The Surprising Battle Between Dog Owners, Parents, and New York City Parks

What happens when two groups of people who both love their communities find themselves competing for the same limited space?

In this thought provoking episode, filmmaker and two time Emmy Award winner Collin Kornfeind joins Josh Cary to discuss his latest documentary, For the Dogs: A Portrait of Pets, Parents and the Politics of City Parks. What begins as a story about dogs in New York City quickly becomes a fascinating exploration of civic responsibility, community conflict, public policy, and the hidden tensions that exist in everyday life.

Collin shares how a seemingly small neighborhood issue revealed a much bigger conversation about scarcity, urban living, and the challenges of balancing the needs of different communities. Along the way, you'll discover how great documentaries are born, why curiosity is a filmmaker's greatest tool, and what happens when someone dares to ask, "Why is it this way?"

What You'll Learn in This Episode

The Hidden Conflict Happening in New York City Parks

How limited space in New York City has created an unexpected clash between dog owners and families, and why neither side is entirely wrong.

Why Good People End Up Breaking the Rules

The surprising realities facing dog owners in major cities and how scarcity often drives behavior that creates tension within communities.

The Real Problem Behind the Dog Park Debate

Why the issue isn't really about dogs versus parents at all, but about public policy, city planning, and who takes responsibility for shared spaces.

How Great Documentary Stories Are Found

Collin reveals how he identifies compelling documentary subjects and why the best stories often hide in plain sight.

The Power of Asking "Why?"

How questioning everyday assumptions has shaped Collin's filmmaking career and led to award winning projects that challenge conventional thinking.

What Winning an Emmy Really Means

Collin shares his perspective on success, recognition, and why awards are meaningful but never the destination.

The Filmmaker's Responsibility

Why storytelling matters, what documentaries can contribute to society, and how thoughtful films can encourage meaningful conversations and action.