Aug. 14, 2023
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
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.
Recent
Feb. 9, 2026
Find a Dog That is Going to Make You Happy - Denise Fenzi - S4 E28
In this episode of The Empathetic Trainer, Barbara O’Brien sits down with renowned dog trainer and educator Denise Fenzi to talk about choosing the right dog for your real life— not the one you feel you should want. Their conversation centers on aligning a dog’s temperament, energy level, and needs…
Feb. 9, 2026
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...
Jan. 14, 2026
Listening Is Noticing — Amelia Thomas (S4 · E27)
What does it mean to really listen to animals? In this episode, I talk with author and naturalist Amelia Thomas about slowing down, noticing more, and realizing how much animals are already communicating—if we’re willing to pay attention.
Jan. 14, 2026
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, and noticing what animals are already showing us—often in very quiet, subtl…
Jan. 12, 2026
What are animals trying to say?
A short clip from my recent podcast conversation with Amelia Thomas.
Dec. 24, 2025
20251224 Winter Sleigh Christmas
Enjoy a peaceful sleigh ride through the woods this blessed holiday season.
Oct. 14, 2025
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 talk about what it really means to “rewild” — how slowing down, breathi…
Oct. 14, 2025
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. T...
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About the Host
Barbara O'Brien
Barbara O'Brien has loved animals as long as she can remember. She eloped at 19 so she could have a horse, and started an animal actors agency at 22. After many years of working animals in front of the camera, she moved behind it and became a professional photographer for clients like Purina, Cargill, Novartis, Wahl and 3M. This led to her first book, DOGFACE, which was published by Random House Penguin in 2014. She also leads workshops helping people improve their connection with the animals in their lives.
She has four sons and lives on a farm in rural Wisconsin and is happy to report, she is still married to the same man, and still has horses.