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
25 episodes
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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22:24
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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17:43
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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21:27
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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13:18
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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13:59
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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29:23
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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50:43
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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9:00
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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44:11
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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14:35
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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11:56
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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32:15
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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45:01
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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33:38
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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39:52
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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35:50
Michelle Meschko - Small Breed Rescue of Southern California
The Resilient Animal chats with the one-and-only Michelle Meschko from Small Breed Rescue of Southern California. Michelle works with only small dog breeds (who need a little more TLC) and reptiles too! Previously, we did a video of Mic...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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1:10:35
Maya Badham - Safeguarding Animal and Human Survivors of Sexual and Domestic Abuse (SAHSDA)
In this conversation, The Resilient Animal podcast features Maya Badham from SAHSDA in the United Kingdom.We discuss coercive control and "The Link" between animal and human abuse and her work with law enforcement and veterinarians in rural...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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41:52
Fatima Guevara and Jenna Finch - The Cantu Foundation
In this conversation, The Resilient Animal podcast features The Cantu Foundation. We speak with Founder Fatima Guevara and Director of Operations Jenna Finch about the dogs they rescue, the process of working on opposite ends of the United Stat...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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46:33
Amy Bassett - JABCECC
Listener Discretion AdvisedIn this conversation, I speak with Amy Bassett, co-founder of the nonprofit Judith A. Bassett Canid Education and Conservation Center (JABCECC) located in Santa Ysabel, California. Amy and her husband...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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40:11
Lori Biewen - Libby Lou's Safe Haven
In this conversation, I speak with Lori Biewen, founder of Libby Lou's Safe Haven, a nonprofit focused on rescuing cows and other animals from the meat and dairy industries. Lori shares her personal journey, explaining how Libby Lou, a miniatur...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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40:11
Eileen Persia - Troll House Animal Sanctuary
In this conversation, I speak with Eileen Persia founder of the nonprofit The Troll House Animal Sanctuary located in New Jersey. Eileen shares her journey of starting the Sanctuary amid the COVID-19 pandemic and her own cancer diagnosis. This ...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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35:40
Michael Overlie - Dogs and Men
In this conversation, I speak with Michael Overlie founder of the group Dogs and Men. Michael and I discuss the intersection of community building, emotional literacy, and the human animal bond. Michael details his efforts in creating an ...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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25:47
Susan Nowicke - Ecovivarium
In this conversation, The Resilient Animal speaks with Susan Nowicke, founder of the nonprofit reptile animal sanctuary Ecovivarium. Susan shares her journey on how she started working with animals and the nonprofit’s unique operations. She she...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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28:15