Work on the podcast is progressing. I’m waiting to hear the first version of the pilot that we recorded last week, and am on pins and needles about it. How will it sound? Are my answers (to some of your GREAT questions!) helpful? Interesting? How about the format? By the way, we decided to go with another voice, that of my new partner in crime, Buzz Kemper. He’s the co-owner of Audio for the Arts, and sole owner of a great voice, lots of recording and podcast experience and a terrific sense of humor. He’s not a behavior or training expert, but that’s part of why I think he’ll be a great presence on the show… keeping me honest and adding a fresh voice to the mix. (And yes, to loyal Calling All Pets listeners, I do miss Larry, and I will continue to miss him, but he’s full to the brim with Wisconsin Public Radio work and so we’ll have to be content with my occasional visits to his daily show.)
Predictably, during our first recordings, everything didn’t go smoothly. We did a great interview with Temple Grandin, but the stars were against us and it didn’t record. You can imagine how that felt–picture all of us shocked and miserable. Let me emphasize here that Buzz and Audio for the Arts are true professionals, and this just doesn’t happen to them. But then, it did, cuz that’s how life is. Sort of like getting Tony Bennett to sing for you and then not capturing it on tape. But hey, stuff happens, and we got her back and she graciously did it again for us (apologies to the audience in Guelph waiting for her to get back into the seminar!).
We’re going to finish taping the second pilot tomorrow, which includes an interview with Karen Pryor that we’ve already done (and was so interesting it ended up being 30 minutes… for the 30 minute podcast. Oh well, aren’t pilots often longer than the regular show? And hey, if it’s a podcast, can’t it be as long as we’d like? However… I promise we won’t be quite so cavalier when we get down to business.)
Speaking of business, that’s where you might come in: Studio time costs money, and so does producing and putting out a podcast. We carefully considered your responses to our query about the form of the podcast, and decided to go with looking for a sponsor rather than having it be something that people have to pay to download. So, I’ll be spending some of my June and July looking for a sponsor. I have a few ideas (more are very welcome), but right now I have a request of you listeners who at some point were supportive of the idea of a podcast.
Official favor request (she said, feeling a bit sheepish): What if some of you wrote comments designed to help us convince a potential company or funding source to sponsor the podcast? I know next to nothing about rounding up a sponsor for a show (although I expect I’ll know a lot more soon, hopefully not “How NOT to do it”) but it does seem like hearing from potential listeners might be a good idea. Yes? If you are so inclined, write something as if you were writing directly to the potential sponsor in the comment section of this post. I’d keep it relatively short and sweet, but beyond that, your guess is as good as mine about what to say.
Meanwhile, back at the farm: The Robins are up and away, but the Chipping Sparrows are still flying into the nest with food in their mouths, so Sushi is still trapped inside and not happy about it. Last night she flew out the door when I wasn’t paying enough attention, darn. So I set out to get her back and I wish you could watch a video of the 20 minutes I spent doing so. 19 minutes and 59 seconds were spent pretending not to care where she was– otherwise I wouldn’t have had a chance. Luckily, she’s very affiliative, even more so when she’s outside, and I knew that she’d eventually come over and do a body rub if I stayed still for awhile and ignored her. So I walked AWAY from her, sat down and weeded a bit, then got up and walked parallel to her, never going toward her, never even looking at her, until she finally couldn’t resist and walked over to me. I sat on my hands until the last second and then apologized as I picked her up and carried her inside. I doubt she cared much about the apology, but some extra yummy food seemed to help.
The Lilac below (no longer blooming as of yesterday) is the bush where the Chipping Sparrows perch before flying to their nest one the side of the house. And hey, if you’d rather not write anything about the podcast, want to come help me water the grass seeding by the barn? (See how it’s all brown? It got re-graded to keep water from running into the barn when it rains.) It’s a huge area and is taking no small amount of time to keep moist. Go little grass seeds, go!
Erin says
Here’s the thing: I’m one of THOSE people. Those people who are kinda anti-corporate.
But the thing is, I also get the need for coporate sponsorship and when it’s done well, I feel good about supporting the sponsoring corporation. Corporations that strive to incorporate good labor, environmental and community ethics are the ones that I will support, and are also the ones that are most likely to be interested in supporting a blog like this.
When I know that a corporation is giving back the community, I take note and am far more likely to support them.
As far as making that happen…it helps to have personal contacts – that’s the quickest way to make a connection with a potential sponsor. But given your status, you also have a lot to offer a sponsor! I’m confident you can find a sponsor who is mission-aligned with you and your own company.
