https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/animals-unplugged--6799660
We honor the rescuers, advocates, caregivers, and everyday protectors who answer that call — and we carry deep gratitude for all who serve and safeguard others, reminding us what courage looks like at its highest level.

Rooted in the belief that compassion is strength, we use music, storytelling, and heartfelt truth to uplift, heal, and inspire a growing movement devoted to giving animals the voice they have always deserved.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/animals-unplugged--6799660/support.]]>enSociety & Culture© 2026 CnG’s SongRoads. All rights reserved.https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/3949fff8c94419469012c1eaf41f90a5.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/animals-unplugged--6799660Tue, 20 Oct 2026 19:01:28 +0000Greg MarkelzGreg Markelzgregm@markelz.comAnimals Unplugged speaks and sings the truth about the hard things because animals cannot speak for themselves, and they deserve heroes who will rise in their defense. We honor the rescuers, advocates, caregivers, and everyday protectors who answer...
We honor the rescuers, advocates, caregivers, and everyday protectors who answer that call — and we carry deep gratitude for all who serve and safeguard others, reminding us what courage looks like at its highest level.

Rooted in the belief that compassion is strength, we use music, storytelling, and heartfelt truth to uplift, heal, and inspire a growing movement devoted to giving animals the voice they have always deserved.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/animals-unplugged--6799660/support.]]>false9a76463d-21cc-5129-95af-a5fd7c20028fepisodicSupport the podcast!https://www.spreaker.com/episode/just-a-dog-the-street-dog-who-changed-everything-episode-7-featuring-tuxan-blumenauer-and-ajax--75840311
Four little words. But what happens when the dog they're talking about becomes one of the most important relationships in your life?

In Episode 7 of Animals Unplugged, Greg and Mary welcome Tuxan Blumenauer, whose life in Taiwan took an unexpected turn when he adopted Ajax, a feral street dog who would challenge assumptions about animals, compassion, and what it really means to care.

As Tuxan worked to give Ajax a better life, he encountered an attitude that surprised and frustrated him: Why go to so much trouble? It's just a dog.

But Ajax wasn't just a dog to Tuxan.

Through their remarkable relationship, we explore the contrasts Tuxan experienced between Taiwanese and American attitudes toward dogs, the challenges of caring for a former street dog, and the powerful bond that can develop when someone decides an animal is worth the extra effort.

And there's a bigger question beneath their story:

Who gets to decide how much an animal's life is worth?

Sometimes giving animals a voice means challenging the things people have always believed about them.

And sometimes it begins with one person looking at a forgotten street dog and seeing someone worth loving.

🐾 Animals Unplugged
Giving Animals a Voice. Inspiring Humans to Respond.

Real animal stories. Real human change.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/animals-unplugged--6799660/support.

Animals Unplugged is more than a podcast. It is a growing movement dedicated to giving animals a voice through story, music, and shared humanity.

If this episode moved you, the most powerful thing you can do is share it. Every new listener helps another voice be heard.

Because when we truly listen to animals, we do not just change their world…
We change ours.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/75840311Tue, 20 Oct 2026 19:01:22 +0000Greg Markelz“It's just a dog.” Four little words. But what happens when the dog they're talking about becomes one of the most important relationships in your life? In Episode 7 of Animals Unplugged, Greg and Mary welcome Tuxan Blumenauer, whose life in Taiwan...
Four little words. But what happens when the dog they're talking about becomes one of the most important relationships in your life?

In Episode 7 of Animals Unplugged, Greg and Mary welcome Tuxan Blumenauer, whose life in Taiwan took an unexpected turn when he adopted Ajax, a feral street dog who would challenge assumptions about animals, compassion, and what it really means to care.

As Tuxan worked to give Ajax a better life, he encountered an attitude that surprised and frustrated him: Why go to so much trouble? It's just a dog.

But Ajax wasn't just a dog to Tuxan.

Through their remarkable relationship, we explore the contrasts Tuxan experienced between Taiwanese and American attitudes toward dogs, the challenges of caring for a former street dog, and the powerful bond that can develop when someone decides an animal is worth the extra effort.

And there's a bigger question beneath their story:

Who gets to decide how much an animal's life is worth?

Sometimes giving animals a voice means challenging the things people have always believed about them.

And sometimes it begins with one person looking at a forgotten street dog and seeing someone worth loving.

🐾 Animals Unplugged
Giving Animals a Voice. Inspiring Humans to Respond.

Real animal stories. Real human change.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/animals-unplugged--6799660/support.

Animals Unplugged is more than a podcast. It is a growing movement dedicated to giving animals a voice through story, music, and shared humanity.

If this episode moved you, the most powerful thing you can do is share it. Every new listener helps another voice be heard.

Because when we truly listen to animals, we do not just change their world…
We change ours.]]>2511a,adoption,ajax,animal,animals,blumenauer,bond,dog,feral,human,international,just,rescue,stories,street,taiwan,tuxan,unplugged,welfarefalse17fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/flying-high-for-dogs-episode-6-featuring-gene-woods-and-pilots-n-paws--75594576
For Gene Woods, it's flying airplanes and helping dogs. And when those two passions meet at 5,000 feet, something pretty special happens.

In Episode 6 of Animals Unplugged, Greg and Mary talk with volunteer rescue pilot Gene Woods about his work through the Pilots N Paws network, where volunteer pilots help transport animals from places where their futures may be uncertain to rescues, fosters and opportunities for new homes.

Gene admits there's something in it for him, too. He loves to fly. He loves dogs. Put a rescue dog in his airplane and point him toward a second chance, and Gene gets what he describes as a natural high.

We talk about what happens behind the scenes on a rescue flight, the four-legged passengers Gene remembers, why pilots volunteer their airplanes, fuel and time, and what it feels like knowing that a flight you genuinely love taking may completely change an animal's future.

Sometimes giving animals a voice means speaking for them.

Sometimes it means giving them wings.

🐾 Real animal stories. Real human change.

This is Animals Unplugged.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/animals-unplugged--6799660/support.

Animals Unplugged is more than a podcast. It is a growing movement dedicated to giving animals a voice through story, music, and shared humanity.

If this episode moved you, the most powerful thing you can do is share it. Every new listener helps another voice be heard.

Because when we truly listen to animals, we do not just change their world…
We change ours.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/75594576Tue, 06 Oct 2026 13:00:03 +0000Greg MarkelzWhat happens when you combine two things you absolutely love? For Gene Woods, it's flying airplanes and helping dogs. And when those two passions meet at 5,000 feet, something pretty special happens. In Episode 6 of Animals Unplugged, Greg and Mary...
For Gene Woods, it's flying airplanes and helping dogs. And when those two passions meet at 5,000 feet, something pretty special happens.

In Episode 6 of Animals Unplugged, Greg and Mary talk with volunteer rescue pilot Gene Woods about his work through the Pilots N Paws network, where volunteer pilots help transport animals from places where their futures may be uncertain to rescues, fosters and opportunities for new homes.

Gene admits there's something in it for him, too. He loves to fly. He loves dogs. Put a rescue dog in his airplane and point him toward a second chance, and Gene gets what he describes as a natural high.

We talk about what happens behind the scenes on a rescue flight, the four-legged passengers Gene remembers, why pilots volunteer their airplanes, fuel and time, and what it feels like knowing that a flight you genuinely love taking may completely change an animal's future.

Sometimes giving animals a voice means speaking for them.

Sometimes it means giving them wings.

🐾 Real animal stories. Real human change.

This is Animals Unplugged.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/animals-unplugged--6799660/support.

Animals Unplugged is more than a podcast. It is a growing movement dedicated to giving animals a voice through story, music, and shared humanity.

If this episode moved you, the most powerful thing you can do is share it. Every new listener helps another voice be heard.

Because when we truly listen to animals, we do not just change their world…
We change ours.]]>2783adoption,animal,animals,aviation,dog,dogs,flights,gene,n,paws,pet,pilot,pilots,rescue,shelter,transport,unplugged,volunteer,woodsfalse16fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-hope-rolls-in-episode-5-featuring-john-cox-of-ruck-9--75285787
For many, it could mean the end of adventures, independence, and the simple joy of chasing life wherever it leads. But for John Cox, it became a calling.

