Welcome to Rappaport to the Rescue

Jill Rappaport on Pet Life Radio

Rappaport to the Rescue is a one-of-a-kind show filled with heart, soul and info…  all about rescue and adoption, and how our fur angels have not only enhanced our lives but changed our lives forever. 

Jill Rappaport is an award-winning animal advocate, network journalist, best selling author, and creator of a very successful pet line of products for shelter dogs and cats. She was also the first to put animal adoption on the broadcast map with her national groundbreaking segment, “Bow to Wow” which ran on NBC’s Today Show for several years and had a 100% adoption record!



Jill Rappaport is also the host and consulting producer of the highly-acclaimed annual show Dog Bowl on Animal Planet, and host of the heart felt pup-close and personal segments of the beloved Puppy Bowl.

Joining her each week will be Broadway renowned animal trainer Bill Berloni, who turns rescue animals into true superstars! The "Jill and Bill "segment will include call -in questions from pet owners who opened up their hearts and homes whether it be by fostering or adoption, especially now during the pandemic.

Jill will also feature nationally renowned experts from veterinarians to behaviorists, plus A-list celebrities and other well-known folks whose lives are so much more fulfilled thanks to their four-legged rescue friends! 

"Rappaport to the Rescue" Theme Song Written & Produced by Mark Winter
© Copyright 2020 Such Fun Music (ASCAP)

Episode 54 - Paw 54: One on One with Turner Classic Movies’ Main Man Ben Mankiewicz

For over 2 decades journalist and host Ben Mankiewicz has given us the inside scoop on all of our favorite films. But movies aside, the TCM host’s favorite form of entertainment is watching and being with his three beloved rescue dogs.

Listen to Episode #54 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 53 - Paw 53: Dishing with Daryl! Join Us for a Fascinating Chat With Broadway Producing Legend, Daryl Roth!

Daryl Roth is a one-woman powerhouse who has the Midas touch when it comes to Broadway productions!  She Is a creative genius who even has a theater named after her!  And now Daryl Roth has another amazing show getting such heartfelt buzz called Left On Tenth, which is all about love, life and second chances.  But along with lighting up the Great White Way, she is also a passionate and devoted animal advocate!

Listen to Episode #53 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 52 - Paw 52: Designer Dalia MacPhee – Creations with a Conscience!

One on one with designer Dalia MacPhee.  Every piece of fabric this woman touches has a meaningful message and an extra protection of love in every layer. Meet Dalia MacPhee, designer, inventor and dog and horse lover, who has always thought out of the box with every stitch she sews.

Listen to Episode #52 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 51 - Paw 51: One on One with Renaissance Media Man Nigel Barker

Internationally renowned photographer, producer, creator and the man behind the hit show America’s Next Top Model, Nigel Barker is truly a force to be reckoned with, especially as an animal advocate!

Listen to Episode #51 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 50 - Paw 50: In-depth with Director Extraordinaire Doug Liman, Who Has a hit New Film Out Called The Instigators

What a thrilling conversation with one of the film world’s most creative and admired directors, producers, and writers, Doug Liman!  Who also happens to be one of the biggest animal lovers you’ll ever meet!

Listen to Episode #50 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 49 - Paw 49: Giving Back to All Animals in the Hamptons

It’s Noah’s Ark on Rappaport to the Rescue, with this very special show featuring Cathy Bissell, who is being honored by South Hampton Animal Shelter, we’ll get wild with the new executive director Kathleen Mulcahy of the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center and giddy up with Valerie Angeli from the Equus Foundation as we talk all about adoption day at the Hampton Classic this year.

Listen to Episode #49 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 48 - Paw 48: Kicking Off Year Five with the One and Only Meredith Vieira!

It’s hard to believe, and I feel so blessed that I am kicking off my fifth year with Rappaport to the Rescue on Pet Life Radio. My first guest who joins us every year at this time is the TV legend Meredith Vieira.  And as always, animal trainer extraordinaire Bill Berloni will be part of this very special anniversary show.

Listen to Episode #48 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 47 - Paw 47: One on One with the CEO of the ASPCA on National Rescue Dog Day - Yay!

