Animals & Us with Natalie Stockdale (Kintsugi Heroes)

Kintsugi Heroes

The Animals and Us podcast series explores and celebrates the transformative power of human-animal connections. Each episode features guests sharing their lived experience of the influence animals have had on their lives, revealing stories of connection, healing, and transformation. Additionally, the podcast includes experts in relevant fields such as eco-psychology, animal therapy, compassion, and animal communication. The series is produced by Kintsugi Heroes and created and hosted by Natalie Stockdale.

  1. FEB 2

    Learning from animals at sea and on land with Dr Sarah Pye

    Dr Sarah Pye was born in Gibraltar, spent 13 years sailing in nature with her family, then moved onto a boat, learning from animals, weather, and the world around her. She has always loved animals. Night watches at sea, meeting dolphins and whales, resulted in her developing a deep appreciation for hands-on animal encounters that shaped her views on nature. Sarah travelled widely, started her own boat business in the Whitsundays, and began writing books and storytelling, using real experiences to connect people with wildlife and conservation. A trip to Borneo led Sarah to help Dr. Wong and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, starting projects, writing children’s books, and supporting wildlife through education and action. Sarah runs workshops for children, shares stories, encourages action, and believes everyone can do something to help animals and the environment. An award-winning author Dr Pye is passionate about wildlife and storytelling. Her doctorate focused on how narratives can engage non-scientists in conservation. She wrote a biography of Malaysian conservationist, Dr Wong Siew Te, Saving Sun Bears, which was followed by six children's books about Wildlife Wong's adventures in the Bornean jungle. When she’s not teaching sustainability at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Sarah has just launched Curious Kai Asks Why, which refocuses her attention on Australian flora and fauna. Links Web: sarahrpye.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/SarahRPye Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_sarahrpye/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarahrpyeauthorspeakerenvi6784 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahpye/ ***** We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes). Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group. If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories! Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes team YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

    42 min
  2. 10/27/2025

    Why every dog deserves to be loved with Lya Battle • Animals & Us E19

    Lya Battle Bonilla is the Founder of Territorio de Zaguates, a sanctuary in Costa Rica with over 15 years of experience. More than 1,800 rescued dogs now live in freedom, safety, and love.  What started as a small rescue effort from her own home slowly grew into a lifelong mission, to give every dog, no matter their story, a chance to heal and to be happy.  From a very young age, she couldn’t look away from suffering. Every abandoned, hungry, or hurt dog she saw pulled at her heart, and she realised that if she didn’t help them, maybe no one would.  At Territorio de Zaguates, every dog is welcome, where mutts are celebrated, and each life is valued simply because it exists.  They believe every dog deserves a second chance, not because they’re cute or adoptable, but because they are living beings capable of love, joy, and gratitude.  Many of the dogs they rescue arrive broken, scared, or sick. Watching them recover, trust again, and run freely across the hills is one of their greatest joys. Through this work, they hope to change the way people see stray dogs, not as a problem, but as souls who deserve kindness.  Territorio has become their forever home, and Lya is deeply honoured to share her life with them. None of this would be possible without the incredible support of people who believe in compassion as much as she does. Together, they have proven that love can truly transform lives, one wagging tail at a time. Links https://www.instagram.com/territorio_de_zaguates/ https://www.youtube.com/@territoriodezaguates https://www.facebook.com/LandOfTheStrays ***** We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes). Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group. If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories! Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes team YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

    1h 5m
  3. 10/13/2025

    Vets Beyond Borders: global care for animals with Dr Ian Douglas • Animals & Us E18

    In this episode of Animals and Us, we meet Dr Ian Douglas, a pioneering veterinarian whose career spans five decades, continents, and countless animal lives improved through his dedication to welfare and education. From his beginnings in Scotland to his long-standing leadership with Vets Beyond Borders, Ian’s work has shaped international animal health programs across India, Bhutan, and the Pacific. He played a key role in establishing the Sikkim Anti-Rabies and Animal Health (SARAH) Programme, authored foundational veterinary training manuals, and continues today as Coordinator of the Vanuatu Dog Population Management Program. Beyond his veterinary achievements, Ian’s story is one of purpose – showing how expertise, empathy and persistence can drive systemic change for animals and the communities that live alongside them. Dr Douglas’s journey reminds us that one person’s compassion, backed by skill and vision, can influence animal welfare far beyond the clinic. • Vets Beyond Borders • Dr Ian Douglas on ABC News ***** We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes). Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group. If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories! Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes team YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

    54 min
  4. 09/29/2025

    Protecting the wild and self-healing with Alison Papas • Animals & Us E17

    Alison grew up in a big Mauritian family in Australia, always surrounded by cousins, sleepovers, warmth and laughter, with family playing a central role throughout her childhood. When she was ten, abuse by a family member changed her sense of safety and shaped her early years, bringing complexity and hardship that affected her growth and identity. Over four years, Alison coped by shrinking herself and fawning, trying to be invisible and please others to stay safe, a survival response that shaped her behaviour into adulthood. At sixteen, Alison disclosed her abuse to two family members during an argument. Support was limited and understanding lacking, leaving her to process trauma mostly by herself. Alison developed fierce independence, became guarded, and struggled to let people in. For years, she kept her secret, believing she could only rely on herself. In 2020, she opened up to her younger sister, seeking authenticity and healing. This led to powerful changes, strengthened relationships, and eventually sharing her story publicly. Alison is now a survivor advocate and memoir author who works with her therapy dog Louis, offering coaching, breathwork, and hope to other trauma survivors on their healing journeys. Alison works as the Director of Advancement and Communications at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Ontario Canada where a small but mighty team of five staff—and hundreds of volunteers—work to protect Ontario’s wildlife. With over 30 years in marketing and PR, Alison connects people to the Sanctuary’s mission through social media, newsletters, media stories, public events, and educational outreach. She’s also an Ontario Certified Teacher who loves hiking with her Golden Retrievers when she’s not busy helping keep wildlife wild. Links www.aspenvalley.ca IG = aspenvalleywildlifesanctuary FB = Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary ***** We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes). Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group. If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories! Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes team YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

    43 min
  5. 09/15/2025

    The path to healing and self-empowerment with Caroline Brunne • Animals & Us E16

    Caroline Brunne grew up in a large, fun-loving, close-knit Mauritian family in Australia. At age ten, she experienced four years of abuse by a family member, learning early about trauma responses like fawning and shrinking herself to stay safe in her own home. During her teens, Caroline struggled to cope and kept her secret for years. At 16, she disclosed the abuse to two family members amidst complex family reactions. Adulthood brought Caroline both success as a business owner and ongoing challenges from trauma. She sought healing, different types of therapy and took steps to reclaim self-care and autonomy. Caroline bonded powerfully with Louis, a border collie who arrived just as she began publicly sharing her story and writing her memoir. Training Louis as a therapy dog, she noticed how his gentle presence helped others feel safe. Together they began offering support to survivors through breathwork sessions, workshops and animal-assisted coaching. For over two decades, Caroline, a high-functioning trauma survivor, has supported individuals in transforming their lives through coaching, life management, and personal growth. Her work has been featured on many platforms, such as Channel 7’s Sunrise, Mamma Mia, Women’s Health, and numerous podcasts and publications. She has spoken at conferences and events across Australia, contributing to media discussions and sharing insights that empower others to embrace their healing journeys.   In 2020, she took her first steps toward unpacking and healing her lived experiences. That journey led her to a place of transformation, and in 2022, Caroline self-published her debut book, More Than One Thing Can Be True.  In her book, Caroline shares her lived experience of overcoming child sexual abuse, incest, and trauma. Her goal is to inspire individuals and communities to open conversations about these experiences, to replace shame with understanding, and to illuminate the path to healing.  In 2024, Caroline created The Survivor Coach – a space where coaching and breathwork come together to support transformation. Today, alongside Louie, she works with clients to move beyond trauma, reclaim their power, and step into lives of purpose and authenticity. Caroline strives to ignite a movement of change, one that creates a better world for survivors today and for generations to come. Links https://www.instagram.com/caroline_brunne https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathswithlouie/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-brunne/ https://www.facebook.com/cgb.mgmt ***** We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes). Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group. If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories! Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes team YouTube || Facebook || a...

    1h 11m
  6. 09/01/2025

    Learning to live a life free of limits with Michael Hingson • Animals & Us E15

    Michael was born blind and grew up in Chicago and California. His early years lacked access to braille, but he learned math in his head and stayed curious about science. Michael got proper braille education in fourth grade. With his mother’s support and a new resource teacher, he caught up in school, joined the Boy Scouts, and developed skills in leadership. Michael first learned about guide dogs as a child when he met a blind teacher’s German shepherd named Nola. This experience inspired his own journey to apply for a guide dog. After eighth grade, Michael received his first guide dog named Squire. He learned responsibility, teamwork, and trust by caring for Squire and continued working with guide dogs throughout his life.  In 2001, Michael led an office in the World Trade Centre. On 9/11, he and his guide dog Roselle calmly evacuated many floors, relying on teamwork and focus to overcome fear. After 9/11, Michael became a speaker and author, writing three books about his experiences. He teaches others about trust, overcoming adversity, teamwork, and learning to face fear with confidence. Michael continues to travel, speak, and educate about blindness, inclusion, and guide dogs. He lives with his guide dog Alamo and a cat, using technology to enhance independence and share his story. https://www.michaelhingson.com ***** We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes). Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group. If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories! Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes team YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

    51 min
  7. 08/18/2025

    Building awareness and advocating for wildlife with Sandy Steers • Animals & Us E14

    Sandy Steers is a biologist, energy healer, writer, and entrepreneur. With a degree in biology, she has led 14 trips to the Galapagos Islands; run the environmental educational nonprofit, Friends of Big Bear Valley, for 24 years; and written hundreds of high-engagement educational social media posts describing the lives of the local bald eagles.  During her previous career as a computer systems analyst and software designer, she founded and ran for 13 years a computer consulting company, Lorien Systems, which had over 30 employees and $2 million in annual sales. She was given a Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the state of California.  But her passion and life changed direction after healing stage 4 cancer utilising alternative techniques and learning about the tremendous power, we each have inside of us.  Sandy was drawn to Big Bear and was captivated by its mountains, forests and the sense of calm it brought her. She became fascinated by the local bald eagles, helping watch over their nests and working with the Friends of Big Bear Valley organisation. Through the eagle webcam project, she shared the lives of these birds with the public and sparked a global interest in watching and protecting wildlife. As an energy healer, she has over 30 years of experience in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Shamanic Healing (Inca tradition), and other energy healing modalities, working with hundreds of individual clients and students to guide them toward self-empowerment and mastery.  She has also had over 300 magazine articles and two columns published on a variety of subjects, including animals, nature and healthy living. She optioned two screenplays, was placed highly in multiple screenwriting competitions and ran a national screenwriting competition for 10 years.  She also won 4th place in a Writer’s Digest contest for an as-yet unpublished children’s book called All by the Light of the Shiny, Shiny Moon. Her philosophy is that we are limitless beings, here to express our own uniqueness by simply being the fullness of who we are. Besides being a spokesperson and advocate for bald eagles and nature, she teaches NLP and Shamanic Healing and has developed a new healing modality called Equations of Life. Social Media friendsofbigbearvalley.org facebook.com/FOBBV instagram.com/FOBBV.official tiktok.com/@FOBBV.official youtube.com/@FOBBVCAM sandy.fobbv@gmail.com ***** We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes). Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group. If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories! Warmly, The Kintsugi Heroes team YouTube || Facebook || a...

    34 min

About

The Animals and Us podcast series explores and celebrates the transformative power of human-animal connections. Each episode features guests sharing their lived experience of the influence animals have had on their lives, revealing stories of connection, healing, and transformation. Additionally, the podcast includes experts in relevant fields such as eco-psychology, animal therapy, compassion, and animal communication. The series is produced by Kintsugi Heroes and created and hosted by Natalie Stockdale.