Together, we can help community cats all around the world!

  • 24 minutes 53 seconds
    Ep. 646: The Power of a Penny to End Pet Overpopulation, featuring Carrie Weber of PennyFix
    "It's not what we think they need—it's about what they actually need. And sometimes, that's just food and space to be left alone."

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Underfoot Podcast.

    In this inspiring episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes longtime animal welfare advocate Carrie Weber to discuss her three-decade journey championing the needs of cats and how one tiny idea could solve a massive problem.

    Carrie's passion for animals stems from a childhood filled with rescues—both human and animal—guided by her mother's compassionate example. Her career has included roles in adoption, temperament testing, medical assistance, TNR, and hospice care, as well as leadership positions in multiple nonprofits. But it's her work with PennyFix, a nonprofit striving to solve pet overpopulation through a groundbreaking one-penny-per-can model, that's capturing attention.

    Carrie discusses how her views on animal needs have evolved, emphasizing the importance of understanding what animals actually need—not what humans wish for them. She also opens up about her time at The Best Little Cat House in Pennsylvania, the nation's oldest cat hospice, and her hands-on experience with fostering, board service, and the vital (if often overlooked) role of volunteers.

    The episode dives deep into how PennyFix awards spay/neuter grants, their efforts to partner with pet food manufacturers, and the challenges of rising vet costs and a shrinking workforce. Carrie also shares smart fundraising strategies—from posters in unexpected places to donor-advised funds—and introduces PennyFix's new "Penny a Day" campaign, showing how small donations can make a massive impact.

    Press Play Now For:

    • Why a single penny could change the future of animal overpopulation
    • How Carrie's policing career shaped her advocacy for the voiceless
    • Surprising truths about spay/neuter access across the U.S.
    • Fundraising tips you've likely never heard before
    • A behind-the-scenes look at The Best Little Cat House

    Resources:

    Sponsor Links:

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    13 January 2026, 9:00 am
  • 30 minutes 12 seconds
    Justice for Animals and the Legal Fight to End Cruelty, Featuring Joyce Glass, Attorney at Joyce M. Glass, P.C.
    "One person can definitely make a difference. Don't be afraid to be the first voice—sometimes the biggest cases start with one person speaking up."

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Underfoot Podcast.

    In this powerful and enlightening episode, Stacy LeBaron sits down with attorney Joyce Glass, a passionate and pioneering voice in animal welfare law. From her start as a bankruptcy attorney to becoming a tireless advocate for animals, Joyce shares the deeply personal journey that led her to found a pro bono legal practice focused on protecting animals from cruelty and neglect. Her mission is clear: addressing animal cruelty not only helps animals but also creates safer, more compassionate communities.

    Joyce walks us through her work drafting legislation, collaborating with law enforcement, and handling complex animal cruelty cases across New York, Connecticut, and North Carolina. Learn how laws like Desmond's Law in Connecticut and innovative partnerships such as the Fund for Animal Cruelty Treatment of Suffolk Inc. are creating new models for justice. She explains why recognizing the link between animal abuse and interpersonal violence is crucial, and why community collaboration is key to long-term solutions.

    Listeners will gain insight into the legal classification of animals, the challenges of prosecuting cruelty cases, and the evolving role of courtroom advocates. Whether you're a community cat caregiver or just passionate about animal welfare, this episode empowers you to take action and be the voice animals need.

    Press Play Now For:

    • How Joyce Glass transitioned from finance law to animal advocacy
    • Why community-level collaboration matters more than state mandates
    • An overview of Desmond's Law and its real-world impact
    • What to do if you witness animal cruelty
    • How trail cams and Ring doorbells are changing investigations
    • The case for expanding protections to all animals, not just cats and dogs

    Resources & Links:

    Sponsor Links:

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    6 January 2026, 9:00 am
  • 33 minutes 40 seconds
    Leadership, Legacy & A New Chapter for Community Cats, Featuring Stacy LeBaron, Head Cat for Community Cats Central
    "Helping that one cat is incredibly valuable... but it also represents a new behavior, a new calling, as to how we are addressing cats in our community."

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Underfoot Podcast.

    As 2025 draws to a close, host Stacy LeBaron takes the mic solo to share heartfelt reflections, bold vision, and a rallying cry for cat advocates everywhere. In this special year-end episode, Stacy unveils Community Cats Central, a transformative evolution of the Community Cats Podcast, designed to deepen education, networking, and support for cat lovers turning their passion into action.

