The Rooted Podcast

Michael and Alison Nezbeth
  • 5.0 (6)
  • PETS & ANIMALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Rooted Podcast, where Alison and Michael Nezbeth—founders of Grassroots K9—talk dogs, business, and the joys of barely keeping it all together.  Expect real talk about training, running a business, and surviving life with working dogs (and each other). It’s blunt, practical, and occasionally funny—like a conversation with someone who doesn’t have time for nonsense.  Tune in if you like your advice straightforward and your humor as dry as your dog’s kibble.

Episodes

  1. Episode 8 : A Real Conversation with Two Proven K9 Leaders

    NOV 21

    Episode 8 : A Real Conversation with Two Proven K9 Leaders

    Everyone sees the bite. Everyone sees the videos. But behind every deployment — there’s a handler who carries the weight of getting it right. On this episode, Alison and Michael sit down with Jay Nix and Mike Lilley to talk about the realities of the K9 world: the wins, the failures, the responsibility of developing dog teams that protect communities, and the need for clearer standards in a rapidly changing industry. You’ll hear perspectives forged through actual street work, unit leadership, and years spent developing dogs that perform when it counts. This conversation brings the truth to the front — for dog people, handlers, and anyone who cares about the future of working dogs. Sponsored by Worthless Handler — real gear for real dog people. No fluff. No hype. Just a company that shows up for the community behind the scenes and in the field. 👉 WorthlessHandler.com

    1h 10m
  2. Episode 7 : What Decoys Do

    NOV 3

    Episode 7 : What Decoys Do

    “What the Decoys Do”** Decoys are one of the most important — and most overlooked — pieces of the working-dog puzzle. In this episode of The Rooted Podcast, Alison and Mike talk about what decoys actually do, why the role matters, and how it influences the dogs we train, test, and put on the field. They discuss the general differences between training decoys, trial decoys, and the gray area in between — and how each role plays a part in developing a dog that can understand the work. Whether you’re involved in PSA, police K9, sport, or you’re just curious about how working dogs are developed behind the scenes, this episode pulls back the curtain on a job that doesn’t always get explained. Because once you understand what the decoy does… you see training differently. Sponsored by Worthless Handler  This episode is powered by Worthless Handler — the lifestyle brand for real handlers and working-dog people who do the work, not the trend.  Check them out at worthlesshandler.com and tag #worthlesshandler to show your support. 🎧 Listen on:  Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon Music 🔗 Join the Conversation:  Drop your thoughts in the comments, tag us in your training clips, and use #TheRootedPodcast and #GrassrootsK9 to be part of the conversation.

    1h 2m
  3. Episode 6 - Cause and Effect: How Dogs Learn They Have Power

    OCT 27

    Episode 6 - Cause and Effect: How Dogs Learn They Have Power

    When a dog stops believing its behavior makes a difference, everything unravels — drive, confidence, focus, all of it. In this episode of The Rooted Podcast, Alison and Mike dig into the core of every successful training program: cause and effect. They break down how dogs learn that what they do actually changes what happens next — and how that belief builds confident, independent, reliable partners. They get into: The science of cause and effect (and why your timing makes or breaks it)How reinforcement builds belief — not just obedienceThe difference between fair pressure and confusionWhat “truth in action” really looks like in trainingHow handlers accidentally destroy confidence without realizing itPlus, they dive into real listener questions about tools, aggression, genetics, and the psychology behind modern training — straight from your comments on last week’s episode. Whether you train pets, police dogs, or sport dogs, this conversation will make you rethink how your dog learns, works, and believes. Because when dogs understand cause and effect… they stop guessing and start performing. 🐾 Sponsored by Worthless Handler This episode is powered by Worthless Handler — the lifestyle brand built for real handlers and working-dog people who do the work, not the trend.  Check them out at worthlesshandler.com  and tag #worthlesshandler to show you’re part of the crew. 🎧 Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon Music 🔗 Join the Conversation: Drop your thoughts in the comments, tag us in your training clips, and use #TheRootedPodcast and #GrassrootsK9 to get featured in future episodes.

