Health Power: The OG Health Podcast & Dog-Eared Podcast

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EP #1599: The Story of Bella, the Unlikely Therapy Dog Nov 20, 2025

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Lisa is joined by Jean Baur who talks about her book, Joy Unleashed: The Story of Bella, the Unlikely Therapy Dog. Jean is an author and speaker and has written three books--the first two on career issues and the last about her therapy dog, Bella. She designs and delivers workshops and presentations for library staff and was a member of the National Speakers Association. For special occasions her current therapy dog, Rudy, comes with her to events and always impresses the audience with his sweetness and amazing tricks. She's working on a new book, "The Edge of a Dark Ravine: How Disobenience Saved Me." Set in the 1950's and 60's, it's a family saga about power and identify. To learn more about Jean and her work, or to invite her to give a presentation as an author (see can do Zoom talks for bookclubs), please visit www.JeanBaur.com.
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
In 2007, Mary Eldergill, a volunteer member of Amigos de Los Animales (Friends of the Animals), discovered a group of newborn puppies on Dead Dog Beach in Puerto Rico. Mary rescued and rehabilitated them and, three months later, they flew to Newark, New Jersey, to be placed in their forever homes.
Jean Baur and her husband adopted one of Mary’s rescues—a dog named Bella—and opened her Pennsylvania home to her new best friend. Just as Jean enrolled Bella in certified therapy-dog classes, she lost her job at the age of sixty-five. This new work, visiting hospital patients with her therapy job, gave Jean hope and a new purpose in life.
After moving to Connecticut, Bella’s work expanded to nursing homes and elementary schools, as well as local hospitals and cancer centers. She met an Alzheimer’s patient who learned to smile again after Bella took a treat from her hand. She also befriended a six-year-old boy with autism (who previously held a deep fear of dogs) along with a disabled hospital patient who was withdrawn and uncommunicative until Bella jumped into the bed with him and coaxed him to open up again.
Jean and Bella’s journey into the world of therapy-dog work gave them a bright, new outlook—and has helped countless others overcome their own struggles—while proving to all that broken souls can, indeed, be healed.
Joy Unleashed is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the true power of the human-canine bond.

EP #1598: Understanding Oxalates: Are Superfoods Making You Sick? Nov 18, 2025

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Lisa is joined by Sally K. Norton, MPH who talks about her book Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload Is Making You Sick--and How to Get Better.
Sally shares what oxalate is, what foods it is found in, how it made her sick, and much more.
Book description: Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload Is Making You Sick--and How to Get Better.
If you’re eating a healthy diet and you’re still dealing with fatigue, inflammation, anxiety, recurrent injuries, or chronic pain, the problem could be your spinach, almonds, sweet potatoes, and other trusted plant foods. And your key to vibrant health may be quitting these so-called superfoods.
After suffering for decades from chronic health problems, nutrition educator Sally K. Norton, MPH, discovered that the culprits were the chemical toxins called oxalates lurking within her “healthy,” organic plant-heavy diet. She shines light on how our modern diets are overloaded with oxalates and offers fresh solutions including:
• A complete, research-backed program to safely reverse your oxalate load
• Comprehensive charts and resources on foods to avoid and better alternatives
• Guidance to improve your energy, optimize mood and brain performance, and find true relief from chronic pain
In this groundbreaking guide, Norton reveals that the popular dictum to “eat more plants” can be misleading. Toxic Superfoods gives health-seekers a chance for improved energy, optimum brain performance, graceful aging, and true relief from chronic pain.

EP #1597: Veterinary Drugs, Corporate Influence & Holistic Alternatives Nov 13, 2025

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In this eye-opening episode, we’re joined by Dr. Josie Beug, DVM – a pioneer in holistic veterinary care and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). Dr. Josie shares her powerful insights from over two decades in veterinary medicine, detailing the evolution of veterinary drugs, the rise of corporate influence in pet care, and why some commonly prescribed drugs may be doing more harm than good.

This conversation is packed with jaw-dropping revelations about pharmaceutical industry tactics, drug safety concerns, and what every pet parent must know before agreeing to certain treatments.

