Curtis & Nancy Sliwa's Animal Welfare Hour

Join Jake Novak for a fun Sunday as we continue to celebrate America's 250th birthday!

Jake Novak highlights the key decisions that have made our great nation as it turns 250.

Join Jake Novak for his weekly celebration of our great nation's 250th birthday. This week Jake revisits President Nixon's famous "Checkers Speech" in 1952, the 1960 presidential debate, President Chester Arthur's decisions, the Savannah College of Art and Design, and much more!

Jake Novak continues to celebrate the storied history of our great nation. Tune in to hear more!

Joseph Malcarne of American Sovereign Bullion joins the show to talk gold and much more!

Jake Novak details the history of President Nixon leaving behind The Gold Standard and welcomes Joseph Malcarne of American Sovereign Bullion to talk gold and much more!

Michael Castillero joins the show to discuss his prosecution, which he believes is politically motivated because of his support for President Trump. Listen to hear more and learn about the history of the Presidential Pardon!

Jake Novak examines pivotal moments where history, politics, and leadership intersect. The episode explores U.S.-Iran tensions, the evolving role of presidential pardons, WNBA organizational challenges, and a border incident in Spain. The centerpiece looks back at President Harry Truman’s historic 1948 decision to recognize the State of Israel, including the humanitarian, religious, and political forces behind this landmark moment in American foreign policy. He is also joined by Michael Castillero and Rabbi Yotav Eliach. Tune in to hear more!

This week, Jake Novak continues to celebrate America 250 as he cites key decisions, takes your phone calls, and is joined by NY State Comptroller candidate Joseph Hernandez. Tune in to hear more!

Joseph Hernandez, who is running for NY State Comptroller, joins Jake to talk about his background, run for the office, the current state of New York, and much more!

From The Whiskey Rebellion to Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, Jake Novak has you covered as we continue to celebrate America's 250th birthday!

Jake Novak and Dr. Lee Bowes, CEO of America Works, discuss the profound impact of computer technology on the American workforce. 

In this episode of Freedom 250: The Decisions That Made America, host Jake Novak examines the pivotal choices that reshaped the modern world, from General Douglas MacArthur's high-stakes strategy during the Korean War and the founding compromises of the Ivy League to Albert Einstein's life-changing move to the United States and the rise of the personal computer. Along the way, Jake connects these defining moments to today's headlines, including Spain's 2026 World Cup victory and evolving U.S. military tensions, showing how courageous leadership and difficult decisions continue to shape history. Also joining the show is Dr. Lee Bowes, the CEO of America Works to discuss how computers an AI have transformed employment across many different income levels.

In today's episode, Jake Novak weaves together breaking current events and pivotal historical turning points to explore how individual choices shape the American identity. The program opens with the sudden news of Senator Lindsey Graham’s death, which Novak uses to analyze shifting political power dynamics in the Senate and the necessity of investigative transparency regarding international enemies. This contemporary moment serves as a bridge to historical narratives, specifically the development of the Higgins boats during World War II and the societal drivers of Prohibition, illustrating how courageous or religiously motivated decisions can alter the course of a nation.

Jake Novak explores the historical and cultural decisions that have shaped the United States as it approaches its 250th anniversary. For episode 5, program features a narrative on the Roebling family’s persistence in building the Brooklyn Bridge, highlighting how three individuals sacrificed their health and lives to achieve a legendary engineering feat. Novak also facilitates a dialogue with guest Steve Gruber regarding the intersection of faith and leadership in the American presidency, while guest Alvin Louie criticizes the modern education system for what he perceives as a decline in patriotism and meritocracy.

Jake Novak explores the theme of pivotal human decisions that have shaped the American narrative over the last 250 years. The program transitions from discussing contemporary events, such as a controversial FIFA reversal involving Donald Trump and a minor fire on the Brooklyn Bridge, to a deep dive into the intersection of patriotism and faith. A central highlight is an interview with Steve Gruber regarding his chart-topping song, "One Nation," which utilizes George Washington’s historical prayers to emphasize the importance of passing traditional values to future generations.

Jake Novak interviews Konstantin Solopov, a young Russian-born composer and graduate of the Berklee College of Music. The discussion centers on Solopov’s patriotic musical composition titled "The Republic," a unique trio for piano, violin, and drums inspired by the inspiring nature of the American dream and the diversity of the United States. Solopov explains that his work aims to capture the constant movement and evolution of the nation, drawing stylistic influence from the immersive worlds of video game scoring rather than traditional cinema.

