The Hidden World of Animal Rescue and Welfare: Laura Foster

Animal welfare expert Laura Foster joins host Bob Wells to reveal the hidden realities behind dog rescue, rehoming and responsible pet ownership in the UK.If you've ever adopted a rescue dog, worried about your pet's behaviour, or wondered what really goes on inside animal welfare organisations like Dogs Trust and the RSPCA this episode is for you.Laura Foster is a senior animal welfare professional and behaviour specialist at Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog rehoming charity. With a Master's degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and a background spanning management consultancy, the Donkey Sanctuary Ireland, and 22 Dogs Trust rehoming centres across the UK, Laura brings rare insight into what modern animal welfare actually looks like, behind the heartwarming headlines. In this episode we cover:The post-COVID dog behaviour crisis and why thousands of UK dogs are being surrendered right nowWhat animal cruelty really looks like — and why most owners don't recognise itThe truth about breed-specific legislation and the XL Bully banWhy farm animal welfare is the biggest — and most ignored — issue in the sectorHow to get involved in animal welfare as a volunteer, foster carer or career professionalThe Dogs Trust behaviour services that could save your dog from being rehomedWhether you're a dog owner, animal lover, aspiring vet or welfare professional, this is a conversation that will change the way you think about the animals in our lives.Links:https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.ie/Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

In this episode we meet pioneering wolf biologist and author Diane Boyd who talks  about her extraordinary four decades studying wolves in the remote wilderness of Montana near Glacier National Park.In the 1970s she was the only female biologist in the United States researching and radio-collaring wild wolves. With her two dogs for company she faced the rigours of the Montana winter in an isolated cabin without running water or electricity.In our conversation we  discuss what wolves are really like, how wolf packs function, the myths and fears surrounding these animals, and the dramatic return of wolves to the American West. Diane also shares stories of tracking wolves through deep snow, living off-grid in bear country, and the challenges of balancing conservation with human conflict.The conversation is based around Diane’s memoir, A Woman Among Wolves — a fascinating account of life spent among one of nature’s most misunderstood predators.Resources:https://www.dianekboyd.com/Book: A Woman Among Wolves Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

We’re back in Stamford with historian Bill Cunningham, uncovering the town’s hidden past.From Burghley House to the famous George Hotel. Expect wild stories of bull runs, political corruption, and unforgettable local characters in one of England’s most beautiful towns. Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Most of us like to think our decisions are grounded in facts. Whether it’s in medicine, business, or everyday life, we assume the “best” option rises to the top through clear evidence.But for most of history — and even today — that hasn’t really been the case.In this episode, I talk with science journalist Helen Pearson, author of Beyond Belief: How Evidence Shows What Really Works, about the surprisingly recent rise of evidence-based thinking, why it transformed fields like medicine, and why it still struggles to take hold in others.We discuss how doctors once relied more on authority than data, why a single study can be misleading, and how systematic reviews became the gold standard for figuring out what actually works. Helen also explains how these ideas have spread into social policy and business — with mixed success — and why human nature often resists evidence, even when it’s right in front of us.Along the way, we get into how to spot bad claims, why misinformation spreads so easily today, and how you can become a sharper, more evidence-minded thinker in your own life.Show HighlightsWhy evidence-based medicine is a surprisingly recent developmentThe two pioneers who helped change how doctors make decisionsWhat was wrong with the old “eminence-based” approachWhy one study rarely tells you the truthWhat a systematic review is and why it mattersHow the Cochrane Collaboration helps doctors cut through information overloadThe challenge of dealing with millions of new studies every yearWhat COVID revealed about our evidence systems under pressureHow evidence-based thinking moved into social policy and reduced povertyWhy most policies and programs still aren’t properly testedThe problem with “HIPPOs” (Highest Paid Person’s Opinion) in businessWhy management is especially vulnerable to fads and trendsHow AI is both helping and complicating scientific researchWhy evidence alone isn’t enough to make decisionsHow to teach kids (and yourself) to spot bad claimsSimple “evidence hacks” you can use in everyday lifeResources Related to the PodcastBeyond Belief: How Evidence Shows What Really Works by Helen PearsonThe Cochrane CollaborationHelen PearsonIf you’re looking to make better decisions — in your work, your health, or your everyday life — this episode will give you a clearer lens for separating what works from what just sounds good.Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

