In the anniversary year 2025, Susy Utzinger, in her monthly podcast, delves into the deeply moving stories of the book "Homeless" together with prominent guests and inspiring personalities from animal welfare, politics, journalism and more.
In the podcast, the guests read aloud the passages that move them most and talk with Susy about the background: What personal experiences lie behind the words? Listeners can expect insights into the motivations, doubts, and challenges in the life and work of Susy and her guests – and learn what true sustainability in animal welfare means. At the end of each episode, an unexpected question unrelated to animal welfare adds a touch of lightness to the conversation, surprising moments and the occasional chuckle.
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In this exciting episode of «Homeless», Susy Utzinger speaks with Dr. Szilvia Vetter, PhD, LL.M., an internationally recognized expert in Animal protection law and animal welfare.
Dr. Vetter is Head of the Centre for Animal Welfare at the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Honorary Professor at the University of Miskolc and Chairwoman of the foundation “Our Common Cause for Animal Welfare”, which was initiated by the Hungarian Ministry of Justice.
She played a key role in establishing the first legal degree program for animal welfare law in Hungary and significantly shaped national animal welfare policy with her expertise.
In conversation with Susy Utzinger, she talks about her work at the intersection of science, politics and practice – about the progress in Hungarian animal welfare, about the challenges in the European context and about her vision of a future in which animal welfare is an integral part of social responsibility.
About Dr. Szilvia Vetter:
Dr. Szilvia Vetter, PhD, LL.M., is one of the leading experts on animal welfare and animal protection law in Europe. She heads the Centre for Animal Welfare at the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest and is chair of the foundation "Our Common Cause for Animal Welfare," which was established by the Hungarian Ministry of Justice.
As a member of the National Animal Welfare Council and honorary professor at the University of Miskolc, she plays a crucial role in shaping the legal and social development of animal welfare in Hungary. She co-founded several academic training programs in the field of animal welfare law and is the author of the first Hungarian monograph on the subject since 2000.
Dr. Vetter combines scientific expertise with practical animal welfare work and is committed to raising awareness of animal welfare – in education, politics and society.
The animal rescue service is one of the best-known animal welfare organizations in Switzerland – and was founded in 1993 by Susy Utzinger herself. Today it is a foundation that works around the clock to help animals in need.
In this episode, Susy talks to:
The three provide insights into the exciting and demanding work of the animal rescue service: from emergency operations to educational work and the ethical questions that shape their decisions.
Read more about the Animal Rescue Service Foundation here.
In this special episode, Susy Utzinger speaks with three long-standing and dedicated employees of the Susy Utzinger Foundation for Animal Welfare:
Together they provide an open and authentic insight into their work, share personal experiences – and show what it means to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to animals every day.
Read more about Regula Bieri, Corinne Frana and Nicole Amigo here.
In the ninth episode of "Heimatlos" – the podcast based on Susy Utzinger's book – Monika Fasnacht is the guest. She is one of Switzerland's best-known TV personalities – presenter, card player, dog trainer – and above all: a passionate animal rights activist.
Monika talks to Susy Utzinger about her deep connection to animals, her work with dogs, media appearances with animal passion – and about what it means to speak in the limelight for those who have no voice.
She speaks openly about moving experiences with dogs, about responsibility, and why animal welfare is not a hobby for her, but a way of life. An episode full of heart, humor, and honest words.
About Monika Fasnacht:
Monika Fasnacht (born 1964) became widely known in Switzerland as the long-time presenter of the popular TV show "Samschtig-Jass". Today, she is wholeheartedly dedicated to dog training, animal welfare, and animal-assisted therapy. Her commitment to animals extends far beyond the media – she is publicly, personally, and practically involved in promoting the well-being of four-legged friends.
To win a copy of "Homeless", please send us a screenshot of how/where you listen to the episode, along with your contact details to info@susyutzinger.ch.
Click "follow" or "subscribe" in your podcast app so you don't miss an episode – AND – please spread the word.
«Homeless» is a «Podchäschtli» production
Editing and production: Myrto Joannidis
Research and editing: Susy Utzinger
The book "Homeless – Diary of an Animal Rights Activist" is in the Wörterseh-Verlag appeared. You can see it. HERE buy.
In the eighth episode of "Homeless"—the podcast based on Susy Utzinger's book—we delve deep into the Peruvian rainforest. Our guest is Olivia Conrads, passionate animal rights activist and founder of... Green Hope, a nature and animal conservation project in Peru.
Together with her husband, Douwe Bakker, she rescues and cares for injured, orphaned, or confiscated wild animals – with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. They also run the SUST Animal Orphan Hospital Peru, which was created with Swiss support.
Olivia tells moving stories about animals, the daily struggle for survival in the jungle, the illegal wildlife trade, and how she brings hope to a place where animals are often seen only as commodities. A conversation about courage, idealism – and a great deal of perseverance.
About Olivia Conrads:
Olivia Conrads is from the Netherlands but has lived in Peru with her family for many years. Together with her husband, she founded Esperanza Verde, a rescue center and rehabilitation center for wild animals in the Amazon. Her work is characterized by a deep respect for nature and a tireless commitment to animals that have fallen victim to poaching, illegal trade, or human indifference.
In this episode of «Homeless» – the podcast based on the book by animal rights activist Susy Utzinger – in the seventh episode of "Homeless" – the podcast about Susy Utzinger's book – is Meret Schneider Our guest: Member of the National Council, columnist and committed animal welfare and environmental politician.
Our preview of a clear compass, sound knowledge and a lot of passion Meret Schneider advocates for animal rights in parliament. How does she manage to make animal welfare concerns heard in the political arena? What challenges does everyday politics present – and why are courageous voices needed now more than ever for those who lack a lobby?
About Meret Schneider:
Meret Schneider (born 1992) is a member of the National Council for the Green Party and one of the youngest voices in the Federal Parliament. She studied agricultural sciences at ETH Zurich and has been committed to animal welfare, the environment, and sustainable nutrition for many years. As a co-founder of Sentience Politics Her goal is to bring the interests of sentient beings into political decision-making processes. With her objective yet determined approach, she is one of the most prominent advocates for ethical animal policy in Switzerland.
In conversation with Susy Utzinger, she talks about her path into politics, her vision of a more animal-friendly Switzerland – and what motivates her not to give up despite sometimes fierce resistance.
Click "follow" or "subscribe" in your podcast app so you don't miss an episode – AND – please spread the word.
«Homeless» is a «Podchäschtli» production
Editing and production: Myrto Joannidis
Research and editing: Susy Utzinger
The book "Homeless – Diary of an Animal Rights Activist" is in the Wörterseh-Verlag appeared. You can see it. HERE buy.
In this episode of «Homeless» – the podcast based on the book by animal rights activist Susy Utzinger – Erich Gysling, renowned Middle East expert and journalist, as guest.
With decades of experience as a television journalist, presenter and editor-in-chief at Swiss television, as well as an editor at the «Weltwoche» Erich Gysling is one of the best-known experts on international politics. However, alongside his journalistic career, he was also heavily involved in... animal welfare – including the broadcast Animal Report and as co-founder of Animal Trust.
In this episode, he talks to Susy Utzinger about his journalistic career, his experiences in crisis areas, and why animal welfare is a matter close to his heart.
About Erich Gysling:
Born in Zurich in 1936, he studied cultural history in Vienna before working as a volunteer at German media outlets (Düsseldorf lunch, RIAS Berlin) gained his first journalistic experience. From 1961 he was responsible for the Tagesschau, the Swiss television news program active, in 1968 he was a co-founder of the "Rundschau"After positions at the World week He returned to television as editor-in-chief, where he worked until 1990. Today he writes for various TV stations and an online newspaper. Journal21.
Look forward to an exciting conversation with one of Switzerland's most distinguished journalists – about politics, media, the importance of animal welfare and Sissi films.
Click "follow" or "subscribe" in your podcast app so you don't miss an episode – AND – please spread the word.
«Homeless» is a «Podchäschtli» production
Editing and production: Myrto Joannidis
Research and editing: Susy Utzinger
The book "Homeless – Diary of an Animal Rights Activist" is in the Wörterseh-Verlag appeared. You can see it. HERE buy.
In this episode of "Homeless" – the podcast about the book by the animal rights activist Susy Utzinger - is Prof. Dr. Peter V. Kunz, the newly elected president of the Swiss Animal Protection STS to guest.
The renowned lawyer and business law expert faces a major challenge: He wants to turn the STS back into a serious institution He explains how he plans to do this – and what his vision is for animal welfare in Switzerland – in a conversation with Susy Utzinger.
But it also gets personal! Susy elicits, among other things, a... unusual anecdote from his own life: How can a renowned lawyer lose a custody battle over his cats? And why did this story end on a conciliatory note?