Jake Novak and guest Alvin Lui explore the state of American national identity by focusing on the power of individual decisions rather than broad historical forces. Lui, representing the organization "Courage is a habit," argues that the modern education system has shifted its primary goal from academic excellence to the cultivation of anti-American sentiment, suggesting that low test scores are actually a sign of the system’s success in prioritizing ideology over merit. The conversation champions the ideal of meritocracy as a uniquely American experiment that, while imperfect, remains the most effective way to foster human flourishing.

In episode 4, Jake Novak breaks down the decisions that helped shape America, from Franklin D. Roosevelt bringing General Douglas MacArthur out of retirement before World War II, to Francis Ford Coppola standing by Al Pacino and saving The Godfather, to Tina Turner choosing to keep her name after leaving Ike Turner. Jake also sits down with Dr. Peter Michalos to spotlight Chaim Solomon, the Polish Jewish immigrant, financier, spy, and forgotten founding father who helped fund the American Revolution, supported George Washington’s army, backed the Battle of Yorktown, and played a critical role in America’s fight for independence.

Jake Novak explores how individual choices act as the primary engine of history, moving beyond mere dates to examine the decisions that made America. In episode 3, Novak highlights the transformative impact of three pioneering women—Shirley Chisholm, Lucille Ball, and Sacagawea—who shaped the nation's political, economic, and geographic landscape through their independent leadership. A central segment features a legal analysis of the Dred Scott decision, described as a moral and judicial failure that stripped away humanity and citizenship, ultimately making the Civil War an inevitability.

Jake Novak and former federal prosecutor Mitch Epner examine the Dred Scott decision as a pivotal, albeit disastrous, turning point in American history. The conversation highlights the 1857 Supreme Court ruling not only for its profound immorality but also for its flawed legal logic, which stripped Black Americans of their humanity and effectively nullified the Missouri Compromise. By declaring that enslaved people were mere property and could never attain citizenship, the Court guaranteed the inevitability of the Civil War and alienated the growing abolitionist movement.

Jake Novak explores the momentous decisions that have defined the American experience, arguing that history is a living force directly connected to modern events. For Episode 2, set against the backdrop of a fictional 2026 conflict with Iran, Novak uses current military and economic shifts—such as Elon Musk becoming a trillionaire—to draw parallels with the bold risks taken by 19th-century tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt. The program emphasizes the triumph of capitalism over resentment and highlights pivotal social milestones, specifically citing Harry Truman’s desegregation of the military and Richard Nixon’s ending of the draft as catalysts for national evolution.

On this inaugural broadcast of Freedom 250, host Jake Novak explores the individual decisions that shaped the United States, prioritizing personal conviction over broad historical trends. The program transitions from current events analysis—addressing missile strikes in Israel and election controversies in California—to a deep dive into the presidency of John F. Kennedy. Novak argues that his father’s incapacitating stroke in 1961 served as a historical turning point, liberating the president to pursue bold policies like the Navy SEALs program, the Cuban Missile Crisis standoff, and monumental tax cuts. By blending listener interaction with historical analysis, the show aims to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary by highlighting the pivotal choices that defined American identity and global leadership.

