A Better World radio show

05/29/2026

Listen to the interview: Lab Dog - A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research

According to the PETA an estimated 110 Million Animals Are Killed in the U.S. annually for experimentation purposes. And according to the RSPCA the U.S. leads the way in the numbers of animals used in testing.
Our guest today, Melanie Kaplan, spent years investigating this topic, and more specifically the story of how beagles have been bred and used in the name of research. This, after adopting her rescued "lab dog" Hammy. Her love of Hammy and the end of her work resulted in her book, Lab Dog - A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research, a book Jane Goodall recommended "...to everyone who cares about animals - and the future of science."
Join us as we talk with Melanie Kaplan about her incredible and eye-opening journey.

Listen now:

Melanie Kaplan, spent years investigating the story of how beagles have been bred and used in the name of research. This, after adopting her rescued "lab dog" Hammy. Her love of Hammy and the end of her work resulted in her book, Lab Dog - A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of A...

05/26/2026

Listen to the interview now: Thomas Merton - His Life and Work

When Pope Francis, addressed Congress in 2015, he talked about four Americans who set examples and represented America's cultural tradition: Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day, and Thomas Merton. Daniel Horan wrote that Merton "... has been remembered as a spiritual writer, a mystic, a monk, a poet, a social critic, a champion of justice, an artist, a proponent of Christian nonviolence, and someone whose literary output was simply extraordinary."
Join us as we learn about the remarkable life and work of Thomas Merton. Our guest, Daniel Horan is a Professor of Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Theology at Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN. He is a columnist for the National Catholic Reporter, and the author of more than a dozen books, including Engaging Thomas Merton - Spirituality, Justice , and Racism; and The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton. Daniel is also co-host of The Francis Effect Podcast.

03/20/2026

"If anyone injures his neighbor, as he has done it shall be done to him, fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; whatever injury he has given a person shall be given to him." - Leviticus, 24: 19-20

What exactly is karma? How does it play out in our lives? What is the origin and evolution of karmic theory? How did the term come to the West? Is there a way around karma? Is there more good karma, than bad?
Join us as we talk to Philip Goldberg, about his latest book, Karmic Relief - Harnessing the Laws of Cause and Effect for a Joyful, Meaningful life.
Philip Goldberg is the host the Spirit Matters podcast. He has been studying the spiritual traditions of India for nearly 50 years as a practitioner, teacher, and writer. He was a transcendental meditation teacher in the 1970s, and helped start Maharishi International University.

Listen in this Sunday, Mar 15th: 9AM ET
Streaming at wpvmfm.org

And check out more of our archived shows at: abetterworldcommunity.com

03/14/2026

There is tremendous need in places like Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Sudan and other countries impacted by conflict. Thanks to organizations like MedGlobal there is a lifeline for the most vulnerable people in those areas. MedGlobal is an international NGO working on the frontlines providing emergency relief, essential health services, and building stronger healthcare systems that endure beyond an immediate crisis.
In this interview with Ana Moran we look at the crises areas of the Middle East and Sudan. Ana is the Director of Global Policy and Advocacy at MedGlobal. Previously, she led U.S. and World Bank advocacy on international crises for the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and served as U.S. Advisor to Crisis Action.

Listen in this Sunday, Mar 15th: 9AM ET
Streaming at wpvmfm.org

And check out more of our archived shows at: abetterworldcommunity.com

02/27/2026

"If we cling too tightly to our beliefs, we may not hear new whispers from God." - Bill McNary

Bill McNary posits the idea that Christianity is stuck. It is not moving forward. A religion cannot limit God’s love, but it can limit ours, if we let it. Religion must evolve, it must be updated to align with the current understanding of the universe. Flipping the God Paradigm provides a God update, one suitable for the 21st century.
Our guest today is Bill McNary, author of the book, Flipping the God Paradigm.

Listen in this Sunday, Mar 1st: 9AM ET
Streaming at wpvmfm.org

And check out more of our archived shows at: abetterworldcommunity.com

01/09/2026

“No one has a right to sit down and feel hopeless. There is too much work to do." - Dorothy Day

Pope Francis, in his address to the U.S. Congress in 2015, praised Dorothy Day's work for society's oppressed and urged Congress to imitate her life of challenging poverty and working for the common good. As leader of the Catholic Worker movement, founded in 1933, Dorothy advocated for civil rights, worker's rights, social justice and pacifism. A person of faith, but also a person of action.
Join us as we talk to Kevin Ahern, professor of Religious Studies at Manhattan University and director of the Dorothy Day Center.

Listen in this Sunday, Jan 11th: 9AM ET
Streaming at wpvmfm.org

And check out more of our archived shows at: abetterworldcommunity.com

Image: Dorothy_Day_1916 Wikimedia Commons