Look forward to exciting insights – and a very entertaining episode!
About Prof. Dr. Peter V. Kunz:
Peter V. Kunz has been a full professor since 2005. Commercial law and comparative law at the University of Bern and Director of the Institute for International and National Economic Law (IWR). Alongside his academic career, he was also politically active and gained experience as a municipal and cantonal councilor as well as a justice of the peace.
His research focuses on corporate law, financial market law – and increasingly also on Animal rightsSince 2024 he has been a member of the central board of the Swiss Animal Protection STS And he was just elected president. He has set himself the goal of reforming and restructuring the club.
Click "follow" or "subscribe" in your podcast app so you don't miss an episode – AND – please spread the word.
«Homeless» is a «Podchäschtli» production
Editing and production: Myrto Joannidis
Research and editing: Susy Utzinger
The book "Homeless – Diary of an Animal Rights Activist" is in the Wörterseh-Verlag appeared. You can see it. HERE buy.
Dr. Zähner is convinced: "If we want to help animals, not just in the short term, then we need to educate and train people." This philosophy shapes their work and led to the founding of Certodog (www.certodog.ch), an institution for the training of human-dog teams, as well as Farmersplace (www.farmersplace.ch), a center for sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry.
For over a decade, Dr. Zähner has been involved in species conservation projects in the Congo, such as the Congohound project for the protection of elephants and mountain gorillas. She also supports social projects, particularly the construction of schools and training programs for children and young people.
About Dr. Marlene Zähner:
Dr. Marlene Zähner is a veterinarian with extensive experience in veterinary medicine, behavioral research, and species conservation. After studying veterinary medicine at the University of Zurich (1984) and receiving her doctorate (1989), she worked in various practical and research positions, including at North Carolina State University, USA. She founded the Certodog Foundation in 1999, has been the managing director of Farmersplace since 2007, and has headed the DodoBahati Foundation since 2014.www.dodobahati.ch).
For her work, she has received numerous awards, including the Yves Rocher Environmental Prize and the Zurich Zoological Society Prize. Her expertise also includes training mantrailing dog teams that are deployed worldwide, as well as innovative conservation projects for wildlife and ecosystems.
Look forward to an inspiring conversation in which Dr. Zähner will provide insights into her projects and visions, and you will learn why education is the key to sustainable animal and nature conservation.
Click "follow" or "subscribe" in your podcast app so you don't miss an episode – AND – please spread the word.
«Homeless» is a «Podchäschtli» production
Editing and production: Myrto Joannidis
Research and editing: Susy Utzinger
The book "Homeless – Diary of an Animal Rights Activist" is in the Wörterseh-Verlag appeared. You can see it. HERE buy.
In this episode of «Heimatlos» – the podcast based on the book by animal rights activist Susy Utzinger – Sigrid Lüber, president and founder of OceanCare, is a guest.
About Sigrid Lüber:
Sigrid Lüber's life changed dramatically in 1989: While diving in the Indian Ocean, she suddenly found herself surrounded by dolphins. She saw this encounter as a calling to dedicate herself to marine life. Back in Switzerland, she founded OceanCare. From the very beginning, Sigrid Lüber was committed to influencing international processes in the interests of marine animals. In 1992, she attended her first meeting of the International Whaling Commission. A few years later, with a legal opinion on "vote buying," she exposed Japan's influence on the voting behavior of some member states. Using chemical analyses, she addressed the contamination of whale meat with pollutants and the health risks of consuming whale meat within this body. From 2004 onward, Sigrid Lüber participated in all UN conferences focusing on the oceans. She established excellent contacts with decision-makers, placed critical issues such as underwater noise on the agenda, and advocated for the monitoring of international decisions through compliance mechanisms. Thanks to her outstanding collaboration with the United Nations and the expertise she developed within her organization, OceanCare was granted the status of UN Special Adviser on Ocean Issues in 2011. For more than three decades, Sigrid Lüber shaped key aspects of international ocean policy. With her visionary awareness of emerging threats and a balanced blend of pragmatism and commitment, diplomatic skill and courageous resolve, she played a crucial role in ensuring that OceanCare is respected and valued by international bodies and scientific experts. In 2022, Sigrid Lüber handed over the strategic and operational leadership of OceanCare to Fabienne McLellan. She remains committed to the organization as president, continues to represent OceanCare, undertakes governance tasks, supports the team as a mentor, and ensures the quality of the work in marine conservation with her profound expertise.
