Episodes
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Kindness is Being METAHATEM Aly
NYT bestselling illustrator, Hatem Aly joins Anitha to share his up and down journey into illustration.
The two talk about the wonderful initiative which brought them together—Coffees For Gaza. Hatem was one of the many creators to donate art that raised funds to help families devastated by the war in Palestine. Anitha successfully bid on not one, but two of Hatem’s beautiful pieces of art!
Hatem also talks about the pushback he unfortunately received from some schools for being outspoken about what’s happening in the Middle East.
An open and honest conversation with one of today’s sought after illustrators—Everything from illustration to standing up for what you believe in.
To learn more about Hatem Aly, his books, his activism, check out the following links:
Website
BlueSky
Instagram
To learn more about groups helping those in Gaza, check out these links:
Coffees For Gaza Website
Tabkha Book Website
Project Love Brocade Instagram
As a thank you to Hatem sharing her story, Anitha donated to Honey’s Bunnies. Located in Nova Scotia, Canada, Honey’s Bunnies Rabbit Rescue helps unwanted, orphaned and homeless bunnies find a place to be loved, appreciated and well cared for. To learn more about this organization, check out their website: Honeys Bunnies Website -
Dr. Crystal Heath, a veterinarian and animal rights activist returns to the podcast to talk about the link between animal agriculture and viruses such as H5N1 and COVID.
Dr. Heath was raising alarms about the spread of H5N1 from chickens to cows to other wildlife and to humans, long before it caught the attention of mainstream media. She and Anitha talk about the shocking reason for this time lag.
Dr. Heath also talks about the devastating conditions animals, who are part of the agricultural industry, are forced to endure—such as living in cramped filthy spaces. These inhumane conditions are not only awful for the animals, but they allow for the rampant spread of viruses which we’ve seen, eventually affects humans
An important conversation about the undeniable link between the way we treat other species and our own well-being.
A must listen for anyone concerned about animal welfare and also anyone concerned about the growing number of viruses that are spreading from the non-human population to the human population.
To learn more about this incredibly relevant issue, check out the following links:
Our Honor WebsiteOur Honor Instagram Dr. Heath InstagramOur Honor FaceBook Dr. Heath FacebookOur Honor LinkedIn Dr. Heath LinkedInOur Honor BlueSky Dr. Heath BlueSkyOur Honor YouTube Dr. Heath YouTube
As a thank you to Dr. Heath for sharing her story, Anitha donated to Our Honor. -
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Theresa Nolet and Eva Shortt from the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC) join Anitha to talk about the terrible fate many horses face and what their organization is doing to stop the transport of live horses to slaughter.
Instead of providing hard-working horses such as race horses to show horses to those used for carriage rides a kind a loving place to retire when they can no longer provide humans with a source of income, these majestic animals are often sold to be slaughtered.
The CHDC is dedicated to banning the slaughter of equines for human consumption in Canada, as well as the live export of horses from Canada to other countries to then be slaughtered for meat.
Theresa and Eva talk about the traumatic conditions these horses endure during transport. They also share their frustration at being so close to getting a Bill passed which would finally make this cruel practice illegal, but then coming up short.
Fortunately, these two women continue to work hard to advocate for horse welfare and raise awareness about the inhumane plight of horses who no longer earn income for humans.
Theresa and Eva talk about the many caring individuals who are also dedicated to helping horses, including celebrity Jann Arden. Arden started the HORSESHIT campaign to help fight against the live horse shipments to Japan.
To learn more about CHDC, the important work they are doing and how you can join the effort to help horses, check out their website. Canadian Horse Defence Coalition
To learn more about Jann Arden’s campaign, click here: Horse Shit
As a thank you to Theresa and Eva for sharing their story, Anitha donated to the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition. -
Kindness Is Our Honor (Encore Episode)
Dr. Crystal Heath, a veterinarian and animal rights activist joins Anitha to talk about the surprising dichotomy that exists holding both of these spaces.
Like a lot of listeners, Anitha assumed that folks who go into veterinary medicine are also strong advocates for animal rights, but that may not always be the case.
Dr. Heath shares her experience of what it was like speaking out for animals during veterinary school and why this inspired her to create Our Honor, a non-profit that supports veterinary students, veterinarians, and other animal professionals in speaking their conscience to create more ethical systems that consider the best interests of all species.
She was named one of Vox’s 2023 Future Perfect 50, which honors the scientists, thinkers, scholars, writers, and activists working on solutions to today's (and tomorrow’s) biggest problems.
She is also on the board of LEAP - Leaders for Ethics Animals and the Planet, known as the humane alternative to 4-H and FFA, which aims to transform today’s youth into the humane leaders of tomorrow who advocate for and work towards an equitable future for all living beings and the planet.
Well respected in her field, Dr. Crystal Heath is quoted and featured in numerous articles about animals including:
New York TimesVoxThe GuardianLos Angeles Times Animal Liberation Hour Vegan For the Animals Modern Farmer
To learn more about Dr. Heath andOur Honor, click on the following links:
Website: http://ourhonor.org
Twitter @drcrystalheath @OurHonorVets
Instagram @dr.crystalheath @OurHonorVets
Facebook Crystal Heath Our Honor
As a thank you to Dr. Heath for sharing her story, Anitha donated to Our Honor. -
Kindness is Being Ben Kennedy
Anitha is joined by Ben Kennedy who helps care for animals from kittens to wildlife, and also helps humans by raising awareness for the trans community, all while working on his PhD.
Ben shares heartwarming stories of fostering kittens, dogs and getting married at the humane society. He also talks about the social media post that went viral (and not in a good way) when he shared Cross Fit’s new anti-trans policy. Ben also generously talks about going through fertility treatments.
An open and honest conversation with an incredibly open and kind person.
To learn more about Ben, check out his Instagram account: Ben Kennedy As a thank you to Ben for sharing their story, Anitha donated to the San Diego Humane Society. This organization started in 1880 and has grown to provide many services including taking in abandoned dogs and cats and working to find them new and forever homes, community spay and neuter programs, community pet pantry and more. To learn more about the San Diego Humane Society, check out their website: San Diego Humane Society -
Kindness Is The Trans Comedian
Chris McAllister shares what it’s like to be a comedian, including first-time performing jitters and if the comedic space is expanding beyond the cis white male. They also talk about their social media #ICANTELL. Chris came up with this initiative in hopes of turning around the negative comments folks in the trans community were receiving. The response was incredible and Chris shares some of the positive comments posted using #ICANTELL.
Chris also talks about their role in helping trans and queer Ugandan refugees.
A wonderful conversation about kindness and community.
To learn more about Chris, their comedy, #ICANTELL, check out the following links:
To be on the mailing list for upcoming comedy shows: Mailing List
Instagram: The Trans Comedian
As a thank you to Chris for sharing their story, Anitha donated to Rainbow Railroad. This global not-for-profit organization helps at-risk LGBTQI+ people get to safety worldwide.
To learn more about Rainbow Railroad, check out their website:
Rainbow Railroad -
Thirteen-year old, Sofia Rathjen talks to Anitha about her dedication to bring diversity to her school’s library.
Like many visible minorities, Sofia has had to endure racist attitudes and micro-aggressions. But Sofia turned these difficult experiences into something positive.
With the help of a grant, she purchased books by BIPOC authors for her school library. She talks about the importance of representation in books.
This is an incredibly inspiring episode of a young woman turning negative personal experiences into something positive for all.
To follow Sofia’s journey, check out her Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/the_technicolour_bookshelf/
As a thank you to Sofia for sharing her story, Anitha donated to The Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD). To learn about FOLD, click on this link: https://thefoldcanada.org/ -
Kindness is Being Cole The Deaf Dog and Friends
Anitha chats with Chris Hannah, a music teacher and the lucky human who shares his life with not one, but four incredible dogs who show people that being deaf, and blind, deaf with a cleft palate are superpowers.
Cole, an adorable pitbull, was the first to come into Chris’ life. Chris talks about Cole’s journey as a therapy dog and the positive impact Cole has made on so many lives—both within Chris’ school community and beyond.
Chris also shares stories about Cece, Alice and Sullivan, also rescue dogs.
A heartwarming episode about resilience, acceptance, kindness and love.
