The Westies & Besties Podcast

How Three Westies Changed My Life and Inspired My Crime Novels!

Join us as we dive into the heartwarming and inspiring journey of Madeleine Eskedahl, a bestselling author whose love for Westies has not only enriched her life but also inspired her gripping crime novels. Discover the secrets behind her dogs' long, happy lives and how a simple change in diet transformed their health. Plus, get a glimpse into her unique life in New Zealand, filled with stories of dogs, penguins, and creativity. Watch the FULL episode here: https://youtube.com/@westiesandbestiestv?si=suttFUE5KNv9p3P5 [https://youtube.com/@westiesandbestiestv?si=suttFUE5KNv9p3P5] 🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/ [https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/] 🎙 Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/20GvIwQaOpJKEUxVPCsRmk?si=3b8babc4c70d4864 [https://open.spotify.com/show/20GvIwQaOpJKEUxVPCsRmk?si=3b8babc4c70d4864] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-westies-besties-podcast/id1845688452 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-westies-besties-podcast/id1845688452] 📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag 🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts 🔥Guest links Facebook – https://facebook.com/madeleine.roberts.73 [https://facebook.com/madeleine.roberts.73] Website - https://www.madeleineeskedahlauthor.com/ [https://www.madeleineeskedahlauthor.com/]

Pumpkin's Journey: A Westie's Fight Against Disability!

This episode features Tammy Fox sharing the inspiring story of Pumpkin, a disabled Westie who has become a symbol of resilience and compassion. Discover how Pumpkin's journey has led to raising awareness, supporting charities, and transforming lives through innovative animal rehabilitation and charity work. 🐶 Like this video, subscribe, and hit the bell 🔔 to never miss Westie tips, health advice, and dog owner stories! 💬 Comment below with your questions we love hearing from our community! 🔗 Share this video with friends who love Westies and dogs! 🔥Key Topics Pumpkin's rescue story and disability The role of wheelchairs and rehabilitation in animal recovery Tammy Fox's charity work supporting disabled animals 🔥Sound bites "Six vets to find help for Pumpkin" "Bond with Pumpkin is like no other" "Pumpkin as a calming therapy dog" 🔥Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pumpkin's Journey 01:56 The Adoption Story of Pumpkin 04:58 Overcoming Medical Challenges 09:28 The Role of Community Support 12:24 Pumpkin's Global Impact and Following 15:19 Establishing a Charity for Disabled Animals 19:04 Providing Rehabilitation and Support 20:55 Pumpkin as a Therapy Dog 24:38 Advocacy in Parliament for Disabled Animals 28:52 Challenges and Rewards of Caring for Disabled Pets 39:42 Changing Perceptions and Saving Lives 40:13 Collaboration in Veterinary Care 41:17 Rehabilitation and Strength Building 42:15 The Emotional Journey of Pet Guardians 44:16 Community Support and Volunteer Efforts 45:02 The Joy of Fitting Wheelchairs 47:07 Inspiring Stories of Resilience 49:39 Innovative Solutions for Disabled Animals 50:48 Training and Expanding the Network 53:06 International Outreach and Support 54:02 Quickfire Round with Pumpkin 01:01:30 Final Thoughts and Future Plans 🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/ [https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/] 🎙 Podcast: Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/20GvIwQaOpJKEUxVPCsRmk?si=3b8babc4c70d4864 [https://open.spotify.com/show/20GvIwQaOpJKEUxVPCsRmk?si=3b8babc4c70d4864] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-westies-besties-podcast/id1845688452 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-westies-besties-podcast/id1845688452] 📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag 🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts 🔥Resources & Links Pumpkin and Friends Charity - https://pumpkinandfriends.org [https://pumpkinandfriends.org] Tammy Fox's Social Media - https://facebook.com/pumpkinandfriends [https://facebook.com/pumpkinandfriends] Wheelchair Fitting Training Course - https://pumpkinandfriends.org/training [https://pumpkinandfriends.org/training] UK Animal Rescue Support - https://rspca.org.uk [https://rspca.org.uk] 🔥Guest links Facebook - https://facebook.com/pumpkinandfriends [https://facebook.com/pumpkinandfriends] Website - https://pumpkinandfriends.org [https://pumpkinandfriends.org]

SAS & MI5 Secrets: How to Stay Safe in a Dangerous World | Situational Awareness!

Right now in the UK, over 200 people a day have their phones or belongings stolen… and most never see it coming. In this powerful episode of the Westies & Besties Podcast, host Alex Griffin sits down with former SAS operator and MI5 advisor Mick Hawkes to reveal the truth about situational awareness — the skill that could literally save your life. With over 24 years in the British military, including elite service in the 22 SAS, and decades working in global security across high-risk regions, Mick shares real-world insights from the front lines of danger — and how YOU can apply them in everyday life. From phone thefts and street crime to personal safety while walking your dog, this episode breaks down why so many people are vulnerable — and how to fix it. 🐶 Like this video, subscribe, and hit the bell 🔔 to never miss Westie tips, health advice, and dog owner stories! 💬 Comment below with your questions we love hearing from our community! 🔗 Share this video with friends who love Westies and dogs! 🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Discover: Why most people completely miss danger signals The biggest mistakes people make on their phones in public How criminals target distracted dog walkers Simple ways to instantly improve your situational awareness What SAS and intelligence professionals do differently Why self-defence alone won’t save you Real stories from covert missions, security operations & high-risk environments. 🔥Key Topics The biggest mistake in security: Assuming danger looks obvious and how distraction increases vulnerability Why mobile phones are the most stolen items and how distraction impacts situational awareness Practical steps to improve situational awareness and make it second nature The challenges in UK society regarding security mindset and the importance of proactive learning Insights into security training: Customization, realism, and the pitfalls of tick-box courses The significance of military experience in security roles and the brain drain from armed forces The potential for ex-military personnel to transform civilian security industry and gap in industry standards Emergency responses, active shooter training, and how to prepare for critical situations The importance of collaboration between military skills and civilian enterprise for national security How to assess vulnerabilities on private and corporate properties and implement cost-effective security measures 🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/ [https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/] 🎙 Podcast: Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/20GvIwQaOpJKEUxVPCsRmk?si=3b8babc4c70d4864 [https://open.spotify.com/show/20GvIwQaOpJKEUxVPCsRmk?si=3b8babc4c70d4864] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-westies-besties-podcast/id1845688452 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-westies-besties-podcast/id1845688452] 📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag 🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts Resources & Links: Hawks & Co - https://www.hawkesandco.uk/ [https://www.hawkesandco.uk/] Hero Paws - https://heropaws.org.uk/ [https://heropaws.org.uk/]

