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Best Friends Podcast Episode 71 is a rebroadcast of Episode 7, revisiting a conversation about how people in animal welfare can care for themselves while continuing to care for animals. It opens with the question, “How do you feel?” and features compassion fatigue educator Jessica Dolce discussing what the episode calls “compassionate badassery.”
What is Episode 71?
Episode 71 was published as a rebroadcast on July 8, 2021. It revisits the original Episode 7, published April 30, 2020, rather than presenting a new interview. Best Friends Animal Society’s rebroadcast description says it begins: “This week’s episode begins with a simple question. How do you feel?”
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The original episode features Jessica Dolce, identified as a certified compassion fatigue educator, and Amanda Paris, identified as Shelter Director at Southern Pines Animal Shelter. The conversation is framed around the emotional, mental, and physical demands of animal welfare work and why acknowledging those demands matters to sustaining lifesaving efforts.
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The episode uses “compassionate badassery” to describe Dolce’s approach to compassion and the demands of caring work. It is a conversational framing, not a formal clinical model or diagnosis. Its central prompt—checking in with how you feel—invites people doing animal-care work to recognize their own experience rather than treating their wellbeing as separate from the work.
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That framing matters in settings such as shelters and field services, where difficult situations and ongoing demands can take a toll. The episode presents wellbeing as part of sustaining care for animals, not as a substitute for that work.
How can animal shelter workers respond to burnout?
Best Friends’ animal caretaker burnout guide describes burnout as “physical, mental and emotional depletion.” It lists possible signs such as anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, negative thinking, irritability, and trouble sleeping. These are general descriptions from the guide, not a diagnostic checklist; experiencing any of them does not by itself establish a condition.
The guide suggests practical supports, including:
- Making time for daily self-nurturing, sleep, and play.
- Setting realistic limits and taking time before responding to demands.
- Noticing positive outcomes as well as difficult experiences.
- Reaching out for support rather than handling the strain alone.
These suggestions are not a guarantee of relief or individualized mental-health care. Someone whose distress is persistent or affecting daily life may need support from a qualified professional.
What support resources does the episode point to?
The Episode 71 page lists educational and support materials for animal advocates, including Compassion in Balance, COVID-era stress resources, Mindful Lifesaving, and a self-inventory screening. Best Friends’ burnout guide offers additional suggestions for individuals and organizations. Availability and terms may change, so check the linked pages for current details.
The broader takeaway is that support can involve both personal practices and workplace conditions. Self-care can help an individual notice and respond to strain; realistic limits, supportive colleagues, and organizational resources also matter in demanding animal-welfare roles.
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Where to listen and read more
- Best Friends Podcast Episode 71: Compassionate Badassery — the rebroadcast description and episode resources.
- Best Friends Podcast Episode 7: Compassionate Badassery — the original episode page and guest descriptions.
- Best Friends’ animal caretaker burnout resource — signs of burnout and suggested supports.
- Best Friends’ compassion fatigue resources — related information for animal advocates.
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