Resilience in the Mud: A Conversation with Wendy Smith of Odd Man Inn

2025-11-02

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, Jolene sits down with Wendy Smith, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Odd Man Inn Animal Refuge in Jamestown, Tennessee — a 93-acre sanctuary home to nearly 200 rescued animals, including more than 175 pigs. Wendy opens up about the incredible journey of taking on a property filled with animals in need and the years of hard work that followed — from caring for the pigs, to rehabilitating the land, to slowly upgrading the facilities that keep everyone safe. She shares her honest ref...

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, Jolene sits down with Wendy Smith, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Odd Man Inn Animal Refuge in Jamestown, Tennessee — a 93-acre sanctuary home to nearly 200 rescued animals, including more than 175 pigs.

Wendy opens up about the incredible journey of taking on a property filled with animals in need and the years of hard work that followed — from caring for the pigs, to rehabilitating the land, to slowly upgrading the facilities that keep everyone safe. She shares her honest reflections on what it truly takes to sustain this work, the gratitude that keeps her grounded, and the importance of knowing your capacity, setting boundaries, and holding onto moments of joy.

Her story is one of courage, humility, and deep compassion — a reminder that resilience often looks like continuing to show up, even when the mud gets deep.

🎧 Listen in for a candid and inspiring conversation about leadership, self-awareness, and building a life rooted in purpose and care.

#TailsOfResilience #OddManInn #AnimalRescue #SanctuaryLife #PigSanctuary #ResilientLeadership #CompassionInAction #AnimalAdvocacy #FarmSanctuary

⚠️ Trigger Warning:
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide and mental health challenges related to trauma and high-stress caregiving roles, as well as references to animal suffering and death. Listener discretion is advised.

🔗 Featured Rescue:

Odd Man Inn

Website: https://www.oddmaninn.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oddmaninn/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/oddmaninn/

🌟 Links + Resources: