You Know What I Mean?

Bethany Johnson and Kait Stankowski
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

This is the conversation that starts with dogs and somehow ends up being about everything else. You Know What I Mean is hosted by Bethany and Kait - two dog trainers who accidentally built their lives, businesses, and friendships around the dogs they love. Each week, we talk about real-life dog stuff - not training drills, but the messy, funny, humbling, meaningful parts of it. The business side. The friendship side. The “can you imagine?!” moments. The parts that change you. It’s honest. It’s a little ridiculous sometimes. And it’s the kind of conversation you’d usually have over coffee.

  1. Jul 22

    The One About Sourdough & Stubborn Dogs ⭐

    This week, Bethany and Kait settle in with afternoon coffee and somehow manage to cover everything from sourdough starters and favorite TV shows to board-and-train updates, dog training philosophy, and why trusting your instincts matters more than trying to prove something. They dive into the realities of working with challenging dogs, including the difference between dogs who genuinely try versus dogs who constantly test boundaries, why progress isn't always linear, and the importance of setting realistic expectations for owners. They also share a behind-the-scenes look at making difficult decisions during training and why safety should always come before showing off what a dog might be capable of. Along the way, they chat about: Bethany's best sourdough loaf yet (and her newest rosemary experiment)The surprisingly satisfying process of baking breadWhy some dogs need more accountability than othersThe challenge of sending board-and-train dogs homeLearning to trust your instincts as a trainerWhy you don't have to force every dog to be socialLiving with easy dogs after years of training difficult onesFavorite comfort TV shows, books, and nostalgic moviesDance classes, golf lessons, and hobbies they'd love to tryWhy years seem to fly by while weeks somehow feel so longIt's a conversation full of laughs, honest dog training stories, and reminders that sometimes the best episodes are the ones that wander from one topic to the next—just like a chat between friends.

  2. Jul 15

    Finding the Glimmers

    This week, Bethany and Kait catch up on everything from wild board-and-train dogs to social media side hustles, dream vacations, new cars, therapy, and the little moments that have been making life feel really good lately. Kait shares the story of one of the most fascinating dogs she's worked with—a Catahoula who seemed to tap into pure instinct the second his paws hit the grass. The two talk about how every dog teaches you something new, even after years of training, and why sometimes the smallest details make the biggest difference. They also chat about: Dogs that come to training with very different foundationsThe challenge of retraining behaviors that were taught with different expectationsThe reality of trying out brand partnerships (including the "everyone got diarrhea" saga)Affiliate links, influencer culture, and the side hustles that almost become full-time jobsWisconsin heat versus Florida heatKait's new SUV—and the mystery of the distorted windshieldPlanning another beach trip togetherAging dogs, forever puppy faces, and soaking up every season with the dogs we loveCouples therapy, communication, and why talking things through mattersThe episode wraps up with a conversation about "glimmers"—the small moments that remind you to slow down and appreciate the life you're building. Whether it's walking through the garden at sunset with a dog by your side, realizing your seven-year-old dog still has a puppy face, or simply having something exciting to look forward to, it's a reminder that joy often lives in the ordinary. It's one of those episodes that feels less like a podcast and more like sitting around the kitchen table catching up with old friends.

  3. Jul 8

    What's Been On Our Minds

    This week, Bethany and Kait catch up on everything from upcoming vacations to senior dogs, difficult board-and-train cases, and Bethany's newest obsession... owning a golf cart. They talk about planning beach trips, why Bethany suddenly understands the magic of beach chairs and umbrellas, and how a relaxing vacation completely changed the way she thinks about slowing down. The conversation also dives into caring for aging dogs, navigating routines that make them feel safe, and the emotional side of leaving pets while traveling. They also chat about: Why chickens might actually be meaner than dogsKait's newest board-and-train dogs (including an adorable beagle and a very vocal Catahoula)The mental side of being a dog trainerHelping owners versus talking about dog training theoryConfidence that only comes with experienceSelling the camper van after years of adventuresBethany's ever-growing list of hobbies—including bracelet making, knitting, and convincing herself she needs both a cat and a golf cartAs always, it's equal parts dog training, life updates, random tangents, and two friends laughing about whatever comes to mind. If you've ever planned your next vacation before the current one is over, started a hobby that lasted approximately one afternoon, or found yourself emotionally invested in chicken drama, this episode is for you.

  4. Jul 1

    From Family Drama to Fiber

    This week, Bethany and Kait catch up after a much-needed vacation and quickly realize this episode is going to cover... just about everything. Bethany shares stories from her family beach trip to Amelia Island—from discovering the joy of traveling with just one dog to navigating complicated family dynamics that unexpectedly brought up memories of her dad. The conversation turns into an honest discussion about people-pleasing, walking on eggshells around certain family members, and learning to enjoy your own vacation without feeling responsible for everyone else's experience. They also talk about: Why life with one dog suddenly feels like a luxuryBeach vacations, golf carts, and boogie boardingTeddy's hopeful adoption updateWorking with hounds, Catahoulas, and reactive dogsWhy so many owners forget to use the training tools they already haveSummer dog training when it's way too hot outsideVacation routines that actually leave you feeling refreshedThe second half of the episode takes an unexpected turn into weightlifting, nutrition, and building confidence in the gym. Bethany and Kait share how strength training completely changed the way they think about food, why progressive overload matters more than fancy workouts, and the advice they wish someone had given them when they first started lifting. Whether you're here for the dog talk, the life conversations, or just enjoy listening to two friends wander from family vacations to protein, fiber, and gym confidence, this one's packed with the kind of honest conversations that make you feel like you're sitting at the kitchen table with friends.

  5. Jun 24

    Find Teddy a Home

    This week we're talking about all the things that somehow end up connected: fake diamond rings, trainer guilt, beach vacations, aging dogs, fairy gardens, and why we both spend way too much time worrying about things that are probably fine. We chat about the emotional side of dog training, the moments that stick with you after a successful go-home, and why the trainers who care the most are usually the ones questioning themselves the most. We also share updates on Roadie and Charlie, discuss what it means to make difficult decisions for the animals we love, and put out a call to help find a home for an adorable little dog named Teddy. Plus: beach trip prep, lawn mowing in a bikini, million-dollar house shows, fairy garden dreams, and Bethany's surprising new obsession with a fake ring she can't stop wearing. As usual, it's part dog training, part life update, and part conversation that somehow ends up somewhere neither of us expected.

  6. Jun 17

    Can We Please Support the Owner?

    This week we're talking about the gap between dog training theory and real life. Kait shares an update on Hank, an English Lab who's proving that even dogs from carefully researched breeders don't always fit the stereotype. Meanwhile, Bethany talks about working with multiple board-and-train dogs, introducing new dogs safely, and how experience changes the way trainers view behavior, socialization, and confidence. The conversation then shifts into a bigger discussion about e-collar stigma, owner support, and what happens when dog owners feel judged instead of helped. From frustrating vet visits to social media criticism, Bethany and Kait share why they're passionate about helping owners feel confident making decisions for the dog in front of them—not the dog someone on the internet thinks they should have. Along the way they discuss reactive dogs, boundaries, socialization myths, why dogs don't need to love every experience, and the growing divide between online dog training opinions and real-world results. Plus: sweet potatoes, Bee's Knees cocktails, and a confession involving wine and dog socialization that probably should have stayed off the podcast.

  7. Jun 11

    Old Dogs, Trader Joe's & Changing Your Mind

    This week, Bethany and Kait catch up after a few technical difficulties and dive into one of those conversations that somehow covers health scares, old dogs, social media, tornado warnings, comfort TV shows, and childhood bus rides.Kait shares a positive update after her ultrasound and the two talk about being proactive with health, family history, and why having more information can sometimes feel empowering instead of scary.Bethany opens up about Charlie's recent procedure and the complicated emotions that come with loving an aging dog. From the little habits that quietly become part of daily life to the unexpected reminder of how much one dog changes the feeling of an entire house, it's an honest conversation about getting older alongside the animals we love.The conversation shifts into creativity and business, where they talk about making content that actually feels authentic, changing your mind about what you want, and why putting yourself out there matters even when the numbers don't immediately reflect it.Along the way they also discuss: Full body scans and preventative health Charlie's Batman-style recovery cone The thirty-day video challenge Why authentic content is worth creating Supporting other creators instead of just watching from the sidelines Their shared obsession with The Great British Bake Off and Clarkson's FarmKait getting stuck in the back room of Trader Joe's during a severe storm Tyrone the owl and the backyard mouse problem Why Bethany might secretly make an excellent bus driver And the importance of looking for the good things, even during difficult seasons It's one of those episodes that's less about having all the answers and more about appreciating the people, pets, and little moments that make up everyday life.

  8. Jun 3

    kies, Comment Sections & Emotional Support Gardening

    This week, Bethany and Kait catch up on everything from mysterious mood swings and abandoned cookie stand dreams to dog training controversies, fitness tracking, and the strange things that happen when you spend too much time reading Facebook comments. Bethany shares her latest hyperfixation - briefly convincing herself she should start a neighborhood cookie stand before one underbaked cookie and a stomachache sent the entire business plan into retirement. The conversation turns into a surprisingly thoughtful discussion about creativity, chasing new ideas, and why some interests seem to show up again and again throughout our lives. The two also talk about tracking macros, muscle gain, unexpected carb counts, and how paying attention to nutrition can actually help you eat more - not less. Of course, they can't stay away from dog training for long. Kait shares a story about an owner who cancelled training after being told e-collars would cause "psychological damage," while Bethany vents about the never-ending parade of Facebook experts who seem determined to argue about training methods they don't understand. Along the way they discuss: Why some dog-owner pairings are a better fit than othersWhat they'd do differently with certain clients if they could go backHow expectations shape success in dog trainingGardening updates, flower obsessions, and mushroom compostMarriage, moods, and how partners affect each other's energyThe Great American Baking ShowMosquito attacksAnd why Casey might be one of the funniest accidental comedians aliveA little dog training, a little life advice, a little emotional support gardening - basically a normal episode of You Know What I Mean.

See All (23)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

This is the conversation that starts with dogs and somehow ends up being about everything else. You Know What I Mean is hosted by Bethany and Kait - two dog trainers who accidentally built their lives, businesses, and friendships around the dogs they love. Each week, we talk about real-life dog stuff - not training drills, but the messy, funny, humbling, meaningful parts of it. The business side. The friendship side. The “can you imagine?!” moments. The parts that change you. It’s honest. It’s a little ridiculous sometimes. And it’s the kind of conversation you’d usually have over coffee.

Information

  • Creator
    Bethany Johnson and Kait Stankowski
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Bethany Johnson and Kait Stankowski
  • Show Website
    You Know What I Mean?

You Might Also Like