What can turkeys teach us about compassion and leading with love?
In this episode, Kathy Stevens of Catskill Animal Sanctuary shares the true lives, intelligence, and emotions of turkeys, and explores how connecting with rescued animals can open hearts. She also reflects on how we can approach family gatherings during the holidays with compassion—for both people and animals.
Kathy Stevens is a lifelong educator, author, and sanctuary pioneer whose work has shaped the modern farmed-animal sanctuary movement. In 2001 after ten years as an English teacher, Kathy founded Catskill Animal Sanctuary in New York’s Hudson Valley. Under her leadership over the next 25 years, CAS became one of the most respected sanctuaries in the world — a refuge for thousands of animals and a model for compassionate education. Kathy is the author of Where the Blind Horse Sings and Animal Camp, co-author of the vegan cookbook Compassionate Cuisine, and a contributor to numerous anthologies on animal rights. She is a sought-after speaker, podcaster, and mentor, known for connecting hearts and minds through the power of story. Newly retired, she is enjoying her behind-the-scenes work in supporting a variety of animal causes, particularly efforts to guide sanctuaries towards sustainability and impact.
Catskill Animal Sanctuary (CAS) https://casanctuary.org/
Carols with the Cows - 12/13/25 - 12/14/25 https://casanctuary.org/carols-with-the-cows/
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Visit our Substack and learn more about Turkeys: https://nicolearciello.substack.com/p/lets-start-talking-about-turkeys
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