💡 What You'll Learn:

How corporate interests are shaping veterinary treatment protocols
The dangers of popular drugs like Apoquel, Cytopoint, Librela, Gabapentin, and Trazodone
Why some monoclonal antibody drugs might disintegrate your dog’s joints
The hidden risks of injectable treatments like ProHeart
How shelter use of medications like Trazodone can affect animal behavior long-term
The difference between sedating symptoms and actually treating them
Why reading the package insert might save your pet’s life
Safer, holistic alternatives and how Dr. Josie approaches pain, arthritis, and skin issues
Tips on being your pet’s strongest health advocate

🧠 Key Takeaways:

"I'd take steroids over some of these new drugs any day."
Veterinary schools today may be focusing more on tech than touch – creating a gap in critical diagnostic skills.
Corporate veterinary chains often pressure young vets to follow treatment protocols designed by pharmaceutical reps.
Librela and similar drugs were rejected for humans due to severe side effects – and are now repackaged for pets.
Gabapentin is not a proven painkiller for animals, and in some cases, can become addictive or even dangerous.
Apoquel’s own package insert lists "neoplasia" (cancer) as a side effect – and yet it's still widely prescribed.
Injectable drugs can cause irreversible harm — don’t agree to anything on the spot.
Flea/tick meds like Bravecto have seizure warnings hidden under vet labels — peel that sticker back!
Always ask: Who benefits from this drug? Is it your pet — or the company?

👩‍⚕️ About Our Guest: Dr. Josie Beug, DVM

Earned her veterinary degree from the University of Wisconsin (1998)
Specializes in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) and other holistic healing modalities
President of the student chapter of the AHVMA during veterinary school
Runs a thriving holistic house call practice in South Florida
Faculty member at Q University
Passionate about integrating ancient wisdom and modern science to help pets live longer, happier lives
Offers telehealth consultations nationwide

📣 Resources & Links Mentioned:

PetAdvCare.com
– Informational site about Librela & similar drugs
Dr. Josie’s article on Gabapentin dangers: [Link here if available]
FDA Package Inserts Database
– Lookup any veterinary drug
Facebook Groups: Search for “Librela Side Effects” to join community discussions
Judy Morgan, DVM – Holistic vet & educator (frequently referenced)

🐕 Listener Tip of the Week:

Never agree to an injection for your pet without researching the drug first. Ask for the name, go home, look it up, and come back if you feel safe.

🛑 Dr. Josie’s “Red Flag” Drugs:

Avoid or deeply research the following before using:

Librela
Cytopoint
Gabapentin
Apoquel
Trazodone
ProHeart 12
Bravecto / Simparica (flea & tick meds)

🎧 Listen Now On:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music | [Insert others]

📲 Stay Connected with Dr. Josie Beug.

EP #1596: How to Stop Fearing Carbs & Embrace the Foods You Love for Ultimate Self-Care! Nov 11, 2025

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Summary
In this episode, Lisa Davis interviews Phoebe Lapine, author of the book 'Carbivore.' They discuss Phoebe's relationship with carbs and her journey to finding a balance in her diet. They also talk about the importance of carb companions and creating better blood sugar levels. Phoebe shares tips on consuming sugar mindfully and adjusting your diet according to your menstrual cycle. They also highlight some delicious recipes from Phoebe's book, including summer tomato cashew dressing, spicy sesame dressing, steel cut oat congee with bok choy, and PB&J cups with crunchy quinoa. In this conversation, Phoebe Lapine discusses various recipes from her book 'Carbivore: 130+ Recipes That Are Low Carb, Healthy & Delicious'. The chapters cover a range of topics including quinoa recipes, noodles, loaves and crusts, spuds, corn, and legumes. Some of the highlighted recipes include ratatouille quinoa bake, buckwheat crepes with leek confit and salmon, green curry ramen with eggplant and green beans, crispy polenta cake with eggplant caponata, and barbecue chicken thighs with black eyed peas and collards.
Takeaways

Finding a balance with carbs is important, and it's all about moderation and listening to your body.
Pairing carbs with fiber, fat, and protein can help slow down the digestion process and prevent blood sugar spikes.
Consuming sugar mindfully and adjusting your diet according to your menstrual cycle can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Try out delicious recipes like summer tomato cashew dressing, spicy sesame dressing, steel cut oat congee with bok choy, and PB&J cups with crunchy quinoa.