In this inspiring episode of Animals Unplugged, Greg Markelz and Mary Erlain sit down with John, founder of Ruck 9, a nonprofit dedicated to providing mobility carts and wheelchairs to animals who need them most. Together, they explore the stories behind the wheels, the lives transformed by second chances, and the powerful truth that a disability does not diminish an animal's spirit.

You'll hear about determination, resilience, compassion, and the remarkable bond between animals and the humans who refuse to give up on them. Because sometimes the greatest gift isn't fixing what's broken. It's helping someone keep moving forward.

Join us for a conversation that proves hope doesn't always arrive on four legs.
Sometimes... it rolls in.

Animals Unplugged: Real animal stories. Real human change.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/animals-unplugged--6799660/support.

Animals Unplugged is more than a podcast. It is a growing movement dedicated to giving animals a voice through story, music, and shared humanity.

If this episode moved you, the most powerful thing you can do is share it. Every new listener helps another voice be heard.

Because when we truly listen to animals, we do not just change their world…
We change ours.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/75285787Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:58:43 +0000Greg MarkelzWhat happens when an animal loses the ability to walk? For many, it could mean the end of adventures, independence, and the simple joy of chasing life wherever it leads. But for John Cox, it became a calling. In this inspiring episode of Animals...
For many, it could mean the end of adventures, independence, and the simple joy of chasing life wherever it leads. But for John Cox, it became a calling.

In this inspiring episode of Animals Unplugged, Greg Markelz and Mary Erlain sit down with John, founder of Ruck 9, a nonprofit dedicated to providing mobility carts and wheelchairs to animals who need them most. Together, they explore the stories behind the wheels, the lives transformed by second chances, and the powerful truth that a disability does not diminish an animal's spirit.

You'll hear about determination, resilience, compassion, and the remarkable bond between animals and the humans who refuse to give up on them. Because sometimes the greatest gift isn't fixing what's broken. It's helping someone keep moving forward.

Join us for a conversation that proves hope doesn't always arrive on four legs.
Sometimes... it rolls in.

Animals Unplugged: Real animal stories. Real human change.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/animals-unplugged--6799660/support.

Animals Unplugged is more than a podcast. It is a growing movement dedicated to giving animals a voice through story, music, and shared humanity.

If this episode moved you, the most powerful thing you can do is share it. Every new listener helps another voice be heard.

Because when we truly listen to animals, we do not just change their world…
We change ours.]]>24019,animal,animals,cox,disabled,dog,dogs,john,mobility,needs,pet,pets,podcast,rehabilitation,rescue,ruck,second,special,unplugged,wheelchairfalse15fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/if-your-dog-was-your-real-estate-agent--71531457
In Episode 4 of Animals Unplugged, Greg and Mary sit down with Matt Doyle to explore a surprisingly revealing question: If your dog was your real estate agent… what kind of house would they pick for you? Would it have more windows… or more moments?
A bigger yard… or a bigger life?
Fewer rooms… and more connection?
Because this isn’t really about square footage.
It’s about how you live inside the life you’ve built.

Through humor, insight, and those quiet truths animals seem to carry so effortlessly, this conversation turns a simple idea into something deeper:
Maybe your dog wouldn’t upgrade your house…
Maybe they’d redesign your priorities.

What our animals might be “saying” through their choices, their energy, and the way they experience the spaces we share. Because to them, a home isn’t about status… It’s about presence, safety, and love that shows up every day.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/animals-unplugged--6799660/support.

Animals Unplugged is more than a podcast. It is a growing movement dedicated to giving animals a voice through story, music, and shared humanity.

If this episode moved you, the most powerful thing you can do is share it. Every new listener helps another voice be heard.

Because when we truly listen to animals, we do not just change their world…
We change ours.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71531457Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:00:02 +0000Greg MarkelzWhat if your dog wasn’t just living in your home… but choosing it? In Episode 4 of Animals Unplugged, Greg and Mary sit down with Matt Doyle to explore a surprisingly revealing question: If your dog was your real estate agent… what kind of house...
In Episode 4 of Animals Unplugged, Greg and Mary sit down with Matt Doyle to explore a surprisingly revealing question: If your dog was your real estate agent… what kind of house would they pick for you? Would it have more windows… or more moments?
A bigger yard… or a bigger life?
Fewer rooms… and more connection?
Because this isn’t really about square footage.
It’s about how you live inside the life you’ve built.

