June 17, 2025 • 21 mins
Episode 160 - Filmmaking for Awareness: Service, Therapy, and Working Dogs
This special episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast is episode three of four in a short series on Impact and Awareness films.Your host, Geoffrey Whitt welcomes Rahn Springer, a former real estate professional turned executive producer. Rahn shares his journey from real estate to filmmaking and discusses his latest projects, including ‘Dogs on Duty, the Doguseries’ and “This Paws For You’ podcast. These projects aim to raise awareness about service, therapy, and working dogs. He delves into his inspiration, the development process, and the mission behind these initiatives. Rahn also talks about the importance of partnerships and the broader goals of his company, Springer Education Entertainment, aimed at training young people in media production and fostering family-friendly entertainment.
Highlights Include:
- Award-Winning Short Films
- Availability of Ron's Films
- Journey into Filmmaking
- The Birth of 'Dogs on Duty'
- The Mission Behind Dogs on Duty
- Expanding the Scope: Service, Therapy, and Working Dogs
- Springer Education Entertainment
- Crowdfunding and Future Plans
Bio:
What do you do when you quit your day job? Of course, you produce a docuseries on medical alert service dogs! After 39 years in real estate, including commercial, investment, corporate and brokerage, it was time to use his gifts, talents, skills and resources to make a difference. In addition to working in real estate, Rahn worked in film, doing commercials, industrials, TV and voiceover through the years. Rahn asked, as a follower of Jesus Christ, what project can I use my gifts, talents, experience and resources to make a difference? The result, 'The Doguseries’ and ‘This Paw’s For You’ podcast. His first three short films out of the gate, as Executive Producer, ‘Zoomtime’, ‘Birthday Brash’ and 'Lifeless: A Musical Zomedy' have been award winning. Rahn and his wife, Holly, live in the Pacific Northwest and when not working on projects, enjoy the opportunity for various outdoor activities that the area has to offer and building their five and half-acre homestead project, church and ministry ventures.
Dogs on Duty: https://thedoguseries.com
‘This Paws for You’ Podcast: https://tpfypod.com
Springer Education Entertainment: https://springeree.com
Editing by Michael Roth
Content Christian Media Conference: https://www.christianmediaconference.com/
FAFF Association Online Meetups: https://faffassociation.com/#faff-meetings
FAFF July Filmmakers Bootcamp: https://www.faffassociation.com/filmmakers-bootcamp
Screenwriters Retreat - Mexico: https://www.faffassociation.com/writers-retreat
Jaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter’s Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9V
VIP Producers Mentorship Program
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Geoff (00:00):
Welcome
Welcome to the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast.
I'm Geoff and I'm really excited today to be back with you and to have our
guest, Ron Springer.
After 39 years in real estate, including commercial, investment, corporate, and
brokerage,
As a follower of Jesus Christ, Ron asked, what project can I usemy gifts, talents, experience, and resources to make a difference.
(00:22):
The result?
Dogs on Duty, the Dog U Series, and this Paws For You podcast.
His first three short films out of the gate as executiveproducer, zoom time, birthday, brash and lifeless.
A musical Zomedy have been award-winning.
Ron and his wife Holly, live in the Pacific Northwest and when notworking on projects, enjoy various outdoor activities that the area has to offer, building their five and a half acre homestead project.
(00:50):
Church and Ministry ventures.
Welcome Ron.
Rahn (00:54):
Thank you.
I'm happy to be here.
Geoff (00:56):
Yeah, it's so great to have you.
I'm familiar with, well, I became familiar with you originally,because of those short films, zoom Time, birthday brash.
I saw them at a film festival and then lifeless, you worked asa executive producer, Christopher, Sean Shaw was the director.
Um, and of course, at least two of those had Aaron Fullen in them.
(01:21):
actually both these people have been on our podcast,really creative, interesting projects, that's for sure.
Rahn (01:28):
and a lot of fun.
Geoff (01:29):
And I believe Darren Cogan was the writer on all three of those
Rahn (01:33):
Actually all yes, all the three of those as well.
And then Victoria Jackson was in the, the last two as well.
And, uh, what a fun group of creatives, people that really want to glorify theLord with their talents and gifts and, and it's a lot of fun to do this stuff,
Geoff (01:46):
Yeah.
Do you know, I'm just gonna ask now we usually do this type of thing at the end, but while we'retalking about it are, all three of these available somewhere that people can watch these?
Rahn (01:55):
Yes.
Each one is available on, I think, different platforms, but all,uh, if you search them even on, on a YouTube, you'll find them.
If you go to, one of our websites, they link as well our mainone's website, springer ee, so our last name with the two es.com.
Uh, and so lo those are the, uh, our links, but they're out there as well.
So all, all for free is last checked.
Geoff (02:17):
Yeah, yeah.
If you haven't seen them.
Very unique.
Zoom time and birthday.
Brash and funny.
And then lifeless Musical Zombie.
Also very unique.
I think it, uh, it really blew me away.
Uh, just totally unexpected, to put zombies with a, faith message.
It was really, really, really great.
Rahn (02:38):
It's been a lot of fun just to share that with people and say it's, uh, you know, it's a zombie film with a gospel twist and you get a really weird look, weird look.
