This week, we sit down with life and mindset coach, former veterinarian and long-time animal advocate, Anita Marriott and this conversation is one every advocate needs to hear!✨ Anita breaks down the difference between empathy fatigue and compassion fatigue (or burnout), and why knowing the difference can keep you in the fight longer.✨ She shares tools for sustainable advocacy, including practical mindset shifts that help us stay effective, grounded and connected to purpose.✨ And she reflects on her heartbreaking early encounters with greyhounds inside the veterinary system, a stark reminder of how the exploitation continued beyond the track.⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode includes descriptions of veterinary practices involving greyhounds being used as “donations” for training and blood collection. Take care listening.We also talk about:🔥 Why advocates burn out, and how to stop it💛 Effective advocacy without sacrificing yourself 📌 Tips for leaders and individuals to stay in the gameAnita’s honesty and clarity will stay with you long after the episode ends. Check out her coaching services here https://theveganmindsetcoach.com/Plus, Matt & Jem unpack the brand-new WA voter survey on greyhound racing that indicates a 60% majority in favour of ending greyhound racing, across parties and across electorates! Read the survey results here https://www.freethehounds.com.au/wa-survey-on-dog-racing/#FreeTheHounds #TalkingCouchPotatoes #GreyhoundWelfare #AdvocacyMatters
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EP55: Georgie Purcell MP Unleashing the Truth
🐾 EP55 is here – and it’s a BIG one! 🎙️💥We’re joined once again by powerhouse advocate, MP Georgie Purcell, leader in the fight to protect greyhounds and push for an end to the racing industry.💬 Georgie dives into:📉 How transparency wins in Victoria are forcing truthful reporting on deaths & injuries🐕 How public opinion has shifted from dogs as commodities to beloved companions📊 The explosive financial reality of taxpayer money propping up the industry🤝 The unstoppable strength of rescue groups, volunteer advocates & everyday supporters📍 Why inquiries and accountability are the beginning of the end for greyhound racingFrom political strategy to community impact, this episode pulls the curtain back on what’s really happening behind racing's glossy messaging – and why its time is running out.🎧 Tune in for an inspiring, passionate, funny and fiercely hopeful conversation!
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EP54: Trackside and Personal: Honi's Story
In this powerful episode, Matt & Mel discuss the fast-approaching deadline for submissions to the WA Parliamentary Inquiry into Greyhound Racing — closing 17th November. 🗓️Special guest Honi Rawlings, a former on-track vet nurse, opens up about her confronting experiences inside the industry - from the emotional toll of euthanising injured dogs 💔 to the joy of adopting her own greyhounds 🐾.Whether you're a long-time advocate or just learning about the issue, this episode is a heartfelt reminder of why your voice matters. 🗣️🎧 Tune in for honest conversations, emotional stories, and real advocacy in action!👉 Submissions close 17th Nov — don’t miss your chance to speak up for the dogs. SUBMIT HERE! https://www.freethehounds.com.au/wa-government-inquiry-into-greyhound-racing/
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EP53: Elliott Fox: The Art of Advocacy
Artist Elliott Fox joins Matt and Mel to discuss his powerful exhibition, Saint Grey - a breathtaking tribute to greyhounds and a call for compassion through art. 🎨🐕Elliott shares how his muse, rescue greyhound Adam Barker, inspired him to create Saint Grey, a life-size sculpture with angelic wings symbolising hope, protection, and the spirit of every dog who’s ever needed saving. 🕊️Together they explore how art can move hearts, shift perspectives, and give a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves. 💫🗓️ Saint Grey comes to Perth — January 13–21, 2026.🎨 Learn more at elliottfox.art🐾 Proudly sponsored by Henry Houndwear, find your hound's fashion at henryhoundwear.com#SaintGrey #ElliottFox #TalkingCouchPotatoes #GreyhoundLove #ArtForChange #FreeTheHounds
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EP52: We Stand With Tasmania
This episode, we’re diving headfirst into the WA Greyhound Racing Inquiry 🐕Join Matt & Mel as they unpack what this monumental inquiry means for greyhounds in WA and how YOU can get involved before November 17th 🗓️https://freethehounds.us21.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d87f42ca4948157c6be5559a1&id=07c947f9e1✨ Special guest Fran Chambers, founder of Let Greyhounds Run Free, joins us from Tasmania to share how her team helped push for the defunding of greyhound racing there 🙌 proof that people power works!💬 Expect passionate advocacy, inspiring insights, a few giggles 😂, and plenty of greyhound love 🐾💙 Proudly sponsored by Henry Houndwear 🐶✨ What all the best dressed hounds are wearing! https://henryhoundwear.com.au/#TalkingCouchPotatoes #FreeTheHounds #LetGreyhoundsRunFree #GreyhoundRacingInquiryWA
Welcome to Talking Couch Potatoes, the podcast that’s all about greyhounds and the people who love them.
From Perth, Western Australia, we’re shining a spotlight on the world of greyhound advocacy.
We’ll hear from advocates, political groups, experts and volunteers across the country, sharing what’s happening in their states.
And we’re not afraid to tackle the big conversations—opening up dialogue across Australia to discuss the public’s views on dog racing and welfare in WA.
Whether you’re a greyhound lover, a curious listener, or an advocate for change, this is the podcast for you.