The Animal That Changed You

Latest Episodes:

What Animals Teach Us About Empathy and Being with Catherine Raven Mar 09, 2022

Show notes

Catherine Raven is the author of a beautiful book titled “Fox and I: An Uncommon Friendship”. She has a PhD in biology, holds degrees in zoology and botany, and is a former national park ranger. What I'm saying is she is super smart! Just listen to her talk about anthropomorphism, the six kingdoms of life, and where humans and animals fit together to know it's true.

Today, Catherine joins the show to talk about what wild animals can teach us about empathy, being, and humanity. To hear her explain reciprocity in our relationships with animals will fill your heart with inspiration. Her uncommon friendship with Fox taught her so much about how to pay close attention to the ideas of right and wrong; how to be tolerant of the space you share with nature; why getting to know another being without distractions is important; and why love isn't unconditional in her eyes, and that is actually a good thing.
Catherine is a writer. Y'all know there's nothing in this world I revere like a writer, especially an animal-loving one. So last but not least, her writerly wisdom fills this episode and she even tells us a little bit about her newest work of fiction coming out soon.

Join The Animal That Changed You community on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook -- we're waiting to welcome you! Feel free to check out the website while you're at it.
Please leave a rating or review of the show. Your support matters so much!
Feel free to call ‪(415) 787-3159 to leave a short story about the animal who changed you - we might play yours on our next episode!
Woof, meow, oink, moo, cheep (of course you know that means thanks for listening.)

Produced by Adode Media; a full-service podcast production agency.

How to Instill a Love for Animals in Kids with My Favorite Guests, My Kids! Mar 02, 2022

Show notes

This episode is for anybody juggling the duties of being a parent to human children and fur children at the same time, for my double moms and double dads out there! If you're soon-to be a double parent or even a pet mom or dad who has nieces, nephews, or other kids in your life, then this is for you too. Because today's episode is all about instilling and cultivating respect for animals in children.
I explain why I think developing a love for animals in our kids is one of the most important gifts we can give them and I provide some tips and pointers to help you on that journey, such as how to be flexible when you bring an animal into your home, how to stay committed and stick it out through the challenging times, and how to create a safe home environment for both pets and kids along the way. In the end, raising young ones who are aware, compassionate, and grateful will help them grow into the very people this world needs.
Then last but not least, you’ll hear from my favorite guests ever - my kids! The girls hop on to share about the animals who have changed them and also tell you about some of the animals they wish to have in our home. Yes, it's sort of controlled chaos, and yes, love can be hard sometimes. But it's always worth it, and so are you.

Produced by Adode Media; a full-service podcast production agency.

How Downtown Dog Rescue Provides Care for People and Their Pets with Lori Weise Feb 23, 2022

Show notes

Downtown Dog Rescue started over 20 years ago by Lori Weise, an animal lover, an advocate for justice, and a woman who wanted to provide a solution to the suffering she saw all around her. People starving, people who were homeless, people trying to do do right by their pets yet lacking in resources and support. Lori didn't set out to fix the whole world at once; she just decided to do something where she could, how she could, one step at a time.

From hearing her share her story of the animal who changed her to the insightful look into her work keeping families together, this conversation with Lori highlights the importance of staying patient and waiting out the long game when it comes to helping people and their pets. By providing care for communities that need it most and by offering shelter intervention support, Downtown Dog Rescue is a movement, a paradigm shift, with no room for blame or judgment. This inspiring work is the gentle nudge we all need to take control of our own stories, which are crucial to our wellness, and to allow others to have their own stories too. Sit with me and Lori as she discusses the sad, tough, scary situations her work forces her to face, how she must accept what is, and what the future of Downtown Dog Rescue holds. As a role model, as a friend, I'm honored she's here with me, for you.
Join The Animal That Changed You community on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook -- we're waiting to welcome you! Feel free to check out the website while you're at it.
Please leave a rating or review of the show. Your support matters so much!
Feel free to call ‪(415) 787-3159 to leave a short story about the animal who changed you - we might play yours on our next episode!
Woof, meow, oink, moo, cheep (of course you know that means thanks for listening.)

Produced by Adode Media; a full-service podcast production agency.

An Inside Look Into the World of Rescuing Foxes with Nicole Navarro Feb 16, 2022

Show notes

Nicole Navarro is here with us today to talk about rescuing foxes! How cool is that! As the president and founder of Pawsitive Beginnings, a nonprofit organization that saves foxes from fur farms, she shares her story about the animals that changed her and what being around foxes is truly like.

