The Resilient Animal
The Resilient Animal: Exploring Mental Health Through Helping Animals and Their People
Each episode invites listeners on a journey to discover how assisting other living beings can profoundly impact our own mental health. Dr. Petersen explores the science and stories behind resilience, highlighting inspiring examples from both human and non-human animals. Through engaging interviews and thoughtful insights, the podcast delves into how acts of compassion and care for animals can foster healing, growth, and resilience in people.
What makes The Resilient Animal truly unique?
- In-person interviews with animal advocates, mental health professionals, and everyday heroes who share their personal stories and expertise.
- Fascinating explorations of animal folklore from around the world, revealing the symbolic and cultural significance of animals in human societies.
- Deep dives into the importance of animals in history and the lives of historical figures, uncovering how animals have shaped - and been shaped by - our collective past.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This content is the property of the Association for Human-Animal Bond Studies / Annie Petersen, Ed.D. and is for educational purposes only.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should contact your own physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical/mental health condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on information from this content. Relying on information provided by this content is done at your own risk, In the event of a medical or mental health emergency, contact your physician or contact 9-1-1 immediately.
Episodes
34 episodes
Animals in Literature: From Fables and Symbols to Allegory and Ethics
In this episode, The Resilient Animal Podcast host Dr. Annie Petersen, explores why animals appear across world literature, from ancient oral traditions to contemporary writing. The episode traces animal fables as moral and political teaching t...
Anthrozoology and The Deal With Animals with Marika Bell - Animal Bond Academy Flashback
This Resilient Animal Podcast episode features an Animal Bond Academy conversation with Marika Bell, host of The Deal With Animals Podcast. Vote for Marika in the Women Podcasters Awards (Pets and Animals) through April 30 and find links in the...
The Healing Power of the Human–Animal Bond: A Brief History of Animal-Assisted Therapy
Host Dr. Annie Petersen weaves her childhood bond with her dog Tammy and observations of people softening around animals at a zoo with a historical overview of animal-assisted interventions. She traces evidence from the ninth century and ancien...
Paws at Work: Boosting Mental Health
In this episode, host Dr. Annie Petersen reviews research showing animal interaction can reduce stress through measurable physiological changes (including lower cortisol and increased oxytocin), provide non-judgmental social support, reduce lon...
Honoring Dr. Mark Goldstein: Compassionate, Education-Focused Leadership in Animal Welfare
Host Dr. Annie Petersen introduces The Resilient Animal podcast and dedicates the episode to animal welfare leader Dr. Mark Goldstein. Annie emphasizes his belief that education was foundational and his equal compassion for animals and the peop...
An Anniversary Re-Release: The Cantu Foundation and the Power of Rescue, Community, and Social Media
Host Dr. Annie Petersen welcomes Fatima Guevara (Founder) and Jenna Finch (Director of Operations) from The Cantu Foundation to discuss how the rescue began with Fatima’s paralyzed dog, Cantu, and grew through social media into a nonprofit help...
The Chinese Zodiac: Animals and Beyond
In celebration of the Chinese New Year, The Resilient Animal, host Dr. Annie Petersen delves into the fascinating world of the Chinese Zodiac. Learn about the rich mythology and historical origins of this ancient system that combines astronomy,...
Adopt a Bird Month: The Joys and Commitments of Bird Companionship
In this episode of the Resilient Animal Podcast, hosted by Dr. Annie Petersen, we celebrate Adopt a Bird Month by exploring the benefits of bird adoption and the profound bond humans can form with these intelligent animals. Dr. Petersen highlig...
Embracing the New Year: Animal-Inspired Resolutions for Mindfulness
In this episode of "The Resilient Animal," host Dr. Annie Petersen explores how animals can inspire human #mindfulness and #wellbeing. She discusses the natural mindfulness that animals embody, backed by scientific research, and how observing a...
Christmas Animals' Ancient Symbolism and Traditions
In this episode of The Resilient Animal, host Annie Petersen explores the rich symbolism and cultural significance of animals in Christmas traditions. From the iconic reindeer and the humble robin to the mystical Yule Goat and the terrifying Yu...
