Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Arthur Von Wiesenberger of BottledWaterWeb Is Helping To Change Our World
I’d start the “Second Chances” movement — where every person and every animal gets another shot at life, love, and purpose. Whether it’s a rescue dog finding a forever home or a retired person discovering their passion for fostering kittens, we all thrive when we’re seen for who we can be, not just who we were.
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Arthur Von Wiesenberger .
Arthur von Wiesenberger is an award-winning television producer, water connoisseur, and animal advocate best known as the creator and host of AnimalZone, a nationally syndicated series spotlighting animal rescue stories and sanctuaries around the world. As founder of BottledWaterWeb.com and Watermaster of the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting, he has long been a recognized authority on premium bottled waters and global hydration trends. With a background in journalism and a passion for storytelling, Arthur blends compassion, curiosity, and wit in everything from documentary filmmaking to spring water songcraft.
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
It all started with a cat, a camera, and an unshakable curiosity. I’ve always been fascinated by the bond between humans and animals, and after years of sipping, swirling, and judging the world’s finest bottled waters, I decided to quench a different kind of thirst — the one for stories that uplift, inspire, and connect us to the animal world. AnimalZonebecame my way of giving a voice to the voiceless and a spotlight to the unsung heroes who rescue, rehabilitate, and radiate love.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? What lesson did you learn?
Mistakes, nature’s way of keeping us humble… and occasionally humiliated. On one of my earliest shoots, I was filming with a particularly spirited horse in his stable. As I bent over to check something, I felt an odd tugging sensation — only to discover the horse had begun munching on my blond hair, clearly mistaking it for a strand of hay. Lesson learned: when working with animals, always protect your head — preferably with a hat and a healthy sense of humor.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
Be endlessly curious and unafraid to look silly while learning. Say yes to projects that stretch your comfort zone — and if animals are involved, bring snacks. Also, invest in good shoes. You’ll be doing more walking (and dodging) than you think.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
My father taught me the value of refinement, resilience, and the art of savoring life. He had a great sense of style and an even greater sense of humor. He often told me, “Stay positive, son — even in the face of uncertainty. The best is yet to be.” It wasn’t blind optimism, but a quiet faith in life’s unfolding — that beyond each trial lies a deeper wisdom, and perhaps, something unexpectedly beautiful.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
Through AnimalZone, we shine a light on animal rescues, sanctuaries, and the extraordinary people behind them. Whether it’s giving air time to a senior dog adoption program in Hawaii or featuring wildlife conservationists in Japan, my goal is to connect viewers to causes they can support with their time, hearts, or donations. We’re also building bridges between rescues and audiences who may not know how much they need each other — yet.
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
At a local adoption event, my fiance, Wendy, and I met a pit bull. We had no idea that we were going to adopt a dog at the time. He had serious physical injuries and his body bore the marks of hardship — his gait was uneven, but his spirit? Unshaken. He looked at us with quiet certainty, as if he already knew: We belong to each other.
We named him Mikey, and for nearly a decade, he walked beside us — not just as a dog, but as a teacher. He taught us that love doesn’t ask for perfection. That resilience can be soft. And that sometimes, the most broken souls carry the brightest light.
Mikey’s story opened my eyes to the countless others like his — unseen, unchosen, but never unworthy. And I realized I had the gift — and the responsibility — to help share their stories with the world.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is seeing not only people impacted, but also the animals whose lives are transformed. A memorable moment came when Kerri Burns, CEO of Santa Barbara Humane, shared a milestone with us. She said, “We finally hit our 1,000th adoption and I think some of that is attributed to you and AnimalZone and people watching because they get to see more about the animals and learn more about the animals.” Knowing that our show played even a small part in helping shelter animals find their forever homes is incredibly fulfilling — and a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.
Are there three things individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
1. Adopt, don’t shop — and consider the quirky, the senior, and the slightly slobbery.
2. Support local rescues with your time, donations, or social shares.
3. Enforce the laws we already have to protect animals from cruelty and neglect — and make sure shelters get the funding and support they need to keep doing their life-saving work. And while you’re at it, maybe require more heartwarming animal shows on TV. Just planting the seed.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”?
1. Your hair will never look quite right on camera. Embrace it and maybe wear a hat.
2. Animals never hit their mark — but they’ll always steal the scene.
3. Viewers remember stories, not stats — lead with heart.
4. The best interviews happen when you listen more than you speak.
5. You don’t just produce a show — you build a community.
Cherish the connections, on both ends of the leash.
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
I’d start the “Second Chances” movement — where every person and every animal gets another shot at life, love, and purpose. Whether it’s a rescue dog finding a forever home or a retired person discovering their passion for fostering kittens, we all thrive when we’re seen for who we can be, not just who we were.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” — Ian Maclaren (often misattributed to Plato, but let’s not start a philosophical turf war).
In both animal rescue and water diplomacy, kindness opens doors — and sometimes kennel gates. It’s what turns stories into legacies.
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why?
Sir David Attenborough. I’d be honored to sip spring water with him while discussing dung beetles and how to narrate a lemur rescue with gravitas. And if he’s busy, I’ll happily settle for Ricky Gervais over vegan pancakes — because who doesn’t want a breakfast with brains and belly laughs?
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Arthur Von Wiesenberger of BottledWaterWeb Is Helping To… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.