On this very special holiday National Rescue Dog Day, President and CEO of the ASPCA Matt Bershadker talks about all the challenges facing shelter animals today and what we can do about it to truly make a difference!

Listen to Episode #47 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 46 - Paw 46: Up close and Paw-sonal with CBS’s Natalie Morales!

Today I am thrilled to be talking with The Talk’s Natalie Morales!  I’ve known Natalie for years, having had the pleasure of working with her at NBC.  We instantly clicked over our mutual obsession and love for animals!

Listen to Episode #46 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 45 - Paw 45: Hitting the High Notes with Country Star Alex Hall

May 1st kicks off the heartfelt national campaign, Seen Through Horses!  And I am honored to have as my guest country star Alex Hall - who gives us a one on one concert, singing his new hit, Women and Horses!

Listen to Episode #45 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 44 - Paw 44: One on One with the Man Truly Known as an Actor’s Actor – Bourke Floyd

For over 2 decades actor extraordinaire Bourke Floyd has done it all seamlessly from the stage to the small screen to the big screen. But the role that resonates with his heart the most is that of animal advocate. Especially when it comes to his first love, horses.

Listen to Episode #44 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 43 - Paw 43: Kicking Off a Brand New Season of Rappaport to the Rescue with The Queen of Candy and Angel For Animals Dylan Lauren!

With Easter just around the corner. It’s a perfect time to catch up with my pal Dylan Lauren who has created the most incredible candy empire on the planet!  And she’s also a leading voice for animals in need- with rabbit rescue now taking center stage!

Listen to Episode #43 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 42 - Paw 42: This Just In: I Have a New Pet Rescue TV Show!

On this edition of Rappaport to the Rescue hear all about Rappaport to the Rescue, the TV edition, airing primetime on ABC Localish tomorrow night 8:30 PM all across the ABC owned and operated stations! And my special guest is Stranger Things star Gabby Pizzolo!

Listen to Episode #42 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 41 - Paw 41: Kicking Off our Fourth Anniversary Show with Meredith Vieira

As we begin our 4th year of Rappaport to the Rescue, who better to join us than our very first guest, the legendary Meredith Vieira.

Listen to Episode #41 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 40 - Paw 40: In-Depth with the President and CEO of the ASPCA, Matt Bershadker

What all pet parents need to know on the overload in our shelter system, and the shortage of veterinarians in this country. The ASPCA’s president and CEO breaks it all down for us.

Listen to Episode #40 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 39 - Paw 39: Up Close with Netflix Star, 17-Year-Old Sensation Sophie Grace

On this edition of Rappaport to the Rescue, Emmy winner and teen sensation Sophie Grace from "The Baby-Sitters Club” talks about the emotional benefits of horses, and the incredible love she gets from her rescue dog!

Plus, one of the leading animal oncologists in the world, Dr. Joyce Obradovich shares the latest and exciting breakthroughs to extend our angels lives!

Listen to Episode #39 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 38 - Paw 38: One on One with Actor, And Animal Advocate Extraordinaire- Katherine Heigl!

For years, Emmy award winning star Katherine Heigl has made it her mission to take care of animals in need!  She now has a new business and website completely devoted to benefiting shelter pets!

Listen to Episode #38 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 37 - Paw 37: Kicking Off the New Year with Major Horsepower!

One on one with the great horse whisperer Buck Brannaman!  And he is joined with the founder of Return and Freedom’s wild mustang mama herself- Neda DeMayo!

Listen to Episode #37 Now:

Show Notes

Episode 36 - Paw 36: Rappaport to the Rescue Takes Over Lincoln Center in NYC for Adoption

This just in…. the most groundbreaking unprecedented adoption event to be held at one of New York’s beloved landmarks and institutions.  The Big Apple Circus is going to the dogs… the rescue dogs with an adoption extravaganza like no other.  Meet the man who made this dream come true for me… the new CEO, Marty LaSalle.


Show Notes

Episode 35 - Paw 35: Star Equestrian Karl Cook Is Riding High For Rescue!

Karl Cook is the talk of the equestrian world!  This 30 yr-old just won The Grand Prix at one the most coveted horse shows -The Hampton Classic!  But Cook, who was once married to actress Kaley Cuoco, Is showing His star power out of the show ring for what he is doing to raise awareness for rescue!


Show Notes

Episode 34 - Paw 34: The Last Movie Stars- Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward!

They were Hollywood royalty and now their epic and heartfelt love story Is beautifully told in the new HBO Max series, The Last Movie Stars.  And I am so thrilled to have their daughter Clea Newman and Producer and originator Emily Wachtel as my special guests!   I met these wonderful ladies almost 20 years ago in conjunction with my bestselling book, People We Know Horses They Love!  Another great relationship formed over the common bond of loving animals!


Show Notes

Episode 33 - Paw 33: It’s Our Second Anniversary And Celebrating In Sizzling Style Again With The One And Only Meredith Vieira!

It’s hard to believe that it’s been two years but on this day twenty-four months ago we started Rappaport to the Rescue!  And our first guest then was one of the most beloved broadcasters of all time… Meredith Vieira!   Well she’s back with us again to kick off another super year, to help save animals in need!


Show Notes

Episode 32 - Paw 32: 'Stranger Things' In Store On Rappaport To The Rescue

Teen phenom Gabriella Pizzolo is hitting all the right notes in her mega hit show, Stranger Things returning to Netflix this Friday night.  We go in depth with this multi-talented star, as I'm also joined by star trainer, Bill Berloni.


Show Notes

Episode 31 - Paw 31: Honoring A Legend And A True Protector Of All Animals - The One And Only Betty White

In honor of Betty White’s 100th birthday January 17rh. I am devoting the whole show to this icon who left such an indelible mark on my life.  And we are celebrating her glorious legacy in the most important way!   Thanks to the wonderful ARF - Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, senior animals will be given a one of a kind, never before done opportunity to get a forever home!!


Show Notes

Episode 30 - Paw 30: The Incomparable Sheryl Lee Ralph Who Still Has A Rocking Career And Makes Rescue A Priority

One on one with the Dreamgirls legend and current star of ABC's Abbott Elementary, Sheryl Lee RalphThis multi-faceted star still makes rescue and adoption her number one priority.  We are also joined by David Ceely from Little Shelter who found Ralph her forever fur angels.


Show Notes

Episode 29 - Paw 29: New York’s Most Beloved News Anchor, Rosanna Scotto Joins Me For Some Very Exciting News!

Good day New York’s Rosanna Scotto and David Ceeley from Little Shelter join me in making a dream come true for a 16+ year-old dog!!!


Show Notes

Episode 28 - PAW 28: Rescue Dogs Steal The Show In ‘And Just Like That’ and ‘Annie Live’ On NBC

Get the inside scoop of the new Sex And The City series, And Just Like That on HBO Max, and the new Annie Live on which just aired on NBC, with our trainer extraordinaire Bill Berloni whose rescue animals took center stage.


Show Notes

Episode 27 - PAW 27: One On One With The Legendary Linda Lavin To Kick Off Adopt A Shelter Dog Month

Stage, screen and film star, Linda Lavin has a dream life thanks to her wonderful husband Steve Bakunas and her other soul-mates- her rescue pooches.   We are also joined with my amazing Pawtner, trainer to the stars, the one and only Bill Berloni who introduced Linda to her 4-legged fur angels.


Show Notes

Episode 26 - Paw 26: Celebrating Our One-Year Anniversary of Rappaport To The Rescue with Meredith Vieira!

It’s hard to believe a year ago today it all began!  And to kick off the milestone, our very first guest, Meredith Vieira is back with her super senior Jasper! Plus, animal trainer extraordinaire Bill Berloni joins the pack for a heartfelt, fabulous show!


Show Notes

Episode 25 - Paw:25: Center Stage with Singer, Songwriter & Pianist Alexa Ray Joel

Recording artist extraordinaire Alexa Ray Joel is hitting all the right notes on stage and off.  A very candid conversation about her career, her devoted fiancé, Ryan Gleason, and her 4-legged love of her life- her beloved rescue cat, Stella.


Show Notes

Episode 24 - Paw 24: Are the Covid Adopted Animals Really Being Returned In Droves?!

The President and CEO of the ASPCA Matt Bershadker, sets the record straight!!


