Best Joy Smith Foundation Podcasts (2025)

1
Building Bridges: International Lessons for Community Cat Programs, Featuring Maia Rumpho, Founder of Pet Project Rescue 26:36

Play Pause

5d ago26:36

26:36

"What we do in Mexico is my dream for Minnesota. We provide free spay neuter to both owned and street animals every single week." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and The Community Cat Clinic. In this international perspective episode, host Stacy LeBaron speaks with Maia Rumpho, founder of Pet Project Rescue, who turned a chance e…

1
Jasmin Laine - Mental Health & Saying the Hard Things | Luma & Bloom w Nic and Kate Ep. 54 1:59:39

2d ago1:59:39

1:59:39

*Trigger warning: this episode contains conversation around suic*de and suic*dal ideation* International suic*de hotline list: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/ In this conversation, Jasmin Laine joins Nic and Kate to talk about what it means to navigate life after trauma. From the shifting weight of friendships in adulthood to the …

1
#94 Stand Firm & See (PART 3: REST is… a Weapon) 54:57

10d ago54:57

54:57

In this closing episode of our three-part study on King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 18–20), we unpack what happens when a leader chooses rest, worship, and obedience in the face of seemingly impossible odds. When Judah was threatened, Jehoshaphat didn’t rush into battle — he sought the Lord, assembled the people, and followed a prophetic word. The re…

1
Episode 35 | Long Teach, Late Play, Long Turns 1:18:06

12d ago1:18:06

1:18:06

Ray and Joe launch their new segment, “It’s Your Turn,” with a listener submission: Imperium Classics! They dive into how the game plays, what makes it unique, and why it stands out in the board gaming world. Then, they share behind-the-scenes stories from their recent mission work with Love Thy Nerd. Ray reflects on the challenges and blessings of…

1
Revolutionizing Kitten Care: The Kitten College Model, Featuring Marnie Russ, Founder, National Kitten College 27:22

12d ago27:22

27:22

"A cat that is well socialized is highly adoptable. A cat that is not well socialized sits in the shelter. It's an important part of your fostering responsibility to get them ready to live outside. Before it was just saving their lives. But now we know better.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and The Community Cat Clinic. In this…

1
From Founder to Ambassador: Building Sustainable Community Cat Programs Featuring Joy Smith, Founder and Ambassador, FieldHaven Feline Center 38:41

19d ago38:41

38:41

"We want to turn cat haters into cat toleraters, and that has worked so well. Even the people who say 'I hate cats.' Okay, that's fine if you hate cats. But don't wish them dead. We're gonna work to keep them out of your yard." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and 6 Degrees of Cats. In this inspiring episode, host Stacy LeBaron we…

1
Jeffrey Bergen - From Trauma and Addiction to Healing and Hope | Luma & Bloom w Nic and Kate Ep. 53 2:31:04

16d ago2:31:04

2:31:04

Jeffrey Bergen's story is raw and redemptive. Born in a Mennonite colony in Paraguay and later moving to Winnipeg, Jeffrey faced abuse and exposure to pornography at a very young age. To cope with his trauma he turned to alcohol, drugs, and the LGBTQ community, where he found people who shared his pain - but not the lasting healing he was searching…

1
Saúl Hernández vs. Monsters 59:13

25d ago59:13

59:13

Today Brittany and Ajanae have the pleasure of talking with Saúl Hernández. Listen in as they discuss writing about tense familial relationships with tenderness, the act of being made invisible, grief as transformation, childhood as a lens, and how to identify a monster (spoiler alert: it could be anyone!). Until Next Time: Walter Mercado - Mucho M…

1
Episode 34 | Rolling Dice & Feeding the Body 1:10:51

26d ago1:10:51

1:10:51

This week on The Christian Board Gamers Podcast, Joe and Ray share their experience with River of Gold, highlight the story behind Tabletop Testimony, and dig into a conversation every gamer needs: how to balance fellowship, food, and faith around the game table. From strategy to snacks, they reflect on honoring God with our bodies—even while gamin…

1
Building Professional Community Cat Programs: From Strategy to Implementation, Featuring Elizabeth Finch, Educator, Author, and Community Cat Program Consultant 31:26

26d ago31:26

31:26

"A community cat program does not just help cats. You think you're going in there to help cats and you turn out really having more impact on the people in that community." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and 6 Degrees of Cats. In this insightful episode, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes back Elizabeth Finch, an impact-driven leader wh…

1
#93 Pressure 👉🏾 Praise (PART 2: REST is… Strategic) 1:15:51

26d ago1:15:51

1:15:51

What do you do when life pressures you from every side? In this episode of the JOYrney To Purpose® Podcast, we continue our series on King Jehoshaphat and see how his choice to turn pressure into praise set the stage for victory. Learn how to: ✨ Pray with confidence in hard times ✨ Lead others well under pressure ✨ Anchor yourself in God’s presence…

1
Val Caldwell - N*des, Exploitation & Online Grooming | Luma & Bloom w Nic and Kate Ep. 52 1:54:43

23d ago1:54:43

1:54:43

The internet connects us like never before — but it’s also where kids and teens face some of their greatest risks. From sending nudes to sextortion and online grooming, predators no longer need to leave their homes to exploit vulnerable youth. In this episode of Luma & Bloom, Val Caldwell joins us to break down the reality of online exploitation an…

1
Scaling Spay/Neuter: How One Foundation Is Disrupting Access to Care, Featuring Cathy Bissell, Founder of the Bissell Pet Foundation 40:55

1M ago40:55

40:55

"If you love cats, you should be concerned about trying to help bring those numbers down so animals don't suffer because this is why we do this. We don't want animals suffering, having unwanted litters of cats and having to have them suffer." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and 6 Degrees of Cats. In this powerful episode, host St…

1
Mike Greyson - A Father’s Fight: My Child Was Trafficked | Luma & Bloom w Nic and Kate Ep. 51 1:40:07

1M ago1:40:07

1:40:07

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Greyson—a man whose strength is only rivaled by his compassion. As a father of eight, Mike has walked through unimaginable storms, including the devastating loss of his daughter to trafficking. With honesty and heart, he shares his journey through fatherhood, grief, and becoming an advocate for the vulnerable.…

1
Episode 33 | The Joy of Repetition 1:10:18

1M ago1:10:18

1:10:18

In this episode, Joe and Ray dive into their playthrough of Raiders of Scythia and explore the joy of repetition, both in board gaming and in faith. They highlight how revisiting games can remind us of the importance of returning to God’s Word over and over again as we grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus. Website: https://lovethynerd.com/pod…

1
Municipal Shelter Innovation: No-Kill Success in Small-Town Mississippi, Featuring Glen Andrews, Director, Horn Lake Animal Shelter 30:25

1M ago30:25

30:25

"I envision Horn Lake being the hub of North Mississippi when it comes to animal welfare. I want my animal shelter to be the place that people model their strategies after.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants. In this episode, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with Glen Andrews, Director of the H…

1
#92 Teach Them (PART 1: REST is… Foundational) 54:22

1M ago54:22

54:22

What does it look like to lead your life, home, and work from a place of courage and REST — instead of striving and burnout? In this episode of the JOYrney To Purpose® Podcast, we’re diving deep into the life and leadership of King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 18–20) and uncovering timeless lessons on leadership, faith, discernment, and kingdom impact…

1
Barbara Fant vs. Joy 1:03:48

1M ago1:03:48

1:03:48

On today’s episode of VS, Ajanae and Brittany interview Barbara Fant. Join them as they discuss the relationship between family and authenticity, the importance of intergenerational connections among poets, writing as a tool for wellness, and joy as a part of chaos. Until Next Time: Here is some media to accompany your experience of the episode and…

1
Reese Ketler - Paralyzed Not Powerless | Luma & Bloom w Nic and Kate Ep. 50 1:03:46

1M ago1:03:46

1:03:46

In this powerful episode, Reese Ketler opens up about life after a spinal cord injury and the unexpected journey that followed. From his early days in the hockey world to finding new purpose and belonging in the wheelchair rugby community, Reese shares what it’s really like to navigate identity, vulnerability, and change on such a massive scale. We…