    59 min
  4. Episode 5 : The Woke Dog Trainer Era: Bite Work, Breed Myths & the Battle for Common Sense

    OCT 13

    Episode 5 : The Woke Dog Trainer Era: Bite Work, Breed Myths & the Battle for Common Sense

    Welcome to The Rooted, where we strip away the fluff and talk about what’s really happening in the dog world. In this episode — The Woke Dog Trainer Era — we dive into how the industry has become a battlefield of ideology, ego, and moral grandstanding. From the San Francisco Standard article claiming that “wokeness has infected dog training,” we break down how philosophy has replaced practicality and how that affects dogs in the real world. We also take on the growing debate around bite work as an outlet for reactive or aggressive dogs — when it works, when it backfires, and why so many trainers misuse it as therapy instead of structure. Then, we confront The Myth of the “Dangerous Breed”, unpacking the truth behind the Tyrese Gibson dog attack case and what really happens when power, drive, and lack of accountability collide. It’s not about the breed — it’s about the human behind the leash. Finally, we turn the mirror inward, exploring the psychology of trainers — why ego, identity, and social validation are shaping modern dog training more than results. Featuring Mallory Holmes, Liam MacLeod, and Braxton Haight, this episode challenges the status quo and cuts through the noise with real talk from the field. Sponsored by Worthless Handler — manufacturing morale and pissing off admin since 2018. Visit worthlesshandler.com .

    1h 2m
  5. Episode 4 - Dog Training Industry: Guarantees, Validation, and the Future of Working Dogs

    OCT 6

    Episode 4 - Dog Training Industry: Guarantees, Validation, and the Future of Working Dogs

    We’re back with The Rooted Podcast, and in this episode we’re diving straight into the conversations that most of the dog world avoids. Are working dogs losing their edge, and what does that mean for the future of police, military, and sport K9s? Why does the dog training industry have no real standards, and how is that lack of regulation affecting both trainers and the families who trust them? And finally, we’re unpacking the truth about guarantees in training—are they an honest promise of results or just a marketing tool that sets everyone up for disappointment? Joining us in this discussion are Grassroots K9 trainers Mallory Holmes and Liam MacLeod, who bring first-hand experience and perspective from working with both pet owners and advanced working dog teams. Together, we take on the hard questions, challenge the easy answers, and shine a light on the realities behind the industry. This episode is sponsored by WorthlessHandler, a brand that has been manufacturing morale and shaking up the culture of the handler community since 2018. From bold patches to unapologetic apparel, their gear isn’t just clothing—it’s a statement. Learn more at worthlesshandler.com. If this conversation makes you think differently about training and the future of working dogs, subscribe to the channel and join us as we continue to dig into the issues shaping the industry.

    54 min
  6. Episode 3 - The Battle of the Perfect Dog

    MAR 11

    Episode 3 - The Battle of the Perfect Dog

    In this episode, tensions rise as Michael and Alison go head-to-head in their quest to define the "Perfect Dog." With years of experience and strong opinions on training, temperament, and working ability, they each bring their own unique perspective to the table. What qualities make a truly ideal canine companion? Is it all about obedience and control, or does personality and drive play a bigger role? Join us as they break down their must-have traits, debate what really matters in a well-rounded dog, and challenge each other’s ideas—sometimes with a bit of heat! Whether you're a seasoned trainer, a dedicated dog owner, or just love a good debate, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

    1 hr
  7. Episode 2 - The Weight of Success - Husbandry & Performance

    FEB 3

    Episode 2 - The Weight of Success - Husbandry & Performance

    In this episode of The Rooted, Mike and Ali dive deep into the often-overlooked topic of animal husbandry, with a particular focus on nutrition and weight management for working dogs. They discuss a growing concern among K9 handlers and dog owners: dogs being underweight and how it directly affects performance, stamina, and overall well-being. Mike and Ali share their experiences and observations, explaining how improper feeding routines, poor-quality diets, and over-conditioning can hinder a dog's ability to perform at its peak. They also provide actionable insights into building proper feeding schedules, monitoring body condition, and ensuring dogs receive balanced nutrition tailored to their specific workloads and needs. Whether you're a handler or a pet owner, this episode offers valuable advice on keeping your dog healthy, strong, and ready for success.

    42 min
  8. Episode 1 - The Origins

    JAN 27

    Episode 1 - The Origins

    In our very first episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on us. Who are Alison and Michael Nezbeth? How did two people with a love for dogs, a knack for chaos, and a drive for something bigger turn a dream into Grassroots K9? We’re talking origins, the hustle, the fails, and the moments that shaped our journey—not just as trainers but as business owners, partners, and (somehow) semi-functional humans. If you’ve ever wondered how Grassroots K9 started or what it takes to build a life around dogs, business, and passion, this episode’s for you. Tune in now and get rooted with us.

    40 min

  9. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Cut from Suede, Cut from Leather. Big things coming soon!

    Sneak Peak.

    6 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Rooted Podcast, where Alison and Michael Nezbeth—founders of Grassroots K9—talk dogs, business, and the joys of barely keeping it all together.  Expect real talk about training, running a business, and surviving life with working dogs (and each other). It’s blunt, practical, and occasionally funny—like a conversation with someone who doesn’t have time for nonsense.  Tune in if you like your advice straightforward and your humor as dry as your dog’s kibble.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael and Alison Nezbeth
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Rooted Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Rooted Podcast

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