On this episode, Curtis dives into three major animal welfare battles unfolding in New York City. First, the long fight to end the horse carriage industry in Central Park comes to a breaking point, with the Conservancy, City Council legislation, and even late moves from Mayor Adams all in play. Then, Curtis exposes the shocking case of Isaiah Gurley, accused of dragging, beating, and burning a pit bull in Queens, and the disturbing arrest of Christopher V, caught duct-taping and caging multiple pit bulls—both abusers released under Cuomo’s no-cash bail law. Finally, Curtis highlights the first-ever “Protect Animals” independent ballot line, calling for no-kill shelters and real jail time for animal abusers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Curtis Sliwa speaks with animal rights activist, filmmaker, and podcast host Jamie Logan about the New York City Animal Rights March. Jamie shares her journey into activism, the importance of exposing factory farming, and how the annual march has grown into a global movement for compassion and justice. They also discuss issues ranging from horse-drawn carriages in Central Park to the role of fashion in animal exploitation, while highlighting how everyday choices can create real change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Curtis spotlights his Protect the Animals campaign line with its call for no-kill shelters and tougher penalties for abusers, announces the launch of “Cats for Curtis,” and shares emotional stories from New York’s shelter death row list while contrasting his platform with opponents like Andrew Cuomo, Eric Adams, and Zohran Mamdani. He recalls Cuomo’s abandoned husky Captain, reacts to horrific recent abuse cases, praises rescue groups fighting to save unwanted animals, and pledges as mayor to create a rapid-response animal welfare agency and end the Central Park horse-carriage industry by replacing it with modern electric carriages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Curtis and Nancy discuss the Central Park Conservancy’s call to ban horse drawn carriages, a Long Island drug bust where puppies were found in terrible conditions, nine dogs rescued from abuse in the Bronx, and the ongoing lawsuit over Peanut the squirrel and Freddy the raccoon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Curtis and Nancy Sliwa cover a full slate of urgent animal issues, starting with Curtis’s mayoral run and the launch of Protect Animals, the first independent political line focused solely on animal welfare. They recount a Staten Island gathering of 500 animal rescuers and outline goals like no-kill shelters and tougher penalties for abusers. They examine the death of Lady, a 15-year-old NYC carriage horse, and the stalled “Ryder’s Law” aimed at ending the industry. The Sliwas also expose NYCHA’s mistreatment of feral cats, highlight Amsterdam’s new canal staircases to save cats from drowning, discuss the euthanasia of a moose in upstate New York, and share research on the decline of blue whale songs off California linked to environmental change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, New York City faces heartbreaking stories of animal suffering and government neglect. Cats are trapped in public housing basements without access to food or water while a helpless dog is killed and set on fire in a Queens neighborhood. Despite public outrage, the accused is released without bail. Curtis and Nancy break down the systemic failures that continue to put animals at risk, from city shelters with no space to outdated laws that treat pets like property. With real-time rescues, political fallout, and a call for real reform, this episode demands attention from every animal lover and concerned citizen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Curtis Sliwa discusses historical figures known for their contributions to animal welfare, introduces the wide-reaching impact of the podcast, and emphasizes the importance of spreading its message. He highlights his key campaign platforms, including no-kill shelters, animal abuser incarceration, and tax exemption for animal food, while criticizing his political opponents for their lack of focus on animal welfare. Sliwa critiques New York City's handling of animal care, the shortcomings of the animal shelter system, and the inefficiencies of the Animal Care and Control group. He delves into his strategies for improving animal welfare as mayor, including the innovative idea of using vacant storefronts for animal adoption centers. He also touches on the controversial case of a horse named Ryder, the failure of city council legislation to protect carriage horses, and the ongoing issue of rabies among raccoons and feral cats in Nassau County. Curtis concludes with a call to action for listeners to share the podcast and support his campaign efforts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Curtis and Nancy Sliwa discuss the significant role of animal welfare in Curtis's mayoral campaign, spotlighting the groundbreaking 'Protecting Animals' independent electoral line. The conversation covers various pressing issues, such as the need for affordable spaying and neutering services, the plight of carriage horses exemplified by the tragic case of Rider, and dangerous dog attacks in New York City. The episode also touches on community safety efforts and the legislative push inspired by incidents like the attack on Moose in Prospect Park. Curtis and Nancy highlight the importance of responsible pet ownership and call for stronger protections for animals to create a more compassionate city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Curtis delves into various pressing animal welfare issues. From the historic significance of protecting animals, inspired by figures like Noah and St. Francis of Assisi, to current political efforts, Curtis explores the urgency of animal protection. He discusses his political campaign dedicated to animal rights, including policies for no-kill shelters and harsher penalties for animal abusers. The episode features heartwarming stories such as the rescue of Lucia, the beloved