In this re-released episode of Undercurrent Stories, we revisit our powerful conversation with Rita Gigante — author, healer, psychic, and daughter of the infamous mafia boss Vincent “The Chin” Gigante.Rita shares her extraordinary journey growing up in the shadow of one of New York’s most feared crime families, the trauma and secrets she carried from childhood, and how those experiences led her toward a life of healing, spirituality, and personal transformation.This is a remarkable story of resilience, redemption, and finding light in the darkest places.Originally released as one of our earlier episodes, this conversation remains as compelling and thought-provoking today as ever.https://www.ritagigante.net/Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Imagine sitting down at a gig in Stockholm, striking up a conversation with the person next to you, and realising you’re talking to a man who didn't just witness music history—he helped package and sell it. From the tactile era of vinyl to the invisible world of streaming, he’s seen it all.Today’s episode is a special one. It’s the result of a chance meeting at a Quint Starkie gig with a man named Sven Ake Peterson. Sven spent his entire career as a music executive for EMI in Sweden.We’re talking about a career spent in the company of icons—David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner—but more than that, we’re talking about the soul of the industry. We dive into the transition from physical records to the digital age, what it actually takes to 'make it,' and where the music world is heading next. Beyond the industry talk, this conversation is a testament to why you should always talk to strangers. You truly never know what you might learn or whose hand you’re shaking. Here is my conversation with the incredibly warm and insightful, Sven Ake Peterson.Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

🔥 Episode SummaryWorld War II is often told through a European lens—but across Asia, a parallel history unfolded that claimed tens of millions of lives.In this episode, Jenny Chan shares how her grandmother’s story led her to uncover overlooked WWII atrocities, digitise over a million archival documents, and preserve survivor accounts before they disappear. We explore why this history remains largely untold—and why that matters today.🧠 What You’ll Learn Why WWII in Asia is often overlooked  What Unit 731 was  How politics shaped historical memory  Why preserving survivor stories matters  How history can repeat itself💬 Quote“What is ‘never again’ if the first time was never told?”🔗 Resources Pacific Atrocities Education https://www.pacificatrocities.org/ Jenny Chan’s booksQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

What is the paranormal—really?Author and speaker Neil Nixon joins the show to explore ghosts, UFOs, and the limits of human understanding. From eerie encounters to cutting-edge theories about consciousness, this episode challenges what we think we know about reality.💬 Memorable Quote“We’re not smart enough yet to ask the right questions.” 📚 About Neil NixonNeil Nixon is a writer, speaker, and former academic with a lifelong interest in the paranormal. He has written extensively on unexplained phenomena and regularly gives talks exploring the intersection of science, belief, and mystery.🌐 Find Out MoreNeil’s website: https://neilnixon.com/Speaking & bookings: Search Neil Nixon Speaking⭐ Enjoyed This Episode?If you found this conversation thought-provoking:Follow the podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsShare with someone who loves a good mystery 👻Sign up for  our weekly newsletter at https://www.undercurrentstories.com/🎧 Final ThoughtThe paranormal may not just be about what’s “out there”… It might be about how little we truly understand ourselves.Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

How do you tell the story of 4.5 billion years of Earth’s history in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand?In this episode, I talk with Jamie Woodward, Professor of Physical Geography at the University of Manchester about his book A Little History of the Earth. Jamie explains how scientists piece together the planet’s deep past—from the formation of the universe to the shifting of continents, the age of dinosaurs, and the powerful forces that have shaped our landscapes.We discuss why Earth has always been a dynamic planet, how short “bite-sized” chapters can make big history accessible, and what studying deep time can teach us about today’s environmental challenges.If you’re curious about geology, natural history, and the story of our planet, this episode offers a fascinating introduction to Earth’s epic past. 🌍Highlights From Our ConversationWhy Jamie chose to tell the story of Earth through short, bite-sized chaptersHow scientists reconstruct events that happened billions of years agoThe dramatic forces that shaped Earth: plate tectonics, volcanoes, ice ages, and asteroid impactsThe rise and fall of the dinosaursHow rivers, glaciers, and oceans sculpt the landscape we live inWhy Earth’s climate has changed dramatically throughout historyThe concept of the Anthropocene — and why humans are now a geological forceHow learning Earth’s story can make us more curious and more responsible about the planet’s futureLink to Jamie's Book 'A Little History of The Earth.'Audiobook linkQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Why do so many breakthroughs happen by accident—and can we create the conditions for them?In this episode of the Undercurrent Stories Podcast, Bob Wells speaks with innovation expert and author Paul Sloane about his book The Art of Unexpected Solutions.They explore creativity, innovation, lateral thinking, and problem solving, and how mistakes and unexpected events have led to some of the world’s most important discoveries.Whether you're interested in business ideas, personal development, or creative thinking, this conversation offers practical ways to challenge assumptions and spot opportunities others miss. Topics: Creativity • Innovation • Lateral Thinking • Problem Solving • Personal Development Links:Book 'The Art of Unexpected Solutions'Paul's website: https://www.destination-innovation.com/Sign up HERE for the latest episodes Instagram: @undercurrentstories Linkedin Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com