Chapters00:00Introduction and Phoebe's Relationship with Carbs
02:46Carb Companions and Creating Better Blood Sugar
05:57Using Moderation and Balance with Carbs
09:52Takeaways on Carb Companions and Blood Sugar
12:57Consuming Sugar Mindfully and Adjusting Diet According to Menstrual Cycle
20:09Recipes: Summer Tomato Cashew Dressing and Spicy Sesame Dressing
23:08Recipes: Steel Cut Oat Congee with Bok Choy and Ginger Peach Cake with Oat Crumble
26:53Recipes: Oven Risotto with Shrimp, Asparagus, and Peas
29:01Recipes: Buckwheat Crepes with Leek Confit, Salmon, and Eggs and PB&J Cups with Crunchy Quinoa
30:00Quinoa Recipes
30:37Ratatouille Quinoa Bake
31:19Buckwheat Crepes with Leek Confit and Salmon
32:27Green Curry Ramen with Eggplant and Green Beans
33:38Noodles: Spaghetti and Harissa Bolognese
34:07Loaves and Crusts: Sheet Pan Chicken BLT Panzanella
36:16Spuds: Spring Potato Leek Soup with Asparagus
37:32Corn: Crispy Polenta Cake with Eggplant Caponata
41:09Legumes: Smash Chickpea Shakshuka with Summer Tomatoes
43:49Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Black Eyed Peas and Collards

EP #1595: Finding Justice for Halo: One Woman's Journey Through Veterinary Negligence and Grief Nov 06, 2025

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In this deeply emotional and powerful episode, we sit down with Juliana Stageberg, who courageously shares the heartbreaking story of losing her beloved dog, Halo, due to alleged veterinary negligence. Juliana opens up about the months of confusion, hope, heartbreak, and the devastating loss that changed her family forever.

Together, we explore the realities of veterinary malpractice — the emotional toll, the lack of legal recourse for pet owners, and the importance of advocacy through organizations like Joey’s Legacy. Juliana also reflects on how she and her family are coping with the grief, the lessons they’ve learned, and how they’re turning their pain into purpose.

This conversation is both heartbreaking and inspiring — a must-listen for any pet parent who’s ever loved and lost an animal companion.

🐾 Key Topics Discussed:

Juliana’s story of Halo — from a joyful puppy to a tragic loss due to veterinary negligence
The emotional and financial toll of long-term illness and repeated hospitalizations
Discovering Joey’s Legacy, an organization supporting victims of veterinary malpractice
How independent veterinarians provide expert opinion letters that can validate cases
The limited legal options pet owners face when seeking justice
The importance of validation, being heard, and emotional support during grief
How Juliana’s children are processing the loss and what the experience has taught them
Coping with pet loss and the societal misunderstanding around grief for animals

🧩 Resources & Mentions:

Joey’s Legacy — Advocacy and resources for victims of veterinary negligence
🔗 joeyslegacy.org
Nebula’s Foundation (mentioned as helping fund expert letters)
Expert Opinion Letters — How independent veterinarians assess malpractice cases
Support for Grieving Pet Parents: Pet loss support groups, therapy, and faith-based healing

💬 Powerful Quotes:

“People don’t understand what it’s like to be wronged by someone you trusted to care for your family member.” — Juliana Stageberg

“Feeling seen and heard is half the battle — justice is the other half.” — Juliana Stageberg“

It’s so hard letting go, even when it’s time. My daughter said, ‘Thank you, Lord, for ending the suffering.’ That’s when I knew how much we had all endured.” — Juliana Stageberg

🕊️

Takeaway:

Grieving the loss of a beloved animal is never easy — especially when it could have been prevented. Juliana’s story reminds us of the importance of compassion, accountability, and community. Through advocacy and awareness, we can help ensure that no one walks this painful journey alone.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.
If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review or share it with another pet parent who needs to hear Juliana’s story.

EP #1594: How to Make Your Own Delicious, Healthy, & Easy Cal-Mex Food In Your Kitchen! Nov 04, 2025

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Craving authentic Mexican flavors but short on time?

This episode dives into the heart of Cal-Mex cuisine, offering listeners quick, easy, and delicious recipes inspired by the vibrant flavors of California. Perfect for anyone looking to spice up their weeknight meals without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Listeners will discover:

Must-have Cal-Mex ingredients and pantry staples to elevate their cooking.
Inspiration for exciting and flavorful Mexican-inspired dishes that can be made in 30 minutes or less.
Time-saving tips and tricks for meal prepping and maximizing flavor.

Press play now to embark on a culinary adventure and bring the taste of California into your kitchen tonight!

EP #1593. Giving Pets a Legal Voice: Fighting for Justice with Boston Dog Lawyers (Joey's Legacy Series #4) Oct 30, 2025

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In this heart-opening and eye-opening episode, we're joined by Jeremy Cohen, founder of Boston Dog Lawyers, a pioneering law firm dedicated to advocating for the rights of pets and their people. What began as a personal mission to save a family dog has turned into a broader crusade for justice within the legal and veterinary systems.

