Never Just A Dog
Never Just A Dog is a podcast about the remarkable place dogs hold in our lives — and the stories that unfold because we love them. Hosted by Australian storyteller and speaker John Littlefair, the podcast brings together people from around the world to talk about their dogs, their lives, and the moments that have shaped them. Sometimes the conversation is about losing a dog. Sometimes it’s about finding one. Sometimes it’s about science, grief, love, resilience, relationships, or an extraordinary story that began with a dog and ended somewhere completely unexpected. John’s conversations are honest, warm, curious, and often funny — because even in grief, there is laughter, and even in loss, there is love. At its heart, Never Just A Dog is about connection: between people and their dogs, between our stories and our lives, and the things we discover about ourselves through the animals we love.
Episodes
In this deeply personal conversation, your host John Littlefair speaks with Richard Newman about his extraordinary relationship with his dog Woody, the grief that followed his death, and the unexpected ways that a dog can continue to shape your life long after they're gone.
Richard shares stories from his book Woody: My Journey Through Grief, Joy and Healing with a Dog, in...
As the creator of Puppy Tales Photography and founder of the Australian Dog of the Year Awards, Kerry has met thousands of dogs and their people, documenting the quiet, powerful bond we share with them. But while travelling and telling those stories, she experienced her own heartbreak—losing her beloved dogs, Keiko and Summer.
Learn more about Kerry below
For many Australians, Toby the Wonder Dog was a television star — the clever, charismatic dog millions watched on Totally Wild and Harry's Practice.
But behind the fame was a much more personal story.
In this episode, John Littlefair speaks with Dr Katrina Warren about the life she shared with Toby — and the difficult chapter that ...
In this episode of Never Just A Dog, John Littlefair speaks with Dave Bartley, an officer with Merseyside Police (UK), about the loss of his working dog, Ghost, who was killed in the line of duty.
Ghost wasn’t a pet — he was a partner. Trained to run toward danger, Ghost served alongside Dave until his death during operational duty.
Rather than letting Ghost’s loss fade, Dave carried his grief further. His journey...
This short trailer is a breath before the climb, a moment on the roadside to remember why these stories will always matter. Because it will never, ever be 'just a dog'.
I'm your host, John Littlefair, and welcome to our shared world.
Connect with your podcast host, John, below
Todd Ingraham’s courage and spirit touched thousands through his marathon running, his work with his police dog Chase, and his battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
After his passing, his wife, Tina, sat down with your host John Littlefair, to reflect on Todd’s life, ...
In this episode, we visit Meaford, Ontario — home to Beautiful Joe Park. It’s more than green space. It’s a tribute to a real dog whose story changed how people think about animals.
Back in the 1800s, a dog named Beautiful Joe was rescued from abuse. His story, written by Margaret Marshall Saunders, became one of the first books to give a voice to animals...
In this heartfelt episode, your host John Littlefair chats with Todd Ingraham, an elite athlete and former WA Police canine handler, who has conquered some of the world's toughest marathons. However, nothing could have prepared Todd for his most challenging battle yet — Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Todd opens up about his transition from the marathon track to ...
In this episode of Never Just A Dog, John Littlefair explores the extraordinary bond between humans and dogs, from their ancient beginnings as wolves beside our fires to the deep, wordless understanding we share today.
Why do they choose us? Why do they stay, love, and trust us unconditionally? Through early literature, ancient carvings, and stories passed down through gen...
In this episode, your host John Littlefair chats with Health & Community Psychologist, Mindset Coach, Author, and Media Commentator Dr. Marny Lishman
Marny’s a nationally recognized mental health expert with years of experience, having run a successful private practice in Western Australia. She’s worked with organizations, schools, and individuals, helping ...
In our previous episode, your host John Littlefair sat down with Gail Anthea Brown, a writer from Scotland’s northern Highlands, who shared the story of her beloved dog, Brody. Brody was a vital part of Gail’s family—a friend, inspiration, and a true source of joy.
In Part Two, we join Gail as she opens up about the difficult path of grief after Brody&rsq...
In this episode, your host John Littlefair chats with Gail Anthea Brown, a writer from Caithness in the Northern Highlands of Scotland. Gail’s work, rich in folklore and personal storytelling, is deeply inspired by her experiences, including the journey with her dog Brody, a beloved member of her family.
Brody brought joy, loyalty, and inspiration into Gail's life, s...
In this episode, your host John Littlefair chats with award-winning writer and podcaster Clarissa Moll.
We dive into Clarissa's own story, including the loss of her husband in a tragic hiking accident back in 2019, and how that experience has shaped her work in guiding others through grief.
Alongside her daughter Fiona, Clarissa ha...
One of the greatest human tragedies is the sudden unexpected death of a child. When that death remains unexplained, it is even more devastating for the parents, the family, and society at large.
In our previous episode, we had the honor of hearing Brad’s heart-wrenching story about the sudden and unexpected loss of his daughter Grace. Brad shared the prof...
One of the greatest human tragedies is the sudden unexpected death of a child. When that death remains unexplained, it is even more devastating for the parents, the family, and society at large.
On this episode, your host John Littlefair chats with Brad Polain, who, along with his wife Felicity, tragically...
In this episode your host John Littlefair chats with Anne Marie Farage-Smith.
Anne Marie Farage-Smith is a lifelong animal lover and an advocate for all animals. She holds a Master of Science degree in mental health counselling from St. John Fisher University and a Master of Science degree in education from Nazareth University and is a Pet Loss Grief Counselling Trai...
In this episode your host John Littlefair chats with Eliza-Rose Kan, a registered Music Therapist.
Eliza’s passion for both music and healing has led her on an incredible journey. Join us as Eliza shares her inspiring path to becoming a music therapist and the transformative power of music in the realm of therapy.
To get in touch with ...
Join John and Talya on this introspective journey as they pay tribute to George's enduring legacy, offering insights into the profound connections we forge with our animal companions and the significance of holding their memories close to our hearts, even years after they've passed away.
And a special thank you to the supporting cast, in no particular order, Meg, Mog, The ...
In this episode, your host John Littlefair chats with New York Times Best-Selling Author and International Speaker, Michael Hingson.
Michael's life journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Blind since birth, he faced one of the darkest days in modern history, the 9-11 attacks, and emerged not only as a survivor but a testament to the incredible bond between humans and an...
In this special bonus episode the host and creator of Never Just A Dog, John Littlefair, reflects on his journey over the last three years.
This episode is dedicated to the amazing guests who are Talya, Jess, Rosa, Warren, Jessy, Katie, Tyler, Brayden, Sarah, Pascale, Gretta, Mikayla, Shan, Paige and Beau, Chris, Lillian, David, Shay, Victoria, Beth, Simon, Mathilde, Miche...
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