Advertise on podcast: The Human-Animal Connection - Pet Life Radio Original

On this inspiring episode of The Human-Animal Connection, host Genie Joseph welcomes award-winning veterinarian and author Dr. Nancy Kay for a heartfelt conversation about the powerful bond between people and animals. Dr. Kay shares stories from her 42-year veterinary career, including emotional experiences with euthanasia, rescued Rottweiler puppies, a marijuana-intoxicated French Bulldog, and a stray nursing mother dog that led rescuers to her hidden puppies. They also discuss the emotional intelligence of animals, puppy mills, factory farming, compassion education for children, and Dr. Kay’s moving middle-grade novel A Dog Named 647. This episode explores animal emotions, the afterlife, communication with animals, veterinary stress, and why the human-animal bond matters more than ever EPISODE NOTES: A Dog Named 647 and the Heart of Compassion Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

How are animals messengers in our lives? What are they trying to tell us—about themselves, and about us? In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Banks, a highly sought-after intuitive channel who helps people connect at the soul level with animals, loved ones on the other side, plants, and spirit guides. Stephanie's work is grounded not only in spiritual insight but in deep compassion born from lived experience. Her journey into Soul Communication began early, while caring for her mother who had dementia. As her mother's ability to communicate faded, Stephanie became determined to find another way to stay connected—beyond words. That devotion opened a profound spiritual channel and ultimately expanded into the work she now does with all beings. When clients come to her with concerns about an animal's behavior, Stephanie doesn't ask, "How do we fix this?" She asks the animal's soul:"What is going on for you?" or "What are you trying to express?" or "What do you need that hasn't been seen or heard?" We also explore one of the most tender and challenging questions animal guardians face: How do you know when it may be time for your animal to transition? These soul-level conversations don't just resolve behavior issues—they restore harmony in the home and remind us of something deeply reassuring: At the soul level, communication is always possible. Truth is always accessible. Love is never lost. EPISODE NOTES: Animal Messengers in Our Lives Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

Unicorns are real! They just might not be the cute little images you see in the gift stores. They are powerful divine creatures that help people connect to their true essence. They help us believe in everything that is good and to find the source of Divine Love. They are capable of traveling to other dimensions, and yet can be as present as anything you know on earth. Unicorns exist at a level of consciousness that is pure joy. Gigi Kast has written a book of her lifelong experiences with unicorns called Travels with Unicorns: Their Untold Stories. In this episode, she talks about how their presence in her daily life has transformed how she sees the world within and around her. Unicorns are here to help us find true harmony, but she also explains why they had to leave this dimension because of the density of humans who had lost connection to their heart. Their mission is simple: to teach us, humans, how to love ourselves. EPISODE NOTES: The Truth About Unicorns Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

There are so many dogs whose lives have turned around for the better when their person began making homemade dog food. Certified Pet Food Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian Dani Dominguez has been seen on Oprah Daily, Martha Stewart, and other national media. She talks about how she turned her dog's life around for the better, simply by making simple homemade meals. Like everyone else, she began with commercial kibble but soon saw that her dog was not thriving. She learned evidence-based nutrition principles and began the journey to homemade cooking, and she never looked back. Her dog's digestion, elimination, and skin coat immediately began to improve. And Dani realized she could help others experience wellness through nutritious homemade meals. You can start simply, start small, start slowly. Just begin… you'll be glad you switched to homemade. EPISODE NOTES: Getting Started with Homemade Dog Food Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

In this extraordinary episode, we enter into a direct, intimate soul-level intuitive conversation with worms through world-renowned channeler Stephanie Banks. In this episode, we hear directly from these humble beings as they share their understanding of silence, the shadow, and the unseen world they inhabit. Without fanfare or recognition, they are the quiet force behind healthy soil and the flourishing of life that sustains us all. Working gently beneath the surface, they transform decay into nourishment. In this communication, they offer us humans a powerful reflection on purpose, humility, and the unseen contributions that hold our world together. EPISODE NOTES: Stephanie Banks – Worms: The Hidden Healers Beneath Our Feet Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

There are many types of service dogs who perform unique and specific assistance to the human with whom they share a life. Lee Atherton is the founder of Phoenix Rising, a community nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals with PTSD and other mental health disabilities to access the life-saving support of a service dog. In this episode, she talks about her two service dogs, Shadow and Phoenix, and how they have transformed her life. These dogs were the anchor in her storm and allowed her to remerge from family trauma. Lee is passionate about helping others gain access to the right service dog and reminds us that even from the deepest pain, new strength can emerge, that others, too, can rise from the ashes toward healing and wholeness. For more information, and how you can support, or tell your story of your service dog, please visit her website. EPISODE NOTES: How Service Dogs Save Lives Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

In this episode of The Human-Animal Connection, host Genie Joseph sits down with Dr. Keith McLaughlin to explore energy healing with animals—and what it looks like when we “listen” without words. Dr. Keith shares how his gentle, nervous-system–focused work (including Network Spinal) supports the body’s natural ability to self-correct, and how that same intuitive approach can translate to animals. Genie talks about how Dr. Keith worked with her dog Sophia (a 12-year-old rescue with mobility challenges) and therapy dog Harry (with past trauma), plus two rescued miniature therapy donkeys, Rosie and Lily—revealing how animals communicate through movement, distance, eye contact, and body language. You’ll also get simple, practical takeaways for pet parents: how to slow down, use “I’m noticing…” and begin tuning in to what your animal may be telling you through their nervous system and behavior. EPISODE NOTES: Listening With Your Hands: Energy Healing for Animals Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

Everything is energy, all life, all matter – and we can learn to communicate with energy through our intuition. Life becomes infinitely sweeter and easier when we connect with our intuitive guidance on everything from the most mundane issues of daily life to decisions of significant consequence. In this episode, I speak with Ronnie Ann Ryan, an intuitive, wise woman who helps midlife women rise into their power. She tells stories of talking to animals, the elements, plants, and people, using her intuition to help her navigate life’s twists and turns. She offers listeners several tips on how to cultivate their intuition, which is like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. And she gives you the number one tool that will help you increase the power and clarity of your intuitive connection. Intuition is natural, it is the wisest part of yourself, talking with the best and highest levels of consciousness. You deserve to have a healthy, happy relationship with your secret power – your intuition. EPISODE NOTES: Your Intuitive Connection to Nature Spirits/a> Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

Toby was an adopted rescue who was fear-reactive and couldn’t be left at home without leaving a trail of destruction. He destroyed twelve toilet lids! Author Charmaine Hammond brought in an animal behavioralist who told her Toby needed a job. After passing his Therapy Dog Test, Toby became a wonderful ambassador of healing for all he met. He had a five-year career visiting a psychiatric hospital where he met each patient as a unique individual, giving them complete attention and knowing how to engage differently with each one. Then we went on to visit schools and inspired young children to accept themselves. When Toby singled them specifically out in the crowd, to give them a dose of pure love, their lives blossomed. He even inspired a shy young boy who had been bullied to write his own story. Toby’s adventures are featured in four books, including “On Toby’s Terms” and “Toby’s Forever Family,” written by Charmaine Hammond, who also helps people and individuals find ways to connect with sponsors for their programs. EPISODE NOTES: From Destructive Dog to Therapy Dog/a> Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

Melisa Pearce is a lifelong horsewoman and the founder of Touched By a Horse. She is the creator of the Equine Gestalt Coaching Method. Over the last three decades, she has coached and helped others through her private psychotherapy practice and partnership with horses. She developed her unique method of combining Gestalt with her horses in Gestalt sessions beginning in the 1980s. This episode is filled with inspiring and heart-warming stories of how specifically horses can be our partners in healing. She speaks about horses who read us immediately – knowing whether we war in our head or our hearts, horses that will “act out” or pantomime what we are feeling, and horses that will help us realign our energy centers to be more balanced and whole. She gives exercises that you can try at home to experiment with the animals who share your life. EPISODE NOTES: Touched By a Horse Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

Liz Murdoch is a renowned animal communicator recommended by holistic veterinarians to help people understand “when it is time” -- and also when the animal needs a little more time. In many cases, Liz hears from the animal that there is something small that the animal needs to feel complete and ready to let go of the body. Her heart-warming stories of hearing from dogs and cats who are both ready, and some who are not quite ready, tell her about what they need in the final hours, days, or sometimes months. I ask Liz, “What is it like for an animal to let go of the body?” “What have some of the animals told you they need from their humans to be complete and ready to pass?” In this inspiring conversation, we glimpse into how animals feel about and prepare to leave the body. This is a very hard time for most animal lovers, but this show will make the journey lighter. EPISODE NOTES: When It’s Time to Go Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

Dr. Deva Khalsa brings over forty years of veterinary expertise to the table, witnessing a concerning rise in allergies among dogs and cats. Trained in homeopathy, acupuncture, and holistic healing, she integrates the best practices from these disciplines. As a respected global lecturer and author of Natural Dog – Holistic Therapies, Nutrition, and Recipes for Healthier Dogs, (and several other books) Dr. Khalsa delves deep into the root causes of animal allergies, challenging common assumptions. In this enlightening episode, she explores how allergies go beyond mere food sensitivities, delving into DNA disruptions that trigger inflammation and allergic reactions. Dr. Khalsa critiques the pharmaceutical approach, emphasizing sustainable healing over continual medication. She reveals surprising insights, such as the degradation of supplements like fish oils when exposed to oxygen, often undermining their efficacy despite glowing online reviews. Animal allergies are a source of immense stress and frustration, often leading to dead ends in treatment. Tune in to discover a fresh perspective on this widespread issue and learn actionable strategies for a more effective healing journey. For more resources from Dr. Deva Khalsa, visit DoctorDeva.com. EPISODE NOTES: Understanding the Root of Allergies in Animals Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

It is wonderful to share our lives with animals. But sometimes they can get bored, or stressed with having to fit into our human world. How can we address their needs to help them be more themselves? Animal Chaplain Shel Graves, a dog trainer and cat behavior specialist who has worked in rescue for years, explains simple things you can do to give your animals a greater sense of choice, which increases their well-being by reducing boredom. Animals can get frustrated, anxious, and fearful just like us. Helping them by providing small opportunities to do more of their “natural behaviors” can alleviate many behavior issues. She explains how you can create novelty in their life with just simple things you can do at home. And as an animal chaplain, she acknowledges that our lives with our animals are always far too short. What we can do is meditate with our animals or have special times where our attention is just on them. This sacred bonding time is something we will never forget, making every minute we have together peaceful and delightful. Shel Graves does consultations online and in person. EPISODE NOTES: How to Have a Happier Life with Dogs and Cats Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

Dogs share our lives, and we do our best to take care of their needs. But we may have overlooked some of the needs that individual dogs may have. Is your dog getting the enrichment they need? There are five types of enrichment that may benefit your dog, no matter their age. They are: physical, social, nutritional, occupational, and sensory stimulation. Many overlap, so if you are doing sensory stimulation games, chances are you are also engaging other parts of their brain and emotions. Just like humans, we can get into trouble if we are bored. Many undesirable behaviors in dogs may be a result of under stimulation in one or more of these five domains. Understanding your dog’s wants, needs, and temperament can help you both have happier, more connected, and fulfilled lives together. You don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy toys, training classes, or wild experiences. Sol Dog Training Program Manager, Kim Stoll, explains how simple objects around your house can be great enrichment opportunities. And when you engage a dog’s nose in any game, you are helping balance their minds and their energy. EPISODE NOTES: The Five Types of Dog Enrichment – and Why They Work Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

We love the animals who share our lives so much that it can be very painful to watch them go through the degenerative processes of aging. They used to run, jump, and play, and easily jump up to cuddle on the bed. Now, they may be doing none of those things. We wonder if they are in pain or suffering, if they need pain medications or other therapies. And, of course, we wonder if we are doing the right things, or enough things, to improve the quality of their daily lives. The amount of time, energy, and focus required to care for a dog that no longer has normal mobility can be draining and demoralizing at times. They may be unable to maintain their potty-training habits. These changes, which may be sudden or gradual, can produce compassion fatigue, and people who have not experienced this level of care for an animal may not understand what we are going through. Mobility is directly related to the quality of life, and in many cases, we humans can help, everything from specific exercises to simple household adaptations. Kate Titus is the founder and director of A Loyal Companion, which offers hydrotherapy, wheelchair fitting for paralyzed dogs, and helps their owners make simple changes to accommodate aging dogs' mobility issues. She is the author of From Emotion to Motion. EPISODE NOTES: Oh, the Guilt! Caring for Very Senior Dogs Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.