Geoff (02:48):
So let's go back, uh, because I read in your bio that you did some work in film, advertising, voiceover and so on.
I think during your years in, real estate, prior to your working on, as a,an executive producer on these films or short films, tell us about that.
How did you get started in this?
Uh, what was your journey?
Rahn (03:09):
Well, I, I've had an interest since I was a kid and I, grew up, near Southern California, actually Bakersfield, which is the southern part of the San Joaquin Valley, the big valley in the middle of California, and had family and, friends, in and around the industry and was always.
Fascinated.
I actually wanted to be a, a cinematographer or a director of photography when I was in high school.
I was really into that, but, uh, realized that, that I also had aninterest, in doing other types of, speaking and things like that.
(03:36):
And so, had to find a, job, when I got out of, college, so high school, college,and did things in college as well, but had to pay the bills and got a day job.
But I was always doing something, either, at church or, eventually then communitytheater or, moved on to doing some voiceover and, even, working commercials.
(03:57):
And so I. Just as a side gig to help me stay sane from the day job.
So that's what that did.
But, but I always kept my skills going and just learning and exploring and then,got to the point where I could, retire and, you know, the Lord gimme some gifts.
I need to go use them.
Geoff (04:14):
Right, So we're gonna talk primarily today about Dogs on Duty.
The Doguseries, interesting title.
And, we're gonna learn about that because this is part ofour, this interview is part of our series on awareness films.
so want to talk about, this, obviously there's a, a purpose, there's a mission behind it.
And so let's hear it.
Rahn (04:35):
All right.
So, um, this started with, um.
I was, taking a class at, at church, and the, the focus of the classis what are your gifts and talents and how do you use 'em for the Lord?
What were you created to do?
What did the Lord give you that mix and how could you use that?
And so through a period of about six months, with a, this case, a group of guys, we all.
(04:57):
Explored the Bible and, what has to say about leadership and gifts and application and work.
And also looking at, um, how business works, how that all works together.
And I. There's a time when you go seek with the Lord, what have you do?
And so my gifts in modern day terms were coaching and exhortation the other, teaching.
(05:18):
And so I, uh, basically put that all together and began to realize, well, it's storytellingbased on my experience and what I had done with, a media film and, TV and even radio.
And so I, spent some time between Christmas and New Year's duringthat period, by myself up in the Sierra, I had a, a home up there.
and, uh, was out walking, the flume trails.
(05:40):
These are the trails that fed the, gold mines and the towns during the gold rush.
And it was a, clear sky wasn't snowy, but cold winter and walking, and I justbeen seeking the Lord and praying about this for a while and is walking along.
I just, uh, you know, Lord, what is it you'd have me do?
And clear inspiration, into my head about make a documentary film.
(06:02):
I'm thinking.
Well, that was pretty clear.
Okay, so I'm walking a little faster now as I'm getting down the trail some more.
More inspiration, make a documentary film, make it on service dogs.
So I'm thinking, oh, okay.
Uh, anybody around here?
I'm not crazy, but that was pretty clear.
So I'm walking faster now and I get back to the car and the first business day of the year, I'mcalling service dog organizations in the San Francisco area where, where I lived within a few hours.
(06:28):
I had a call back.
Geoff (06:29):
So I gotta ask, did you have a history with service dogs?
What was your connection?
Rahn (06:33):
No, I just love dogs.
I had dogs growing.
I had dogs growing up, and, uh, then, um, because of, traveling and, justliving life, I didn't have a dog, uh, actually until a few months ago.
My wife and I now have a little puppy, but that's another story.
But.
I always enjoyed dogs and had them, but it wouldn't havebeen fair for me to have a dog if I was traveling so much.
And so, but I just, I love dogs and the Lord gave me a very clear inspiration.
Geoff (06:57):
Yeah.
So it was dropped into your heart.
It really wasn't something that you already had a passion for.
So it's a clear, it was a clear calling sounds like.
Rahn (07:04):
Yes.
Geoff (07:05):
very interesting.
Tell us about the plans for the project.
What stage are you in right now?
What do you envision for it?
Rahn (07:12):
So we've done principal photography for season one, and that topic is diabetic alert dogs.
These are dogs that can determine blood sugar changes 30 to 45 minutes before the meter.
So the dogs beat technology.
I. And, uh, so we're actually, crowdfunding for finishing funds for the first season and just tryingto build an audience because we, we really believe the team that we have here working on this, that every service dog handler and service dog have a story to tell and people want to know about that.
(07:42):
It's a good feeling kind of story, and it's a situation where wereally think that, it is an example of how dogs save lives every day.
Geoff (07:50):
And for future seasons, I'm assuming then it would be service dogs with different purposes.
Rahn (07:56):
Right.
So we decided to even expand out.
So service dogs there's different types and, and we decided with the podcastas well is that, well, let's look at service therapy and working dogs.
They're all doing different things, but they're all dogs doing what they were created to do.
And how, how they're helping, humans, helping God'screation, for God's will just incredible stories.
Geoff (08:17):
So if I understood what you just said, I believe you said working dogs.