Jeremy shares his early roots in advocacy (starting in 7th grade!), the emotional and legal challenges of pet-related lawsuits, and powerful stories from the front lines—including the unforgettable case of Jesse the German Shepherd and shocking examples of veterinary malpractice. From misdiagnosis to unauthorized surgeries, Jeremy breaks down what pet owners need to know when things go wrong.

Whether you're a pet parent, an animal advocate, or simply passionate about justice, this conversation is a must-listen.

What We Cover in This Episode:

The 7th-grade protest that set Jeremy on a path of advocacy
How Boston Dog Lawyers was born from one emotional and personal case
What really happens at dangerous dog hearings
The truth about veterinary malpractice: what it is (and isn’t)
Heartbreaking and infuriating real-life examples:
- Wrong-leg surgeries
- Feeding tube errors
- Unauthorized procedures
- Unethical documentation
The emotional toll on grieving pet owners—and how Jeremy helps guide them
How to pursue a veterinary malpractice case: opinion letters, records, and reality checks
Why French Bulldogs are high-risk surgery patients (and why consent is crucial)
The pros and cons of small claims court in pet-related cases
What compensation really looks like (and why it’s not about the money)
The role of Joey’s Legacy in helping grieving and frustrated pet owners
NDAs and settlements: what you give up when you win
The enduring grief of losing a beloved pet—and honoring their legacy through justice

Key Quotes:
🗣️ “Nobody was challenging the vets. But now people are starting to speak up—and vets are listening.”
🗣️ “When a vet won’t explain what happened, people blame themselves. And they shouldn’t.”
🗣️ “The value of a pet goes up with time—not down. This isn’t a car. It’s a family member.”
🗣️ “It’s not about revenge. It’s about accountability.”

Resources Mentioned:

Boston Dog Lawyers
Joey’s Legacy – for veterinary malpractice support and opinion letters
Article: The Lifespan of a French Bulldog – What Every Owner Needs to Know
Vet Regulation Lookup (state-by-state): [insert recommended link]

Support the Show:
If this episode resonated with you, please rate & review!
🐾 Share with fellow pet lovers and advocates
🎙️ Follow us for more stories on animals, law, and advocacy

Connect with Our Guest:
📢 Jeremy Cohen
Website: Boston Dog Lawyers
Instagram: @bostondoglawyers
Facebook: Boston Dog Lawyers

Next Episode Teaser:
Coming up, we’re talking grief, healing, and the deep emotional void left by our furry companions—with a licensed pet grief counselor who helps people process loss and move toward light. Don't miss it.

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🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts

EP #1592: How Trauma Shapes Your Relationship with Food Oct 28, 2025

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Do you ever wonder how trauma shapes your relationship with food?

If you've ever struggled with emotional eating, disordered eating, eating disorders and more you know how challenging it can be to break free from unhealthy patterns.
In this episode, we delve into the complex relationship between emotions and food, exploring how childhood experiences, societal pressures, and personal trauma can influence our eating habits.

By listening to this episode, you'll gain:

A deeper understanding of the psychological factors that drive emotional eating.
Practical strategies to help you develop healthier eating habits and improve your overall well-being.
Inspiration from personal stories of individuals who have overcome emotional eating challenges.

Tune in now to discover how to transform your relationship with food and unlock your full potential.
TO GET IN CONTACT WITH DR. JOHN TRENTALANGE:
Text him & let him know that you'd like a 15 minute free session!
719-310-9495
OR EMAIL HIM:
trentalange@netzero.com
Also, get Dr. John's incredible book, Making Movies in Our Minds: Working Through Our Anxiety.

keywords: Emotional eating, Disordered eating, Eating disorders, Trauma, Childhood experiences, Societal pressures, Personal trauma, Psychological factors, Healthy eating habits, Well-being, Personal stories, Transformation, Full potential, trauma-informed nutrition, trauma-informed

EP #1591: When Vets Get It Wrong: Malpractice, Mistakes & the 10 Scariest Drugs in Veterinary Medicine (Joey's Legacy Series ep #3) Oct 23, 2025

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Episode Summary:
Welcome to a powerful 10-part special series of Dog Ear called Joey’s Legacy, where we explore the heartbreaking and often preventable stories of veterinary malpractice. In this inaugural episode, we’re joined by the highly respected Dr.

