Rob Laidlaw, the founder of Zoocheck joins Anitha to talk about his journey into animal activism. For over 40 years, Rob has been speaking up for wildlife. From his initial efforts to close down horrific roadside zoos to helping three elephants, who spent their lives in captivity, find a sanctuary, there is no limit to the kind and compassionate actions Rob has taken for the benefit of wildlife.
Despite witnessing the many atrocities animals are subjected to at the hands of humans, Rob shares why he is still optimistic for the future of wildlife.
An episode full of hope and kindness, and one you don’t want to miss.
To learn more about the amazing work Zoocheck is doing, check out the following links:
As a thank you to Rob for sharing his story, Anitha donated to the New Cat City Rescue & Sanctuary. This small animal rescue located in Toronto, Ontario is a permanent home for animals with special needs and requirements. To learn more about their work, check out their website:
Rick Wilks, the co-founder of Annick Press joins Anitha to talk about publishing children’s books. He shares his journey, memories and even his list of favourite books.
The two also talk about book banning—what it is, the harm it causes creators, publishers and children. Rick talks about how important it is for books to showcase all voices, especially those that have been underrepresented in the past, (LGBTQ+, black, indigenous, and people of colour).
Annick press is determined to advocate for books from underrepresented communities. One way is through their Mentorship Program, launched in 2021. This yearly program supports works in progress of emerging, underrepresented writers whose access to children’s publishing may have been limited. The application window is for the month of September 2025! Check out Annick’s website for all the details.
Of course, Anitha asked Rick what he is looking for in submissions—always a key question for writers. Here is link to their submission guidelines: Submission Guideline
A great conversation about books, diversity and how important it is for folks in positions of power and privilege to use their position to help others.
To learn more about Annick Press as they celebrate 50 years in publishing, check out their website. It’s full of information about books, sources for educators and for the month of September, the Mentorship Program!
Here’s Rick’s list of recommended books, which can be found on Annick’s website.
Nonfiction:
*More Than Money: How Economic inequality affects EVERYTHING
*Fatty Legs
Comics and graphic novels
*The Wolf Suit
Picture Books
*The Man with the Violin
*Abuelita and Me
*The Paper Bag Princess
As a thank you to Rick for sharing his story, Anitha donated to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). NCC is a non-profit organization that partners with individuals, corporations, foundations, Indigenous communities and other non-profit organizations and governments at all levels to protect Canada’s plants and wildlife. Since 1962, NCC and its partners have helped to protect more than 15 million hectares, coast to coast.
To learn more about the Nature Conservancy of Canada, check out their website.
Mary Lee Jensvold joins Anitha to talk about Fauna Foundation, a place of healing for chimpanzees used and abused in the medical research industry.
Mary Lee shares stories of the many primates rescued by Fauna Foundation. She speaks about the incredible capacity of these individuals to heal from years of painful and invasive experiments. And most remarkable of all—their willingness to forgive the very species who caused them so much harm.
Sue EllenMary Lee with Tatu & Louis
Though these chimpanzees can never return to their rightful home in Africa, Mary Lee talks about the ways Fauna provides residents with as much comfort and enrichment as possible.
Mary Lee and Anitha also talk about the many cruelty-free alternatives to animal testing and hope listeners will support companies who opt for these kinder alternatives.
To learn more about Fauna Foundation and fall in love with the chimpanzees, check out their website and YouTube channel.
Anitha Rao-Robinson 