Crystal says
To potential sponsors:
I respect the opinion of Dr. McConnell a great deal. One thing I adore about her is her genuineness. As a result, I have full confidence that she will only accept sponsors who sell products that she approves of. And, because I respect her opinion so much, I am highly likely to purchase a product that she recommends. By becoming one of her sponsors, chances are fairly good that I will try out your product, fall in love with it, and keep buying it… and I will spend ridiculous sums of money on my dog! (Just don’t tell my husband how ridiculous those sums actual are!)
ABandMM says
I understand the need for sponsorship, but I wouldn’t mind helping defray the costs of the podcast. Right now, I would only be able to donate a few dollars a month. Is there a way that you could set up a pay-pal link on your page so that people who want to can set up a one-time or monthly donation? I do this for another cause (a woman rowing across the Pacific Ocean to raise environmental awareness), an automated monthly donation.
Let me think a bit about a short and to the point sponsor blurb. (the short requires some work) :).
Anne says
When Patricia McConnell speaks, people don’t just listen; they listen over and over and over again. Pet owners scheduled their days around her radio show because the principles she teaches get richer, more interesting, and more helpful with repetition. Moreover, when we’re tuned in to her show, we’re there because we’re looking for help. If that help ends up coming from a sponsored ad rather than from something she said, we’ll still hear it and value it — and trust it because it’s coming from something with which she is associated. I purchased many products I heard about on Calling All Pets.
Jennnifer Hamilton says
Anne…great summary of sentiment! Well written. Click/Treat!
Jennnifer Hamilton says
I’m a little embarrassed to admit how many times a week (ok, it’s really more like how many times a day) that I check Patricia McConnell’s blog for her latest insights or challenge to conventional wisdom. Not only do I check the site contantly, but I read and reread the articles and comments to make sure there’s not something I missed. And if you’re thinking I don’t have a life, you would be wrong.
I’m a former high-technology CEO, currently own a successful pet service business, and I am on the board of Southern California’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary. I’m pretty busy all things considered. But I don’t miss a thing that Patricia McConnell has to say. It’s not just about what she says, however, it’s also about all of the pointers to what others are saying, doing, trying, thinking or using to advance the human/animal bond. I can’t get enough from the people that are on the forefront. It’s an amazing exchange of ideas.
I wonder what kind of companies or people she would allow to sponsor her show? Whomever they might be, I will definetly be paying attention.
Kate T. says
I’m of a similar mind as Erin, but for a different reason. I worked in magazine publishing for many years and am a big fan of the ad-free model. I’ve never worked for a magazine like this (accepts no advertising and is supported by subscriptions and ancillary products), but I wrote a business plan for one as an MBA project. I would encourage you NOT to seek out corporate sponsors, but instead accept micropayments from listeners and work with non-profit foundations that focus on animal welfare. Not accepting advertising gives your product a very pristine feel and lends credibility that a show or product sponsored by Iams or Purina or Kong can’t claim. It’s very pure with no hidden agendas. Being free from offending advertisers or turning off readers/listeners because you didn’t want to offend advertisers is well-worth the additional effort in the end. For a great example, see Cook’s Illustrated and Chris Kimball.
Kait B. Roe says
Oh Tricia! get Planet Dog Foundation to Sponsor it! They are a great lover of all things dog, and you will be here in Portland to talk to them in person. I can’t believe they wouldn’t leap at the opportunity to sponsor a podcast dedicated to helping people have better relationships with their dogs!
Liz F. says
All money aside, here is a chance to help people become better stewards of our planet. Education will help us make better choices for all of the creatures with whom we share our spaces. Patricia McConnell can reach large audiences with her blend of heart and mind, and keep us informed as well as entertained. Life can present opportunities more beautiful than we can possibly imagine, sponsor today and the good that comes tomorrow could be endless.
Jennifer Hamilton says
If all of us donated something , but at a minimum of $10…I wonder if that would be enough to start the podcast off. From there, you could take micropayments of $1 per podcast. If that wasn’t successful after the first round, you could get sponsors for the second round . While some of us might not kick in the $10, others might kick in $100 plus so it might balance out enough to cover your upfront costs. If you get a sponsor, I like the idea of an animal foundation, rather than companies like Iams. I have satellite radio and it bugs me that the animal shows are all sponsored by mass retail companies making junk food. Just a few thoughts to consider.
Jennifer Hamilton says
Speaking of subscriptions… Has anyone been able to successfully subscribe to the RSS feed for this site from their iPhone. I get other blogs via RSS on my iPhone but get an error message for this site. Just curious if anyone else has been successful.