    This isn't just a look back—it's a forward march. Stacy encourages each listener to embrace their leadership potential, set attainable goals for 2026, and build stronger bonds within their communities. With stories like the Newburyport case study and a touching tribute to her late friend Betty Bro, this episode bridges the personal and the strategic, reminding us that every cat saved starts with a connection, a plan, and a little courage.

    Whether you're new to TNR or a seasoned advocate, this episode is your invitation to step into leadership and create lasting change.

    Press Play Now For:

    • A preview of the 2026 vision for Community Cats Central
    • Tips to set realistic goals and avoid burnout in rescue work
    • Why YOU are a leader—even if you don't feel like one
    • The power of positive connections in advocacy
    • Sneak peeks at new on-demand TNR courses and January events
    • A moving tribute to cat champion and what she teaches us about legacy

    Resources Mentioned:

    Sponsor Links:

    Follow & Review

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    30 December 2025, 9:00 am
  • 30 minutes 50 seconds
    From Greece to Global: Transforming TNR With Passion and Purpose, Featuring Adelle Louise and Alex Ricard, Founders of the Saaving the Streets Podcast, Travel Animal Rescue, and Saaving Lives
    "Taking that first step is going to change your life—but it's also going to change the lives of so many animals." – Alex Ricard

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Underfoot Podcast.

    In this globally-minded episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron chats with Adelle Louise and Alex Ricard—two trailblazing young leaders reshaping the future of TNR. As founders of the Saaving the Streets podcast and grassroots nonprofits spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas, Adelle and Alex have turned compassion into action, collectively sterilizing over 3,000 cats while mentoring others along the way.

    Adelle shares her shift from general rescue work in Vietnam to high-volume TNR operations in Greece, supported by collaborations with local and international organizations. Alex opens up about how rescuing one kitten in a dog's mouth on a Greek island set her on a mission to tackle the root causes of feline overpopulation. Together, they explore how cultural context, veterinary access, and community engagement impact outcomes—offering practical advice for improving programs at any scale.

    With a focus on strategy, collaboration, and the power of storytelling, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to level up their approach to TNR—whether in a city, on a farm, or across borders.

    Press Play Now For:

    • How Adelle and Alex went from solo rescuers to global educators
    • What TNR looks like in Greece, France, Mexico, and beyond
    • The story behind their podcast Saaving the Streets
    • Why thinking like a funder helps you do more with less
    • Equipment, training, and collaboration tips for mass trappings
    • How to turn your first sterilization into a life of impact

    Resources Mentioned:

    Sponsor Links:

    Follow & Review

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    23 December 2025, 9:00 am
  • 35 minutes 8 seconds
    Targeted TNR: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck, Part 2, Featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats
    "Knowing where the cats are is only half the battle—knowing how to reach the people who care for them is what makes targeting truly work."

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund.

    In Part 2 of this dynamic webinar, Brian Kortis of Neighborhood Cats returns to guide us through the nuts and bolts of implementing a targeted TNR program. If Part 1 was the "why," this episode is the "how." Learn how to identify where to focus your resources using data such as shelter intake, complaint calls, and community insights. Brian explains how to structure your outreach—from yard signs to door knocking—and how to overcome challenges like uncooperative caretakers or underestimated cat populations.

    Through real-world case studies and expert recommendations, you'll understand the importance of spatial continuity, microtargeting, and setting achievable sterilization goals, even when resources are tight. You'll also explore tools for measuring program success—whether you're tracking shelter intake, complaint reduction, or cat population decline through on-the-ground censuses.

    Whether you're targeting an entire city or a single block, this episode equips you with strategic tools to design and execute efficient, high-impact TNR campaigns.

    Press Play Now For:

    • How to use data to pinpoint high-need areas
    • Estimating cat populations using human-to-cat ratios
    • Outreach methods that work: flyers, billboards, boots on the ground
    • Who should do the trapping—and why you can't always rely on caretakers
    • The importance of measuring results and how to adapt on the fly
    • A new frontier: Microtargeting based on real-time shelter data

    Resources Mentioned:

    Sponsor Links:

    • Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies643)

    Follow & Review

    We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    16 December 2025, 9:00 am
  • 51 minutes 32 seconds
    Targeted TNR: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck, Part 1 featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats
    "You don't need to fix all the cats to make a difference—you just need to fix the right ones, in the right places, at the right time."

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund.

