The Empathetic Trainer
Welcome to ”The Empathetic Trainer,” the podcast that explores the power of empathetic animal training
Animals just want to be heard. This is an emerging trend among trainers, veterinarians, pet professionals and animal lovers just like yourself. Join us as we learn the challenges our guests faced, as they grew their understanding and connection with the animals in their lives.
Episodes
32 episodes
Horses, Trauma & Healing — “Horses Notice What We Hide” with Toni Mattson S4 E32
Today I’m talking with Toni Mattson of Trinity Equestrian Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.Toni and her team work with horses alongside veterans, first responders, youth, and individuals facing trauma, PTSD, dementia, and other life chall...
It's Not The Spook, It's What Happens Next - Christine Beattie - S4 E31
What happens after the horse reacts?In this conversation, I talk with carriage driving trainer Christine Beattie about how driving changes the way we communicate with a horse — and why it can have such a big impact on the relationship.
Understanding Dogs in a Human World - Heather Mishefske S4 E 30
In this episode of The Empathetic Trainer, I talk with Heather Mishefske of Embark Dog Training School.I’ve spent my whole life with herding dogs. Then I got an Australian Terrier… and realized pretty quickly that my usual way of doing t...
Every Horse is a Soul in a Non Human Body - Gabi Neurohr - S4 E29
In this episode of The Empathetic Trainer Podcast, I talk with horsewoman and educator Gabi Neurohr about building trust with horses, understanding horse behavior, and creating a true partnership between horse and human.From the moment ...
Find a Dog That is Going to Make You Happy - Denise Fenzi - S4 E28
“Find a dog that’s going to make you happy.” I sit down with Denise Fenzi to talk about choosing the right dog for your real life — not the one you think you should want. We talk about fit, expectations, training, and working ...
Listening Is Noticing — Amelia Thomas (S4 · E27)
In this episode of The Empathetic Trainer, I talk with Amelia Thomas about what it really means to listen to animals.We’re not talking about techniques or quick fixes. We’re talking about slowing down, paying attention, a...
Rachel Windchaser - Remembering Who We are Through Horses S3 E26
In this episode of The Empathetic Trainer Podcast, Barbara O’Brien talks with Rachel Windchaser, author and equine rewilding coach. Rachel runs Winchaser Ranch in Spain, where she cares for a rare herd of Spanish Mustangs. They tal...
Jessica Gonzales - Every Horse and Every Person Deserves a Second Chance S3 E25
In this episode of The Empathetic Trainer podcast, host Barbara O’Brien chats with Jessica Gonzalez, a dedicated horse rescuer and author of Equine Empowerment. They discuss how horses help people heal, the power of positive r...
.png)
Dr. Shelly Appleton - My Horse's Problem was Actually Me - S2 E23
Barbara O’Brien talks with horse trainer, coach and author Dr. Shelley Appleton about building trust and confidence between riders and their horses. Shelley shares how things like fear, aging, and hormones can affect riding, especially for wome...
Chelsey Bosak - All Of Our Dogs End Up Where They Are Meant to Be - S2 E 22
Have you ever wondered what it takes to train a service dog that can transform someone's life? In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Chelsey Bosak from Helping Paws Minnesota, an organization that specializes in training service dogs f...
.png)
Chris Lombard - The Power of Patience and Presence in Horse Training - S2 E21
Have you ever felt a profound connection to something that completely shifted your life's direction? In this episode of the Empathetic Trainer Podcast, we chat with Chris Lombard, a horse trainer and author who found his calling in...
Ingrid Henry - What we are Trying to Communicate is Trust - S2 E20
Ingrid Henry, an equine coach, discusses the importance of trust and consistency in building a strong relationship with horses. Ingrid emphasizes the need for patience and understanding when working with challenging horses and highlights the va...