1
Healing at Home: How PAD Home Pet Services Is Transforming Feline Healthcare, Featuring Dr. Nicole Liebman, DVM, and Ron Coughlin, Co-Founders of PAD Home Pet Services 33:54

2M ago33:54

33:54

“You have to earn a cat’s love and respect—and when you do, you have it forever.” – Dr. Nicole Liebman This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants. In this inspiring episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with Dr. Nicole Liebman and Ron Coughlin, the passionate duo behind…

1
Shannon Vanderlinde - Are You a Chameleon? The Hidden Cost of People-Pleasing | Luma & Bloom w Nic and Kate Ep.49 1:44:32

1M ago1:44:32

1:44:32

Are you constantly shifting to match the people around you? Saying yes when you want to say no? Swallowing your feelings to keep the peace? In this episode of Luma & Bloom, we’re unpacking all things trauma, the subtle, exhausting survival strategy of people-pleasing, masking, and self-abandonment. Shannon Vanderlinde shares raw and honest stories …

1
Episode 32 | Sure, We Can Land a Plane (Season 4 Premiere) 1:07:27

2M ago1:07:27

1:07:27

Joe and Ray are back for Season 4, fully caffeinated and convinced they can land a plane—with nothing but three cups of coffee and a handful of dice! In this episode, they catch up on the games they’ve been playing, recap Joe’s wild June and July, and, yes, revisit their bold aviation claims. Don’t miss the kickoff to a brand-new season. God bless!…

1
Saving Scotland’s Wildcats: A Conservation Comeback, Featuring Lara Semple, Field Team Member at Saving Wildcats 27:29

2M ago27:29

27:29

“Whether it's a pet cat, a feral cat, or a wildcat—they all deserve care and respect. TNVR isn't just about controlling populations; it's about preserving a legacy.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants. In this compelling episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron speaks with L…

1
W.J. Lofton vs. Grief 54:41

2M ago54:41

54:41

On today’s episode of VS, Ajanae and Brittany interview W.J. Lofton. Join them as they discuss how they handle failure within their process, grief as a form of generosity, queer intimacy, spiritual expansion, and the process of unlearning harmful beliefs. Until Next Time: Here is some media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing …

1
Dave Lavery – Held Captive by the Taliban Pt.2 | Luma & Bloom w Nic and Kate Ep. 48 57:44

2M ago57:44

57:44

In the second part of our conversation with Dave Lavery, the Canadian humanitarian and military veteran known as "Canadian Dave," we delve deeper into his remarkable journey of survival during his 77-day captivity by the Taliban. Dave shares intimate details of his daily life in captivity, from the food he was given to his sleeping arrangements, an…

1
Fiscal Sponsorship for Feline Good: The Chappy & Friends Way, Featuring Robert Bills, Founder of Chappy & Friends 30:23

2M ago30:23

30:23

“I’ve always just had a goal of helping as many animals as possible.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants. For passionate individuals and grassroots organizations working tirelessly in the world of animal welfare, financial logistics and nonprofit administration can feel like insurmountable h…

1
Dave Lavery – Held Captive by the Taliban Pt.1 | Luma & Bloom w Nic and Kate Ep. 47 1:01:13

2M ago1:01:13

1:01:13

In this episode, Dave shares the remarkable story of his life—beginning with a tough childhood in Winnipeg and time in the foster care system, to his family's move to British Columbia and then Ottawa. From a young age, Dave knew he wanted to serve his country. That calling led him to become a founding member of Joint Task Force 2, Canada’s elite sp…

1
#91 God, Are You Still Using Me? A Conversation on Faith, Motherhood & Mission w/ Yodit Kifle-Smith 1:55:50

2M ago1:55:50

1:55:50

In today’s conversation, I’m joined by the incredible Yodit Kifle-Smith — a powerful teacher, writer, and founder of Called to the Ones, a brand devoted to helping believers live missionally right where God has planted them. We talk about how to remain faithful when your purpose feels hidden, and the surprising ways God works behind the scenes — es…

1
Grassroots & Grit: Building TNR Success in Small-Town Indiana, Featuring KerryAnn May, Founder of Animal Outreach of Shelby County 35:24

