Soul Touched by Dogs

Anke Herrmann

Welcome to the Soul Touched by Dogs Podcast, the show for dog lovers who see dogs not as toys or tools, but as wise souls worth our respect and care. The 30-minute interviews with "Pawsome Humans", people who do great work for dogs and their people, you're listening to here on the podcast are one of the ways we celebrate the human-canine connection and advocate for holistic approaches to canine health and well-being.

  1. 4d ago

    Holistic Dog Nutrition and Healing: Trust Your Dog's Wisdom with Dr. Alexia Mellor

    Prefer video? Watch on youtube. Canine nutrition goes far beyond what sits in the bowl. When your dog won't eat, struggles with chronic health issues, or shows puzzling behavioral patterns, the answer might lie in how we understand nourishment itself. Dr. Alexia Mellor shares how her own dog's health crisis led her to question everything she thought she knew about feeding dogs—and ultimately transformed how she understands the bond between dogs and their people. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why "balanced and complete" is a marketing term, and what bioavailability actually means for your dog's ability to absorb nutrients How to start improving your dog's diet without overwhelm, beginning with simple fresh toppers that address what's missing from kibble The FETCH methodology for observing your dog holistically—from tracking behaviors at specific times of day to understanding what environmental factors might be affecting their wellbeing Why restlessness at 11 PM, nibbling at certain times, or seasonal changes in appetite might be telling you something about your dog's internal health How Chinese medicine principles and energetics can unlock puzzling health or behavior patterns that conventional approaches haven't solved What it means to work in partnership with your dog rather than treating them as an optimization project How curiosity about what your dog is showing you can become an entry point for deeper understanding—and why there's rarely just one root cause A FAVOURITE MOMENT "They are gateways to our own spiritual evolution." — Alexia ABOUT DR. ALEXIA MELLOR Dr. Alexia Mellor is a holistic canine nutrition consultant on a mission to transform how we nourish our dogs, ourselves, and the world we share. Through Mystic Dog Mama, she explores what it truly means to be nourished—using dogs as both teacher and guide. Her work brings together canine nutrition, holistic health, systems thinking, and the wisdom of the human-animal bond. With a background in participatory art, design, and climate research, Alexia approaches dog health with curiosity, compassion, and a deep respect for the partnership between dogs and their people. CONNECT WITH DR. ALEXIA MELLOR Website: mysticdogmama.com Podcast: Search for "Mystic Dog Mama" wherever you listen to podcasts Free Resource: Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit at mysticdogmama.com CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at planetcalm.co - the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

    Holistic Dog Nutrition and Healing: Trust Your Dog's Wisdom with Dr. Alexia Mellor
  2. Aug 19

    Your Dog Heals You: Heart Synchronization to Transform Your Health with Michael Priv

    Prefer video? Watch on YouTube. Your dog heals you in ways you may not fully realize. The simple act of having a dog in your life already offers measurable health benefits, but there's a whole world of untapped potential in that relationship. This conversation explores how the human-dog bond can become a deliberate pathway to better physical health, emotional balance, and everyday wellbeing. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN How synchronizing with your dog creates what Michael calls a "cocoon"—an energy system that amplifies wellbeing for both human and dog The measurable health benefits dogs offer, from increased oxytocin and serotonin to reduced cortisol, lower blood pressure, improved immune function, and even potential cancer prevention Why walking your dog while staring at your phone means you're missing the most healing part of the walk How simple rituals like placing your hand on your dog while visualizing love can calm an anxious or traumatized rescue dog The concept of "sniff walks" and why letting your dog lead the pace and choose what to investigate is actually mindfulness practice for you How dogs act as mirrors, reflecting back our own mental and emotional states in ways that can reveal what we need to address in ourselves Why setting too many boundaries with your dog—no couch, no bed, no jumping—might mean you're missing out on the deeper healing potential of the relationship A FAVOURITE MOMENT "Dogs are uniquely attuned to us all the time. We look at our dog, and we see our own mental state as a reflection." — Michael ABOUT MICHAEL PRIV Michael Priv is a wellness innovator, writer, and former energy healer who has spent decades exploring how the human-dog bond can become a powerful pathway to better health and emotional balance. He is the creator of HoundHeart, a human-dog synchronization app that uses paired wearable devices and AI-supported insights to help people unlock the wellness benefits of the relationship they already have with their dog. Michael believes those benefits can be strengthened, measured, and made more intentional through technology and simple daily rituals. CONNECT WITH MICHAEL PRIV Website: michaelpriv.com HoundHeart: houndheartwellness.com Facebook: facebook.com/michaelprivauthor LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelpriv CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com. And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at planetcalm.co — the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

    Your Dog Heals You: Heart Synchronization to Transform Your Health with Michael Priv
  3. Aug 15

    Dog-Friendly Offices Boost Productivity and Retention with Emily Birch

    Dog-friendly offices aren't just a perk—they're a productivity strategy. If you've ever declined a job because you couldn't bear to leave your dog at home, or felt your stress spike during a late meeting knowing your pup had been alone all day, this conversation is for you. Emily Birch walks us through how companies can thoughtfully introduce dogs into the workplace in a way that benefits everyone—dogs, employees, and the business itself. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN How dog-friendly offices actually increase productivity and employee retention, backed by peer-reviewed research Why predictability matters more than enthusiasm when it comes to managing dogs (and people) in shared workspaces The traffic light system that helps dogs settle and prevents over-excitement without feeling restrictive What makes a dog suitable for office life—and the one non-negotiable that rules a dog out entirely How to address common concerns like allergies, phobias, and the myth that offices will turn into chaotic doggy daycares Why some dogs need a "red light" approach even when they're friendly, and how that sets them up to succeed What happens when new management takes over, and how to make the case for keeping dogs in the office A FAVOURITE MOMENT "I counted and I was like, 'We've got 18 dogs in here,' and yet you wouldn't know. Every dog was just fast asleep under the table." — Emily ABOUT EMILY BIRCH Emily Birch is the Owner and Director of The Office Dog, where she helps organisations introduce dogs into the workplace in a structured, safe, and genuinely beneficial way. She also runs a canine consultancy focused on behaviour work. Based in Stroud, Gloucestershire, Emily has been pioneering dog-friendly office environments since 2014, working with businesses at every stage—from policy creation and training through to implementation and probation sign-off. CONNECT WITH EMILY BIRCH Website: theofficedog.org CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them, and the businesses they build.

    Dog-Friendly Offices Boost Productivity and Retention with Emily Birch
  4. Aug 12

    Fear-Based Training Creates Shutdowns: What You're Really Seeing | with Annie Grossman

    Is your well-behaved dog actually shut down? A calm, compliant dog might look like the goal — but fear-based obedience isn't the same as trust. In this conversation, journalist-turned-dog-trainer Annie Grossman explains why understanding how your dog feels matters more than getting them to behave, and how a little science goes a long way in building the relationship you both deserve. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why a dog who looks calm and well-behaved might actually be scared and shut down — and how to tell the differenceWhat classical conditioning really means, and why it matters more than you think when it comes to how your dog experiences the worldHow punishment (yes, even "just a correction") can create hidden fallout you won't see in a 30-second Instagram videoWhy dog body language is so misunderstood — and what that little tongue flick actually meansHow focusing on what you want your dog to do instead of what you want them to stop changes everythingWhy there's no such thing as "just dog training" — it's all rooted in the science of behaviour, whether people know it or notWhat questions to ask before choosing a trainer, a method, or even a viral training hackA FAVOURITE MOMENT "A shut down dog can look like a well-behaved dog." — Annie ABOUT ANNIE GROSSMAN Annie Grossman is a dog trainer, journalist, and the author of How to Train Your Dog With Love + Science. A lifelong New Yorker, she spent over a decade running School For The Dogs, a storefront training centre in the East Village where she worked with thousands of dogs and their people. Before diving into dog training, Annie worked as a journalist and producer, writing for outlets like The New York Times and The Boston Globe. She's a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy and a passionate advocate for positive reinforcement rooted in behavioural science. These days, she writes Don't Be a Dick to Your Dog on Substack and speaks at conferences about making dog training less jargon-heavy and more human. CONNECT WITH ANNIE GROSSMAN Website: anniegrossman.com Instagram: @anniegrossman Facebook: @annie4thedogs Substack: dogtraining.substack.comGet the free guide on How Not To Be A Dick To Your Dog: https://dogtraining.substack.com/p/guide CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them, and the businesses they build.

    Fear-Based Training Creates Shutdowns: What You're Really Seeing | with Annie Grossman
  5. Aug 8

    Pet Health Coaches and Vets Working Together for Your Dog with Dr. Ruth Roberts

    Pet health coaches offer support that many veterinarians simply don't have time to provide. When your dog faces a serious diagnosis or chronic condition, the clinical visit might last 15 minutes—but the questions, confusion, and overwhelm can last for weeks. This conversation explores how certified pet health coaches are stepping in to bridge that gap, working alongside veterinary care to help guardians make informed, confident decisions for their dogs. WHAT YOU''LL LEARN Why veterinarians often don't have time to answer all your questions, and how pet health coaches fill that critical gap without replacing veterinary care What actually happens during a pet health coaching session—from reviewing your dog's medical history to creating a personalized plan you can realistically follow How to know when your dog needs emergency veterinary attention versus when you can manage a health concern with lifestyle changes and support The questions you should be asking your vet to make appointments more efficient and effective for everyone involved Why lifestyle medicine matters for chronic conditions like kidney disease, allergies, and cancer—and where conventional treatments still play an essential role How to approach your veterinarian with information about integrative care without creating conflict or defensiveness What credentials to look for when choosing a pet health coach, and why real-world experience matters as much as education A FAVOURITE MOMENT "If Janet had not had me, Rosie would've been dead a year too early." — Ruth ABOUT DR. RUTH ROBERTS Dr. Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian with over 30 years of experience and the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. After retiring from clinical practice, she founded Holistic Pet Health Coach, an educational institution that trains and certifies professionals to become trusted guides for pet guardians navigating chronic illness and complex health decisions. Her work emerged from witnessing too many pets lose precious time because their guardians had nowhere to turn for reliable, personalized support beyond the exam room. CONNECT WITH DR. RUTH ROBERTS Website: drruthroberts.com Instagram: @dr.ruthroberts Facebook: @Crockpetdiet YouTube: @DrRuthRoberts Free guide: When Not to Go to the ER Vet CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them, and the businesses they build.