Judy Morgan, DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT—a pioneer in both traditional and holistic veterinary medicine.

With over 41 years of experience, Dr. Judy shares vital information about:

How to recognize the signs of potential malpractice
What records to request after a tragic outcome
Why an autopsy can offer critical answers and closure
What red flags to watch for in veterinary communication
The importance of playing “detective” during emotional times
How pet parents can become strong advocates for their animals

We also dive into the “Scary 10 Drugs” topic—an essential listen for anyone with a pet. Dr. Judy explains why commonly used treatments like Cytopoint, Librela, and Metronidazole may be more harmful than helpful, and offers guidance on safer, more holistic alternatives.

Guest Bio – Dr. Judy Morgan:

CEO of Natural Healthy Pets
2024 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade
Nationally renowned speaker and bestselling author
Advocate for safer, natural pet health solutions

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The difference between a tragic medical outcome vs. true malpractice
✅ What to do immediately if something feels "off" after a vet visit
✅ How to gather and review medical records like a pro
✅ Why pet autopsies (necropsies) matter—and how to find affordable options
✅ Key signs your vet may not be trustworthy
✅ How to choose a vet who values communication and collaboration
✅ The truth behind Cytopoint, Librela, and Metronidazole—and safer options
✅ The link between leaky gut, allergies, and itchy bully breeds
✅ The overlooked importance of the microbiome in pet health

Mentioned in This Episode:

Joey’s Legacy Organization
“Keeping Your Pets Naturally Healthy” by Dr. Judy Morgan
Scary 10 Drugs Series (Available on Dr. Judy’s social media and YouTube)

Connect with Dr. Judy Morgan:
🌐 Website: drjudymorgan.com
📺 YouTube: Dr. Judy Morgan’s Naturally Healthy Pets
📷 Instagram: @drjudymorgan
📘 Facebook: Dr. Judy Morgan

Host:
🎙️ Dog Ear is hosted by a passionate dog lover and reader, bringing you heartfelt interviews with authors, experts, and advocates from the canine world.

Next Up in the Series:
We speak with veterinary malpractice attorneys to understand the legal side of pet loss and explore how accountability and justice can support healing.

Subscribe & Review:
If this episode helped you or someone you know, please subscribe and leave a review! It helps more pet parents discover this important information.

EP #1590: How Exploring the Holistic & Self-Care Benefits of Yoga Can Lead to a more Balanced and Healthy Body and Mind Oct 20, 2025

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Summary:
In this conversation, Lisa Davis interviews Brett Larkin, a distinguished yoga teacher and author of the book 'Yoga Life'. They discuss the importance of yoga beyond just physical poses and the role of breathwork in yoga practice. Brett shares her struggles and epiphany during a challenging period in her life and how it led her to explore the deeper aspects of yoga. They also touch on the significance of Ayurveda in personalizing yoga practice and the three foundational beliefs of yoga. The conversation concludes with a discussion on designing a personalized yoga ritual and the use of a worksheet to guide the process. In this conversation, Lisa Davis and Brett Larkin discuss the deeper aspects of yoga beyond aesthetics. They explore the importance of introspection and stretching to become the best version of oneself. They also delve into the therapeutic sensation of yoga and how to differentiate it from skeletal limitations. The conversation highlights the cultivation of a relationship with the higher self through meditation. Finally, they emphasize the significance of indulging in what one wants while transitioning to what one truly needs in yoga practice.
Takeaways

Yoga goes beyond aesthetics and focuses on introspection and personal growth.
Therapeutic sensation in yoga is different from skeletal limitations and requires awareness and breathwork.
Meditation allows for the observation of thoughts and cultivates a relationship with the higher self.
In yoga practice, it is important to indulge in what one wants while transitioning to what one truly needs.

Chapters00:00Introduction and Personal Experience with Yoga
02:03Struggles and Epiphany
04:04Yoga Beyond Poses
05:08The Importance of Breathwork
07:37Three Foundational Beliefs of Yoga
10:40Significance of 'Be Good How You Are'
12:10Ayurveda and Personalization
15:50Yoga Sutras and Yoga in Action
19:38Designing a Personalized Yoga Ritual
27:54Uplifted Yoga Personal Practice Worksheet
31:05Yoga Beyond Aesthetics
34:28Stretching and Introspection
37:27Therapeutic Sensation vs Skeletal Limitation
40:47Cultivating a Relationship with the Higher Self
45:45Indulging in What You Want and Transitioning to What You Need

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