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GetReal! — Life Sciences
GetReal!

A podcast hosted by Dr. Cindy Buckmaster and the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA) dedicated to open discussion about animal research: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Cindy explores the deep truths, so we can make compassionate choices for people and animals to shape our medical future together.

Copyright: © 2021 GetReal!

Latest Episodes:

Unconscious Confounds Jan 29, 2025

Welcome to episode 32 of GetReal! I’m Dr. Cindy Buckmaster, your host for GetReal! and today we’re going to talk about the confound in biomedical research with animals that no one is talking about - the impact of anesthesia on study outcomes. Are findings from studies involving anesthesia always reliable? Dr. Colin Dunlop, a well known veterinary anesthesiologist and established expert in the field will share the RAW Truth with us today…on GetReal!

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The Dose Makes the Poison Jan 31, 2024

Today we stop ignoring the truth about how new treatments make it to our medicine cabinets and face the hard facts…together...on GetReal!

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TCD - It's Not Just Semantics Nov 29, 2023

There’s no such thing as compassion fatigue and we should drop it from our vocabulary immediately! This term, along with most of the others used to describe the emotions we battle when working with research animals, just makes things worse. Confused? Our guest from the Two Truths episode, Lisa Kelly, returns today to spell it out for us…on GetReal!

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Protecting More Than Our Health Oct 25, 2023

You may find this surprising, but biomedical research with animals isn’t only necessary for improving human and animal lives. It’s also critical for protecting our food supply and our economy. How so? Dr. Maggie Behnke, Attending Veterinarian for the USDA National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, joins us today to lay out the facts…on GetReal!

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Is it love or conflict fundraising? Sep 29, 2023

Is love for animals what truly drives the animal rights movement? How did this movement begin and what is its ultimate goal? Patti Strand, President and Founder of the National Animal Interest Alliance, has been studying this movement and sharing her findings publicly for decades. She’ll break it all down for us today…on GetReal!

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Sanctuary Straight Talk Aug 16, 2023

Groups opposed to research with animals insist that studies with monkeys are irrelevant to human health and disease, and that all of these animals should be retired to sanctuaries. Those who believe these groups consider this to be a perfect plan; but is it? Surely a sanctuary would be an ideal place for retired research monkeys to spend the rest of their lives; but would it? Scott Kubisch, Director and Founder of Peaceable Primates Sanctuary, will lay out the facts for us today…on GetReal!

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Let's Shake On It! Jun 14, 2023

There’s a lot of discussion these days about the “reproducibility crisis” in science and how that may be delaying the medical advances we seek for ourselves and our loved ones. Today we’re going to talk about what may be the number one reason for why more than half of the research findings from animal studies are questionable. The animals on study are hardly ever as healthy as we think. And you can’t get clean results from dirty research models. How did we get here and what’s the solution moving forward? Dr. Ken Henderson, Senior Director for Laboratory Services with Charles River Laboratories, will break it down for us today…on GetReal!

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X Discrimination May 03, 2023

Today we’ll catch up with Trina who lost her beautiful boy, Austin, to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy two years ago. It turns out that her journey with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy isn’t over yet because, contrary to popular belief, girls and women are also affected by this devastating and deadly disease. But the scientific and medical communities have ignored this fact for decades. Well, Trina has had enough! And she’s on a mission to put girls and women with this rare disease on the research calendar. We’ll discuss this and more with her today on GetReal!

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RAW Truth 7: AMI Saves Lives Mar 29, 2023

Breeding research mice responsibly is not as easy as it sounds. Every day, animal lives are wasted and biomedical discovery is compromised because colony management has simply become too complex for human beings to do well. So…we should STOP DOING IT! Our partners at Transnetyx have developed tools that are available right now that make our critical research with rodents less wasteful, more productive…and more meaningful. We’ll learn about some of them from Bob Bean and Jessie Janeczek today on GetReal!

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RAW Truth 6: Wasted Money, Wasted Lives Feb 15, 2023

What would you do if you worked with research animals and you were certain they could receive better care than they were getting? A lot of people would probably just get frustrated and complain about it. They might even feel hopeless enough to resign. But what if you could find better ways for folks to care for their animals and their science, and actually help them change things for the better? Would you find the time to do that for your organization? What about the entire research community? Our guest today is Gennifer Caesar and she’s decided to go large with this concept. She’ll share her journey and her ideas with us today… on GetReal!

