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
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 and interacting with them can lower stress and increase present-moment awareness. The episode encourages listeners to set intentions for the new year inspired by animal...
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 Yule Cat, discover how these animals have become beloved symbols of the holiday season. Through stories and folklore, learn about the values they represent, such as endurance, hop...
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 roles both play. We examine the science behind pets reducing stress and share practical strategies for working with pets as emotional anchors during social events. Real-life examples i...
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 ancient teachings shaped the first Thanksgiving and can influence our modern practices of gratitude, community, and respect for all living beings. Through stories of animal teac...
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 spiritual guides like monarch butterflies, tecolote owls, and Xolo dogs. Uncover ancient beliefs and modern customs that connect humans with the natural and spirit worlds, weaving ...
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 thought.
From her early life in Mexico City to the devastating bus accident that shaped her artistic vision, Kahlo's journey is explored through the lens of her relationships wi...
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 reveals how animals have provided emotional stability, resilience, and even lifesaving support to soldiers and civilians alike.
From cavalry horses and military dogs to family pets...
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 within the African American community. Dr. Whitney discusses her groundbreaking qualitative research, which delves into the experiences of African American adults and their relations...
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 between humans or human and animal. From a young prince's compassion to a stallion's trust, the tale reveals the incredible strength found in mutual respect and care. Jo...
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 named Samson. Michele highlights the lack of representation of people of color in the existing literature on the human-animal bond and how her experiences as an African American woman ...
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 Devil and Madagascar hissing cockroach.
We also challenge societal biases toward animals and argue for a more inclusive approach to conservation. We'll share fascinat...
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 have been integral to human societies, from prehistoric survival and spiritual symbolism to roles in mythology, companionship, and modern scientific research. The narrative trac...
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 recovering from an eating disorder and how animals played a crucial role in her healing process. They also discuss the founding and growth of SoulPaws, an organization dedicated to provi...
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 anxiety benefits both pets and their families, touching on her methods of positive reinforcement and virtual training.
LaSala shares her personal journey with her own sen...
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 effective as possible. Brooke shares her journey into animal advocacy, experiences with grassroots activism, and in-depth insights on the state of animal welfare, humane washing, an...
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 insights from her social work background and research, highlighting how pets can act as protective factors against suicidality, reduce anxiety, depression, and loneliness, and ev...
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 all types of animals, including birds and an elephant.
This episode can be viewed with captions on YouTube https://youtu.be/2YYROvlJCTw
To learn more about Cin...
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 Michelle and her nonprofit for Animal Bond Academy. You can see Michelle in action on YouTube https://youtu.be/DgIBJAm-cNU
This podcast episode can also be viewed with captio...
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 communities in identifying domestic and animal abuse.
This episode can be viewed with captions on YouTube https://youtu.be/4aZB31fPm-w?list=PL7p248H5KmY3A-z...
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 States, and how social media can be used for good things in support of nonprofit organizations.
This episode can be viewed with captions on YouTube https://youtu.be/2l66z4qx4xQ...
Popular Podcasts
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.
Two Guys (Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers). Five Rings (you know, from the Olympics logo). One essential podcast for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Bowen Yang (SNL, Wicked) and Matt Rogers (Palm Royale, No Good Deed) of Las Culturistas are back for a second season of Two Guys, Five Rings, a collaboration with NBC Sports and iHeartRadio. In this 15-episode event, Bowen and Matt discuss the top storylines, obsess over Italian culture, and find out what really goes on in the Olympic Village.