So that could include police dogs as well as service dogs.
Rahn (08:24):
Oh, certainly.
In fact, our neighbor down the street here has an Australian Shepherd who is the,second time in the last two another, so first year, second year now of some type of national title as a cattle dog, a working dog, and they save lives every day as well.
And then there's, therapy dogs we've interviewed with here in, Idahothat, uh, are just, making a difference, in the world in different ways.
(08:46):
So we wanna look at all those because they all have stories.
Geoff (08:48):
Yeah, quite a variety in jobs that dogs do.
Rahn (08:52):
Yes.
Geoff (08:52):
And so this creates awareness for, working dogs.
And your podcast was a project to create awareness for the series and to help raise funds.
Is that
Rahn (09:03):
Correct.
We, we, we thought it might be easier to, uh, to put out a podcast that eachone is in and of itself complete versus trying to get people to buy an idea or, sponsors, uh, advertisers to get behind, uh, something that's not made yet.
So we decided that to work with a podcast, which has been fun, andso we're, we're trying to build that audience and build a base.
So it all points back to the docuseries, which is what we started about to do in the first place.
Geoff (09:27):
So tell us about the podcast.
When did you start it?
How many episodes have you completed?
And, uh, where can people find it?
Rahn (09:34):
So we, um, started the podcast last summer.
There are, uh, four episodes up now with a fifth in, post-production.
So we've interviewed, the founder of the DiabeticAlert Dog organization that we focused in the film.
the, um, therapy dog grew up here, and I know that's very active.
A veteran with a service dog.
And then, the cattle dog handler and trainer.
And so those are out there at, so it's This Paw's for You podcast.
(09:59):
So then that, website is, TPFY, POD.
So this Paw's for you, pod.com.
Geoff (10:05):
So since this is audio, we'll spell that this Paw's, PAWS for you.
Rahn (10:10):
Right.
Right.
And so, and then the actual, webpage is just the initials because it's quicker that way, but yeah.
But that's the name of it.
Y
Geoff (10:18):
pod.dot com.
Rahn (10:21):
Correct?
Geoff (10:22):
So as you're, um, creating this and, and working towards, releasing a Docus "doguseries", so it is in documentary format?
Correct.
And, you obviously have, a mission behind it.
It is to create awareness.
how do you plan to use it?
Do you have unique ways to get it out there or waysto, work with organizations to help them get awareness?
(10:47):
what are your plans for it?
Rahn (10:49):
So we're, trying to, uh, to put out the word in all social media.
And so we're working on that level right now and looking to partner upwith, organizations that, support or, work with dogs, uh, and then even, corporations or individuals that have a heart for, for dogs and service dogs.
So we want to continue to.
get the news out that service dogs therapy and working dogs save lives every day.
(11:12):
And that, there on the service dog end of things, that there are real service dogsand there are untrained dogs or what, people, as slang will say, fake service dogs.
We want to educate about that because you have to have a service dogfocused on its person and a real one not, uh, because that's just wrong
to, to take your dog and is a fake service dog.
(11:33):
So.
Geoff (11:34):
is that a big issue?
Does that happen a lot?
Rahn (11:36):
It is.
In fact, we think, as we're looking at doing a, sample episode or a pilot episode,having the first episode, on fake service dogs, because that's a big problem.
There's even fake service dog training groups as well.
It's doesn't go just at a fake dog itself.
It's even people that are training what they claim to be served as logs, they're not.
Geoff (11:55):
and what's the motive behind that?
Rahn (11:57):
Uh, I think well, on the companies, it's money.
It's a quick buck, and so, uh, I can't read people's minds, but on peoplethat say their dog's a service dog is because they are just maybe selfish.
I, I don't know.
Geoff (12:07):
Okay.
Looking for special treatment or something
Rahn (12:09):
Prob probably, yeah,
Geoff (12:09):
okay.
Rahn (12:10):
Yeah.
Geoff (12:11):
They're very interesting.
So as you work with, organizations, related to working dogs, of course can be mutually beneficial.
Them working with you to market, and create awareness for your, dog use series.
And then the dog use series of course helps, create awareness for them.
So those types of partnerships can be very valuable.
Rahn (12:31):
yeah, it's a, it's a mutual, benefit association, I guess.
Geoff (12:34):
So tell me about Springer Education Entertainment.
Rahn (12:37):
Right.
So my wife and I decided to form a company so that we could, uh, have some structure.
So my wife's the education and I am the, the clown.
I mean, entertainment, I mean, yeah.
Okay.
Anyway,
so Both.
So our goal is to, uh, produce family friendly faith adjacent media.
That is high production value.
Story that's organic or just flows out out of it andmake this available so that we can, also support.
(13:02):
Families and have an opportunity for them to have mediathat the grandkids could watch and grandma could watch.
And then out of that, we want to be able to encourage that through, what we're lookingat to do some family, film, faith adjacent, uh, movie night fundraisers, and then even, workshops to bring high school, college, and, uh, families, adults into creating quality
Geoff (13:24):
Okay.
Yeah, it sounds like a two-pronged approach
there.
Uh, both, the film nights for families, and the training young people.
Very important.