%20(1).png)
Grace Olson - There is Something Magical about Horses and Sheep that dissolves your sadness and brings you back into the light S2 E 19
Experience the transformative power of animal therapy with our special guest Grace Olson, a dedicated therapist and author from Leeds, West Yorkshire, whose unique practice involves the compassionate companionship of horses and sheep. Grace sha...
.png)
Kari Bastyr - Your Dog is Not Bad, He is Just Having a Hard Time S2 E18
Kari Bastier of Wag &Train, is a dog behaviorist and canine nutritionist. She debunks the dominance theory, showing that dogs act out due to stress and anxiety and not a desire to dominate their owners. Carrie emphasizes the gut-brain conne...
Julie Smart - What Horses Want - Trust, Communication and Leadership
New Zealand Horse advocate and author, Julie Smart joins Barbara O'Brien in a conversation not just about training, but about retraining ourselves to listen, to watch, and to feel the subtle cues that horses give us when trying to communicate.&...
Susan Friedland - The True Story of Marguerite Henry and Misty of Chincoteague S2 E16
Susan Friedland and I explore the world of Marguerite Henry, a beloved author whose stories have enchanted readers for years. From "Misty of Chincoteague" to "King of the Wind" and so many others, Henry's books have made a lasting impression on...
Laura Carter - What Your Dog Wants is You - S2 E15
Join Barbara O'Brien as she chats with Laura Carter, a dog trainer and author, about the secrets to bonding with your dog, even during indoor downtime or when they're on rest. Laura shares practical tips for keeping your pup mentally engaged,...
Kera Wilhelmsen - You Want Your Dog to Trust You, Right? S2 E14
In this interview, Barbara O'Brien talks with Kara Wilhelmsen from Creature Comforts Pet Services about her approach to animal training. Kera stresses the importance of kindness and understanding when working with animals, rather than using fea...
Lockie Phillips - When it comes to Horses, Obedience is Out and Empathy is In - S2 E3
Lockie Phillips, Founder of Emotional Horsemanship, joins us on our podcast to share his insights on empathy and horses. He tells us how we can reimagine horse training and move beyond obedience to establish a deeper connection based on compass...
.jpg)
Lynn Acton - Alternatives to Dominance Based Horsemanship - S2 E12
Tune in to hear Lynn Acton, acclaimed author and horse trainer, share practical tips on how to build trust and connection with your horse. Learn about the basics of earning trust, using clear body language, moving away from dominance based trai...
Mikel Delgado - The Big Problem? They Don't Understand Cats - S2 E11
Join us as we speak with cat behaviorist, Mikel Delgado about how your cat's name can affect its personality and why it's hard for some cats to just get along. Learn about Mikel's journey from being in a punk rock band to cat ...
Dr. Susan Fay - Sacred Spaces - Communicating with the Horse through Science and Spirit - S1 E10
SummaryDr. Susan Faye discusses the importance of horses in our lives and the lessons they teach us. She emphasizes the need for emotional awareness and being present with horses and other animals. Dr. Faye explains how en...
Dr. Ian Dunbar - With Dogs, Increasing the Good, Decreases the Bad - S1 E9
When Dr. Ian Dunbar talks about dogs, it's impossible not to sit up and listen. His latest work, "Barking Up the Right Tree," is more than a book; it's a manifesto for compassionate canine companionship that promises to redefine our relationshi...
Tiffany Stauffer - Give Them the Right Tools and Let Your Horses Think for Themselves - S1 E8
Ever wished you could truly understand the world of horses? Longed for a deeper connection that transcends conventional horse training? Join host, Barbara O'Brien as we talk with with liberty trainer Tiffany Stauffer of Grace and Grit Horsemans...
A Tiger's Tale - Tales From the Set by Barbara O'Brien - Ep 1
Do you remember the first time you bit off more than you could chew? When your overconfidence landed you in a pickle that you weren’t prepared for? Well, that's exactly what happened to me when I made the rookie mistake of booking a Siberian ti...