Through humor, insight, and those quiet truths animals seem to carry so effortlessly, this conversation turns a simple idea into something deeper:
Maybe your dog wouldn’t upgrade your house…
Maybe they’d redesign your priorities.

What our animals might be “saying” through their choices, their energy, and the way they experience the spaces we share. Because to them, a home isn’t about status… It’s about presence, safety, and love that shows up every day.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/animals-unplugged--6799660/support.

Animals Unplugged is more than a podcast. It is a growing movement dedicated to giving animals a voice through story, music, and shared humanity.

If this episode moved you, the most powerful thing you can do is share it. Every new listener helps another voice be heard.

Because when we truly listen to animals, we do not just change their world…
We change ours.]]>2135animals,dog,emotional,inspirational,perspective,storytelling,unplugged,wellnessfalse14fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cats-no-one-was-coming-for--70666340
 Some animals wait longer than others to be seen. In Episode 3 of Animals Unplugged, Greg and Mary welcome back Carrie Reznicek, whose passion for animal rescue extends beyond dogs to a group often overlooked in shelters: the cats no one else is coming for.

Through her work with Forever Fortunate Felines, Carrie shares the stories behind rescuing cats that others pass by and why these forgotten lives deserve a second chance just as much as any other animal.

This episode shines a light on the quiet heroes who refuse to look away and the remarkable transformations that happen when compassion meets determination.

As always, CnGee the Superhero Dog brings a musical reminder that every animal’s story matters, especially the ones still waiting for someone to notice them. 🐾🎸

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/animals-unplugged--6799660/support.

Animals Unplugged is more than a podcast. It is a growing movement dedicated to giving animals a voice through story, music, and shared humanity.

If this episode moved you, the most powerful thing you can do is share it. Every new listener helps another voice be heard.

Because when we truly listen to animals, we do not just change their world…
We change ours.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70666340Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:00:02 +0000Greg MarkelzThe Cats No One Was Coming For.  Some animals wait longer than others to be seen. In Episode 3 of Animals Unplugged, Greg and Mary welcome back Carrie Reznicek, whose passion for animal rescue extends beyond dogs to a group often overlooked in...
 Some animals wait longer than others to be seen. In Episode 3 of Animals Unplugged, Greg and Mary welcome back Carrie Reznicek, whose passion for animal rescue extends beyond dogs to a group often overlooked in shelters: the cats no one else is coming for.

Through her work with Forever Fortunate Felines, Carrie shares the stories behind rescuing cats that others pass by and why these forgotten lives deserve a second chance just as much as any other animal.

This episode shines a light on the quiet heroes who refuse to look away and the remarkable transformations that happen when compassion meets determination.

As always, CnGee the Superhero Dog brings a musical reminder that every animal’s story matters, especially the ones still waiting for someone to notice them. 🐾🎸

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/animals-unplugged--6799660/support.

Animals Unplugged is more than a podcast. It is a growing movement dedicated to giving animals a voice through story, music, and shared humanity.

If this episode moved you, the most powerful thing you can do is share it. Every new listener helps another voice be heard.

Because when we truly listen to animals, we do not just change their world…
We change ours.]]>2150adoption animal,adoption feline,advocacy animal,advocacy cat,animal,animals animal,cats cat,compassion pet,for,heroes voices,music music,podcast inspirational,protection rescue,rescue animal,rescue rescue,rescue shelter,stories original,stories storytelling,storytelling rescue,welfare animalfalse13fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-dogs-answer-the-call--70665935
In "When Dogs Answer the Call", this powerful episode of Animals Unplugged, Greg and Mary explore an inspiring mission that transforms rescued dogs into life-changing service animals for veterans. 

Guests Carrie Reznicek of Fairway Mortgage and Michael Tellerino of K9s for Veterans share how rescue dogs are given a second chance through specialized training, becoming loyal partners who help veterans navigate the challenges of life after service. It’s a story of redemption on both ends of the leash. A dog once searching for a home becomes a hero for someone who served our country.