Anita says
I have a hyper-reactive 8 year old australian shepherd mix who came to me at 10 months with a variety of issues from her checkered, unstable youth. When we pass dogs on walks in our neighborhood she is on-leash reactive (she’s fine with other dogs in dog class situations and off leash). I’ve managed it for years by putting her in a sit and c/t her for focusing on me, and she is very reliable at sitting quietly when I do this. Is there a way to move beyond this stage so we can peaceably pass other dogs without this constant management technique?
Anita says
How about Bark Magazine as a sponsor? I love that magazine, and you’re the trainer I most respect in the world–what a great combination. They’d be fools not to jump at the change to sponsor your podcast!! Maybe I should write to them and encourage them to do just that.
Alessandro Rosa says
Hi Dr. McConnell,
Congratulations on the recording of your podcast. I am looking forward to hearing it. I am not too familiar with sponsorship, but could you sell ad space on the webpage that the podcast would be hosted on? Something like Google ads or maybe Animal Planet. I also thought that as you write for Bark and APDT Chronicle, they might be willing to have their advertizing departments put you in touch with sponsors willing to support the podcast.
Another thought would be that you could make a pitch that the podcast become a regular online feature of Bark or Dog Fancy that they would produce and you would host (and hopefully be compensated for). You may have to give up some creative control and read ad copy during the show, but that might take care of the funding question.
On another note, I have been reading The Other End of the Leash, and just got to the part about you sniffing the ground that your dogs were sniffing and that by doing it, it increased their activity level of sniffing, tail wagging and licking. I am assuming that in order to sniff the ground you had to get down on your hands and knees, probably even lower your shoulders towards the ground in order to get your nose into positions. I am sure that it probably occured to you after writing, but it sounds like their pack leader was performing a well executed play bow; “WOOHOO!!! Mom Is Telling Us It’s Party Time!”
I try to do something like this by bending offer at the waist, sometimes even swaying from side to side when I want my Beagle puppy to bring back a toy I have thrown for him or get him to come to me from across a field when he is off leash. He usually gets a big grin on his face and trots over with the toy or bounds to me from across the field for a tasty treat. I have found in the last few days that doing this when I call “Puppy, Puppy, Puppy, Puppy!” is more effective with him than just using my voice alone. I also tried it with my friends dog who is a little people shy, and she started to mirror me, jumping side to side and playfully barked and wagged her tail in response. She then let me feed her a treat and pet her under the chin, which was really cool.
Ignacio says
Dr. McConnell’s materials have proved to be an invaluable resource for understanding dog behavior and training techniques. When we brought our first pup home, I’ve read many (MANY) dog training and psychology books, from old-school (i.e., Leon Whitney’s) to current works. Her books are by far my first recommendation to anybody: they offer simple explanations and very practical advice. Being an avid listener of her radio show “Calling All Pets” I got very upset when I learned it was going off the air, so this coming podcast will definitely be on the top of my listening list.
If external sponsorship doesn’t work out, I’d be glad to pay my share to keep this podcast alive, there are several models (like iTunes) that work pretty well, where you can even pay on a per-episode basis.
Mary Beth says
Trish, I’ll make a deal with you. You come to Ohio, spend some time watering all the grass seed I planted, help me train the dogs (forget the cat..she’s beyond hope..she’s got us all trained too well), have fun with the horses, then it’ll be my turn. Once my grass is growing well, I’ll come up there, help with the sheep and the dogs and spend my days watering your grass! How’s that sound?!
Good luck sponsor hunting!
Caroline says
Dear potential sponsor:
I would like to wholeheartedly endorse your sponsorship of Trisha’s new podcast. Having been a long-time listener to her previous show, I have the utmost respect for her knowledge and professionalism. I have learned so much from her advice–my relationships with animals (and people too!) are all the better for it.
(PS: I’d also be willing to subscribe to podcasts)
ABandMM says
As to why a company or organization should sponsor Dr. McConnell’s podcast:
Dr. McConnell delivers sound advice for people who have questions about their pets, why their cat/dog does the things is does and how to manage or solve the problem. Dr. McConnell delivers this advice with large doses of common sense, understanding and humor and she almost always has a planB and planC for the issue at hand. Her advice is practical for the new pet owner trying to juggle life with a pet and family or for those who have been working with animals for years and want to glean more information from someone with Dr. McConnell wealth of experience.
Smaki says
I consider Patricia McConnell to be the final word in dog training. As a fledgling dog trainer, her insights are incredibly valuable to me and her books and website have been, and continue to be, an important part of my education. The products and techniques that she suggests always merit consideration because I know that she wouldn’t recommend something that she wouldn’t use herself. I eagerly await her new podcast and look forward to tuning in.
Trisha says
I’m way behind on responding to comments from other blogs (I’ll catch up eventually, I promise!) but I quickly wanted to thank those of you who have responded so far about sponsorship. I also hear those of you who are concerned about the potential downside of sponsorship loud and clear . There are actually very few companies I would be comfortable working with–the company would have to be committed to healthy relationships between people and animals, committed to environmentally sound practices and animal health, and committed to giving back to the community as part of their business plan. Oh yeah, one more thing: I’d purely and simply have to like the people involved, because they are kind, intelligent and fun. Good grief, I don’t ask for much! If a company like that is not available, I’ll figure something else out. And, for those of you with concerns, do remember that Calling All Pets also had sponsors, as do most shows now on public radio and I can’t think of a time when it affected the show. Thanks again for those of you who have written in your support. Yesterday was one of those ‘not-so-good-days’ that we all have, and your words meant a lot to me.
Dana says
Any sponsor who supports these podcasts will get the support of my ever loyal consumerism. Well deserved for supporting Dr. McConnell in this project.
Mim Golub Scalin says
I’m one of those people who pitch in for my favorite sites (TAL for instance) and causes (Booksforsoldiers.com) to keep them paying for bandwidth and such. I hope you can find a grant or foundation for support but I’d join on as a supporter, even though I’m on a, oh hate this word, fixed income, some things are just plain important, like getting information from you, Patricia McConnell.
lin says
Dr. McConnell is a unique voice in animal training and behavior: a professional and an academic who can make theories understandable to the layman in a sensible and entertaining way. I listened to the radio “Calling All Pets” for years because of the wonderful advice I heard. I would recommend any podcast she did to all of my animal-loving friends and acquaintances.
Mary Lou says
I’d be happy to write a letter to potential sponsors, it might be good so it can be tailored to that industry. I’d also be happy to ‘subscribe’ to the podcast (having paid subscribers might also help in finding sponsors1) It mightbe best to stick to animal rescue organizations or magazines instead of say pet food companies. What about some of the larger online dog related companies like Dogwise?
Beth says
I called the local college radio station whose show airs on npr and depends on sponsorship for information about how they get corporate sponsors. I’ll pass anything I hear along. If you’re interested in foundations that support human-animal bond projects I’ll be happy to email you a list…that, however. also involvers the grantwriting process.Seems to me the how needs to be addressed along with the who.
Sheyna says
Patricia McConnell is awesome. She’s a fantastic writer and speaker, always engaging and enlightening. I’d support businesses that supported someone so committed to animals and such an intelligent and effective advocate for positive training.
Linda2 says
Behavior, Nutrition, mental & physical Health, all go together, and any sponsor may want to know why this
site and webcast would be a good idea for them.
I know, form visiting this site, I’ve gained a lot of valuable information and links to people, books, & sites that have truly enhanced my relationship with my dog & hopefully make me(us) better pet owners; any potential sponsor may also, as I have written to, want to know where to contact Dr. McConnell. I wouldn’t count any source out, at the onset, I’m sure all involved will determine if it’s the right collaboration, for the right reasons.
Rosemary says
I’ve been listening to Tracie Hotchner (Dog Talk Radio) podcasts for a couple of years now. I believe she has sponsors that she puts on her website that would attest to a very positive experience of affiliation with her. She’s also very picky about who she endorses. I have spent hundreds of dollars (pet insurance, Best Friends fencing, books, Bach flower essences, etc.) due to her Pod Cast and website endorsements. Once I trust the source (and in this case that would be Patricia), I am officially on board for whatever they may endorse. A sponsor would do well to affiliate themselves with such a knowledgeable professional with a massive following of animal lovers. And we animal lovers can spend some money (since some of us have pampered pets instead of kids and disposable income).
Mihaela says
Dear Potential Sponsor:
Here are a few reasons why I think that you should support Dr. McConnell’s podcast:
1. If you just check her blog page, you will see how many people visit her website just to see what new thought she is willing to share with us every day.
2. I (and many others) would be willing to pay for it, but she wants to keep it free and accessible to everybody, which means that her pod would attract even more listeners, from all over the United States AVIDLY interested and in love with dogs and cats and related products.
3. In addition this would likely be a website visited frequently by professionals in the field of dog training, using modern positive training methods (Tricia, have you considered placing a link for your pod on the APDT website?).
Please, make this possible for all the dog and cat owners willing to support Dr. McConnell!