From how she secured funding to get her organization started to what respecting and bonding with foxes looks like, Nicole is honest and compassionate, realistic and dedicated to her advocacy for these curious beings. Together we discuss what a kinder world for animals really means and why fighting for that vision is a duty we feel proud of. If you’ve ever wondered about foxes or wanted to smooch one as much as I do, this episode is for you. Tune in and listen to Nicole’s incredible journey and her amazing mission.
Join The Animal That Changed You community on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook -- we're waiting to welcome you! Feel free to check out the website while you're at it.
Please leave a rating or review of the show. Your support matters so much!
Feel free to call ‪(415) 787-3159 to leave a short story about the animal who changed you - we might play yours on our next episode!
Woof, meow, oink, moo, cheep (of course you know that means thanks for listening.)

Produced by Adode Media; a full-service podcast production agency.

An Honest Conversation About the Rescue System, Adoption, and Breeding with Sophie Gamand Feb 09, 2022

Show notes

I’m so honored to have none other than Sophie Gamand on the show. Sophie is an animal advocate, artist, and award-winning photographer. You might know her from her stunning, powerful Pit Bull Flower Power series or her Wet Dog series. She does her work pro bono for non-profits, rescues, and shelters to communicate the idea of dogs having agency and she does it through photography.

Sophie shares her experience about awakening to the world of rescue in Puerto Rico, her commitment to helping shelters and rescues, and how vital it is to use art for good. We discuss our shared deep connection to animals, how her journey got started, the stigma around adoption, and why certain breeds have come to reflect a person’s status. This is a very open, honest, and raw conversation about dog breeding and more. In the end, it's Sophie’s work that she hopes can help change the negative narrative Pitbulls unfairly carry and it's animals in her life who encourage her to keep going. They do that for me too, and for you - and so, this episode is friendship.
Join The Animal That Changed You community on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook -- we're waiting to welcome you! Feel free to check out the website while you're at it.
Please leave a rating or review of the show. Your support matters so much!
Feel free to call ‪(415) 787-3159 to leave a short story about the animal who changed you - we might play yours on our next episode!
Woof, meow, oink, moo, cheep (of course you know that means thanks for listening.)

Produced by Adode Media; a full-service podcast production agency.

Goodbye To A Great Love, My Sweet Ophelia - with my husband Eric Feb 02, 2022

Show notes

This episode of The Animal That Changed You is not only closest to my heart, but it was the hardest to record. My husband Eric sat down to interview me about my sweet Ophelia. There comes a time when every pet parent has to say goodbye. And today, Eric and I take a walk down memory lane as we honor Ophelia.

From how she came into my life, to the lessons she taught me over our 17 years together, to how she changed me, to how this whole podcast started because of her, this is an episode that I know every pet mom and pet dad can relate to. I hope that you tune in and help me pay homage to a Great Love, hear how Ophelia impacted my life most, the things I’ll miss about her, and maybe even find some comfort if you’re going through something similar or painful. I will miss her forever, but Ophelia will live on right here, and for that gift I cherish each and every one of you listening.
*Trigger warning: This episode discusses eating disorders and mental health issues.
Join The Animal That Changed You community on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook -- we're waiting to welcome you! Feel free to check out the website while you're at it.
Please leave a rating or review of the show. Your support matters so much!
Feel free to call ‪(415) 787-3159 to leave a short story about the animal who changed you - we might play yours on our next episode!
Woof, meow, oink, moo, cheep (of course you know that means thanks for listening.)

Produced by Adode Media; a full-service podcast production agency.

How Our Pets Can Teach Us to Be More Present with Non Wels Jan 26, 2022

Show notes

We’re joined by Non Wels - a supreme empath, feely human, and all-around special soul. Non and I have an honest and important conversation about the importance of setting boundaries as empaths, how the love and special bond with our pets grounds us, and the unique ways that animals can help us in our journeys.

You’ll hear Non talk about his very special dog, Scooby, how he changed his life by helping him relinquish the facade he thought he had to hold onto, teaching him to be more present, and the many other ways he played a crucial role in Non’s mental health journey. Non also shares why empathy, vulnerability, and emotional curiosity are important elements in his recovery, why the temporary nature of life gives it meaning, and why empathy without boundaries is "self-immolation in disguise." This is a conversation that’s straight from the heart. Tune in to listen to the incredible animals in Non’s life and how the unique love and bond that animals offer us can help us when we need it most.

