Sep 14, 2026 · 27 min · 10 segments
Internationally recognized fine art photographer Robert Sturman has spent more than two decades documenting dignity, resilience and healing. His work has taken him into prisons, military communities…
Robert SturmanGuestCheryl MossHost
I photograph healing, the healing of humanity and people that have experienced tremendous trauma, like people that are incarcerated or in the military that have been to war and just regular people.
Just humanity needs to heal and that's been my subject matter and it's, it's been, it's been beautiful.
But at the same time, I feel like it's, it's different than when I... with animals because animals have absolutely zero say in what happens.
And I think that, like I said about slavery, that would be the most similar thing.
[whooshing sound] Welcome to the Better Life for Animals podcast, where we amplify the voices of animal advocates, sanctuaries and change-makers working toward a kinder, more compassionate world.
Through powerful stories and expert insights, we shine a light on the efforts to rescue, protect and advocate for animals.
Be sure to subscribe wherever you're watching or listening.
Enjoy the conversation.
Today's guest is Robert Sturman, a fine art photographer and speaker whose work is rooted in dignity, presence, and the transformative power of truly being seen.
For over two decades, Robert has documented humanity in spaces of healing, from prisons and military communities to global cultures and moments of profound human resilience.
His work has been recognized by the Grammys, the New York Times, the US Olympics, and TEDx.
But in recent years, Robert's lens has turned toward a powerful and deeply personal story, one that bridges human and animal experience.
Through his life with Otis, a rescued coonhound who survived laboratory testing, Robert has stepped into the world of animal advocacy.
Otis now serves as a living symbol of resilience and a voice for the countless animals all still hidden behind closed doors.
Through photography, storytelling, and presence, Robert invites us to reconsider how we see and how we choose to care.
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I photograph healing, the healing of humanity and people that have experienced tremendous trauma, like people that are incarcerated or in the military that have been to war and just regular people.
Just humanity needs to heal and that's been my subject matter and it's, it's been, it's been beautiful.
But at the same time, I feel like it's, it's different than when I... with animals because animals have absolutely zero say in what happens.
And I think that, like I said about slavery, that would be the most similar thing.
[whooshing sound] Welcome to the Better Life for Animals podcast, where we amplify the voices of animal advocates, sanctuaries and change-makers working toward a kinder, more compassionate world.
Through powerful stories and expert insights, we shine a light on the efforts to rescue, protect and advocate for animals.
Be sure to subscribe wherever you're watching or listening.
Enjoy the conversation.
Today's guest is Robert Sturman, a fine art photographer and speaker whose work is rooted in dignity, presence, and the transformative power of truly being seen.
For over two decades, Robert has documented humanity in spaces of healing, from prisons and military communities to global cultures and moments of profound human resilience.
His work has been recognized by the Grammys, the New York Times, the US Olympics, and TEDx.
But in recent years, Robert's lens has turned toward a powerful and deeply personal story, one that bridges human and animal experience.
Through his life with Otis, a rescued coonhound who survived laboratory testing, Robert has stepped into the world of animal advocacy.
Otis now serves as a living symbol of resilience and a voice for the countless animals all still hidden behind closed doors.
Through photography, storytelling, and presence, Robert invites us to reconsider how we see and how we choose to care.