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.
Trusting Life Means Trusting Death Too • Chris Lombard • Horse Trainer, Clinician & Author • S4 E 35
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Yes. I’d loosen it up a little and make it sound more like you actually talking:
What does it mean to trust life when life breaks your heart?
Chris Lombard is back on The Empathetic Trainer, and this time we’re talking about his new book, Warrior Horse: Living and Dying With Animals in a Soulful and Heartfelt Way. I loved this book, but I don’t want to tell you too much about what happens in it. What I will tell you is that it led Ch...
A Place of Safety • Cara Gereau • Equine Somatic Practitioner • S4 E34
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What if healing isn't about trying harder...but about learning to listen?
In this episode, I sit down with equine somatic practitioner Cara Gereau for a thoughtful conversation about trauma, trust, emotions, and the remarkable way horses respond to what we're actually feeling - not what we're trying to hide.
Together they explore how our bodies often know the truth before our minds do, why animals can become powerful partners in healing, and what horses have to teach us about authenticity, safety, and connection.
Whether you've experienced...
Trust: Horses Make Us Earn It • Janet Jones, Neuroscientist, Horsewoman, and Author • S4 E33
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Horse Brain, Human Brain was one of the first books I read when I was trying to understand horses better. So when I had the chance to sit down with its author, Janet Jones, for the podcast, I was pretty excited.
Janet is a neuroscientist, horsewoman, and the author of her new book, A Horse's World.
We talked about trust, fear, learning, the horse's sensory system, and some of the things horses notice that humans often miss. One thing that really stood out to me was this:
...
Horses, Trauma & Healing — “Horses Notice What We Hide” with Toni Mattson S4 E32
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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 challenges.
We talk about what horses notice about people, why they respond so honestly to emotion, and how animals can help people reconnect with hope, trust, and themselves.
We also discuss Toni’s book Unlikely Recruits, her work with veterans, and Trinity’s dementia program, “Reminiscing on the Ranch.”
A really t...
It's Not The Spook, It's What Happens Next - Christine Beattie - S4 E31
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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.
We talk about ground driving, working horses in real-world environments, and what horses need from us when things feel uncertain.
A big part of this conversation comes down to something simple:
It’s not whether the horse reacts…
it’s what happens next.
If you...
Understanding Dogs in a Human World - Heather Mishefske S4 E 30
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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 things wasn’t going to work.
This little guy has opinions.
So I went looking for help, and that’s how I found Heather.
We talk about what it’s like to live with dogs in a very human world, and why so many of th...
Every Horse is a Soul in a Non Human Body - Gabi Neurohr - S4 E29
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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 we started talking, I felt an immediate connection to the way Gabi sees horses. So much of what she said rang true for me and my own experience working with them.
We talk about what horses are really trying to tell us, how trust between horse and human is built, and why true...
Find a Dog That is Going to Make You Happy - Denise Fenzi - S4 E28
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“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 with the dog in front of you.
https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/
Listening Is Noticing — Amelia Thomas (S4 · E27)
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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, and noticing what animals are already showing us—often in very quiet, subtle ways. Amelia shares how listening starts with presence, not interpretation, and how that shift can change the way we relate to animals.
If you live or work with animals and have ever felt like there’s more goi...
Rachel Windchaser - Remembering Who We are Through Horses S3 E26
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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 talk about what it really means to “rewild” — how slowing down, breathing, and paying attention can change the way we connect with horses and with ourselves. Rachel explains the value of touch, rhythm, and trust, and why real horsemanship starts with self-awareness and kindness.
https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/
Jessica Gonzales - Every Horse and Every Person Deserves a Second Chance S3 E25
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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 reinforcement training, and the deep bond between horses and young people. Jessica shares her journey, the challenges of running a nonprofit, and the importance of trust, patience, and second chances—both for horses and humans.
Key Takeaways:
Horses provide healing and companionship, especially for those struggling socially.Positive reinforcement builds trust between hors...Dr. Shelly Appleton - My Horse's Problem was Actually Me - S2 E23
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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 women. They talk about the importance of patience, understanding, and learning to see things from the horse’s point of view.