Mihaela Onciu (Memphis, TN)
Kate T. says
Trish, I read your note re: WPR having sponsors and that it never impacted the content. It’s clear to me that advertisers and sponsors wouldn’t have any bearing on how you present a topic or it’s content. However, the value is created by eliminating the perception, not the actual occurrence, of bias. For example, if you do a segment on head/halter collars and mention Gentle Leader and not Halti and the program is sponsored by Gentle Leader, the perception is that the segment was a product placement for GL. However, if neither is a sponsor, the recommendation carries more weight and you maintain your position as a trusted source for information related to dogs and presumably draw a greater audience with a need for your wisdom. Non-profits and foundations need access to exactly those audiences and will gladly use their grant money to support your programing.
Other than that, please keep writing and doing what you do. I’ve learned so much in a very short time just from reading your books and blogs. You ARE my trusted source for all things dog!
Martha says
Trisha:
Perhaps Larry M. could get his hands on back copies of the WPR comment sheets made up from all the call ins and emails about programming. A selection of the called-in complaints, astonishment, outrage about loss of CAP would make fine additions to whatever you are putting together for a sponsorship package. The stats from the fundraising goals your show met or exceeded would also be useful.
Nancy Florsheim says
Patricia McConnell’s advice on pets brims with knowledge about the human – animal relationship. She offers guidance that is helpful, kind, and fun to hear. As a listener for many years, I have always looked forward to her programs and learned from every one. Sponsoring her podcast would be the smartest move anyone could make.
Nancy Florsheim says
Patricia McConnell’s advice on pets brims with knowledge about the human – animal relationship. She offers guidance that is helpful, kind, and fun to hear. As a listener for many years, I have always looked forward to her programs and learned from every one. Sponsoring her podcast would be the smartest move anyone could make.
Nancy Florsheim says
Patricia McConnell’s advice on pets brims with knowledge about the human – animal relationship. She offers guidance that is helpful, kind, and fun to hear. As a listener for many years, I have always looked forward to her programs and learned from every one. Sponsoring her podcast would be the smartest move anyone could make.
Candy Krueger says
I respect and enjoy Patricia McConnell’s insight into dogs, in particular, and like others who have commented would certainly pay attention to products of any organization that would sponsor her podcast. That being said, if no one steps up, I would be willing to plunk down “a few dollars,” so I could continue to receive thought-provoking information and professional advice in a genuine manner filled with the humor of life. It’s the down-to-earth interaction Patricia McConnell has with her listeners, both four-legged and two, that captures my interest and causes me to think and appreciate all about me. A sponsor of such a podcast would certainly be in fine company.
Mary Beth says
Did you see that Merial Animal Health is using, I can’t even say his name, ugh, the dog whisperer, to promote Heartgard and Frontline? I’m considering switching my animals to other products. No two dog trainers will agree 100% on methods, but at the very least we should stick by the motto “do no harm”. I’m really disappointed that this company would promote abusive, inhumane dog training methods that have no basis in any science.
I won’t bash him on your blog, but I was thinking this might be a wonderful opportunity to encourage a company to seek out sponsoring a much better option….like sponsoring your podcast!
nan marks says
I am so very very much not a morning person. This is relevant only because it provides context to the fact that on Saturday morning’s I’d be up at 6 so the animals would be fed and I could focus on Calling All Pets which played in my market at 7. Dr McConnel’s show was a wonderful blend of knowledge, insight, and warm good humored interaction. I miss it greatly and would be a grateful listener to any podcast of hers. I also respect and trust her to the extent that as a consumer I would be confident that any sponsors she worked with would be companies I should do business with. Nan Marks
Trisha says
A quick comment about Merial and their summer campaign. There are a raft of letters being sent from professional organizations to Merial about their relationship with Cesar (there, I said it for you) .. it’ll be interesting to see how it all plays out. Several veterinary organizations have expressed a great deal of concern in formal letters. I will post something about his methods sometime soon. Please don’t do an alpha roll over on me, but I like some of what he says… I just profoundly disagree with his fundamental thesis about the basis of the human-dog relationship and how to solve behavioral problems.
Ann-Marie says
Another comment, based on what other readers said. I would certainly respond to a “click/treat” Paypal optional donation. I belong to an online welsh corgi owners group, and we make occasional donations to worthy causes in memory of animal or human friends lost to us, or Patricia had a montly roll call on her site of donors, I would love that for my group. Each month I pick an “Email of the Month” and send a small gift to the originator of that email. It would also be fun to throw a bone to the podcast in the name of the email originator’s name.
The only trouble with depending on donations for funding, is you are never sure how much you are going to have. A combination of a small amount of corporate funding and some donations would be ideal. Even our beloved public radio gets corporate funding.