Website: cole the deaf dog
Instagram: cole the deaf dog
Facebook: Cole The Deaf Dog
TikTok: @deafcole
As a thank you to Chris for sharing his story, Anitha donated to Cole The Deaf Dog and Friends Foundation, so that Chris, Cole, Cece, Alice and Sullivan can continue to raise awareness about acceptance, kindness, compassion for all beings. -
Kindness is Staying with Good Will Good Karma
Anitha chats with 15-year-old Will Finch. Will and his sister Jada appeared on the podcast back in 2021 to talk about their incredible efforts to help stray dogs and cats find forever loving homes. The siblings created an organization called GOOD WILL GOOD KARMA. Will returns to talk about all that been happening with their non-profit animal rescue—including birthday fundraisers, starting a clothing line to raise money for animal rescue, heartwarming stories of dogs and cats they’ve helped, AND, that to date, GOOD WILL GOOD KARMA has raised a whopping $1 million for animals in need!
An episode full of heart and inspiration of what it means to create GOOD WILL and GOOD KARMA for all beings.
To learn more about Will and all he is doing to help animals, check out these links:
Instagram: GoodWillGoodKarma
Facebook: GoodWillGoodKarma
As a thank you to Will for sharing his story, Anitha donated to Autism Dog Services. This charity, provides service dogs for individuals over three years of age who have autism and related disorders in most parts of Southwestern Ontario.
To learn more about ADS, check out their website: autism dog services -
Kindness is ASK A DOCTOR about Mental Health
For this session of ASK A DOCTOR, Anitha is joined by her son, Daniel Robinson, a registered psychotherapist. They talk about the stigma surrounding mental health, the effects of childhood trauma on mental health, the effects of social media on mental health and much more.
Daniel also shared the following low cost or free therapy and counselling groups that listeners may want to check out.
Youth wellness hubs (free mental health support) in Ontario:
https://youthhubs.ca/ywho-sites
Low cost therapy (across Canada)
https://affordabletherapynetwork.com/
Free Counselling for Adults inToronto:
https://www.woodgreen.org/programs/walk-in-counselling-wic
https://familyservicetoronto.org/our-services/programs-and-services/counselling/
Free Counselling/Mental Health Support for Adults in Ontario
https://fspeel.org/counselling-services/
https://cmha.ca/find-help/find-cmha-in-your-area/
For more information (in Canada/US):
Call 211
As a thank you to Daniel for sharing his knowledge about mental health, Anitha donated to Campaign For Southern Equality. This organization is working to help the LGBTQ+ communities in the Southern parts of the USA obtain equality in every part of their life, including legal protections and equity in healthcare and income. To learn more about this organization, check out their website:
Southern Equality -
Kindness is RECOVERING STUFFIES FOR KIDS
For much of January 2025, the world watched as portions of Los Angeles were devastated by wildfires. People and animals lost their lives, homes were destroyed, and there was so much suffering. Anitha chats with Ashley Reckdenwald, the founder of Working Mom Notes. Initially created to help working moms find resources and a community, Ashley started an initiative within this social media account to help children who lost their beloved stuffed animals in the wildfires.
Ashley and Anitha talk about the importance of stuffed animals to children and adults, the incredible response to this initiative and the positive impact it has had on children and their families who have lost so much in the wildfires.
An episode full of all the good "feels" many of us need right now.
Instagram working mom notes
Facebook: working mom notes
TikTok: @ashleyreckdenwald
LinkedIn: Ashley Reckdenwald
As a thank you to Ashley for sharing her story, Anitha donated to Back To Play. This non-profit provides children who are in crisis backpacks containing kid-related items. To learn more about this organization, click here
Website Back To Play -
Kindness Is Creating Good Karma (an Encore episode)
Eleven-year-old Will and seventeen-year-old Jada Finch share their inspiring story of turning personal heartache into helping animals. When Will was 7 and Jada was 12, the family adopted an adorable puppy they named Karma Rose. Sadly, within a few short weeks, Karma died from canine parvo-virus. Despite the devastating loss of his beloved puppy, Will decided to honor Karma on his 8th birthday. In lieu of gifts, he requested donations of money and pet supplies to donate to a local animal rescue. And soon after, Good Will Good Karma was born.
Will and Jada talk to Anitha about their amazing initiative to raise money and awareness to help animals. This podcast is a must for anyone who loves animals and wants to hear uplifting stories of how this incredible brother and sister team have dedicated their lives to helping animals.
