For my capstone, I created a 30-minute podcast exploring Philadelphia’s stray cat population, examining the problem’s scope, impact, and potential solutions through expert interviews and research. My project began from personal concern when learning about cat dissections in class. I gathered essential questions about community cats and their management, which guided my research. Through a combination of personal stories, expert interviews, and statistical data, the film aims to shed light on this often-overlooked urban challenge. This podcast aims to raise awareness about Philadelphia’s stray cat population, encourage community engagement, and explore humane solutions to a complex urban issue. Stray and feral cats are ubiquitous throughout Philadelphia, with particularly high concentrations in areas with abandoned buildings, industrial zones, and neighborhoods with limited resources for animal control. These cats typically form colonies around reliable food sources, often provided by community members. According to estimates from local animal welfare organizations, Philadelphia may be home to over 400,000 stray and feral cats, with the population showing seasonal fluctuations related to breeding cycles (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, 2023). The cats’ presence is particularly noticeable along major corridors such as Columbus Boulevard and in the city’s extensive network of alleys, where they find shelter and access to food sources including discarded food waste. Over 80+ hours, I researched academic literature, designed interview protocols, conducted and transcribed interviews, and developed audio editing skills. When my original documentary vision proved impossible, I pivoted to creating a podcast format. This project taught me persistence, adaptability, and independent problem-solving. I learned to build trust with hesitant interviewees and create coherent narratives from disparate sources. Most importantly, I discovered that meaningful learning often happens when plans fail and we must reimagine our path forward. Creating something outside my comfort zone, a podcast I’d typically avoid listening to, became a source of pride and personal growth.

Podcast: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZoNJ_Xhy4Ad91ZxPAeLZF1aCjqm2eXIT/view?usp=sharing

Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yr5ta16QwoAChCm2-XiTHUx7R6ZgF_RvnnlC01nEYrc/edit?usp=sharing