2M ago35:24

35:24

"I'm giving people the really good traps now. The ones that make their lives easier—because the cats shouldn’t be the ones who suffer when we don’t have our act together." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants. In this episode, Stacy sits down with KerryAnn May, founder of Animal Outreach of Sh…

1
Hanif Abdurraqib vs. Obsession 1:06:19

2M ago1:06:19

1:06:19

On today’s episode of VS, Ajanae and Brittany interview Hanif Abdurraqib. Listen in as they discuss burned cd’s, the cost of being a collector, living archives, new projects, and obsession as an origin story. Until Next Time: Here is some media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again! Ju…

1
David Delay & Hennes Doltze – Purchased Fantasies: Men, Power, and Online Sex | Luma & Bloom w Nic and Kate Ep. 46 1:47:44

2M ago1:47:44

1:47:44

In this episode, David and Hennes dive into the often-overlooked conversation around men, emotions, and vulnerability. They explore why it's so hard—and so important—for men to talk about what they're feeling, especially in a culture that often encourages silence. David shares early insights from his recent survey conducted through the University o…

1
Is Return-to-Field the Future? Insights from Expo, Featuring Karen Little of Alley Cat Advocates and Bryan Kortis of Neighborhood Cats 31:04

2M ago31:04

31:04

“They’re not homeless. They know exactly where their home is, and they’ve chosen to be there. We’re literally returning them home—vaccinated and spayed—so it’s a win for the cat, the shelter, and the neighborhood.” - Karen Little This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants. In this special on-locatio…

1
Jessa – Breaking the Cycle of Abuse and Finding Your Voice | Luma & Bloom w Nic and Kate Ep. 45 1:28:46

3M ago1:28:46

1:28:46

In this episode, Jessa shares her story of escaping a 17-year emotionally abusive marriage to an RCMP officer. Raised in a Christian home and married young, she opens up about the subtle and not so subtle signs of narcissistic abuse, the loss of people she once called family, and what it means to finally feel safe. Through honest reflection, Jessa …

1
#90 RESTED & ROOTED: 8 Reflections to help you consider “what’s next” 1:15:32

3M ago1:15:32

1:15:32

This episode was inspired by my birthday reflections. If you’re a busy, high-achieving woman of faith — a mother, wife, caregiver, or creative who’s always pouring out — I made this one just for you. These are the lessons I wish someone had whispered to me years ago. The truths I hope to pass on to my young daughters. And the reminders I share with…

1
Let Meowt! How Rikers Island Is Saving Its Cats, Featuring Gloria Murli of Rikers Island Cat Rescue and Mike Phillips of Urban Cat League 32:27

3M ago32:27

32:27

“My biggest challenge is making sure the welfare of these cats is taken care of. I’ll never desert these cats. Never.” - Gloria Murli This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants. What happens when a prison island becomes a refuge for hundreds of community cats? In this powerful episode, host Stacy Le…

1
m. mick powell vs. Celebrity Culture 1:08:57

3M ago1:08:57

1:08:57

On today’s episode of VS, Ajanae and Brittany interview m. mick powell about their forthcoming collection, Dead Girl Cameo (Penguin Random House). Join them as they discuss celebrity culture and conspiracy theories, obsession with the 90’s and 2000’s, Black queer feminist thought, and gathering artifacts across time periods. Until Next Time: Here i…

1
The Beauty of Boundaries | Luma & Bloom w Nic and Kate Ep. 44 1:06:39

3M ago1:06:39

1:06:39

In this episode, Nic and Kate open up about their personal journeys with setting boundaries—how it’s challenged them, changed them, and continues to shape how they relate to themselves and others. They explore the idea that boundaries aren’t walls to keep people out, but bridges that foster respect, safety, and real connection. From the baby steps …

1
Trapper Tips and Tricks, Part 2, Featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats 27:10

3M ago27:10

27:10

"Every single cat was easily trained to go into a drop trap with a roof on it. It’s just about giving them time.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Community Cat Clinic. Picking up where we left off in Part 1, Bryan Kortis dives into the advanced techniques that helped his team trap the final 20% of cats in Maui’s wildfire …