Since 1989, OceanCare has been raising its voice for marine life.
All information about OceanCare's work can be found at: https://www.oceancare.org/
Click "follow" or "subscribe" in your podcast app so you don't miss an episode – AND – please spread the word.
«Homeless» is a «Podchäschtli» production
Editing and production: Myrto Joannidis
Research and editing: Susy Utzinger
The book "Homeless – Diary of an Animal Rights Activist" is in the Wörterseh-Verlag appeared. You can see it. HERE buy.
In the current episode of «Heimatlos» – the podcast based on the book by animal rights activist Susy Utzinger – Susy welcomes a very special guest: Prof. Dr. Dennis C. Turner, known worldwide as the «Cat Pope».
Look forward to a captivating conversation in which Prof. Turner not only provides fascinating insights into the world of cats and their unique relationship with us humans, but also recounts extraordinary moments in his life: how he came to be included in the prayers of Pope Benedict XVI, and why he embarked on his first trip to Switzerland with only three pairs of underpants, but a suitcase full of books.
About Prof. Dr. Dennis C. Turner:
The 76-year-old behavioral scientist and animal psychologist is one of the world's leading experts on human-animal relationships and cat behavior. Born in the USA and now a Swiss citizen, he heads the private Institute for Applied Ethology and Animal Psychology in Horgen. He is also a lecturer at the University of Zurich and professor emeritus of animal-assisted therapy and human-animal relationships in Japan.
Professor Turner received his doctorate from Johns Hopkins University in 1974 and an honorary doctorate from the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, in 2023. He was a co-founder and president of several international professional societies and continues to significantly shape his field of research.
Factories:
His best-known publications include:
His book deserves special mention. The Domestic Cat, which is available, among other places, via the Cambridge University Press website: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/domestic-cat/7AC4E7346091BBB7689A6751971B47F2
Click on "follow" or set up a subscription so you don't miss an episode – AND – please spread the word.
«Homeless» is a «Podchäschtli» production
Editing and production: Myrto Joannidis
Research and editing: Susy Utzinger
The book "Homeless – Diary of an Animal Rights Activist" is in Wörterseh-Verlag appeared. You can see it. HERE buy.
At the start of "Homeless" – the podcast accompanying the book by animal rights activist Susy Utzinger – Susy Utzinger and producer Myrto Joannidis swap roles.
Susy, as a guest, explains how the idea for the podcast came from the book, reads impressive experiences from her diary, and gives exciting insights into the personal stories behind the entries.
With this prologue, the microphone is officially handed over to Susy:
In the anniversary year of 2025, she will delve into the deeply moving stories of the book in her monthly podcast, together with prominent guests and inspiring personalities from animal welfare, politics, journalism and more. "Homeless" .
Please feel free to send us your feedback on the questions we addressed to you, dear listeners, to info@susyutzinger.ch.
Click on "follow" or set up a subscription so you don't miss the launch in January 2025 and all episodes – AND – please spread the word.
«Homeless» is a «Podchäschtli» production
Editing and production: Myrto Joannidis
Research and editing: Susy Utzinger
The book "Homeless – Diary of an Animal Rights Activist" is in the Wörterseh-Verlag appeared. You can see it. HERE buy.
In her book "HOMELESS – Diary of an Animal Rights Activist," Susy Utzinger recounts her fascination with animals, her deep commitment to animal welfare, and also her difficult childhood. Through compelling stories, she revisits the past twenty years, offering insights into her tireless pioneering work both at home and abroad, and recalling countless sad, touching, and happy stories involving the animals in her care. She also takes a critical look behind the scenes of contemporary animal welfare, a topic that has undergone fundamental changes in recent years.
When this dedicated animal rights activist is asked today about her most important insights into responsible animal welfare, she replies: "Sustainable animal welfare is more than just a bowl of water and enough food; above all, it means a lot of work, discipline, and perseverance." And so, the founder of the "Susy Utzinger Foundation for Animal Welfare" tirelessly trains specialists, optimizes animal shelters, and plays a leading role in countless projects – including those in Romania and Hungary. This Swiss woman has never been deterred from her mission, neither by professional setbacks nor by personal tragedies. The positive result: Together with her staff and volunteers, she has already enabled hundreds of thousands of animals to live a species-appropriate and better life.
You can buy the book in stores or order here.