    In Part 1 of this two-part webinar, Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats, breaks down the power of targeted TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) and why it's essential for managing community cat populations effectively. Hosted in partnership with the Community Cats Podcast, this episode dives deep into the theory behind concentrating resources in high-need areas and why traditional, scattered approaches often fall short. Using real-world case studies and expert insight, Bryan illustrates how geographic targeting, colony-level focus, and an understanding of carrying capacity and the vacuum effect can dramatically increase the impact of your spay/neuter efforts.

    You'll also discover how strategic targeting has successfully transformed neighborhoods from overrun to manageable, with results that include reduced shelter intake, lower euthanasia rates, and fewer cat complaints. If your organization has limited resources and big goals, this session is your roadmap to making the most of every dollar—and every surgery.

    Whether you're running a spay/neuter clinic, a grassroots rescue, or a municipal program, Bryan offers scalable advice that adapts to any community size. Learn how to prioritize, structure, and execute a targeted TNR program for maximum effect.

    Press Play Now For:

    • Why targeting is essential when resources are limited
    • The concept of carrying capacity and why colonies don't explode endlessly
    • How the vacuum effect can undo your hard work—and how to prevent it
    • The difference between colony-level and community-level targeting
    • Case studies from New York, Tampa Bay, and Newburyport

    Resources Mentioned:

    Sponsor Links:

    • Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies642)

    Follow & Review

    We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    9 December 2025, 9:00 am
  • 33 minutes 11 seconds
    Beyond the Bottle: A Smarter Way to Save Kittens featuring Jackie Noble, Executive Director of the Orphan Kitten Club
    "We are dedicated to making sure the kittens that we take in are the last kittens born in that colony."

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund.

    What do neonate kittens, a chance wedding conversation, and a global mission to stop kitten overpopulation have in common? Jackie Noble.

    In this lively episode, Stacy LeBaron welcomes Jackie Noble, Executive Director of the Orphan Kitten Club, to dish on all things kitten rescue, and the bold vision to end the cycle once and for all. With a career that began thanks to a wedding guest and a little wine, Jackie now leads one of the most impactful organizations in the kitten welfare world.

    You'll hear how Jackie and her team are flipping the script on kitten rescue with their "Full-Circle TNR" approach. Because saving one kitten just isn't enough when you know there's a whole colony behind it. From identifying "kitten hotspots" to preventing disease outbreaks, Jackie reveals how data, partnerships, and smart strategy are reshaping how we help our tiniest feline friends.

    Plus, discover why spay/neuter isn't just a vet visit, it's a movement, how research is saving kittens' eyes and lives (literally), and why every trap, foster, and grant dollar counts.

    Press Play Now For:

    • A wedding story that launched a career in kitten care
    • The magic behind Full-Circle TNR (it's smarter than it sounds)
    • How foster parents are becoming frontline changemakers
    • Why "feral" might not mean what you think
    • Inspiring collaborations that actually move the needle
    • How one group saved an entire colony—and every kitten's eyesight
    • Why the Orphan Kitten Club is going big in 2026 (and how you can help)

    Resources Mentioned:

    Sponsor Links:

    • Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies641)

    Follow & Review

    We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    2 December 2025, 9:00 am
  • 40 minutes 59 seconds
    Return to Field with Neighborhood Cats – Part 2, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats
    "The goal is simple. Do what's best for this individual cat—not what's easiest for us."

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund.

    In Part 2 of the Return to Field training, Bryan Kortis walks us through the practical side of RTF implementation—how to assess which cats qualify, how to safely house and return them, and what to do when friendly cats enter the system. With an emphasis on individualized outcomes, this session covers the real-world nuance of returning cats to their original locations while balancing public concerns, shelter capacity, and cat welfare. You'll hear how shelters can handle complaints, use targeted TNR to reduce future intake, and avoid legal pitfalls. This is the roadmap for anyone serious about humane, effective community cat management.

    Press Play Now For:

    • How to assess a cat's eligibility for RTF
    • What to do when a cat seems friendly or may have been abandoned
    • Legal lessons from the San Diego lawsuit on "friendly" RTF cats
    • Why tracking, mapping, and post-release follow-up are key
    • Combining RTF with targeted TNR for maximum impact
    • How to navigate complaints and educate your community

    Resources Mentioned:

    Sponsor Links:

    • Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies640)

    Follow & Review

    We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    25 November 2025, 9:00 am
  • 33 minutes 17 seconds
    Return to Field with Neighborhood Cats, Part 1, Featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats
    "Euthanasia is a dead-end policy. We've tried it for decades and the cats are still here."

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund.