In addition to being the host of the Canter Therapy podcast, Shelley is the author of two books - Confidence & Trust, Solving the Human & Horse Equation; and Buying & Supporting a New Horse, The Essential Guide...
Chelsey Bosak - All Of Our Dogs End Up Where They Are Meant to Be - S2 E 22
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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 for individuals with physical disabilities, veterans, and first responders affected by PTSD. Chelsey shares her journey to becoming Helping Paws’ volunteer coordinator and offers an inside look at the organization's mission to provide highly trained service dogs free of charge, thanks to the dedication of volunteers and donors.
https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/
Chris Lombard - The Power of Patience and Presence in Horse Training - S2 E21
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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 the equine world at the age of 26. Chris shares his transformative journey from a conventional life to one filled with the peace and purpose he discovered through horses. We explore the deep emotional bonds between humans and horses, the courage it takes to follow one's heart, and the healing power of equine therapy.
Ingrid Henry - What we are Trying to Communicate is Trust - S2 E20
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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 value of undemanding time spent with them. She also addresses the issue of fear in horse-human relationships and offers advice on how to overcome it.
In this conversation, Ingrid discusses her passion for dressage and eventing, emphasizing the importance of building a harmonious connection with horses. She shares insights on how to overcome fear and frustration i...
Grace Olson - There is Something Magical about Horses and Sheep that dissolves your sadness and brings you back into the light S2 E 19
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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 shares her fascinating journey into animal therapy, which began with her sheep, Merlin, providing unexpected comfort to a depressed client. Discover how these animals, once meant for slaughter, have found new purpose in offering emotional support to terminally ill individuals, promoting relaxation and peace through their gentle presence.
Grace also opens up about her journey as an...
Kari Bastyr - Your Dog is Not Bad, He is Just Having a Hard Time S2 E18
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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 connection, sharing stories about Paisley, a chocolate lab, whose behavior issues were improved by a simple change in diet.
https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/
Julie Smart - What Horses Want - Trust, Communication and Leadership
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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.
We talk about how spending undemanding time with our horses changes how they feel about and us and can really help build a better, more trusting relationship. We also talk about how horses never stop learning and can be trained at any age with atunement and understanding.
Julie recommends boo...
Susan Friedland - The True Story of Marguerite Henry and Misty of Chincoteague S2 E16
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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 people of all ages.
We talk about how much Henry loved horses, especially Morgan horses, and how her stories were influenced by her roots in the Midwest. Susan shares how Henry was kind and caring towards her readers, even writing them personal letters. Susan also had the chance to see...
Laura Carter - What Your Dog Wants is You - S2 E15
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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, including fun activities like scent work. They also debunk common myths about dog training, emphasizing the importance of kindness and personal interaction. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that will enhance your relationship with your best dog friend, especially during those times when they need extra care and attention!https...
Kera Wilhelmsen - You Want Your Dog to Trust You, Right? S2 E14
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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 fear or intimidation. She shares her experiences working with dogs, including her own challenges with a reactive border collie named Tayla. Kera emphasizes using positive reinforcement and empathy in training, focusing on relaxation techniques and behavior modification. She also discusses the need for owners to learn about science-based training methods and the importance of reading dogs' body language...
Kera Wilhelmsen - You Want Your Dog to Trust You, Right? - S2 E14
In this interview, Barbara O'Brien talks with Kera 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 fear or intimidation. She shares her experiences working with dogs, including her own challenges with a reactive border collie named Taylor. Kera emphasizes using positive reinforcement and empathy in training, focusing on relaxation techniques and behavior modification. She also discusses the need for owners to learn about science-based training methods and the importance of reading dogs' body language. Kara warns against quick fixes and...
When it comes to Horses, Obedience is Out and Empathy is In • Lockie Phillips • S2 E3
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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 compassion.
Lockie believes that training programs should be horse centered and focused on the well- being of the horse rather than performance. And that real change requires patience, understanding and the willingness to adapt to the individual needs of each horse.
This episode paints a hopeful picture of a future w...
