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The Empathetic Trainer

Barbara O’Brien
Dog Training
Spain
The Empathetic Trainer
Embark Dog Training School
Horse Driving
Horse Brain, Human Brain
Horse Cognition
Prey Brain
Trust In Horses
Neuroscience In Training
Rewilding
Horse Training
Sniff Spot
Windchaser Ranch
Operation Dream Horse
A Horse's World

Welcome to ”The Empathetic Trainer,” the podcast that explores the power of empathetic animal training Animals just want to be heard. This is an emerging trend among trainers, veterinarians, pet professionals and animal lovers just like yourself. Join us as we learn the challenges our guests faced, as they grew their understanding and connection with the animals in their lives.

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes33Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Kids & FamilyPets & AnimalsEducationSelf-Improvement

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Latest Episodes

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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 neurosci... more

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Today I’m talking with Toni Mattson of Trinity Equestrian Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Toni and her team work with horses alongside veterans, first responders, youth, and individuals facing trauma, PTSD, dementia, and other lif... more

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What happens after the horse reacts?

In this conversation, I talk with carriage driving trainer Christine Beattie about how driving changes the way we communicate with a horse — and why it can have such a big impact on the relation... more

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In this episode of The Empathetic Trainer, I talk with Heather Mishefske of Embark Dog Training School.

I’ve spent my whole life with herding dogs. Then I got an Australian Terrier… and realized pretty quickly that my usual way of ... more

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Recent Guests

Janet Jones
Neuroscientist, horsewoman, and author
Episode: Trust: Horses Make Us Earn It • Janet Jones, Neuroscientist, Horsewoman, and Author • S4 E33
Christine Beattie
Horsewoman, carriage driving trainer, and educator with extensive urban driving experience in Canada
Episode: It's Not The Spook, It's What Happens Next - Christine Beattie - S4 E31
Heather Mishefske
Owner of Embark Dog Training School; Certified Trainer and Behavior Consultant
Embark Dog Training School
Episode: Understanding Dogs in a Human World - Heather Mishefske S4 E 30
Gabi Neurohr
Austrian-born horse professional focused on relationship-based training
Operation DREAM Horse
Episode: Every Horse is a Soul in a Non Human Body - Gabi Neurohr - S4 E29
Denise Fenzi
Dog trainer, writer, and educator known for compassionate training approaches
FenZi Dog Sports Academy
Episode: Find a Dog That is Going to Make You Happy - Denise Fenzi - S4 E28
Amelia Thomas
Author of What Sheep Think About the Weather
Author, Journalist-turned-farmer
Episode: Listening Is Noticing — Amelia Thomas (S4 · E27)
Rachel Windchaser
Author and horse expert focused on rewilding and humane horsemanship
Windchaser Ranch / Spain
Episode: Rachel Windchaser - Remembering Who We are Through Horses S3 E26

Host

Barbara O'Brien
Host of The Empathetic Trainer

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 11 ratings
  • Great podcast!

    I just listened to the Susan Friedland episode and it brought me back to my childhood of reading any horse book I could find. I love all of Marguerite Henry’s books! Thanks Barbara!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    k*i*mb
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Guest expertise comes through clearly and is applicable to real-world training.
Episodes highlight empathy and relationship-building over dominance or punishment.
Stories balance science with practical tips for humane animal care.
Host fosters calm, compassionate conversations that emphasize welfare.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Every Horse is a Soul in a Non Human Body - Gabi Neurohr - S4 E29
Q: What does it mean to be a good leader with horses without being domineering?
A good leader respects the horse's nervous system, maintains awareness of emotional state, and communicates consistently and on time while staying calm and empathetic.
Listening Is Noticing — Amelia Thomas (S4 · E27)
Q: What does it practically look like to listen to an animal, beyond just hearing words?
The practical answer centers on noticing micro-signals, sharing a calm, slow environment, and aligning with the animal's time frame—like approaching from its level and giving it space to express itself.
Listening Is Noticing — Amelia Thomas (S4 · E27)
Q: What first made you wonder if animals were trying to tell us something we weren't hearing?
Amelia explains her lifelong pattern of rescuing animals and how moving to her farm intensified her curiosity to understand their signals, leading to a year-long deep dive that shaped the book's approach.
Find a Dog That is Going to Make You Happy - Denise Fenzi - S4 E28
Q: How did you come to emphasize choosing the right dog for a family, rather than the dog you think you should want?
I learned to look at the dog in front of me, assess how the dog behaves in real life, and consider the family's capacity and lifestyle before committing. This often means favoring a match that brings happiness and harmony, even if it means passing on a dog that seems perfect on paper.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Empathetic Trainer

What is The Empathetic Trainer about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful show that centers on empathetic, relationship-based animal training across species. Listeners can expect conversations with expert trainers, researchers, and authors who emphasize welfare, calm training, and understanding animal perspectives. Episodes blend neuroscience, ethics, and practical tips, with real-world anecdotes about horses, dogs, and other animals to help trainers, veterinarians, and devoted pet owners apply humane methods in everyday interactions. A notable strength is the host's steady guidance and a consistent emphasis on listening to animals as partners, not problems, which makes it helpful for both practitioners and curious listeners seeking deeper connections with animals.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Empathetic Trainer?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Empathetic Trainer:

1. Canter Therapy
2. HORSE, FIRST - with Lockie Phillips
3. The Journey On Podcast
4. The Elevated Equestrian
5. The NOËLLE FLOYD Podcast

How many episodes of The Empathetic Trainer are there?

The Empathetic Trainer launched 3 years ago and published 33 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Empathetic Trainer?

Recent guests on The Empathetic Trainer include:

1. Janet Jones
2. Christine Beattie
3. Heather Mishefske
4. Gabi Neurohr
5. Denise Fenzi
6. Amelia Thomas
7. Rachel Windchaser

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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