Sometimes the greatest rescues happen when two souls find each other at exactly the right moment. 🐾🎸

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/animals-unplugged--6799660/support.

Animals Unplugged is more than a podcast. It is a growing movement dedicated to giving animals a voice through story, music, and shared humanity.

If this episode moved you, the most powerful thing you can do is share it. Every new listener helps another voice be heard.

Because when we truly listen to animals, we do not just change their world…
We change ours.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70665935Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:00:02 +0000Greg MarkelzWhat if saving one dog could help save a veteran too? In "When Dogs Answer the Call", this powerful episode of Animals Unplugged, Greg and Mary explore an inspiring mission that transforms rescued dogs into life-changing service animals for...
In "When Dogs Answer the Call", this powerful episode of Animals Unplugged, Greg and Mary explore an inspiring mission that transforms rescued dogs into life-changing service animals for veterans. 

Guests Carrie Reznicek of Fairway Mortgage and Michael Tellerino of K9s for Veterans share how rescue dogs are given a second chance through specialized training, becoming loyal partners who help veterans navigate the challenges of life after service. It’s a story of redemption on both ends of the leash. A dog once searching for a home becomes a hero for someone who served our country.

Sometimes the greatest rescues happen when two souls find each other at exactly the right moment. 🐾🎸

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/animals-unplugged--6799660/support.

Animals Unplugged is more than a podcast. It is a growing movement dedicated to giving animals a voice through story, music, and shared humanity.

If this episode moved you, the most powerful thing you can do is share it. Every new listener helps another voice be heard.

Because when we truly listen to animals, we do not just change their world…
We change ours.]]>1911advocacy animal,animal,animals animal,compassion social,dogs rescue,dogs veterans,driven everyday,for,heroes service,heroes voices,impact mission,music music,podcast inspirational,rescue animal,service,stories original,stories storytelling,storytelling rescue,support ptsd,welfare animalfalse12fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-we-gave-animals-a-voice--69954581
What began as one song inspired by a rescue dog became a calling: give animals a voice powerful enough to be heard, felt, and acted upon.

Meet CnGee, the superhero dog whose music carries stories from the animal world… and PyrPaws/KittyClaws, guiding us closer to the hearts we are determined to protect.

This is more than an introduction.

It is the foundation of a movement built on compassion, storytelling, and the belief that when we truly hear animals, we cannot help but change their future.

If you have ever loved an animal, this is where your journey with us begins.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/animals-unplugged--6799660/support.

Animals Unplugged is more than a podcast. It is a growing movement dedicated to giving animals a voice through story, music, and shared humanity.

If this episode moved you, the most powerful thing you can do is share it. Every new listener helps another voice be heard.

Because when we truly listen to animals, we do not just change their world…
We change ours.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69954581Sat, 14 Feb 2026 16:00:02 +0000Greg MarkelzIn this debut episode, Greg and Mary share the story behind the mission that sparked Animals Unplugged. What began as one song inspired by a rescue dog became a calling: give animals a voice powerful enough to be heard, felt, and acted upon. Meet...
What began as one song inspired by a rescue dog became a calling: give animals a voice powerful enough to be heard, felt, and acted upon.

Meet CnGee, the superhero dog whose music carries stories from the animal world… and PyrPaws/KittyClaws, guiding us closer to the hearts we are determined to protect.

This is more than an introduction.

It is the foundation of a movement built on compassion, storytelling, and the belief that when we truly hear animals, we cannot help but change their future.

If you have ever loved an animal, this is where your journey with us begins.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/animals-unplugged--6799660/support.

Animals Unplugged is more than a podcast. It is a growing movement dedicated to giving animals a voice through story, music, and shared humanity.

If this episode moved you, the most powerful thing you can do is share it. Every new listener helps another voice be heard.

Because when we truly listen to animals, we do not just change their world…
We change ours.]]>1134adoption,advocacy,animal,compassion,education,everyday,heroes,humane,inspirational,music,narrative,original,pet,podcast,protection,rescue,rights,stories,storytelling,welfarefalse11full