As a thank you for sharing their story, Anitha donated to All Paws Cat Rescue. To learn more about this rescue, click here: http://allpawsrescue.weebly.com/
To learn more about Will, Jada and Good Will Good Karma, and all the kind and wonderful things they do, click here: https://www.facebook.com/goodwillgoodkarma/ -
Kindness is Animal Justice
Anitha is joined by Rhea Badhwar, a law student at Lincoln Alexander School of Law. Rhea talks about navigating her love of animals and the world of law.
Rhea is the President of LASL Animal Justice club. Animal Justice, which was founded in 2008, legally fights for animal protection laws in Canada. They offer a student program which gives students such as Rhea opportunities to get active in helping animals while still in law school.
This episode provides hope that compassionate students like Rhea are dedicated to protecting animals now and in the future.
To learn more about Animal Justice and the Lincoln Alexander School of Law’s Animal Justice club, check out these links:
Instagram LASL Animal Justice Club
Website Animal Justice
As a thank you to Rhea for sharing her story, Anitha donated to Farmhouse Garden Animal Home. This animal sanctuary was originally the site of a cattle ranch, owned by farmer Mike Lanigan. In 2016, after spending time with a calf, Mike decided to stop raising animals for slaughter and converted his property into an organic vegetable farm and animal sanctuary.
To learn more about Farmhouse Garden Animal Home, click this link:
Website Farmhouse Garden Animal Home -
Anitha chats with Kelsey McDonough about the harsh realities of animal shelters in California, the resilience of dogs and how love does indeed heal.
They also talk about the devastating fires in Los Angeles and how listeners can help.
A truly heartwarming episode.
To learn more about Kelsey and her dog rescue, check out these sites.
https://www.instagram.com/kelsmcdonough_/
Website: mcdonoughrescue
As a thank you to Kelsey for sharing her story, Anitha donated to The Animal Pad in San Diego. This non-profit, all breed dog rescue, focuses on saving dogs from high kill shelters and the streets of Mexico. They get the dogs vet care, place them in foster homes and then find them loving forever families.
To learn more about The Animal Pad, click here: Website: The Animal Pad -
Kindness is Jamie's Corner
Animal activist, YouTuber and podcast host, Jamie Logan joins Anitha, as we continue to celebrate Veganuary—the month of January where folks from all over the world explore veganism and plant-based diets.
A vegan since 2018, Jamie shares how she found a way to help and raise awareness for animals— from her yoga practice to her creative animal rights campaigns.
Jamie also talks about the anger she feels at companies who make billions of dollars from the suffering of billions of animals, and how she takes this anger and uses it to fuel her actions of kindness and empathy.
An in-depth conversation with an incredible activist.
To learn more about Jamie and all the work she is doing to help animals, check out these links:
Instagram itsjamielogan
Instagram itsjamiescorner
Website
As a thank you to Jamie for being a guest on the podcast, Anitha donated to Compassion Kind. This charity is dedicated to ending the suffering of all beings through compassion. To learn more about Compassion Kind, check out their website:
Compassion Kind -
Episode 102: Kindness Is ASK A DOCTOR About VEGANISM AND HEALTH
Happy New Year! In this month’s session of ASK A DOCTOR, Anitha is joined by Dr. Tushar Mehta, an emergency room physician who also has great knowledge and expertise when it comes to health and diet.
Dr. Mehta talks to Anitha about the positive aspects of a plant-based diet, including reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and even certain types of cancer. But they also talk about essential nutrients folks on a plant-based diet need to ensure they are getting, such as protein, calcium, zinc and B-12.
Dr. Mehta provides examples of sustainable and accessible foods like whole foods and enriched soy milk which is an excellent source of protein, calcium and zinc. He also dispels the negative myths about soy milk and why these myths were so widespread.
To learn more about Dr. Mehta and his research, you can follow him here:
@EcoDocTush on BlueSky and Twitter.