Show Notes

Episode 23 - Paw 23: 14-Year-Old Phenom Fighting To Save Shelter Dogs One Bowtie At A Time

Sir Darius Brown has made it his life's mission to shine a light on shelter dogs in the most fashionable and heartfelt way.  And on this special Mother's Day edition, Sir Darius will be joined by his wonderful mom Joy, who has truly been his inspiration to achieve his lifelong dream. 


Show Notes

Episode 22 - Paw:22: Part 2 With 22-Year-Old Sailor Brinkley Cook And The Training Of Her Pup Lionel!

It’s time to check back with model and daughter of Christie Brinkley, Sailor Brinkley Cook!  Our Bill Berloni took her beloved pup Lionel for a three-week training session and now the results are in!


Show Notes

Episode 21- Paw 21: One On One With Model Pet Parent Sailor Brinkley Cook

Sailor Brinkley Cook has a new puppy and thanks to our trainer extraordinaire Bill Berloni, that pooch is getting the perfect one of a kind training opportunity from the master himself!


Show Notes

Episode 20 - PAW 20: Georgina Bloomberg Taking The Lead In The Race To Save Horses!

Georgina Bloomberg is not only one of the equestrian worlds brightest stars- She is also a world-class philanthropist to all animals in need, especially horses!  Hear all about her mission to make a difference along with The Equus Foundation’s Valerie Angeli.


Show Notes

Episode 19 - Paw 19: A Candid Conversation With The Multi Talented Tina Fey!

Feeling blessed and grateful for her two daughters, her loving and equally funny husband, her poodle pooches and her soaring career- which includes co-hosting the Golden Globes again this year on February 28th!


Show Notes

Episode 18 - Paw18: One On One With NBC Meteorologist and Today Show Co-host Dylan Dreyer

Who better to take center stage during a snowstorm then Dylan Dreyer who considers her most important role -off screen, as a parent to three children,  her two boys and her senior pup Bosco!


Show Notes

Episode 17 - Paw 17: THIS JUST IN! Amazon Cancels The Pack Amid Allegations Of Animal Abuse!

You must tune in for a in-depth look at this breaking animal welfare story, including interviews with noted animal behaviorist and welfare expert, plus interview and statement with key contestant from the show!


Show Notes

Episode 16 - Paw 16: One On One With The Powerhouse Mom And Senior Pooch On Amazon’s The Pack

Lucy Riles was the only mom with the only senior rescue dog on this new rigorous show but the author and beloved media mom is proving age is just a number!


Show Notes

Episode 15 - Paw 15  This Just In... Get The “Scoop” on The First Shelter Dog Going to the White House

You must tune in to my EXCLUSIVE interview with Courtney Anderson, from the Delaware Humane Association (DHA), who literally saved the life of Major Biden. Major is about to make history as  the first shelter dog who will live in the White House.


Show Notes

Episode 14 - Paw 14: My Big Italian Adventure with Lorraine Bracco

One on one with the Goodfellas and Sopranos star Lorraine Bracco, as she tells me all about her wild and adventurous new renovation show on HGTV, and opens up about the recent loss of her beloved fur angel, Elsie.


Show Notes

Episode 13 - Paw 13: Celebrating October ADOPT a SHELTER DOG month with the ASPCA’S Matt Bershadker!

October is my favorite month of the year because it is the time to raise awareness for shelter dogs in need!  And who better to discuss all things animals welfare, adoption and key initiatives then the President and CEO of the ASPCA Matt Bershadker!


Show Notes

Episode 12 - Paw 12: Unconditional Love from Christie Brinkley!

Up close with Christie! A Model mom to four, which includes her rescue pooch Chester!  And the power of a smile especially during the pandemic.


Show Notes

Episode 11 - Paw 11: Up Close and Pet-personal With Isabella Rossellini

At home on the range with this iconic actor, author, model, spokesperson, and philanthropist, Isabella Rossellini, whose true passion is being an animal welfare expert!


Show Notes

Episode 10 - Paw 10: Center stage with Broadway Superstar And Animal Advocate Sutton Foster!