Rahn (13:33):
exactly.
so that's what we've, uh, we can't seem to stop coming upwith ideas and we're just trying to get them implemented.
I, it's mainly my job.
My wife she's in higher education and she has what she's doing.
So I, she doesn't mind if I, I, uh.
I go do my thing and sometimes they come together.
Geoff (13:49):
You said something very important there a moment ago, in talking about your goals for this with regards to high production value and, I forget the exact words you said, but integrated story, good storytelling, I mean, is absolutely fundamental to any of this, being successful.
And you know, as we talk about, awareness films and in, your case, a series I.
(14:10):
Uh, you know, we've had some, high profile ones in the last couple of yearswith sound of Freedom, as just the ones that come to my, the top of my mind.
the story of Possum Trot, the Sound of Hope, I think it was called.
And, and.
Of course there's others being made on different scales.
Some for theatrical release, maybe not quite at the scale of the sound of freedom.
(14:30):
And then there's people making, short films.
But those short films are, uh, you know, gonna be taken across the country and shown withorganizations and groups who can use them to, raise funds to get investors to attract volunteers.
So the value is there regardless of, you know, box office value.
(14:51):
But the bottom line is for all of them, the story has to be, a good story and well told.
And while there may be a mission behind, the production, it has to be.
Integrated into the story
Rahn (15:05):
I've heard them say organic is, how they want the, the message to come out.
The principles, biblical principles are gonna come out.
And those things, if it's a good story, it's all gonna come out as part of the whole storytelling.
It doesn't have to, it's not contrived or forced.
Geoff (15:17):
it sounds like your plans are really, really good.
And, these workshops.
do you have any more details about what you're planning for that?
Or is it, uh, really just in the conception stage as far as the idea?
Rahn (15:28):
It's it's conception, uh, to the point where we, uh, we have talked to people that have done this in other ways before, and then this throwing out ideas about a venue, who we'd have come a format.
And then just trying to find.
We wanna find Christian businesses, and I've been doing a lot of outreach to Christianbusiness groups, to get behind this because if we're helping, with, putting a message out that rings with the businesses, we can get them in front of, more customers, it's a business.
(15:55):
And so they're in, in front of more people, then it benefits them and we're ableto, benefit people by providing, quality, uh, media or training them to do their
own.
Geoff (16:04):
Yeah, strategic partnerships
are very, very valuable.
So, obviously if you're talking about, media workshops for young people and filmnights in your area, then there is a, regional area that we're talking about.
So tell us exactly where that is.
Rahn (16:20):
So my wife and I, are, in, Western Extreme, Western Idaho.
We're just across the river from Oregon, the Snake River.
So we're just one hour, east, or sorry, west of Boise, so east of us.
Being from a, a big metropolitan area, I don't mind driving.
But because of that, the Treasure Valley is what it's called, this part of Idaho.
There are towns, along the way during that hourcommute to Boise or drive that we could do things.
(16:46):
Uh, so that even Ontario, Oregon is across the riverfrom Fruitland and Payette, Idaho in the area we're in.
And then there's Caldwell.
Then there's, uh, Napa, Idaho, there's, of course Meridian is nearby and other, other townsthat have, um, people that have this, that are interested in not gonna be traveling so far.
So if we can find churches in those areas or other facilities,schools or something, then we could, uh, put these on.
(17:10):
And, and again, we want to approach the business community to see about a partnership.
Geoff (17:14):
Great idea and so valuable as well for these types of things to be available to young people.
In areas that aren't maybe typical.
It's so easy for, maybe for young people to find training in someof the major centers, but, to bring that to kids who are, perhaps in more remote areas, at least as it relates to California or New
(17:34):
very valuable.
Let's go back to talk about, um, the doguseries again for a moment.
you mentioned earlier that you're working on funds to continue or finish up that first season.
I believe you have a crowdfunding campaign.
Is that correct?
Rahn (17:47):
Right.
So we have a, uh, a platform, called Movie Bank tv.
Which is a ministry and a platform of, Christian Ministry Alliance.
And so movie bank TV is where we have our site for the Dog U series.
And then, so we're referencing, referencing that in all,media messaging we put out is that, here's the project.
We need listeners, we need subscribers.
(18:08):
And if you want to donate, there's an opportunity through the crowdfunding platform as well.
Geoff (18:12):
Yeah, and if I'm correct, they have a 5 0 1 C3 status, right?
So
that
Rahn (18:17):
Yes, it is.
Geoff (18:18):
is.
tax deductible.
Rahn (18:19):
correct, it is a nonprofit organization, 5 0 1 C3.
So donations are, tax deductible.
So what their goal is, is to support family friendly faith, based, media.
And by donating to them, they go support that, which we're one of their, projects to
support.
Geoff (18:33):
Cool.
Well, I tell you what, we'll put a link in our show notes, so people cango directly there and I assume if they do that, they'll see your project
Rahn (18:41):
Right.
They'll see, we'll see the, the DO U series is uh, one of the options.
Or they can go to the dou series.com and there's a link as
well
Geoff (18:48):
tell me, whatever links you would like to share right now, or ways that people can find you or get information, what would you
like to share?
