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
29 episodes
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 ...
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Season 4
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Episode 29
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54:34
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 ...
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Season 4
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Episode 28
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1:01:41
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...
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Season 4
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Episode 27
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51:01
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...
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Season 3
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Episode 26
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47:31
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...
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Season 3
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Episode 25
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44:22
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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...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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1:10:56
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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44:25
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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...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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1:13:49
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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1:00:40
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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...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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52:36
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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...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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1:00:40
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.&...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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1:15:05
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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1:16:43
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,...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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43:29
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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55:10
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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1:25:57
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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...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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1:10:03
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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57:52
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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58:32
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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1:24:42
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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1:04:20
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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3:11
Chris Kman - Advocating for the Proper Management of the Wild Horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park - S1 E7
Chris Kman, photographer and wild horse advocate shares with us her work to preserve the wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. The Park Service has proposed eliminating the horses from the park completely.&nb...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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1:04:28
Katenna Jones - Regarding Pets - Being Kind Feels Right - S1 E6
Katenna Jones transitioned from a volunteer dog walker as a teen to a certified applied animal behaviorist and fear free trainer consultant.Learn why heavy-handed dominance based training didn't resonate with her and how punishment mere...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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1:03:26
Julie-Anne Thorne - Come Out of Your Head and Into Your Heart to Connect with Your Cat - S1 E5
Join us for an intriguing journey into the world of cats with Julie Ann Thorne, a certified behaviorist and author. Inspired by her rescue cat Pickle, Julie founded Naturally Cats and wrote the enlightening book, "Cat Chakras." Discover Julie'...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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1:00:13