*Trigger warning: This episode discusses eating disorders and mental health issues.
Join The Animal That Changed You community on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook -- we're waiting to welcome you! Feel free to check out the website while you're at it.
Please leave a rating or review of the show. Your support matters so much!
Feel free to call ‪(415) 787-3159 to leave a short story about the animal who changed you - we might play yours on our next episode!
Woof, meow, oink, moo, cheep (of course you know that means thanks for listening.)

Produced by Adode Media; a full-service podcast production agency.

Sappy, Funny, and Just Plain Nuts Stories of Our Fosters Jan 19, 2022

Show notes

We’re doing things a little differently in this episode. Instead of hearing from one of our amazing guests, you’re going to hear from yours truly. Specifically, you’re in for a treat as I share some zany stories from our greatest hits fosters.

From stories of our first foster who flew all the way from Taiwan, two tiny ragamuffin terriers, Shiloh - the beagle who confirmed my deepest fears, and so many more, this episode is a heartwarming walk through memory lane all about the fosters that changed me. I share stories about John Goodman - our 55lb foster beagle and how he healed my spirit, Dorothy and the giant hole she dug through our wall, and our favorite memories with our greatest fosters. Tune in to listen to how these fosters impacted my life with their presence, even if it were only for a short while.
Join The Animal That Changed You community on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook -- we're waiting to welcome you! Feel free to check out the website while you're at it.
Please leave a rating or review of the show. Your support matters so much!
Feel free to call ‪(415) 787-3159 to leave a short story about the animal who changed you - we might play yours on our next episode!
Woof, meow, oink, moo, cheep (of course you know that means thanks for listening.)

Produced by Adode Media; a full-service podcast production agency.

Navigating Grief, Guilt, and Trust as a Pet Parent with Alison Rosen Jan 12, 2022

Show notes

I’m incredibly happy to be chatting with the queen of podcasting herself, Alison Rosen. Alison isn’t just a fellow animal lover and dog mom, but she’s also the host of Alison Rosen is Your New Best Friend, and the co-host of Childish. We talk about Alison’s dogs, Oliver and Wendy, in this episode.

Alison also tells us about her childhood, why she fell in love with animals, and how she developed a strong sense of empathy and sympathy for people and animals. She also gets real with us as she discusses the loss of her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Oliver, and why you should always listen to your gut when it comes to health concerns with your pet. We also discuss why guilt is part of the journey of owning and loving a pet. This is a judgment-free episode all about the animals in Alison’s life, the important and difficult lessons they taught her, and how they changed her for the better.
Join The Animal That Changed You community on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook -- we're waiting to welcome you! Feel free to check out the website while you're at it.
Please leave a rating or review of the show. Your support matters so much!
Feel free to call ‪(415) 787-3159 to leave a short story about the animal who changed you - we might play yours on our next episode!
Woof, meow, oink, moo, cheep (of course you know that means thanks for listening.)

Produced by Adode Media; a full-service podcast production agency.

Beagles, Senior Dogs, Beta Fishes, and What it Means to Love an Animal with Casey Rose Wilson Jan 05, 2022

Show notes

You may know Casey Rose Wilson as a hilarious actress and comedian, but she’s also an animal lover. She’s here today to talk about beagles, senior dogs, beta fish, and what it means o love an animal. From stories of our childhood pets to what it means to raise pet smart children, Casey shares the good, bad, and the ugly of interacting with and caring for our furry family members.

Casey shares the story behind her love for beagles, dealing with children who have a fear of dogs, and the darker and painful side of losing a pet. Her love for animals is contagious - so if you’re ready for a heartwarming episode all about connecting with your pet, be it a dog or a fish, pop your headphones in and listen to how the animals in Casey’s life changed her life.
Join The Animal That Changed You community on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook -- we're waiting to welcome you! Feel free to check out the websitewhile you're at it.
Please leave a rating or review of the show. Your support matters so much!
Feel free to call ‪(415) 787-3159 to leave a short story about the animal who changed you - we might play yours on our next episode!
Woof, meow, oink, moo, cheep (of course you know that means thanks for listening.)

Produced by Adode Media; a full-service podcast production agency.

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