Celebrating with Companions: Navigating Family and Holiday Dynamics with our Pets
In this episode of The Resilient Animal, host Dr. Annie Petersen looks at how pets support us emotionally during family gatherings. We also cover the difference between service animals and emotional support pets, emphasizing the unique ro...
Honoring Our Animal Relatives: The Untold Teachings of the Wampanoag and the first Thanksgiving
In this episode of The Resilient Animal, host Dr. Annie Petersen explores the deep spiritual wisdom of the Wampanoag People and their Chief Massasoit. Focusing on the sacred relationship between humans and animals, she sheds light on how these ...
Animal Spirit Guides of Día de los Muertos
In this episode, we delve into the significance of the human-animal bond during Día de los Muertos. We discover how this Mexican celebration blends indigenous and Catholic traditions into a beautiful remembrance of life and death, featuring spi...
Frida Kahlo: Resilience Through Art and Animal Companions
In this episode, we discuss the life and legacy of the extraordinary artist Frida Kahlo. We delve into how Kahlo intertwined her revolutionary art with her beloved animal companions, creating a unique sanctuary of creativity and political thoug...
The Human-Animal Bond: A Lifeline in Times of War
In this episode The Resilient Animal, we discuss the profound psychological benefits of human-animal bonds during wartime. Featuring historical accounts from World Wars I, II, and Vietnam to contemporary conflicts like Ukraine, this episode rev...
Pet Loss and Cultural Insights with Dr. Michele Whitney
In this episode of The Resilient Animal, host Annie Petersen continues her in-depth conversation with Dr. Michele Whitney. They explore topics such as the human-animal bond, grief associated with pet loss, and unique cultural perspectives withi...
The Power of Empathy: Alexander the Great and Bucephalus
In this episode of The Resilient Animal, we explore the profound bond between Alexander the Great and his horse, Bucephalus. Their story, set in ancient Macedonia, highlights how empathy and understanding can transform relationships, whether be...
Exploring the Human-Animal Bond with Dr. Michele Whitney
This episode of The Resilient Animal podcast, welcomes Dr. Michele Whitney, a newly minted PhD in Human Services. Michele discusses her journey into research on the human-animal bond, driven by her personal experience of adopting a cat na...
Exploring the Resilience and Impact of Animals in Human Life
In this episode of 'The Resilient Animal,' we explore the historical and cultural significance of animals, the importance of conservation across various species, and highlights the often-overlooked value of creatures such as the Tasmanian...
The Enduring Bond: Exploring Human-Animal Relationships Through History
This episode delves into the momentous 1940 discovery of the Lascaux Cave by four young explorers in France, revealing stunning prehistoric art that provides a window into ancient human and animal interactions. The episode explores how animals ...
Shannon Kopp - SoulPaws Recovery Project
In this episode of The Resilient Animal, host Annie Petersen talks with Shannon Kopp of the SoulPaws Recovery Project about the therapeutic power of the human-animal bond for mental health recovery. Shannon shares her personal journey recoverin...
Kate LaSala - Rescued By Training
In this episode of The Resilient Animal podcast, host Dr. Annie Petersen talks with professional dog trainer and certified behavior consultant Kate LaSala. They explore how LaSala's work with dogs facing fear, aggression, and anxie...
Brooke Haggerty - Faunalytics
In this episode of The Resilient Animal Podcast, Dr. Annie Petersen interviews Brooke Haggerty, an animal advocate and Executive Director of Faunalytics, a nonprofit organization that conducts and shares research to make animal advocacy as effe...
Dr. Janet Hoy-Gerlach Open Door Veterinary Collective
In this episode of The Resilient Animal, host Annie Petersen speaks with Dr. Janet Hoy-Gerlach from Open Door Veterinary Collective about the profound impact of human-animal relationships on mental health and wellbeing. Dr. Hoy-Gerlach shares i...
Cindy Richardson - Animal Communicator
Have you wondered what your animals are thinking and feeling? This episode of The Resilient Animal features an intimate discussion of healing and communication with Cindy Richardson. Cindy discusses her preparation when communicating with a...