Tony award winner and ‘Younger’ star Sutton Foster candid about her career in high gear and gushes about motherhood to her beloved daughter and two rescue pooches!


Show Notes

Episode 9 - Paw 9: Saved by a ‘Bell’ - Kristen Bell’s Mission To Help The Underdogs!

Who doesn’t love Kristen Bell?  This exuberant super star has proven she can do it all- but her greatest role is that of a mom! Not only to her two daughters, but to all the rescues she has saved just in the nick of time!


Show Notes

Episode 8 - Paw 8: Al Roker On Cloud 9!

America’s favorite weatherman, host and best-selling author Al Roker, loving life on the sunny side… thanks to his wonderful family, stellar career and his loyal rescue pooch Pepper!


Show Notes

Episode 7 - Paw 7: SNL’s Ana Gasteyer SO Grateful For Her Rescue Dog And Cat During The Pandemic !

Funny lady, singer, actress and Saturday Night Live alum Ana Gasteyer talks all about life during the pandemic and how her adopted pooch and clever cat have given her extra comfort, love and laughs when we all need it most!


Show Notes

Episode 6 - PAW 6: Dylan Lauren Saving Countless Pets in the Sweetest Way

Dylan Lauren has built a true candy empire called Dylan’s Candy Bar!  But the daughter of the most famous designer in the world Ralph Lauren, knows firsthand that success is only sweetened when you can give back- and that’s why this entrepreneur has devoted her life to helping those on four legs find a forever home.


Show Notes

Episode 5 - Paw 5: All The News You Can Use- From New York’s Beloved Anchor And Animal Advocate Chuck Scarborough

On this week's show my featured guest is the longest serving TV anchor in New York history - Chuck Scarborough who just embarked upon his 46th year in the news chair!  Chuck will also be joined by his beautiful wife Ellen, and together this dynamic duo have done so much for animals in need thanks to their countless hours of devotion for their protection!

And back again with me each and every week the one and only Broadway /TV animal trainer extraordinaire Bill Berloni.  It’s another Jill-Bill thrill!  As always tune in for lots of love, laughs and Paw-tographs!


Show Notes

Episode 4 - Paw 4: EmmyLou Harris Hits All The Right Notes For Rescue!

Singer/Songwriter Music legend Emmylou Harris talks all about her deep love for animals in need even turning her own backyard in Nashville Tennessee into a small shelter called Bonaparte's Retreat!  And wait till you hear the end of the interview when Harris belts out a ballad all about her beautiful black dog!


Show Notes

Episode 3 - Paw 3:  Life is a Cabaret for Joel Grey!

This week on Rappaport to the Rescue I go one on one with the legendary performer- Oscar winner, Tony winner, Golden Globe winner, Joel Grey! But the one thing this star performer doesn’t have but hoping very soon to get-  a rescue dog!

Joel chats with me along with Broadway trainer extraordinary Bill Berloni, about his dream to find the perfect pint size pooch and Bill is on the rescue hunt as we speak!

Joel also talks very candidly about how frightening this pandemic has been for him personally and how totally alone he has felt during these very uncertain times.  But then he never forgets to count all his blessings which immediately puts a smile on his face and an extra pep in his step!


Show Notes

Episode 2 - Paw 2: The World According To Isaac

In depth with beloved designer, dog lover and entertainer extraordinaire Isaac Mizrahi!

Hear about his rise to the runway as one of America’s most colorful and creative designers and a QVC superstar, whose true passion are his rescue pooches!  And on the heels of the Fourth of July in my regular Jill/Bill segment, Broadway trainer Bill Berloni talks important safety tips for our beloved pets on this holiday weekend.


Show Notes

Episode 1 - Paw 1: Meredith Vieira Unleashed

After waiting with bated breath and a wagging tail I am thrilled to kick off my first show with the legendary journalist and beloved TV personality, the one and only Meredith Vieira!  She opens up about everything from the current state of our world to her deep commitment and passion for pets.  And she shares an exclusive heart wrenching story about her own beloved dog, Jasper.

And joining me each week will be the renown Broadway/TV animal trainer Bill Berloni, who’s superstars are all rescues!  Please tune in for lots of love, laughs and Paw-tographs!


Show Notes