Lynn Acton - Alternatives to Dominance Based Horsemanship - S2 E12
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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 training, and understanding horses' emotions. Lynn also talks about being a protector leader and what horses really want from us. Get simple and actionable advice for creating a strong bond with horses and keeping them happy by avoiding unnecessary stress. Whether you're a horse enthusiast or just curious, Lynn's down-to-earth wisdom makes it...
Mikel Delgado - The Big Problem? They Don't Understand Cats - S2 E11
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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 expert. Learn how to make a happy home for multiple cats and discover easy ways to keep your cat content.Get simple tips to take better care of your cat and enjoy a closer connection. Tune in for an enlightening and fun chat about cats!
Dr. Susan Fay - Sacred Spaces - Communicating with the Horse through Science and Spirit - S1 E10
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Summary
Dr. 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 energy regulation and acknowledging our emotions can improve our relationships with animals. She also discusses her book 'Sacred Spaces' and the science behind the connection between humans and horses. Dr. Faye shares her experiences with horses and the transformative power of going slow. She encourages listeners to be in the...
Dr. Ian Dunbar - With Dogs, Increasing the Good, Decreases the Bad - S1 E9
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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 relationships with our four-legged friends.
Tales of cows with personality and horses with heart remind us that the principles of positive reinforcement extend far beyond the backyard. Through personal anecdotes, like the transformation of an uncatchable horse named Pudding, we discover the patience and kindness necessary to train animals in a w...
Tiffany Stauffer - Give Them the Right Tools and Let Your Horses Think for Themselves - S1 E8
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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 Horsemanship, who left the financially secure world of engineering to start her own business helping people learn how to do liberty training and build trust with their own horse.
https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/
A Tiger's Tale - Tales From the Set by Barbara O'Brien - Ep 1
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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 tiger for a high-end department store’s furniture shoot in my early days of running an animal actors agency. Picture this: a majestic tiger, a pristine white leather furniture set, and a terrified crew looking to me for a solution as chaos ensues.
Curious about what happe...
Chris Kman - Advocating for the Proper Management of the Wild Horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park - S1 E7
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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. Join us as Chris explains what is happening and what you can do to keep the horses, a national treasure whose roots go back to Sitting Bull's horses, at the park for future generations to enjoy.
https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/
Katenna Jones - Regarding Pets - Being Kind Feels Right - S1 E6
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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 merely suppresses behavior rather than changing it. Listen in as she guides you through practical advice for handling pet behavioral issues and why reward-based techniques are key in training.
We also spoke about consent and the concept of individuality in animal behavior. We touch on how medical issues can sometimes present as behavioral issues, an...
Julie-Anne Thorne - Come Out of Your Head and Into Your Heart to Connect with Your Cat - S1 E5
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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's deep bond with Pickle and her fresh take on being a cat guardian.
Julie delves into the mysteries of feline behavior, stressing the importance of understanding their body language and the impact of our emotions on them. From decoding aggression to highlighting the joy of interaction, Julie's expertise offers a new perspective.
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Kerri Lake - With Horses, Integrity to your Heart is an Expression of Leadership - S1 E4
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Join us as we chat with Kerri Lake, author of Listen like a Horse and Spiritually Gifted. Kerri explains the value of awareness and the importance of being present in our lives. She shares how this self-awareness has helped her communicate and connect with horses.
https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/
Shelley Paulson - Horses are the Thread Woven Throughout my Story - S1 E3
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Equine photographer, Shelley Paulson shares with us the life changing event that caused her to take a different career path and how her growing understanding of how horses think and feel has changed how she views them with a whole new lens.
https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/
Mary Corning - With Horses, Practicing Fear Makes you Really Good at Being Afraid - S1 E2
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Mary Corning is an award-winning author, horse advocate, mentor and retreat facilitator. Mary’s book, Perfect Practice, is about how to connect and communicate with people and horses by removing resistance and finding freedom of expression.
https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/
Debra Schneider - Regarding your Dog, Just Ask Him What He Needs - S1E1
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As a professional animal trainer and photographer, Barbara O'Brien has worked with animals in film and photography for over twenty years.
Today, she’s meeting with Debra Schneider, animal communicator. When Debra talks to animals, they talk back. Learn how, you too, can begin to hear what your dog is telling you.
https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/
