
The Animal Welfare Junction
Veterinary Forensics
A. Michelle Gonzalez, DVM, MS
Show overview
The Animal Welfare Junction has been publishing since 2022, and across the 4 years since has built a catalogue of 114 episodes, alongside 1 trailer or bonus episode. That works out to roughly 75 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 9 min and 1h — with run-times ranging widely across the catalogue. It is catalogued as a EN-language True Crime show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 6 days ago, with 16 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2023, with 38 episodes published. Published by A. Michelle Gonzalez, DVM, MS.
From the publisher
The Animal Welfare Junction is a podcast developed to bring awareness to different topics in animal welfare. The host, Michelle Gonzalez (Dr. G) is a veterinarian who provides affordable veterinary care in the State of Ohio, and also a Forensic Veterinarian helping with the investigation and prosecution of cases of animal cruelty and neglect. The topics presented are based on the experiences of Dr. G and our guests and include discussions about real cases, humane projects, and legal issues that affect animals and the community. Due to the nature of the discussion, listener discretion is advised as some topics may be too strong for some listeners.
Latest Episodes
View all 114 episodesUF VETS Disaster Response - 2026 Animal ForensiCon with Dr. Larry Garcia
Private Citizens and Cruelty Investigations - 2026 Animal ForensiCon with Jamie McManus
Forensic Toxicology - 2026 Animal ForensiCon with Dr. Rachel Sheffler
Ballistics - 2026 Animal ForensiCon with Dr. Nancy Bradley
Puppy Mill Pipeline - 2026 Animal ForensiCon with Shalimar Oliver
Fingerprint Analysis - 2026 Animal ForensiCon with Tonia Smith
Wildlife Forensics - 2026 Animal ForensiCon
Osceola Turkey Hunter Fraud - 2026 Animal ForensiCon with Dr. Eileen Roy-Zokan
Clinical pathology - 2026 Animal ForensiCon with Dr. Laurie Millward
Animal ForensiCon 2026 - What to Expect from the Conference with Dr. Adam Stern
Forensic Entomology - 2026 Animal ForensiCon
Season One: State v. Steffen Baldwin / Episode 11: The Trial of Steffen Baldwin

S1 Ep 10Season One: State v. Steffen Baldwin / Episode 10: Escape from Ohio
From Humane Society Director to Humane Agent to Trainer, Steffen Baldwin made his way through different animal welfare organizations leaving a path of destruction behind. But his greed and desire for fame eventually caught up to him when he met with people willing to stand up to him and hold him responsible for his actions.This episode explores Steffen's failures as a trainer for Save Them Dogs, his attempts to be on Animal Planet, and theft from donors and non-profits. It all comes full circle as we go back to Remi's story and his Escape to LA.Your support helps us continue this work. Please take a moment to like, rate, and share so we can extend our reach. Together we can help animals and the people who care for them.

S1 Ep 9Season One: State vs Steffen Baldwin / Episode 9: The Monster Behind the Mask
The case of Steffen Baldwin is often defined by the animals he failed—but the animals were not the end goal. They were a means to power, manipulation, and personal gain.In this episode, special guest Maya Badham joins us to examine how Baldwin used animals as tools of coercive control—not only over intimate partners, but also over individuals drawn into his schemes. Together, we explore the patterns behind his behavior, how he was able to evade accountability for so long, and why so many people were vulnerable to his manipulation.This conversation aims to provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play—holding Baldwin accountable while recognizing the complexity of victimization, without blame or stigma.If you found this episode valuable, please consider liking, rating, and sharing. Your support helps us expand our reach, educate others, and advocate for both animals and the people who care for them.

S1 Ep 8Season One: State v. Steffen Baldwin / Episode 8: The Link
WARNING: Real stories of domestic violenceIn this episode we learn about how Steffen used dogs to manipulate vulnerable people. The LINK between interpersonal violence and animal cruelty is well known, and Steffen is just another example of how malicious and manipulative these abusers can be.You can help us expand our reach by following, rating, and sharing our series. Together we can make a difference for both animal and the people who care for them.

S1 Ep 7Season One: State v. Steffen Baldwin / Episode 7: Dog's Worst Friend
Episode 7 is the story of some of the dogs Steffen failed. We talk about Sammie, Beretta and Cheyenne as well as some of the collateral damage in their stories. In this episode, we are joined by trainer Jenny Falvey in discussing how Steffen failed these dogs behaviorally.These episodes discuss sensitive topics, and we hope they can help these animals get a voice and help listeners avoid people like Steffen, who claimed to want to help but in the end just had his own interests in mind.You can help us by rating, liking and sharing our episodes. Together we can make a difference!

S1 Ep 6Season One: State vs Steffen Baldwin / Episode 6: The Con Whisperer
Season One: State vs Steffen Baldwin / Episode 6: The Con WhispererWe will be diving into the stories of Baldwin's victims. In this episode, we discuss:ChestyRomeoBellePeeWee, and CocoSome of these dogs survived him, others were not as lucky. We want to share their stories and that of the people who cared about them.Throughout the next episodes, we will talk about the animal and human victims of Steffen Baldwin. These episodes include interviews, news stories, and courtroom testimony during Baldwin's trial.These episodes cover sensitive topics such as animal abuse and domestic violence, so please take care of yourself as e recognize these victims for their sacrifices.

S1 Ep 5Season 1: State v Steffen Baldwin / Episode 5: Taking TOPS to the Bottom
Steffen Baldwin lied about his credentials and past experience to enter the animal world through the Union County Humane Society. With lies, deception, and the help of social media, he developed a persona who gained the trust of the animal welfare community. Due to his perceived greatness as the Executive Director of Union County, he was hired to run the Top of Ohio Shelter in Bellefontaine, Ohio. In his short period of employment, he took a promising yet struggling shelter to a point of no return.Like this series? Help us by liking, rating and sharing. You support helps us extend our reach.

S1 Ep 4Season One: State v. Steffen Baldwin / Episode 4 The Rise to Fame Part 2
The Animal Welfare Junction Season One: State v. Steffen Baldwin / Episode 4 The Rise to Fame Part 2If you have not listened to Part 1, pause and come back after you have listened to or watched Part 1.This episode is presented in two parts, both released simultaneously.Investigators, witnesses and victims share their experiences as Steffen Baldwin rose to fame as an animal advocate.This episode is available on YouTube by searching for the Animal Welfare Junction. YouTube episodes contain video and pictures of the case.

S1 Ep 4Season One: State v. Steffen Baldwin / Episode 4 The Rise to Fame Part 1
The Animal Welfare Junction Season One: State v. Steffen Baldwin / Episode 4 The Rise to Fame Part 1This episode is presented in two parts, both released simultaneously.Investigators, witnesses and victims share their experiences as Steffen Baldwin rose to fame as an animal advocate.This episode is available on YouTube by searching for the Animal Welfare Junction. YouTube episodes contain video and pictures of the case.