Rahn (18:55):
Certainly.
So there's, uh, we mentioned, the dog u series.com or uh, TPFY pod.
that's, so that is this Paw's for You podcast, but abbreviated and that's dot com as well.
And then there's, uh, our own website that, has all linksto all things on there that shows what we're doing.
That's called, uh, Springer.
So our last name, Springer ee.
(19:16):
So two e's dot com.
Geoff (19:18):
Education, entertainment.
Rahn (19:19):
so those, link around as well.
And then we're on, YouTube, with the podcast and a page for thedocuseries Also, Facebook and Instagram and we tried TikTok once.
Well, we need some help with that.
We'll see.
Geoff (19:33):
Yeah, I just wanna point out, douser is spelled DOGU series.
D-O-G-U-S-E-R-I-E-S.
Rahn (19:40):
play onwards.
Geoff (19:41):
Yeah.
Well, thank you so much for sharing with us today.
I really appreciate it.
I, I think it's so valuable to, uh, hear what other people are doing,especially when it relates to projects that are a mission minded.
Of course, a lot of our filmmakers are working on projects that have a mission behindthem, but, uh, specifically a project that is to raise awareness for a cause and for a need.
(20:03):
So thank you so much for sharing
with us today.
Rahn (20:05):
Thank you.
My pleasure.
Welcome
Welcome to the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast.
I'm Geoff and I'm really excited today to be back with you and to have our
guest, Ron Springer.
After 39 years in real estate, including commercial, investment, corporate, and
brokerage,
As a follower of Jesus Christ, Ron asked, what project can I usemy gifts, talents, experience, and resources to make a difference.
(00:22):
The result?
Dogs on Duty, the Dog U Series, and this Paws For You podcast.
His first three short films out of the gate as executiveproducer, zoom time, birthday, brash and lifeless.
A musical Zomedy have been award-winning.
Ron and his wife Holly, live in the Pacific Northwest and when notworking on projects, enjoy various outdoor activities that the area has to offer, building their five and a half acre homestead project.
(00:50):
Church and Ministry ventures.
Welcome Ron.
Rahn (00:54):
Thank you.
I'm happy to be here.
Geoff (00:56):
Yeah, it's so great to have you.
I'm familiar with, well, I became familiar with you originally,because of those short films, zoom Time, birthday brash.
I saw them at a film festival and then lifeless, you worked asa executive producer, Christopher, Sean Shaw was the director.
Um, and of course, at least two of those had Aaron Fullen in them.
(01:21):
actually both these people have been on our podcast,really creative, interesting projects, that's for sure.
Rahn (01:28):
and a lot of fun.
Geoff (01:29):
And I believe Darren Cogan was the writer on all three of those
Rahn (01:33):
Actually all yes, all the three of those as well.
And then Victoria Jackson was in the, the last two as well.
And, uh, what a fun group of creatives, people that really want to glorify theLord with their talents and gifts and, and it's a lot of fun to do this stuff,
Geoff (01:46):
Yeah.
Do you know, I'm just gonna ask now we usually do this type of thing at the end, but while we'retalking about it are, all three of these available somewhere that people can watch these?
Rahn (01:55):
Yes.
Each one is available on, I think, different platforms, but all,uh, if you search them even on, on a YouTube, you'll find them.
If you go to, one of our websites, they link as well our mainone's website, springer ee, so our last name with the two es.com.
Uh, and so lo those are the, uh, our links, but they're out there as well.
So all, all for free is last checked.
Geoff (02:17):
Yeah, yeah.
If you haven't seen them.
Very unique.
Zoom time and birthday.
Brash and funny.
And then lifeless Musical Zombie.
Also very unique.
I think it, uh, it really blew me away.
Uh, just totally unexpected, to put zombies with a, faith message.
It was really, really, really great.
Rahn (02:38):
It's been a lot of fun just to share that with people and say it's, uh, you know, it's a zombie film with a gospel twist and you get a really weird look, weird look.
Geoff (02:48):
So let's go back, uh, because I read in your bio that you did some work in film, advertising, voiceover and so on.
I think during your years in, real estate, prior to your working on, as a,an executive producer on these films or short films, tell us about that.
How did you get started in this?
Uh, what was your journey?
Rahn (03:09):
Well, I, I've had an interest since I was a kid and I, grew up, near Southern California, actually Bakersfield, which is the southern part of the San Joaquin Valley, the big valley in the middle of California, and had family and, friends, in and around the industry and was always.
Fascinated.
I actually wanted to be a, a cinematographer or a director of photography when I was in high school.
I was really into that, but, uh, realized that, that I also had aninterest, in doing other types of, speaking and things like that.
(03:36):
And so, had to find a, job, when I got out of, college, so high school, college,and did things in college as well, but had to pay the bills and got a day job.
But I was always doing something, either, at church or, eventually then communitytheater or, moved on to doing some voiceover and, even, working commercials.
(03:57):
And so I. Just as a side gig to help me stay sane from the day job.
So that's what that did.
But, but I always kept my skills going and just learning and exploring and then,got to the point where I could, retire and, you know, the Lord gimme some gifts.
I need to go use them.