    In Part 1 of this informative workshop replay, Bryan Kortis and Susan Richmond of Neighborhood Cats dive into the effective approach of Return to Field (RTF), reshaping how shelters manage community cats. As a key evolution of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), RTF empowers shelters to sterilize, vaccinate, and return healthy, unowned cats to their territories rather than euthanizing them. Bryan traces the roots of the movement back to Jacksonville, Florida, where an experimental collaboration between a spay/neuter clinic and the city shelter resulted in a 90% reduction in euthanasia. You'll discover how RTF improves shelter morale, increases public support, and significantly lowers intake over time. With deep experience in fieldwork and policy, Bryan and Susan bring practical wisdom and data-backed insights into why this method is saving lives—and reshaping entire communities.

    Press Play Now For:

    • The critical difference between RTF and traditional TNR
    • How Jacksonville became a national model for RTF success
    • Proof that RTF leads to lower euthanasia and intake rates
    • Why euthanizing cats fails to control populations long-term
    • The "vacuum effect" explained—why removed cats are quickly replaced
    • How RTF changes shelter culture and staff wellbeing

    Resources Mentioned:

    Sponsor Links:

    • Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies639)

    Follow & Review

    We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    18 November 2025, 9:00 am
  • 26 minutes 40 seconds
    Building a United Voice for Michigan's Animals, Featuring Courtney Protz-Sanders, Founder of Paws for Life Rescue and Board Member of the Michigan Pet Alliance
    "One of the worst things is to have a passion to do something, but no idea how or where to start. That's where we come in—we're a resource. You're not floating out there alone."

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund.

    Courtney Protz-Sanders, founder of Paws for Life Rescue and board member of the Michigan Pet Alliance, shares her journey from individual rescuer to statewide advocate for animal welfare. In this episode, Courtney and host Stacy LeBaron dive into how collaboration, legislative engagement, and education can transform communities and protect animals more effectively.

    With over two decades in the field, Courtney explains how the Michigan Pet Alliance (MPA) brings shelters, rescuers, pet owners, and professionals together to fight for legislative change, share resources, and strengthen local programs. From telehealth veterinary access and regional workshops to battling unjust ordinances like outdoor feeding bans, the MPA stands as a powerful force for change.

    This episode is packed with practical insights for individuals and organizations alike. Whether you're trapping your first colony cat or lobbying for animal welfare laws, you'll learn why uniting under a shared mission makes all the difference. Courtney's emphasis on education, proactive leadership, and building coalitions provides a hopeful roadmap for communities nationwide.

    Press Play Now For:

    • Why collaboration is key to effective animal advocacy
    • How the Michigan Pet Alliance supports community cat caretakers
    • The fight to legalize telehealth veterinary services in Michigan
    • Navigating ordinances that hinder TNR and outdoor feeding
    • Practical tips for getting involved with local advocacy efforts
    • The importance of accessible, high-quality training for rescuers

    Resources:

    Sponsor Links:

    • Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies638)

    Follow & Review

    We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    11 November 2025, 9:00 am
  • 37 minutes 48 seconds
    Drop Traps, Stubborn Cats & DIY Hacks: Level Up Your TNR Game Featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats
    "If they won't go hungry, feed them into the trap. We don't just wait—we adapt."

    This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund.

    In Part 2 of our Drop Trap Workshop, we move beyond the basics into the advanced strategies and inventive solutions that make drop trapping even more powerful. Brian Cordes returns to unpack real-world tactics for high-stakes trapping scenarios—from uneven terrain and stubborn caretakers to high-volume colony projects and post-disaster recovery.

    This episode showcases smart hacks like drop trap pads for unstable ground, audio lures using kitten cries, how to use kittens or queens as live bait, and managing nighttime trapping with minimal stress. Brian also reveals how drop traps played a pivotal role in Neighborhood Cats' mission to rescue over 600 cats from the Maui wildfire burn zone, including the creation of an "auto drop trap" that works without a human present.

    With crystal-clear instruction and field-tested examples, this workshop gives seasoned trappers the tools to scale their efforts, adapt to tricky environments, and stay one step ahead of even the savviest felines.

    Press Play Now For:

    • Using flour or chalk to gauge cat positioning under the trap
    • How to safely use kittens or audio as live bait
    • Tips for dealing with determined but untrained feeders
    • Building drop trap pads for rough terrain
    • How auto drop traps and remote triggers expand your reach
    • Mass trapping with drop traps for entire colonies

    Mentioned Resources:

    Sponsor Links:

    • Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies637)

    Follow & Review

    We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    4 November 2025, 9:00 am
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