In this inspiring episode of Robin’s Nest, we welcome a truly extraordinary duo: Donald, a six-year-old Labrador Retriever and Hero Dog Award finalist, and his handler, U.S. military veteran Terry Galgano. After losing her central vision following 25 years of service, Terry faced a life-altering transition, but with Donald by her side, she found a renewed sense of independence, confidence and joy.

Donald is far more than a guide dog. He provides intuitive navigation, constant companionship and life-saving protection in Terry’s daily life. Together, they travel the country, host public events and even ski, experiences that once felt out of reach. At home, their bond shines through in playful moments, from dancing to music to games of hide-and-seek, strengthening the trust that defines their partnership.

We also explore what sets exceptional guide dogs apart, including the powerful concept of “intelligent disobedience,” a skill Donald demonstrated when he prevented Terry from stepping into a dangerous construction zone, an act that likely avoided serious injury and helped earn him national recognition as a Hero Dog nominee.

This episode is a moving reminder of the profound connection between humans and animals, and how courage, trust and partnership can transform lives in the most meaningful ways.

In this inspiring episode of Robin’s Nest, we meet Lieutenant Dan, an Emerging Hero and Shelter finalist in the American Humane Hero Dog Awards whose life story is redefining resilience. Born with a severe limb deformity that left him without his hind legs and tail, this seven-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound has never let physical challenges limit his joy for life.

Joined by his devoted handler Laura Pearson, Lieutenant Dan proudly shows the world what it means to be “handicapable.” From adventurous outings to helping foster animals with special needs build confidence, his infectious spirit inspires both people and pets to embrace life without limits.

This episode celebrates a remarkable dog whose courage, joy and unwavering resilience remind us that true heroism comes from the heart.

In this special Robin’s Nest episode, we bring together all four past Kiessling Prize winners, Kathleen Dudzinski, Arnaud Desbiez, Theo Pagel, and Jon Paul Rodríguez, to share their unique journeys and the impact the award had on their work. From breakthrough research to bold conservation projects, hear firsthand how the Kiessling Prize helped them take their ideas further, overcome challenges and create lasting change. Whether you’re curious about the award or thinking about applying, their stories offer insight, inspiration and a glimpse at what it takes to become the next Kiessling Prize winner.

In this episode of Robin’s Nest, we welcome American Humane Hero Dog finalist K9 Ultra and her handler, Alaina Whitaker.

A four-year-old German Shepherd/Dutch Shepherd mix serving as a Coast Guard Military Working Dog, K9 Ultra is a highly trained detection specialist who can switch instantly from playful companion to mission-ready protector at the command “seek.” Together, K9 Ultra and Alaina share how military working dogs safeguard lives through explosive detection, motorcade security and force protection in high-stakes environments.

From clearing a vice-presidential motorcade route to standing watch at home, K-9 Ultra’s story is one of loyalty, discipline, and the powerful bond between handler and K-9. This episode shines a light on the extraordinary, and often unseen, service of military working dogs who protect our nation every day.

On this episode of Robin’s Nest, Robin sits down with Danté Fenolio, Ph.D., world-renowned conservationist and Vice President of the Center for Conservation & Research at San Antonio Zoo. With over 30 years protecting some of the planet’s rarest and “creepy crawly” species, Danté shares his journey from breeding amphibians as a child to pioneering first-ever captive breeding programs for species like the Crater Lake Newt and Dougherty Plain Cave Crayfish.

He also discusses innovative conservation approaches, including portable shipping-container labs and community partnerships in the Peruvian Amazon through Project Selva. A finalist for the Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize, Danté reflects on the lessons learned from decades of fieldwork, photography and science-driven solutions for endangered species worldwide.

From deep caves to rainforest canopies, this episode celebrates curiosity, ingenuity and the hope that even the smallest creatures can thrive again.

In this heartfelt episode of Robin’s Nest, we welcome Sgt. Bo, the 2025 American Humane Hero Dog Award winner, and his handler, Faye Okert. Once a stray in Nashville, Sgt. Bo’s life was transformed through rescue into one of extraordinary service as a therapy dog with the Metro Nashville Police Department.

Known for his calm presence and gentle spirit, Sgt. Bo supported children and adults during moments of crisis, helped de-escalate traumatic situations and provided comfort when words fell short. Faye shares how Sgt. Bo’s journey reflects the powerful healing potential of rescue animals and the critical role therapy dogs play in trauma-informed care.

From comforting survivors after a tragic school shooting to leaving behind a lasting legacy of hope in retirement, Sgt. Bo’s story is a moving testament to compassion, resilience and the life-changing bond between humans and animals.

On this episode of Robin’s Nest, we sit down with Dr. Temple Grandin, world-renowned animal behaviorist, autism advocate, and Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. Temple explains how thinking in pictures allowed her to revolutionize livestock handling systems, designing environments that reduce stress and improve animal welfare worldwide. From the invention of her “hug machine” to curved chute systems now used by nearly half of North American cattle, her approach blends science, compassion, and measurable accountability.

Temple also shares her personal experiences with autism, offering a unique perspective on how neurodiverse thinking can be a powerful strength. She discusses her memoir Thinking in Pictures, and the Emmy-winning HBO film about her life, as well as a peek at her upcoming book, all highlighting her journey of discovery and advocacy. This is a conversation packed with insight, ingenuity, and a fresh way of seeing the world.

In this inspiring episode of Robin’s Nest, Dr. Robin Ganzert sits down with one of the world’s most influential wildlife scientists: Dr. Yadvendradev Jhala. For more than 30 years, Dr. Jhala has been at the forefront of India’s most significant conservation achievements, from leading the country’s historic tiger recovery to reintroducing cheetahs after 70 years of extinction. He shares the science, strategy and passion behind protecting endangered species, illustrating how data-driven conservation and global cooperation can restore entire ecosystems. Listeners will hear firsthand stories from the field, lessons from the world’s largest wildlife survey and his powerful vision for safeguarding the planet’s most vulnerable animals. It’s a masterclass in hope, leadership and what’s possible when passion combines with science.