The Long Leash Creators & Guests

James Jacobson is a media entrepreneur and dog lover. Founder of Dog Podcast Network. Host of several pods including 'Dog Cancer Answers' and 'Dog Edition.' Author of 'How to Meditate with Your Dog.'

Ayla Anderson/Sparks holds a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, marking the beginning of her journey into the fascinating realm of wildlife research. Her focus extended to diverse species such as ravens, big horn sheep, and mountain lions, delving into their populations in the vast Nevada wilderness.Driven by a passion for making a global impact, Ayla transitioned to international aid as a Peace Corps Environment and Food Security Educator. Living in a rural village in Malawi, she spearheaded numerous sustainability and dietary diversity programs. Notably, she empowered secondary students through the establishment and management of wildlife clubs, fostering environmental awareness and conservation principles. Additionally, she designed and executed a "Sustainable Opportunities for Leaders of Internal Development" training program, graduating 20 individuals and catalyzing the launch of a community-led mushroom farm initiative.Unfortunately, her time with the Peace Corps was cut short by the global COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the evacuation of all volunteers back to the United States.Undeterred, Ayla channeled her enthusiasm into public education by developing Might Oak Media, a media company dedicated to meaningful content creation. Currently, she works on her podcast "Curator's Choice," a podcast for history enthusiasts and museum lovers. Her involvement in the podcasting realm extends to diverse projects, including an editing position for "Too Young For This Sh*t," a podcast addressing breast cancer in women under 40, and the role of Coordinating Producer for Dog Podcast Network.Her most recent endeavor is the development of "A Guide To Death," a podcast that takes an honest and morbidly curious look at death and its complexities. Beyond her creative and educational pursuits, she finds solace in spending time outdoors with her dog and husband—camping, traveling, and relishing the beauty of nature.

Robert Forto has been a podcaster since 2009. He hosts and produces shows from the wilds of Alaska where he lives in a cabin in the woods with 30 sled dogs.