Natural Dog Health is Booming: Here’s Why Westie Owners Are Leading the Way!

What happens when passion for Westies, natural dog health, ethical business, and dog nutrition collide? You build a movement. 🐾 In this episode, Alex Griffin of The Westies & Besties Podcast joins the Wags & Wellness with Rachel Down to share how Westies & Besties Magazine grew into a thriving dog community — championing responsible breeding, holistic dog care, and better nutrition for Westies, Labradors, and dog lovers everywhere. 🐶 Like this video, subscribe, and hit the bell 🔔 to never miss Westie tips, health advice, and dog owner stories! 💬 Comment below with your questions we love hearing from our community! 🔗 Share this video with friends who love Westies and dogs! The conversation also explores: The shift toward holistic and natural dog health Responsible breeding and the message: “Adopt, don’t shop.” The growing importance of nutrition — including bone broth for dogs The expansion into podcasting, YouTube, and new publishing ventures including Who Adores Labradors & Retrievers This episode is packed with insights for dog owners, pet entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about ethical business, community building, and improving dog health naturally. “We’re aiming high.” 🐶 What You’ll Learn: ✔ How Westies & Besties Magazine began ✔ Why community is everything for Westie owners ✔ The role of natural health and nutrition in dog wellbeing ✔ The future of ethical publishing in the pet industry ✔ What’s next for Westies, Labradors, and beyond 📌 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:46 The Journey of Westies and Besties Magazine 06:07 Building a Community for Westie Owners 09:00 Ethics and Morals in Business 11:53 The Launch of the Podcast 14:51 Connecting with Westie Owners 17:38 The Importance of Natural Health 20:49 Exploring Other Dog Breeds 23:36 Nutrition and Health for Dogs 26:28 The Role of Bone Broth in Dog Health 29:38 Future Plans and Collaborations 🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/ [https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/] 🎙 Podcast: Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/20GvIwQaOpJKEUxVPCsRmk?si=3b8babc4c70d4864 [https://open.spotify.com/show/20GvIwQaOpJKEUxVPCsRmk?si=3b8babc4c70d4864] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-westies-besties-podcast/id1845688452 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-westies-besties-podcast/id1845688452] 📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag 🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts

The Future of Pet Retail: Insights from Clayton Payne!

🚀 The pet industry is changing fast — and if you don’t adapt, you’ll get left behind. In this episode of The Westies & Besties Podcast, we sit down with Clayton Payne, a leading voice in the pet industry with over 30 years of experience, to unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes of pet retail, e-commerce, veterinary innovation, and consumer trust. From the rise of e-commerce and global competition to the growing importance of specialisation, authority, and education, Clayton shares no-nonsense insights into what independent pet retailers and brands must do to survive — and thrive. We dive deep into AI in veterinary practices, how technology is reshaping customer relationships, and why transparency in pet food, nutrition, and sourcing has never mattered more. Clayton also explains why social media marketing isn’t optional anymore, how independent retailers can cut through the noise online, and why community and collaboration will define the future of the pet industry. This episode is packed with real-world experience, bold opinions, and practical advice for anyone working in — or passionate about — pets. 🐾 Like this video, subscribe, and hit the bell 🔔 to get all our Westie tips and expert advice. 💬 Comment below with your Westie’s quirks — we love hearing from our community! 🎧 In this episode, we cover: * How the pet industry has evolved from retail to e-commerce * Why independent pet stores must specialise and “own” their niche * The impact of AI and technology on veterinary care * Educating today’s pet consumer in a crowded marketplace * Pet market trends and changing consumer behaviour * Social media strategies for pet retailers and brands * Transparency, trust, and value in pet products * Building stronger communities within the pet industry 💬 Stand-out sound bites: “You need to dominate your sector.” “You can’t just put up any post.” “The more points of view, the better.” 🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/ [https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/] 🎙 Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/20GvIwQaOpJKEUxVPCsRmk?si=3b8babc4c70d4864 [https://open.spotify.com/show/20GvIwQaOpJKEUxVPCsRmk?si=3b8babc4c70d4864] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-westies-besties-podcast/id1845688452 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-westies-besties-podcast/id1845688452] 📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag 🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts 👉 Whether you’re a pet retailer, brand owner, vet professional, or pet industry entrepreneur, this episode offers a powerful look at where the industry is heading — and how to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving market.