Geoff (04:14):
Right, So we're gonna talk primarily today about Dogs on Duty.
The Doguseries, interesting title.
And, we're gonna learn about that because this is part ofour, this interview is part of our series on awareness films.
so want to talk about, this, obviously there's a, a purpose, there's a mission behind it.
And so let's hear it.
Rahn (04:35):
All right.
So, um, this started with, um.
I was, taking a class at, at church, and the, the focus of the classis what are your gifts and talents and how do you use 'em for the Lord?
What were you created to do?
What did the Lord give you that mix and how could you use that?
And so through a period of about six months, with a, this case, a group of guys, we all.
(04:57):
Explored the Bible and, what has to say about leadership and gifts and application and work.
And also looking at, um, how business works, how that all works together.
And I. There's a time when you go seek with the Lord, what have you do?
And so my gifts in modern day terms were coaching and exhortation the other, teaching.
(05:18):
And so I, uh, basically put that all together and began to realize, well, it's storytellingbased on my experience and what I had done with, a media film and, TV and even radio.
And so I, spent some time between Christmas and New Year's duringthat period, by myself up in the Sierra, I had a, a home up there.
and, uh, was out walking, the flume trails.
(05:40):
These are the trails that fed the, gold mines and the towns during the gold rush.
And it was a, clear sky wasn't snowy, but cold winter and walking, and I justbeen seeking the Lord and praying about this for a while and is walking along.
I just, uh, you know, Lord, what is it you'd have me do?
And clear inspiration, into my head about make a documentary film.
(06:02):
I'm thinking.
Well, that was pretty clear.
Okay, so I'm walking a little faster now as I'm getting down the trail some more.
More inspiration, make a documentary film, make it on service dogs.
So I'm thinking, oh, okay.
Uh, anybody around here?
I'm not crazy, but that was pretty clear.
So I'm walking faster now and I get back to the car and the first business day of the year, I'mcalling service dog organizations in the San Francisco area where, where I lived within a few hours.
(06:28):
I had a call back.
Geoff (06:29):
So I gotta ask, did you have a history with service dogs?
What was your connection?
Rahn (06:33):
No, I just love dogs.
I had dogs growing.
I had dogs growing up, and, uh, then, um, because of, traveling and, justliving life, I didn't have a dog, uh, actually until a few months ago.
My wife and I now have a little puppy, but that's another story.
But.
I always enjoyed dogs and had them, but it wouldn't havebeen fair for me to have a dog if I was traveling so much.
And so, but I just, I love dogs and the Lord gave me a very clear inspiration.
Geoff (06:57):
Yeah.
So it was dropped into your heart.
It really wasn't something that you already had a passion for.
So it's a clear, it was a clear calling sounds like.
Rahn (07:04):
Yes.
Geoff (07:05):
very interesting.
Tell us about the plans for the project.
What stage are you in right now?
What do you envision for it?
Rahn (07:12):
So we've done principal photography for season one, and that topic is diabetic alert dogs.
These are dogs that can determine blood sugar changes 30 to 45 minutes before the meter.
So the dogs beat technology.
I. And, uh, so we're actually, crowdfunding for finishing funds for the first season and just tryingto build an audience because we, we really believe the team that we have here working on this, that every service dog handler and service dog have a story to tell and people want to know about that.
(07:42):
It's a good feeling kind of story, and it's a situation where wereally think that, it is an example of how dogs save lives every day.
Geoff (07:50):
And for future seasons, I'm assuming then it would be service dogs with different purposes.
Rahn (07:56):
Right.
So we decided to even expand out.
So service dogs there's different types and, and we decided with the podcastas well is that, well, let's look at service therapy and working dogs.
They're all doing different things, but they're all dogs doing what they were created to do.
And how, how they're helping, humans, helping God'screation, for God's will just incredible stories.
Geoff (08:17):
So if I understood what you just said, I believe you said working dogs.
So that could include police dogs as well as service dogs.
Rahn (08:24):
Oh, certainly.
In fact, our neighbor down the street here has an Australian Shepherd who is the,second time in the last two another, so first year, second year now of some type of national title as a cattle dog, a working dog, and they save lives every day as well.
And then there's, therapy dogs we've interviewed with here in, Idahothat, uh, are just, making a difference, in the world in different ways.
(08:46):
So we wanna look at all those because they all have stories.
Geoff (08:48):
Yeah, quite a variety in jobs that dogs do.
Rahn (08:52):
Yes.
Geoff (08:52):
And so this creates awareness for, working dogs.
And your podcast was a project to create awareness for the series and to help raise funds.
Is that
Rahn (09:03):
Correct.
We, we, we thought it might be easier to, uh, to put out a podcast that eachone is in and of itself complete versus trying to get people to buy an idea or, sponsors, uh, advertisers to get behind, uh, something that's not made yet.
So we decided that to work with a podcast, which has been fun, andso we're, we're trying to build that audience and build a base.
So it all points back to the docuseries, which is what we started about to do in the first place.
Geoff (09:27):
So tell us about the podcast.
When did you start it?
How many episodes have you completed?
And, uh, where can people find it?
Rahn (09:34):
So we, um, started the podcast last summer.