pig from Staten Island, and the international mourning for Cole, the patriarch of the feral cat colony at the Canadian Parliament. Curtis also highlights local and international efforts to protect animals, including new legislation against animal abuse in Nassau and Suffolk Counties and the extraordinary care for elephants in Thailand. The narrative is interspersed with personal anecdotes and broader political shifts showing a growing commitment to animal welfare. This episode underscores the vital connection between humans and animals and calls for continued advocacy and action to protect our furry friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Curtis discusses his endorsement by key Republican figures and highlights his lifelong experience with animals, particularly pigs and pigeons. He recounts personal animal rescue stories and advocates for animal welfare policies, including the protection of a pet pig under threat from a nosy neighbor. Sliwa also criticizes current Mayor Eric Adams’ ineffective rat control initiatives and promotes his proposed measures for humane animal control. The episode underscores the growing recognition of pets as family members across America and emphasizes the role of women in animal rescue efforts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Curtis and Nancy discuss their relentless efforts to bring attention to animal welfare issues both locally and globally. They celebrate the launch of their new podcast logo and highlight key political achievements. Curtis, a Republican candidate for mayor with a unique 'Protect the Animals' independent line, praises Nancy's legal efforts that garnered enough signatures to secure this historic ballot line. Nancy explains the rigorous and often legally challenging process of getting and defending signatures for independent lines in New York City elections. The episode covers various animal welfare issues, including no-kill shelters and the importance of spay/neuter programs. It also critiques the continued use of horse-drawn carriages in New York City, despite long-standing opposition and political promises to ban them. Additionally, they address the regulations preventing bodega cats and advocate for their legalization, explaining the cultural and practical benefits of having cats in retail spaces. The episode concludes with a call to a Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Curtis Sliwa delves into various issues and initiatives related to animal welfare. Curtis discusses the importance of sharing the podcast globally and highlights his campaign milestones, such as establishing the Protect Animals independent line for mayoral elections to promote no-kill shelters in New York City. He elaborates on cruelty practices like euthanizing animals in shelters and promotes rescuing abandoned pets. Curtis also touches on recent political efforts that show growing bipartisan support for animal welfare including measures taken by politicians like Governor Ron DeSantis and Keith Powers. Additionally, he addresses unusual topics such as the medicinal benefits of llamas' blood in COVID-19 research, interactions between sharks and humans due to climate change, and a miraculous incident involving an alligator in Florida. Curtis ends on a light note discussing the love-hate relationship New Yorkers have with street pigeons and the upcoming pigeon impersonation pageant. The episode underlines Curtis’s belief in the interconnectedness of animal and human welfare, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's words. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Curtis Sliwa delves into the extensive history of presidential pet policies, highlighting the surprising pro-animal measures taken by the Trump administration. Sliwa discusses Donald Trump's actions to halt federally funded animal experiments, including ending Harvard University's controversial research on baby monkeys and combating NIH-funded torture of beagles under Dr. Fauci. He also praises recent animal welfare legislation by Republican leaders, such as Governor DeSantis' Trooper's Law in Florida, which imposes harsh penalties for abandoning pets during hurricanes, and Dexter's Law to protect shelter dogs from abuse. Additionally, Sliwa shares personal anecdotes on his advocacy and the newfound momentum for animal welfare issues among Republicans, urging listeners to support his Protect Animals independent line. The episode reflects on the broader positive shifts in animal welfare policies at federal and regional levels and calls for continued collective action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Curtis and Nancy Sliwa, discuss various issues surrounding animal rights. They begin with a passionate recounting of a recent protest against horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, detailing several incidents where untethered horses ran loose, highlighting the industry's dangers. The conversation also touches on the legislative efforts to ban horse carriages and the misleading role of the union representing the drivers. Curtis shares his theory on drivers using shocker devices on horses to make them appear lively to tourists. They shift focus to other animal welfare topics, including the campaign for no-kill shelters, reducing pet care costs, and stricter prosecution for animal abuse. The episode also lauds significant developments like the Trump administration's ban on animal testing in the U.S. Navy and NIH's ceasing use of beagles for experiments. They wrap up by previewing an award-winning documentary on cats and discussing the harmful practice of declawing cats. Curtis emphasizes the importance of spreading awareness and encourages listeners to support his mayoral campaign, which prioritizes animal welfare. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Curtis Sliwa hosts John Catsimatidis, the owner and operator of Red Apple Media to discuss the controversial issue of an ostrich farm in British Columbia where the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are ordered to cull the herd due to a past avian flu outbreak. Catsimatidis explains the plight of these ancient animals which developed antibodies after some fell ill four years ago and advocates for independent testing rather than culling. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from the National Institute of Health also supports the cause. The conversation expands to other animal welfare issues such as windmills affecting whales, proposed lawsuits, and other energy concerns. Sliwa continues solo to highlight his mayoral campaign focused on animal welfare, detailing plans for no-kill shelters, prosecuting animal abusers, and removing sales tax on pet food. He also discusses recent experiences with wildlife in New York City and emphasizes the significant role animals play in people's lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Animal Welfare Podcast, Curtis Sliwa reflects on the program's history and evolution from being a live radio show on WABC since 2017 to its current podcast format. Since announcing a run for New York City mayoralty, Curtis outlines an innovative campaign platform centered on the first-ever 'Protect Animals' line. Discussing the significant challenge of no-kill shelters, the city's flawed shelter system run by Admiral Care and Control, and the issue of animal euthanasia, Nancy, an expert in animal welfare, explains the administration's failures and the urgent need for reform. Tune in for a deep dive into animal welfare issues and an inspiring vision for a more humane future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Curtis Sliwa welcomes Dr. Douglas Howard and Dr. Jake Vandyke to discuss the revolutionary pet supplement Dr. Phyto's Phytonutrients. This episode highlights the benefits of fruits and vegetables for pets, the science behind the new product, and the importance of proper pet nutrition. Dr. Howard, known for Balance of Nature, and Dr. Jake, a veterinarian, explain how Dr. Phyto's helps improve pets' overall health, from better coats to healthier digestion. The episode also discusses the historical context of pet food, the benefits of a nutrient-rich diet, and practical tips for pet owners to improve their pets' quality of life while potentially reducing veterinary costs. Listeners are encouraged to integrate this supplement into their pets' diets and are provided with information on how to purchase both Balance of Nature and Dr. Phyto's products. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Curtis and Nancy are joined by Councilman Bob Holden, a dedicated advocate for animal rights. The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including the unethical treatment of carriage horses in Central Park, the harmful practices in rodeos, and the conditions in urban wet markets. Councilman Holden shares his motivations and the legislative efforts he has spearheaded to protect animals. The conversation also touches on the importance of electing officials who genuinely care about animal welfare and the need for substantial reforms in the city's animal shelters to establish no-kill policies. Moreover, they introduce Alicia Unis, Holden's staff member and candidate on the Protect Animals independent line. The episode emphasizes the urgent need for humane treatment of animals and highlights ongoing efforts to make significant changes in animal welfare policies in New York City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Nancy discusses her role in Curtis's mayoral campaign focusing on 'Protect Animals,' an independent line to address animal welfare topics. The episode touches on multiple concerns including medical assistance, pet food costs, public registries for animal abusers, no-kill shelters, and the elimination of sales tax on pet food. The couple elaborates on the challenges faced by animals during wildfires, dangerous rat poisons impacting urban wildlife, and calls for promoting cat colonies over toxic poisons for rodent control. They discuss Robert Holden’s bill addressing inhumane rodeo practices, the problematic sale of live chicks, and the risks of bird flu from urban wet markets. Additionally, the podcast covers stories of wild turkeys in urban areas and human impacts on wildlife. Curtis and Nancy conclude by emphasizing advocacy for rescue groups and the importance of recognizing volunteers' efforts in animal protection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Curtis and Nancy Sliwa discuss a range of animal-related issues. They announce that Curtis will run for mayor with an independent line devoted to animal welfare. As Easter approaches, Nancy highlights the problem of people impulsively buying rabbits and chicks, and the harsh realities these animals often face afterward. The conversation shifts to the issue of rabid raccoons in Long Island and raccoon sightings in New York City. They share an inspiring story of a ranch dog who saved a lost toddler and investigate the tragic case of a child mauled by pit bulls. Finally, Curtis and Nancy inform listeners about a wild turkey wandering Manhattan and the ongoing dangers of industrial farming and bird flu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Curtis and Nancy Sliwa introduce the history and purpose of their animal-focused program, which started airing in 2017 on WABC. This shift to a podcast format allows them to continue their mission despite Curtis's mayoral campaign. They discuss a range of topics: the origin of their animal welfare efforts, their work with colony cats, the introduction of an animal protection unit to the Guardian Angels, and the tragic story of a Happy Cat Sanctuary in Long Island. They also discuss the legal and social challenges involving pets, including legislation inspired by tragic animal control incidents, the importance of bodega cats in New York City, and the therapeutic benefits of pet ownership. Curtis announces that animal welfare issues will be a central part of his campaign, with a goal to establish an Animal Welfare line on the mayoral ballot. The episode wraps up with an introduction to their website, guardianangels.org, for more resources and information on pet care and fostering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices