Animals & Us with Natalie Stockdale (Kintsugi Heroes)

Kintsugi Heroes
  • 5.0 (1)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. 2D AGO

    Megan Hensley: The Donkey Farrier Teaching the World to Listen Before They Lead

    Episode Summary Megan Hensley grew up outside Sacramento with animals as her closest companions — the kids at school didn't get her, but the animals always did. After dropping out of high school at 15, a stint in the US Army, conservation work that brought her to Australia, and a chance apprenticeship with a compassionate farrier, Megan found her calling: the care and welfare of donkeys. Nearly 20 years on, she is one of the most respected donkey farriers in the United States, founder of the Donkey Hooves and Health Academy with over a thousand students worldwide, and a tireless voice for an animal that has been misunderstood, misused, and underserved for far too long. This conversation is about donkeys — but it is also about trust, patience, and what happens when you meet another being exactly where they are. Episode Pillars ● The Rebel Who Found Her Calling: From dropping out of school at 15 to the US Army to conservation work in the Australian outback — how Megan's winding path led her to a 20-year career as a donkey farrier. ● Donkeys Are Not Stubborn — They Are Discerning: The biggest misconception about donkeys, why they end up mistreated and mislabelled, and what it actually means to earn a donkey's trust. ● The Care Bear Stare and the Science Behind It: How Megan uses loving intention — and heart-centred energy backed by HeartMath research — to reach animals that no one else can get near. ● Romulus: Six Months to Liberty: The story of a mule so traumatised by a previous farrier experience that he trembled and broke into a sweat at the sight of tools — and how patience over six months changed everything. ● The Donkey Hooves and Health Academy: How COVID forced Megan online and led to a global school teaching donkey owners to trim their own animals' hooves — stress free, halter free, and with their hearts on. The Kintsugi Connection To see the visual story of Megan's journey and explore more episodes of resilience, visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@kintsugiheroes/videos If Megan's story moved you, explore these related Hero conversations: ● Love animals and their power to heal? Listen to Ron King's story of building Oscar's Place, the donkey rescue at the heart of this episode. ● Drawn to stories of purpose found through unconventional paths? Explore how our other Animals and Us guests have found meaning through their relationships with animals. About Kintsugi Heroes: An Australian not-for-profit (DGR endorsed) dedicated to strengthening mental wellbeing through the power of storytelling. Partner with Us: https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/partners/ Donate (tax-deductible): https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/donate/#donate Website: https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kintsugi-heroes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kintsugi.heroes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Kintsugi-Heroes-100084850387170/

    52 min

  2. MAR 30

    The Healing Power of Bees: 50 Years of Beekeeping with Russell Zabel | Animals & Us | Episode 25

    Episode Summary What can a tiny insect teach us about resilience, community, and the art of slowing down? When Russell Zabel first caught a swarm of bees in a chaff bag in the late 1960s, he didn’t realise it would spark a 50-year journey of discovery. In this episode of Animals & Us, Natalie Stockdale sits down with Russell to explore the fascinating world of Australian native bees. From the adrenaline of the first sting to the meditative peace of a thriving hive, Russell shares how these extraordinary creatures have shaped his life and why they are vital to our own wellbeing and the planet's future. Episode Pillars The Chaff Bag Beginning: A look back at the 1960s encounter that turned a curiosity into a lifelong passion.Native vs. Honeybees: Understanding the unique beauty of Australia’s stingless bees and their role in our ecosystem.The Hive as a Teacher: Lessons in persistence, cooperation, and how nature provides a blueprint for human recovery.Gardening for Good: Practical, actionable steps to transform your backyard into a sanctuary for pollinators. Topics Covered Keywords: Native Bees Australia, Beekeeping for Beginners, Stingless Bees, Pollinator Gardens, Mental Health and Nature, Biodiversity, Environmental Resilience, Sustainable Gardening, Lockyer Valley, Nature Therapy, Bee Conservation, Insect Behaviour, Recovery through Nature. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Animals & Us: Meet Russell Zabel.02:15 – The 1960s: Catching the first swarm in a chaff bag.08:40 – Why Australian Native Bees are the "unsung heroes" of the garden.14:20 – Getting stung: The reality of a life with bees.22:10 – How to set up your first hive and what to avoid.30:05 – The Kintsugi moment: Finding peace in the "white noise" of the hive.34:37 – Where to find Russell and his transition to retirement. 💡 The "Gold" Quote "If you’ve got livestock, you’ve also got dead stock—it's the same with bees. Proper management and care is how we keep the cycle of life going." — Russell Zabel 📚 Resources Mentioned Website: Zabel.com.au – For native bee products and education. 🤝 Guest Social Handshake Connect with Russell and follow his work in the bee community: Website: www.zabel.com.au The Kintsugi Connection To see the visual story of Russell’s hives and explore more episodes of resilience, visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@kintsugiheroes/videos About Kintsugi Heroes Kintsugi Heroes is an Australian not-for-profit (DGR endorsed) dedicated to strengthening mental wellbeing through the power of storytelling. We believe that lived experience is a gift to be shared, not a scar to be hidden. Partner with Us Align your organisation with resilience and social responsibility. Help us amplify voices that inspire change. https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/partners/ 🛡️ Call to Heroism Your tax-deductible contribution helps us reach over 6 million Australians via community radio. Every dollar ensures these stories of repair continue to be told. Donate here to fuel a hero's story. Connect With Us Website: https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.auLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kintsugi-heroes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kintsugi.heroes/

    36 min

  3. MAR 16

    A voice for the whales with Nan Hauser • Animals and Us E24

    Nan Hauser grew up in Pennsylvania and Bermuda, surrounded by animals and inspired by her nature-loving grandmother. With a background in nursing and midwifery, Nan applies science and compassion from human healthcare to whale research, combining accurate methodology, emergency care, and a passion for helping both people and animals. A whale researcher in the Cook Islands and Bermuda, Nan investigates whale songs, migration, and genetics. Her curiosity fuels scientific publications and conservation efforts, aiming to be a dedicated voice for whales. Nan is President and Director of the Centre for Cetacean Research & Conservation and Director and Principal Investigator of Cook Islands Whale Research, based in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. She researches whale and dolphin identity, population abundance, acoustics, genetics, behaviour, migration, and navigation, using satellite tagging to track long-distance movements. As an Adjunct Professor at Auckland University of Technology, she has taught internationally for numerous conservation and research organisations. A registered nurse, Nan also practices and teaches medicine locally and educates schools about whale conservation and ocean protection. Nan serves on the Executive Committee of the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium and was instrumental in creating the Cook Islands’ 2 million km² whale sanctuary and establishing a Whale Research & Education Centre. For over three decades, Hauser has led humpback whale field research focused on population ecology, migration, and conservation management. She founded the Cook Islands Whale Research Project in 1998, producing the first baseline data on whale abundance, site fidelity, and reproduction. Her research directly informed sanctuary creation and the development of Marae Moana, a vast marine park declared in 2017. Combining photo-identification, satellite telemetry, and acoustics, her work revealed complex migratory patterns linking Oceania and Antarctica, supported new Important Marine Mammal Areas, and gained global recognition through major media features and awards. Link www.whaleresearch.org ***** 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

    53 min

  4. MAR 2

    From outback freedom to animal minds with Shane Gehlert • Animals and Us E23

    Shane Gehlert grew up in Adelaide with lots of freedom. He explored sheep stations, rode motorbikes, camped, and developed a lifelong love of animals while enjoying the Australian outback and wildlife. Living on a property with alpacas, goats, and chickens, Shane’s bond grew deeper after caring for a baby goat called Rosie. This experience sparked his curiosity about the lives and intelligence of animals. Shane is an artist, photographer, and filmmaker and writer who found his passion for academia later in life by pursuing a degree in psychology. He became interested in psychology while painting, listening to podcasts like "All in the Mind." Shane is now finishing his psychology degree and uses research and evidence to explore human and animal minds. Shane has spent 25 years as an artist. He created distinctive chrome kangaroo paintings, explored surrealism, and met inspiring mentors in Broken Hill before moving to the Sunshine Coast, embracing creativity in his work. He wrote Oh My Goat. Just How Intelligent are the Animals We Eat? His book combines stories, research, and art, encouraging readers to think about animals, their lives, and the food we eat. His love for travel and a deep fascination with animals has taken him all over the world, where he enjoys observing and photographing the incredible creatures with which we share this planet. Shane lives in Queensland, Australia, with his wife, Cristine, and a menagerie of rather spoilt animals. Links Book on Amazon: https://amzn.asia/d/1aXBi3c Author website: https://www.shanegehlert.com art website https://www.outbackart.com.au/ Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CritterChannel-h4t ***** 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

    44 min

  5. FEB 16

    Understanding urban wildlife and our place in nature with Dr Darryl Jones

    Darryl grew up on a little farm near Wagga, making his own fun among animals. He became patient and observant, allowing animals to do their own thing, which shaped his curiosity. As a child, Darryl’s fascination with animals grew. Digging up burrowing frogs and watching blue tongues in his mother’s garden inspired his interest. He emerged with a desire to learn more and observe. At fifteen, Darryl cared for a magpie named Jimmy after a storm. A painful experience with a local bully and Jimmy’s fate became a turning point, sparking his fixation for knowledge. Darryl went to university and found his interest in urban wildlife. Initially, others did not understand or value his studies, but he believed learning about animals living with us was worth doing. He was a pioneer in studying urban wildlife, discovering the richness of birds in cities. He focused on comparing urban versions of species like magpies with their “wild cousins” and encouraged native plant landscaping. Darryl loved teaching students, even leading transformative trips to Borneo. He inspired many to connect with nature and turn ordinary people into fanatics, always focusing on the importance of everyday engagement. Darryl believes we are all part of nature. Connecting closely with wildlife from backyard tadpoles to magpies is vital for well-being and understanding our place within nature’s fate. He promotes local native landscaping. He recently 'retired' to devote himself to full-time writing. He am committed to encouraging people to connect with the natural world in whatever way they can. Website: darryljonesnature.com Books (all published by New South Publishing): The Birds at My Table. 2018. Feeding the Birds at Your Table. 2019. Curlews on Vulture Street. 2022, A Clouded Leopard in the Middle of the Road. 2022. ***** 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 1m

  6. 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

  7. 11/10/2025

    How a donkey changed my life with Ron King • Animals & Us E20

    Ron King used to be a highly successful media executive. Then, after COVID he began a search for joy which led him to rescuing donkeys and creating Oscar’s Place Adoption Center & Sanctuary This Vimeo link sums up his journey:   https://vimeo.com/monument/dk Through his love of donkeys, he found his path to joy and the difference between things he enjoys and things that bring him joy. Links https://www.oscarsplace.org ttps://www.facebook.com/oscarsplaceofficial https://www.instagram.com/oscarsplaceofficial/ ***** 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

  8. 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
See All (27)

Trailer

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.

Information