Tricks My Dog Taught Me with Tanya H. Franklin : Life Lessons from Zack the Toy Poodle

18 Episodes
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By: Tanya H. Franklin

Tanya has learned so much from her delightful toy poodle, Zack and hopes to share some of the tricks he's taught her about life with anyone who will listen.

Week 17: Grounded in Fear
#17
Today at 4:00 AM

The episode delves into the theme of fear, exploring personal experiences and generational fears. It also addresses the impact of fear on relationships, the black community, and the use of spiritual practices to cope with fear. The conversation also touches on the economic squeeze, the impact of artificial intelligence on historical narratives, and the fear of losing or misinterpreting history. The conversation covers topics related to historical narratives, courage, self-esteem, and personal growth. Ife Williams discusses her project on black history, the importance of ancestral guidance, and her journey of self-discovery. Tanya Franklin explores the themes of aging, self-worth...


Week 16: Size Does Not Matter
#16
04/19/2026

The episode revolves around the theme of 'Size Does Not Matter,' exploring the concept of achieving big goals through small steps and the impact of stature on personal experiences. The conversation delves into the challenges and perceptions associated with height and the influence of family and societal assumptions on individual confidence and identity. The conversation explores the experiences of two women, one tall and one short, as they discuss the challenges and triumphs of their respective heights. They share personal stories of bullying, struggles with finding clothing that fits, and the impact of height on their daily lives...


Week 15: Sit and Wait
04/12/2026

The conversation delves into the art of patience and perseverance in pursuing goals, balancing instant gratification with long-term goals, navigating social media and comparison, the pressure of time and deadlines, the challenge of staying patient, the concept of sprint, marathon, or short laps in life, recognizing signs and green lights, making sacrifices, and generational perspectives on work ethic. The conversation delves into the themes of pressure, impatience, and reflection. It explores the impact of societal expectations, the illusion of time and success, the relationship between impatience and mental health, and the importance of reflection and advice for one's younger...


Week 14: A Little Tug
#14
04/05/2026

The podcast episode explores the concept of 'nudges' and their impact on decision-making, personal growth, and the influence of others. It delves into the power of nudges in guiding decisions, the weight of nudges from family and friends, and the role of nudges in seeking advice. The episode also reflects on personal struggles, the influence of signs and inner tug, and the pressure of being a positive influence on others. The conversation delves into the themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the pursuit of inner peace and abundance. It also explores the power of positive energy and the impact...


Week 13: You Barking at Me?
#13
03/29/2026

The conversation covers topics related to dealing with confrontation, handling aggression, and parenting and discipline. It explores the challenges of communication during confrontational situations, strategies for managing aggression, and the approach to parenting and discipline. The conversation delves into the challenges of dealing with defensive and aggressive behavior, the impact of yelling and aggression on emotional well-being, and a comparison of human behavior to dog behavior. It explores the strategies for handling defensive individuals and the emotional toll of aggressive behavior. Additionally, it draws parallels between human and dog behavior, highlighting the importance of understanding and managing behavioral responses.<...


Week 12: Never Too Proud
#12
03/22/2026

Keywords

pride, accomplishments, family, personal growth, self-esteem, asking for help, emotional vulnerability, humility, professional life, self-recognition

Takeaways

Pride can be a motivating force in personal and professional life.

It's important to celebrate achievements without comparing them to others.

Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Pride should not lead to arrogance or looking down on others.

Emotional vulnerability is essential for personal growth.

Recognizing one's accomplishments can boost self-esteem.

The pressure to make others proud can be toxic.<...


Week 11: The Dog Nap
#11
03/15/2026

Keywords

dog parenting, sleep, napping, mental health, societal pressures, sleep strategies, power naps, dog vs cat, sleep tracking, stress management

Summary

In this episode of 'Tricks My Dog Taught Me', Tanya Franklin and her cousin Marissa Allen discuss the importance of sleep and napping, drawing parallels between the lives of dogs and humans. They explore societal pressures that lead to sleep deprivation, share personal experiences with sleep sacrifice, and offer strategies for improving sleep quality. The conversation also touches on the impact of sleep on mental health, the benefits of power naps, and...


Week 10: A Long Stretch
#10
03/08/2026

Keywords

stretching, self-care, balance, mental health, physical health, personal growth, boundaries, positivity, resilience, life lessons

Takeaways

Stretching is essential for both physical and mental well-being.

Finding balance in life is crucial to avoid burnout.

Self-care practices like sleep and relaxation are vital.

Overcoming challenges helps build resilience and character.

Positive thinking can significantly impact daily life.

Setting boundaries is important for mental health.

Pushing beyond perceived limits can lead to personal growth.

Celebrating small victories is essential for motivation.<...