There are, uh, four episodes up now with a fifth in, post-production.
So we've interviewed, the founder of the DiabeticAlert Dog organization that we focused in the film.
the, um, therapy dog grew up here, and I know that's very active.
A veteran with a service dog.
And then, the cattle dog handler and trainer.
And so those are out there at, so it's This Paw's for You podcast.
(09:59):
So then that, website is, TPFY, POD.
So this Paw's for you, pod.com.
Geoff (10:05):
So since this is audio, we'll spell that this Paw's, PAWS for you.
Rahn (10:10):
Right.
Right.
And so, and then the actual, webpage is just the initials because it's quicker that way, but yeah.
But that's the name of it.
Y
Geoff (10:18):
pod.dot com.
Rahn (10:21):
Correct?
Geoff (10:22):
So as you're, um, creating this and, and working towards, releasing a Docus "doguseries", so it is in documentary format?
Correct.
And, you obviously have, a mission behind it.
It is to create awareness.
how do you plan to use it?
Do you have unique ways to get it out there or waysto, work with organizations to help them get awareness?
(10:47):
what are your plans for it?
Rahn (10:49):
So we're, trying to, uh, to put out the word in all social media.
And so we're working on that level right now and looking to partner upwith, organizations that, support or, work with dogs, uh, and then even, corporations or individuals that have a heart for, for dogs and service dogs.
So we want to continue to.
get the news out that service dogs therapy and working dogs save lives every day.
(11:12):
And that, there on the service dog end of things, that there are real service dogsand there are untrained dogs or what, people, as slang will say, fake service dogs.
We want to educate about that because you have to have a service dogfocused on its person and a real one not, uh, because that's just wrong
to, to take your dog and is a fake service dog.
(11:33):
So.
Geoff (11:34):
is that a big issue?
Does that happen a lot?
Rahn (11:36):
It is.
In fact, we think, as we're looking at doing a, sample episode or a pilot episode,having the first episode, on fake service dogs, because that's a big problem.
There's even fake service dog training groups as well.
It's doesn't go just at a fake dog itself.
It's even people that are training what they claim to be served as logs, they're not.
Geoff (11:55):
and what's the motive behind that?
Rahn (11:57):
Uh, I think well, on the companies, it's money.
It's a quick buck, and so, uh, I can't read people's minds, but on peoplethat say their dog's a service dog is because they are just maybe selfish.
I, I don't know.
Geoff (12:07):
Okay.
Looking for special treatment or something
Rahn (12:09):
Prob probably, yeah,
Geoff (12:09):
okay.
Rahn (12:10):
Yeah.
Geoff (12:11):
They're very interesting.
So as you work with, organizations, related to working dogs, of course can be mutually beneficial.
Them working with you to market, and create awareness for your, dog use series.
And then the dog use series of course helps, create awareness for them.
So those types of partnerships can be very valuable.
Rahn (12:31):
yeah, it's a, it's a mutual, benefit association, I guess.
Geoff (12:34):
So tell me about Springer Education Entertainment.
Rahn (12:37):
Right.
So my wife and I decided to form a company so that we could, uh, have some structure.
So my wife's the education and I am the, the clown.
I mean, entertainment, I mean, yeah.
Okay.
Anyway,
so Both.
So our goal is to, uh, produce family friendly faith adjacent media.
That is high production value.
Story that's organic or just flows out out of it andmake this available so that we can, also support.
(13:02):
Families and have an opportunity for them to have mediathat the grandkids could watch and grandma could watch.
And then out of that, we want to be able to encourage that through, what we're lookingat to do some family, film, faith adjacent, uh, movie night fundraisers, and then even, workshops to bring high school, college, and, uh, families, adults into creating quality
Geoff (13:24):
Okay.
Yeah, it sounds like a two-pronged approach
there.
Uh, both, the film nights for families, and the training young people.
Very important.
Rahn (13:33):
exactly.
so that's what we've, uh, we can't seem to stop coming upwith ideas and we're just trying to get them implemented.
I, it's mainly my job.
My wife she's in higher education and she has what she's doing.
So I, she doesn't mind if I, I, uh.
I go do my thing and sometimes they come together.
Geoff (13:49):
You said something very important there a moment ago, in talking about your goals for this with regards to high production value and, I forget the exact words you said, but integrated story, good storytelling, I mean, is absolutely fundamental to any of this, being successful.
And you know, as we talk about, awareness films and in, your case, a series I.
(14:10):
Uh, you know, we've had some, high profile ones in the last couple of yearswith sound of Freedom, as just the ones that come to my, the top of my mind.
the story of Possum Trot, the Sound of Hope, I think it was called.
And, and.
Of course there's others being made on different scales.
Some for theatrical release, maybe not quite at the scale of the sound of freedom.
(14:30):
And then there's people making, short films.
But those short films are, uh, you know, gonna be taken across the country and shown withorganizations and groups who can use them to, raise funds to get investors to attract volunteers.
So the value is there regardless of, you know, box office value.
(14:51):
But the bottom line is for all of them, the story has to be, a good story and well told.
And while there may be a mission behind, the production, it has to be.
Integrated into the story
Rahn (15:05):
I've heard them say organic is, how they want the, the message to come out.
The principles, biblical principles are gonna come out.
And those things, if it's a good story, it's all gonna come out as part of the whole storytelling.
It doesn't have to, it's not contrived or forced.
Geoff (15:17):
it sounds like your plans are really, really good.
And, these workshops.
do you have any more details about what you're planning for that?
Or is it, uh, really just in the conception stage as far as the idea?
Rahn (15:28):
It's it's conception, uh, to the point where we, uh, we have talked to people that have done this in other ways before, and then this throwing out ideas about a venue, who we'd have come a format.
And then just trying to find.
We wanna find Christian businesses, and I've been doing a lot of outreach to Christianbusiness groups, to get behind this because if we're helping, with, putting a message out that rings with the businesses, we can get them in front of, more customers, it's a business.
(15:55):
And so they're in, in front of more people, then it benefits them and we're ableto, benefit people by providing, quality, uh, media or training them to do their
own.
Geoff (16:04):
Yeah, strategic partnerships
are very, very valuable.
So, obviously if you're talking about, media workshops for young people and filmnights in your area, then there is a, regional area that we're talking about.
So tell us exactly where that is.
Rahn (16:20):
So my wife and I, are, in, Western Extreme, Western Idaho.
We're just across the river from Oregon, the Snake River.
So we're just one hour, east, or sorry, west of Boise, so east of us.
Being from a, a big metropolitan area, I don't mind driving.
But because of that, the Treasure Valley is what it's called, this part of Idaho.
There are towns, along the way during that hourcommute to Boise or drive that we could do things.
(16:46):
Uh, so that even Ontario, Oregon is across the riverfrom Fruitland and Payette, Idaho in the area we're in.
And then there's Caldwell.
Then there's, uh, Napa, Idaho, there's, of course Meridian is nearby and other, other townsthat have, um, people that have this, that are interested in not gonna be traveling so far.
So if we can find churches in those areas or other facilities,schools or something, then we could, uh, put these on.
(17:10):
And, and again, we want to approach the business community to see about a partnership.
Geoff (17:14):
Great idea and so valuable as well for these types of things to be available to young people.
In areas that aren't maybe typical.
It's so easy for, maybe for young people to find training in someof the major centers, but, to bring that to kids who are, perhaps in more remote areas, at least as it relates to California or New
(17:34):
very valuable.
Let's go back to talk about, um, the doguseries again for a moment.
you mentioned earlier that you're working on funds to continue or finish up that first season.
I believe you have a crowdfunding campaign.
Is that correct?
Rahn (17:47):
Right.
So we have a, uh, a platform, called Movie Bank tv.
Which is a ministry and a platform of, Christian Ministry Alliance.
And so movie bank TV is where we have our site for the Dog U series.
And then, so we're referencing, referencing that in all,media messaging we put out is that, here's the project.
We need listeners, we need subscribers.
(18:08):
And if you want to donate, there's an opportunity through the crowdfunding platform as well.
Geoff (18:12):
Yeah, and if I'm correct, they have a 5 0 1 C3 status, right?
So
that
Rahn (18:17):
Yes, it is.
Geoff (18:18):
is.
tax deductible.
Rahn (18:19):
correct, it is a nonprofit organization, 5 0 1 C3.
So donations are, tax deductible.
So what their goal is, is to support family friendly faith, based, media.
And by donating to them, they go support that, which we're one of their, projects to
support.
Geoff (18:33):
Cool.
Well, I tell you what, we'll put a link in our show notes, so people cango directly there and I assume if they do that, they'll see your project
Rahn (18:41):
Right.
They'll see, we'll see the, the DO U series is uh, one of the options.
Or they can go to the dou series.com and there's a link as
well
Geoff (18:48):
tell me, whatever links you would like to share right now, or ways that people can find you or get information, what would you
like to share?
Rahn (18:55):
Certainly.
So there's, uh, we mentioned, the dog u series.com or uh, TPFY pod.
that's, so that is this Paw's for You podcast, but abbreviated and that's dot com as well.
And then there's, uh, our own website that, has all linksto all things on there that shows what we're doing.
That's called, uh, Springer.
So our last name, Springer ee.
(19:16):
So two e's dot com.
Geoff (19:18):
Education, entertainment.
Rahn (19:19):
so those, link around as well.
And then we're on, YouTube, with the podcast and a page for thedocuseries Also, Facebook and Instagram and we tried TikTok once.
Well, we need some help with that.
We'll see.
Geoff (19:33):
Yeah, I just wanna point out, douser is spelled DOGU series.
D-O-G-U-S-E-R-I-E-S.
Rahn (19:40):
play onwards.
Geoff (19:41):
Yeah.
Well, thank you so much for sharing with us today.
I really appreciate it.
I, I think it's so valuable to, uh, hear what other people are doing,especially when it relates to projects that are a mission minded.
Of course, a lot of our filmmakers are working on projects that have a mission behindthem, but, uh, specifically a project that is to raise awareness for a cause and for a need.
(20:03):
So thank you so much for sharing
with us today.
Rahn (20:05):
Thank you.
My pleasure.
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