To learn more about adding a healthy plant-based diet to your life, check out this website: Plant Based Data
As a thank you to Dr. Mehta for sharing so much of his knowledge, Anitha donated to Ecole Communautaire de Santo. Established in 1993, it is the first community school in the Santo area of Port au Prince, Haiti. Dr. Mehta is personally involved in funding this school where over 600 children attend yearly. To learn more about ECS and the programs they offer click here:haiti community school
If you have a medical issue you’d like discussed on the podcast, please send Anitha an email through her website, anitharobinson.com
If your question is selected, Anitha will donate to a registered charity of your choice* as a thank you.
Registered Charity must support animals, the environment, or people. And also, no religious organizations, zoos or marine aquariums please. -
Episode 101: Kindness Is Helping A Deer Named Thor
Anitha rings in the holiday/Christmas season with her special guest Dawn Rasmussen. In May of 2020, Dawn and her husband discovered an abandoned/orphaned baby deer on their rural property. Dawn shares the story of caring for Thor (the name she eventually gave him). Dawn decided early on that Thor would not become a pet, and instead remain a wild animal. Though she bottle-fed him, brushed him and nurtured him, she also went to great lengths to ensure he grew up as a wild deer. Dawn talks about those early days of sleeping outside in a tent so that Thor would learn how to live outside while still receiving regular bottle feedings.
Thor is now a 100% self-sufficient wild deer who is part of a herd. From time to time, he still drops in for a visit to say ‘hello’ to the woman who raised him.
Thor the deer—a perfect story to celebrate the holidays! To learn more about Thor and Dawn, check out their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/ThorTheDeer
As a thank you to Dawn for sharing her story, Anitha donated to Rowena Wildlife Clinic. This clinic provides free veterinary care to injured wild animals and stray homeless domestic animals. To learn more about what they do, check out their website:
rowena wildlife clinic
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! -
Anitha’s son, Daniel joins her to celebrate her milestone of 100 episodes of Kindness. Daniel thought it would be fun to switch things up and ask Anitha questions instead of the other way around. The two look back on the past four years of the podcast. Anitha reflects on whether her perception of kindness in the world has changed. Daniel also explores Anitha’s thoughts on her own kindness and what she would want her children and future grandchildren to know about kindness. A fun and honest conversation between son and mom.
Another change in routine for this episode was that Anitha chose the charity she donated to — Lola Ya Bonobo. This incredible charity is dedicated to providing orphaned baby bonobos a safe and healthy home. Bonobos are critically endangered apes. At Lola Ya Bonobo, bonobos learn how to live like bonobos again and those who can be are eventually released back into the wild!To learn more about Lola Ya Bonobo, click here: Lola Ya Bonobo Website -
Episode 99: Kindness Is Being Kate
Long-time friend, Kate Thompson joins Anitha to talk about the many animals Kate has helped from squirrels to raccoons, from cats to cats to more cats.
Kate also shares her cancer diagnosis in hopes of raising awareness about cancer and early detection.
An incredible episode about an incredibly kind and brave person.
You can follow Kate through Instagram:
Kate's personal instagram
Kate's Hair Salon Instagram
As a thank you to Kate for sharing her story, Anitha donated to Courage Rock. This therapeutic riding centre established in June 2017 is a non-profit 501c3 organization that provides free services to veterans, first responders, and qualified family members.
To learn more about Courage Rock, click here: Website -
On this month’s session of ASK A DOCTOR, Anitha and her husband, Dr. Matt Robinson, talk about a very difficult topic for many—what would someone want for themselves or their loved ones if something catastrophic happens while they are admitted to hospital?
Matt and Anitha explore the following issues:
Medical interventions available in the hospital, such as chest compressions (CPR) when someone’s heart stops, being placed on a ventilator, admission into ICUPossible outcomes and risks with each intervention.The importance of making one’s wishes known to family/loved ones BEFORE a medical crisis occurs.Is withholding care legal?
**DISCLAIMER** THIS EPISODE IS MEANT FOR GUIDANCE ONLY AND NOT MEANT TO PROVIDE A SPECIFIC MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS. ALWAYS SEEK ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN MEDICAL PROVIDER
If you have a medical issue you’d like discussed on the podcast, please send Anitha an email through her website, anitharobinson.com
If your question is selected, Anitha will donate to a registered charity of your choice* as a thank you.
* Registered Charity must support animals, the environment, or people. And also, no religious organizations, zoos or marine aquariums please. - Show more
