Talking Couch Potatoes

Free the Hounds Inc Association
  • 5.0 (2)
  • PETS & ANIMALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Talking Couch Potatoes, the podcast that’s all about greyhounds and the people who love them. From Perth, Western Australia, we’re shining a spotlight on the world of greyhound advocacy. We’ll hear from advocates, political groups, experts and volunteers across the country, sharing what’s happening in their states. And we’re not afraid to tackle the big conversations—opening up dialogue across Australia to discuss the public’s views on dog racing and welfare in WA. Whether you’re a greyhound lover, a curious listener, or an advocate for change, this is the podcast for you.

  1. EP61: The Human Cost: A Participant's Story

    MAR 6

    EP61: The Human Cost: A Participant's Story

    🚨EP61 of Talking Couch Potatoes is one of the most powerful conversations we’ve ever had.⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of the psychological impact of greyhound racing, including trauma to greyhounds. Take care listening ❤️‍🩹In this episode of Talking Couch Potatoes, we speak with Mark Layton, who grew up in a greyhound racing family and spent his childhood around kennels and racetracks.Mark shares his personal experience of the industry, including what it was like to be involved from a young age and how those experiences stayed with him into adulthood. His story offers an important perspective on something that is not often discussed — the human impact of greyhound racing on the children who grow up within the industry.We also unpack the recently released Review into governance and sustainability of WA racing. What it focuses on - and more importantly - what it leaves out.And of course we have our 🥁Foster of the Fortnight 🐾🐕 Meet Sandy – a sweet, curious five-year-old greyhound who loves a sniffy morning walk followed by a long day of snoozing in comfy beds. If Sandy sounds like the perfect addition to your home, please reach out to Greyhound Adoptions WA here https://greyhoundadoptionswa.com.au/ And let us know too!Proudly sponsored by Henry Houndwear 💅what all the best dressed hounds are wearing! https://henryhoundwear.com.au/🍽️Check out Sprinkles and Sprouts here 😋https://www.sprinklesandsprouts.com/

    54 min
  2. EP60: The Science of Greyhound Behaviour with Dr Liam Clay

    FEB 20

    EP60: The Science of Greyhound Behaviour with Dr Liam Clay

    We’ve hit the big 6-0… and we’re still raging (respectfully) 💅🔥 In this milestone episode of Talking Couch Potatoes, we sit down with Dr Liam Clay – PhD-qualified canine behaviour consultant and Director of AABA Consultants & Future Proof Training Academy – to unpack the science of greyhound behaviour: ❓ What actually happens when a greyhound leaves racing and enters a home? 🤔Why the “3-3-3 rule” needs a little adjustment for ex-racing hounds 👉 What emotional regulation really means 🚫 Why greyhounds aren’t “born to race” and what they’re capable of instead 🤭 Why greyhounds can appear socially awkward (relatable tbh) ✅Why structure + time = success 🐕 And the beautiful truth about what these dogs can become 💖 🔥This conversation is evidence-based, compassionate and eye-opening. If you’ve adopted, fostered, or are thinking about bringing a greyhound into your life – this episode is essential listening. And … we also introduce our very first 🐶 Foster of the Fortnight 🐾 Huey, a brindle gentleman waiting patiently for his forever home. 🤯Episode 60 and still fighting for a world where greyhounds live a full life like all other companion pups! 💬 Tell us what surprised you most. 🔁 Share with anyone considering adoption. 💌Sign up for the Free The Hounds newsletter and be informed of our latest campaigns! https://freethehounds.us21.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d87f42ca4948157c6be5559a1&id=07c947f9e1⁠ 🎉Huge thanks to our long time sponsors, Henry Houndwear, what all the best dressed hounds are wearing 🐕 https://henryhoundwear.com.au/ #TalkingCouchPotatoes #GreyhoundAdvocacy #OneWelfare #FutureProofTraining

    50 min
  3. EP59: RSPCA WA: On The Frontlines of Animal Welfare

    FEB 6

    EP59: RSPCA WA: On The Frontlines of Animal Welfare

    This episode is a big one!Not loud. Not shouty.But important. 👀 We sat down with Deb King, Animal Welfare Policy Research Officer at RSPCA WA, to unpack one of the most common (and most misunderstood) arguments we see on our posts 👇 👉 “What about how many dogs the RSPCA euthanises?” So let’s be crystal clear. 💔 RSPCA is not causing the crisis...they are dealing with the fallout.They care for animals who are abused, neglected, traumatised or dumped. Animals who arrive already suffering.RSPCA WA deals with the most vulnerable cases after everything has already gone wrong.Meanwhile, the dog racers claim their animals are “elite athletes in peak condition”… yet dogs keep dying on track. In this episode we talk about:🐕 Why RSPCA’s work is science-led, not emotive📊 Why transparency (or lack of it) matters💥 On-track injuries, fractures and deaths🧠 The myth of “inaction” and what actually happens behind the scenes🤝 Why improving welfare requires facts, not whataboutism If you’ve ever seen the RSPCA used as a shield to defend racing, this episode is for you.If you care about greyhounds, evidence, and accountability, make sure you have a listen! Thanks to our greyt sponsors Henry Houndwear https://henryhoundwear.com.au/ #TalkingCouchPotatoes #GreyhoundWelfare #EndGreyhoundRacing #RSPCA #AnimalWelfare #WhatAboutism

    51 min
  4. EP58: 2026...Showtime!

    JAN 23

    EP58: 2026...Showtime!

    🎉 EP58 | Happy New Year 🎉 We’re back for 2026 with a short check-in episode to ease into the year - just us, a bit of reflection, and some important updates. 🐾 We touch on recent Free The Hounds happenings...📊 And unpack the newly announced financial review of WA racing...including the timing with the WA Parliamentary Inquiry and what it could mean.This one’s brief, but the year ahead is anything but. We’ve got a great line-up of guests coming your way in the next episodes, and some big conversations ahead. Thanks for sticking with us since 2023, now let’s make 2026 count!#TalkingCouchPotatoes #GreyhoundAdvocacy #EndGreyhoundRacing #PodcastUpdate #2026

    17 min
  5. EP57: Simba: A Story of Survival

    12/19/2025

    EP57: Simba: A Story of Survival

    🎄✨ Episode 57 is here! ✨🎄 In our final episode for the year, Talking Couch Potatoes brings you a story that is not just a conversation...it’s a journey.This episode features Kim Whiting, author of Simba’s Story - a deeply moving account of a traumatised greyhound who went missing for 16 days in the Dandenong Ranges, and the extraordinary community that refused to give up on him. ❤️ Simba’s story is about so much more than a lost dog.It’s about trauma, trust, survival instincts, and unconditional love. It’s about what greyhounds endure before they ever reach a couch. And it’s about the quiet power of people coming together when it matters most. Matt and Jem talk with Kim about:🐕 Adopting fearful, traumatised greyhounds🌲 What really happens when a dog is lost and in survival mode🤝 The unbelievable strength of the greyhound community✨ The power of hope 📖 You can buy your own copy of Simba's Story here! https://www.balboapress.com/en-AU/bookstore/bookdetails/868814-simbas-storyAll proceeds from Simba’s Story go directly to Greyhound Rescue, making this book a gift that truly helps hounds in need. 📖❤️ This is our Christmas Miracle episode — and a reminder that love, patience, and community can change lives. Proudly supported as always by the wonderful Henry Houndwear, what all the best dressed hounds are wearing! Get yours here https://henryhoundwear.com.au/

    40 min
  6. EP56: How To Play The Advocacy Long Game

    12/05/2025

    EP56: How To Play The Advocacy Long Game

    This week, we sit down with life and mindset coach, former veterinarian and long-time animal advocate, Anita Marriott and this conversation is one every advocate needs to hear! ✨ Anita breaks down the difference between empathy fatigue and compassion fatigue (or burnout), and why knowing the difference can keep you in the fight longer. ✨ She shares tools for sustainable advocacy, including practical mindset shifts that help us stay effective, grounded and connected to purpose. ✨ And she reflects on her heartbreaking early encounters with greyhounds inside the veterinary system, a stark reminder of how the exploitation continued beyond the track. ⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode includes descriptions of veterinary practices involving greyhounds being used as “donations” for training and blood collection. Take care listening. We also talk about: 🔥 Why advocates burn out, and how to stop it 💛 Effective advocacy without sacrificing yourself 📌 Tips for leaders and individuals to stay in the game Anita’s honesty and clarity will stay with you long after the episode ends. Check out her coaching services here https://theveganmindsetcoach.com/Plus, Matt & Jem unpack the brand-new WA voter survey on greyhound racing that indicates a 60% majority in favour of ending greyhound racing, across parties and across electorates! Read the survey results here https://www.freethehounds.com.au/wa-survey-on-dog-racing/ #FreeTheHounds #TalkingCouchPotatoes #GreyhoundWelfare #AdvocacyMatters

    46 min
  7. EP55: Georgie Purcell MP Unleashing the Truth

    11/21/2025

    EP55: Georgie Purcell MP Unleashing the Truth

    🐾 EP55 is here – and it’s a BIG one! 🎙️💥We’re joined once again by powerhouse advocate, MP Georgie Purcell, leader in the fight to protect greyhounds and push for an end to the racing industry. 💬 Georgie dives into:📉 How transparency wins in Victoria are forcing truthful reporting on deaths & injuries🐕 How public opinion has shifted from dogs as commodities to beloved companions📊 The explosive financial reality of taxpayer money propping up the industry🤝 The unstoppable strength of rescue groups, volunteer advocates & everyday supporters📍 Why inquiries and accountability are the beginning of the end for greyhound racing From political strategy to community impact, this episode pulls the curtain back on what’s really happening behind racing's glossy messaging – and why its time is running out. 🎧 Tune in for an inspiring, passionate, funny and fiercely hopeful conversation!

    36 min
  8. EP54: Trackside and Personal: Honi's Story

    11/07/2025

    EP54: Trackside and Personal: Honi's Story

    In this powerful episode, Matt & Mel discuss the fast-approaching deadline for submissions to the WA Parliamentary Inquiry into Greyhound Racing — closing 17th November. 🗓️ Special guest Honi Rawlings, a former on-track vet nurse, opens up about her confronting experiences inside the industry - from the emotional toll of euthanising injured dogs 💔 to the joy of adopting her own greyhounds 🐾. Whether you're a long-time advocate or just learning about the issue, this episode is a heartfelt reminder of why your voice matters. 🗣️ 🎧 Tune in for honest conversations, emotional stories, and real advocacy in action! 👉 Submissions close 17th Nov — don’t miss your chance to speak up for the dogs. SUBMIT HERE! https://www.freethehounds.com.au/wa-government-inquiry-into-greyhound-racing/

    38 min
See All (62)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Talking Couch Potatoes, the podcast that’s all about greyhounds and the people who love them. From Perth, Western Australia, we’re shining a spotlight on the world of greyhound advocacy. We’ll hear from advocates, political groups, experts and volunteers across the country, sharing what’s happening in their states. And we’re not afraid to tackle the big conversations—opening up dialogue across Australia to discuss the public’s views on dog racing and welfare in WA. Whether you’re a greyhound lover, a curious listener, or an advocate for change, this is the podcast for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Free the Hounds Inc Association
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Free the Hounds Inc Association
  • Show Website
    Talking Couch Potatoes

You Might Also Like