Week 9: Motive of Praise
#9
03/01/2026

Keywords

praise, motivation, self-esteem, relationships, personal growth, parenting, workplace dynamics, compliments, self-worth, encouragement

Summary

In this episode of 'Tricks My Dog Taught Me', Tanya Franklin engages in a heartfelt conversation with DJ Franklin about the significance of praise in various aspects of life. They explore personal experiences with receiving and giving praise, the impact of praise on motivation, and the complexities surrounding it in professional and personal relationships. The discussion delves into cultural influences on praise, the psychology behind withholding compliments, and the importance of acknowledging efforts. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the value...


Week 8: The Show
#8
02/22/2026

The podcast episode explores the themes of social media pressure and self-expression. It delves into the concept of 'putting on a show' and the pressure to present the best version of oneself. The conversation also touches on the importance of showing up for oneself, breaking the stigma around counseling, and the impact of monetization on self-expression and authenticity. The episode concludes with a reflection on identifying with dog breeds and a call to action for self-care and self-expression.

Takeaways

Social media pressureSelf-expression and authenticity

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast05:10 Empowerment...


Week 7: Let Them Know You Know
02/15/2026

The conversation focuses on themes of self-love and confidence, exploring the power of self-affirmation, overcoming insecurities, shifting perspectives, and the impact of supportive circles on personal growth and confidence building. The importance of celebrating oneself and the impact it has on personal growth and empowerment is also addressed. Furthermore, it explores the power of journaling and self-affirmation as tools for self-celebration, as well as the influence of others on one's ability to celebrate oneself. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted discussion about choosing the right breed of dog, adding a touch of humor and warmth to the overall theme...


Week 6: Oh Sh#t
#6
02/08/2026

The podcast episode features a lighthearted and deep conversation between the host and her guest, focusing on their personal experiences, coping mechanisms, and reflections on unexpected situations. The themes of friendship, fitness, self-reflection, and personal growth are explored, highlighting the importance of taking things day by day and reducing concern for others' opinions. The conversation delves into the theme of handling unexpected challenges and oh-ish moments with positivity and mental readiness. It explores the impact of these moments on oneself and others, as well as the purpose and significance of such experiences. The conversation also includes a fun question...


Week 5: Ode Sh#t
#5
02/01/2026

The podcast episode delves into the significance of life's messes and unexpected challenges, exploring the emotional and practical aspects of dealing with them. It also highlights the importance of reflection and learning from these experiences, offering valuable insights into managing life's unexpected obstacles. The conversation highlights the significance of conflict and mess in life, highlighting the lessons and blessings they offer. It emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences and lessons with others, as well as the impact of conflict and mess on personal growth and adaptation. The conversation focuses on themes of embracing the mess and learning from experiences...


Week 4: Don't Hold On: Let All That Sh#t Go
#4
01/25/2026

The conversation revolves around the themes of letting go, learning from pets, self-doubt, communication, and age-related aspirations. The discussion begins with the inspiration behind the book, followed by a heart-to-heart conversation with a best friend, and concludes with a focus on letting go and moving forward. The conversation delves into the themes of embracing change, coping with loss and grief, navigating relationships and friendships, and self-confidence and personal growth. It highlights the importance of letting go of the past, embracing the present, and appreciating the people in one's life. The conversation explores the importance of letting go of negativity...


Week 3: Sh#t Happens
#3
01/18/2026

The conversation covers a comparison of dog breed personalities, life lessons and reflections, dealing with unexpected events, belief in coincidences and life's direction, and the focus on positive energy. The takeaways include lessons from life experiences, handling unexpected events, maintaining a positive outlook and energy, and the impact of past experiences on interactions. The conversation delves into the power of journaling for self-reflection, growth through tough times, hopes for the future, connecting with family and friends, personal growth and self-reflection, and a fun question about being a dog. The closing thoughts invite listeners to consider how they handle the...


Week 2: Rude Sh#t
#2
01/11/2026

The conversation delves into the concept of rudeness and consideration, exploring cultural differences in politeness and the impact of intention and informed behavior. It examines the definition of rudeness, cultural perspectives on politeness, everyday interactions, navigating rudeness in crowded spaces, and aggressively passive behavior. The conversation delves into the topics of rudeness, bullying, and the impact of perception and perspective on social interactions. It explores the behavior of individuals in various scenarios and the implications of their actions on others. The discussion also highlights the importance of understanding different perspectives and the role of societal norms in shaping behavior...


Week 1: Other's Sh#t
#1
01/04/2026

Tanya Franklin and her daughter, Quinn, engage in a heartfelt conversation about the impact of others on their lives, sharing personal experiences and insights. They discuss the power of others' opinions, the influence of friends, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The conversation also touches on the significance of positive interactions and the value of self-awareness and authenticity.

Takeaways

Influence of OthersStaying True to Oneself

Chapters

00:00 Fun Question: If You Were a Dog


Weeks 1 - 6: Dropping Sh#t Introduction
12/28/2025

Tanya Franklin shares her journey as a dog mom and the life lessons she has learned, leading to self-discovery and a deeper understanding of the world around her. The conversation delves into the wisdom and insights gained from the 'S word,' the importance of letting go, and the benefits of embracing life's mess.

Takeaways

Life lessonsSelf-discovery

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery