Behaviorist Episodes

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: Dogs...

Send a text 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...

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 going on than you can put into words, this conversation is for you.

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 ki...

Send us a Text Message. Kari Bastyr 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. Kari emphasizes the gut-brain connection, sharing stories about Paisley, a chocolate lab, whose behavior issues were improved by a simple change in diet. For more information about Kari, visit the links below! https://www.wagandtrain.com/ www.facebook.com/dogbehav...