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Fewer Dogs, Better Drugs? Dec 28, 2022

The fate of dogs in classic biomedical research studies is more questionable than ever. So, what are our options? Can we keep up with the demand for new treatments with fewer dogs in biomedical research? Our guest today is Dr. Veronica Maldonado. Dr. Maldonado is an ACLAM Boarded Laboratory Animal Veterinarian with a PhD in Immunology who has worked directly with animals involved in drug development for over 25 years. She’s passionate about caring for research animals, but she’s equally passionate about finding ways to reduce the need for them in biomedical studies…especially dogs. And she has a plan…we’ll discuss this and more…on today’s episode…of GetReal!

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Right Target, Right Time Nov 30, 2022

The final inspection report by the USDA on May 3, 2022 revealed no serious animal health concerns at the Envigo/Inotiv research dog breeding facility in Cumberland, VA. So why did they close and how might this impact public health moving forward? Joining us today is a member of the Inotiv team who will share the details no one has been able to access until now...on GetReal!

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Weaponized Transparency Oct 15, 2022

Is it possible that thousands of Americans have been programmed to harm themselves and everyone they love without realizing it? Are they fighting passionately for something that’s actually an illusion - an illusion deliberately designed to exploit their natural love of animals - for the personal gain of those directing them? Tom Leach, an attorney and leader in research advocacy and education, joins us today to help me break it down for you on today’s episode of GetReal!

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Replacing Animals in Research Aug 31, 2022

Why we are we still doing research with animals when there are several human relevant, non-animal alternatives available to us right now that can be used to develop new medical treatments? Dr. Megan LaFollette, Program Director of the North American 3Rs Collaborative, breaks it down for us on today’s episode…of GetReal!

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RAW Truth 5: Put Your Money Where Your Mouse Is! Jul 27, 2022

Over 95% of the animals we rely on for medical advances are rodents and most of them live, and are studied, in stressful environments that compromise our ability to learn from them. Investigations by animal welfare scientists reveal that research rodents are typically CRAMPED: Cold, Rotund, Abnormal, Male-biased, Poorly surviving, Enclosed, and Distressed. And it has been suggested that this may partly explain why studies with rodents don’t translate as well as they could to bring us the medical treatments we and our loved ones are hoping for. But can we do better? Our guest today is Dr. Harry Knot, once a researcher and IACUC member himself, who is currently the CEO of TSE Systems. He is completely convinced that we CAN do better and he will share some innovative solutions for how today…on GetReal!

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The Hamster Wheel of Science Jun 29, 2022

Why are biomedical researchers under so much pressure to produce, produce, produce? And does this pressure accelerate or delay meaningful progress for new treatments and cures? Our guest today came to us through the GetReal! website. She is a PhD student of cancer immunology who has a lot to share about her concerns, frustrations...and her hope for the future of medical advances requiring research with animals. Gloves off, animal lovers. It's time to tell it like it is.

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RAW Truth 4: Checklists, Communication and Cures May 25, 2022

Only five percent of the drugs developed and tested with animals actually make it to market. Groups that oppose research with animals continue to tell lawmakers and the general public that this is no surprise because animals are worthless as models for the human condition? They argue that we are just too different from nonhuman animals for anything of medical value to translate to people. And they insist that we can learn all there is to know to treat and cure disease in people by using non-animal technologies that are more “human relevant”. But is this true? Joining us today to start our discussions on this topic is Dr. Adrian Smith, a pioneer in laboratory animal welfare and a valued partner to the biomedical research community…and everyone else who cares deeply about animals and people.

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Of Mice, Pigs, Sea Lions...and Men Apr 27, 2022

Today we’ll discuss climate change, biotoxins, marine life, and how this all came together in the incredible and heart-warming story of Cronutt, the intractably epileptic sea lion. It’s a story of exploration, perseverance and love. And it’s a story of hope - brought to us and everyone we love - by decades of foundational and translational research with animals.

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RAW Truth 3: Sleeping with the Enemy of Science Mar 30, 2022

The vast majority of animals involved in biomedical research studies today are rodents, mainly mice. And the scientific information that comes from most of them is questionable because of a source of variability that is often overlooked by the research community - the bedding in their cages. Joining us today to break down the 'what', 'why' and 'what can be done' to protect rigor and reproducibility at the cage level is Joel Shepherd, an expert in rodent bedding manufacturing who has worked closely with the biomedical research community for over thirty years.

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Dangerous Game Feb 23, 2022

Do you know anyone struggling with Alzheimer's Disease (AD)? Any friends or family? The chances are high that you do. One in nine Americans over 65 suffer with AD currently and case numbers continue to rise each year. This is not surprising, given that the number of Americans over 65 is also rising annually. But did you know that women are almost twice as likely as men to develop this devastating disease? Women also tend to experience more severe symptoms than men. What is behind these sex differences, and how may understanding the complex biological mechanisms that drive them inform differential treatment strategies for men and women suffering with AD?
Dr. Agnes Lacreuse at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has developed a very promising marmoset model to explore these questions and more - but her research is under attack by PETA. And, like PETA's campaign against Dr. Elisabeth Murray (discussed previously in our Roadmap to Mental Health episode), PETA's claims are misleading and dangerous to public health. Joining us today to break down the actual facts is a colleague who is directly familiar with Dr. Lacreuse's marmoset studies and an expert in her own right on research related to brain changes and aging in women. I have chosen to keep her anonymous for her protection.

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RAW Truth 2: Shift Happens Jan 26, 2022

Over 95% of the animals involved in biomedical research are mice. These animals are incredibly important models for human disease because 85% of the genes that drive biological function in people and mice are identical, so genetic contributions to human disease can be strongly inferred by manipulating mouse genes. Large litters and short lifespans (about 2 years) also give us a unique opportunity to study disease and age progression across hundreds of mice in a single study. It's hard to overstate the value of research mice for understanding health and disease in people and other animals, but there are variables lurking within them that can throw study findings into a tailspin if we aren't watching. What are these "reproducibility" snatchers? And how can we manage them to drive the strongest science possible? Todd Little, an expert in mouse models of human disease, will give us the RAW Truth today - on GetReal!

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RAW Truth 1: Stressed Animals - Shaky Science Dec 29, 2021

About half of the studies published from research with animals are questionable because they can't be replicated. The research community has been trying to rein this unacceptable manifestation of sloppy science practices in for over a decade with limited success. A good deal of focus has been placed on strong, unbiased study design and complete, transparent reporting of findings. But no one is talking about the most central feature of all of these studies - the research animals themselves. How do their personal experiences and welfare impact research findings and contribute to this ongoing "reproducibility crisis"? And what factors should we be tracking to improve animal welfare, scientific integrity and hope for the sick and dying? Dr. Jeremy Turner, a researcher with decades of experience studying research animals, joins us today to share his experiences and offer solutions.

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Our Common Vision Nov 24, 2021

1. We will be clear about when, how and why we use animals in research.

2. We will enhance our communications with the media and the public about our research using animals.

3. We will be proactive in providing opportunities for the public to find out about research using animals.

4. We will report on progress annually and share our experiences.

These commitments to transparent, open communication with the public about animal research were launched in the UK by Understanding Animal Research in 2014. There are currently 127 signatories across every sector of research on this agreement. And many countries, including New Zealand, have followed their lead. But not the United States – because the leadership of extreme animal rights groups like PETA and the White Coat Waste Project won’t allow the research community here to speak freely with the public, politicians, lawmakers, or the media. They have bullied the research community into submission and deliberately manipulated and controlled the narrative with the public for decades. We are now so lost in the details of our arguments that we can’t see the truth that joins us – we all love animals and we would all rather they weren’t still necessary for biomedical progress. What do we have to do to leave this ball of confusion behind us so we can move forward, in love and compassion, for animals and people? Our guests today will show us the way.

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Full Transparency or Bust Oct 29, 2021

I am a firm believer in transparency - in all things, but especially biomedical research with animals. Animals didn’t sign up for their involvement in this work and the people who love them are constantly asking for explanations that are answered by special interest groups that oppose research with animals, no matter the cost to us and our loved ones. Most of the information shared by these groups is misleading or entirely fabricated. And while they spread false narratives about the need for animals in research and how they are treated, the research community is mostly silent. It has been this way for decades. But why? And how will we, the general public, ever truly be able to make informed decisions about funding this work for the treatments and cures we need if we never get the full story? How will we ever be directly involved in shaping our own medical future if we can’t have open discussions about what we need and what we don’t when it comes to animals in research? Is there a way out of this impasse between the research and animal rights communities that will free us all to communicate openly about how to move forward with love and compassion for animals and people? Joining us today to explore this on a very personal level is Dr. Jodi Salinsky, a pioneer for openness and transparency about research with animals in New Zealand. Let the discussion begin.

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The DMD Heroes of Texas A&M Sep 29, 2021

Texas A&M University has endured several years of harassment and intimidation by PETA and their followers, including Sir Paul McCartney, based on claims made by PETA about how dogs involved in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) research are treated at this university. And, while many of us support research aimed at improving the lives of children and dogs affected by this devastating and terminal disease, we are also animal lovers who struggle in our hearts with what we've been told by PETA. I think concerns about animal welfare in research are both legitimate and loving; and I think we should know what these animals experience for the benefit of others. Our guest today is a veterinarian who worked directly with the DMD dogs, their caregivers and the research team at Texas A&M University. Today you will hear what few people can or will share about the experiences of these animals, so you can assess your beliefs and values within the full context of reality and truth. Given what we learned in our last episode from Trina and Pam, both mothers of boys with DMD, there's a lot to consider.

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Can Love Be Immoral? Aug 25, 2021

Is it ethical to do biomedical research with animals to improve the health of others? People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and other groups that oppose studies of this kind, are unequivocal in their belief that it is not. These groups continue to have a powerful influence over the feelings and beliefs of millions of people worldwide, including celebrities, lawmakers, educators, and media reporters with their own spheres of influence over public opinion. And their guidance may not serve us all equally. Our guests today are Trina and Pam, both mothers of sons with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) - and both animal lovers. As you will hear, research on DMD with animals is important to them for a variety of reasons. Is it possible to love animals and also support their use in biomedical research? We know what PETA believes, but are unequivocal positions about the ethics of animal research realistic for the rest of us? Please drop me a line after the episode at: getrealpodcast.info. I’d love to know your thoughts.

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Beliefs, Actions, and Consequences Jul 21, 2021

Most of us love animals. So, when someone tells us that animals are being tormented for pointless experiments, by monsters who view them as objects rather than the precious, living beings they are, we get angry! And we take whatever action we can to stop them. But what if none of that is really true? What if research with animals is not pointless. What if research animals are, actually, treated with compassion, respect and gratitude?
What if our love for animals has been exploited to manipulate us to carry out the agenda of a few…at the expense of ourselves and our loved ones?

Joining us today to explore this on a very personal level is Dr. David Jentsch, a prominent brain researcher who suffered years of attacks by a movement that either doesn’t understand the dangerous consequences of its actions…or doesn’t care.

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Addiction: a choice or a trap? Jun 23, 2021

Millions of Americans struggle with substance abuse - at great cost to themselves, their loved ones, and society overall. It's a huge burden that we can't address effectively until we can characterize it fully. Is addiction a choice-based societal problem? Or is it a biologically driven health crisis? And how can research with animals inform therapeutic strategies for what seems to be a purely human phenomenon? Joining us today to discuss this and more is Dr. Edythe London, a pioneer in addiction research and treatment strategies, who continues to risk her own personal safety to reduce the suffering of others.

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Roadmap to Mental Health May 26, 2021

In observance of National Mental Health Awareness Month, we honor Dr. Elisabeth Murray for her foundational brain research with monkeys, and counter PETA's claims about her pioneering work...with the facts. Thank you, Dr. Elisabeth Murray!

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Hope IS Essential Apr 21, 2021

Is research on one disease more essential than another? Or do they all matter? What is the relevance of "basic research" in developing treatments and cures for every disease? Today we will join Liviya and Brian Anderson on a breathtaking family journey across ten years of living with, what one doctor called, Liviya's "sleeping demon". We'll experience a range of emotions together, but none as strongly as...hope.

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Two Truths Mar 24, 2021

Our guest today is Lisa Kelly, a good friend and colleague of mine with a gift for sharing deep truths in powerfully engaging and thought provoking ways. Prepare yourself for some serious introspection as Lisa shares the personal struggles and epiphanies that shaped her intense need to understand the different flavors of compassion fatigue experienced by laboratory animal professionals and other caregivers as they, selflessly, serve others.

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Invisible Heroes Feb 24, 2021

Are you or someone you love struggling with an incurable disease like Parkinson's, or ALS, or Alzheimer's, or cancer? Did you know that when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and businesses were asked to shut down to accommodate social distancing, that research institutions also shut down? They did. So, what do you think happened to those ongoing, essential studies related to your incurable disease? And what do you think happened to the animals who were contributing to those essential studies related to your disease? Today, we'll learn about it directly from the COVID-19 heroes you haven't heard about...on GetReal!

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GetReal! Podcast Trailer Jan 31, 2021

A podcast hosted by Dr. Cindy Buckmaster and the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA) dedicated to open discussion about animal research: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Cindy explores the deep truths, so we can make compassionate choices for people and animals to shape our medical future together.

Support the show

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