    Pet Health Coaches and Vets Working Together for Your Dog with Dr. Ruth Roberts
  6. Aug 1

    Turmeric for Dogs: From Cancer Diagnosis to Three Extra Years with MaryBeth Powers

    Natural remedies for dogs facing cancer, arthritis, inflammation and allergies are becoming a lifeline for pet parents looking beyond pharmaceuticals. This conversation with MaryBeth Powers began with a devastating cancer diagnosis and turned into a mission to help dogs live healthier, more comfortable lives through carefully chosen herbs, spices and whole-food ingredients. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN How MaryBeth developed a turmeric-based blend when her dog Teddy was given only weeks to live, and what happened when his aggressive sarcoma disappeared after four months on the formula Why ingredients like turmeric, ginger, flaxseed and medicinal mushrooms work synergistically to support healing, reduce inflammation and boost overall wellness in dogs What signs to watch for when introducing natural remedies, including how dogs sometimes signal what their bodies need through their appetite and interest in certain ingredients How to start incorporating anti-inflammatory support into your dog's routine, whether they're dealing with a health crisis or you want to support them preventatively Why natural flea and tick repellents made with essential oils can be an alternative to chemical-based collars and treatments What pet owners report back after trying turmeric blends, from improved mobility and energy to relief from chronic allergies and skin conditions How to navigate the conversation between holistic approaches and traditional veterinary care, and when pharmaceuticals may still be necessary A FAVOURITE MOMENT "He didn't even want to walk, so we decided we didn't want him to die like that. Within two or three days he started walking." — MaryBeth ABOUT MARYBETH POWERS MaryBeth Powers is the founder of Teddy's Turmeric Tamer, a Virginia-based pet wellness company born from her determination to save her beloved Newfie mix, Teddy, after he was diagnosed with an aggressive sarcoma. What started as a desperate search for natural ways to help one dog has grown into a business that supports hundreds of dogs facing cancer, arthritis, inflammation and allergies. After a 30-year career in event planning, MaryBeth now dedicates herself to creating all-natural, human-grade wellness products and educating pet owners about the power of whole-food ingredients. A portion of every sale goes back to dogs in need through rescues and shelters. CONNECT WITH MARYBETH POWERS Website: teddysturmerictamer.com Instagram: @teddysturmerictamer Facebook: Teddy's Turmeric Tamer LinkedIn: Teddy's Turmeric Tamer TikTok: Teddy's Turmeric Tamer Use code SOUL for 10% off your order CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs and the people who love them.

    Turmeric for Dogs: From Cancer Diagnosis to Three Extra Years with MaryBeth Powers
  7. Jul 25

    Milton Makes a Move: Teaching Kids Bravery Through Adorable Pugs with Jonathan Graziano

    Senior dog adoption isn't just about giving an older dog a home—it's about discovering a personality who's already fully themselves, no training required. When Jonathan Graziano adopted Noodle, a seven-and-a-half-year-old pug, he had no idea this little dog would redefine his life, teach millions about self-care, and leave a legacy that continues to inspire kids and adults alike. This is a story about love, loss, and the unexpected joy that comes from saying yes to a dog who's already lived a full life before you even meet them. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why adopting a senior dog can be one of the most rewarding decisions you'll ever make, even if you never expected to become a pug person How Noodle's simple "Bones or No Bones" routine became a global phenomenon during lockdown, and what made it resonate so deeply with people who needed hope What it's really like to navigate grief when your dog was beloved by millions, and how fostering became a healing path forward How Jonathan used his platform to raise awareness for dog rescue while keeping the focus on what mattered most: his dogs' comfort and wellbeing Why Milton, his fifth foster pug, turned out to be the perfect fit—not because he replaced Noodle, but because he brought his own quiet, uncompromising personality to the family How Jonathan turned viral moments into children's books that teach kids about asking for help, taking care of themselves, and being brave in the face of change What it means to keep your day job while your dog becomes internet-famous, and why that boundary mattered so much A FAVOURITE MOMENT "Being brave can be hard, but everything is a little easier with a friend by your side." — Jonathan ABOUT JONATHAN GRAZIANO Jonathan Graziano is a number one New York Times bestselling author and the devoted caretaker of some of the internet's most beloved pugs. His late dog, Noodle, captured hearts worldwide with the "Bones or No Bones" series during lockdown, teaching millions that it's okay to take a day for yourself. Jonathan has since fostered and adopted Milton, another pug with his own distinct personality, and continues Noodle's legacy through children's books that celebrate kindness, bravery, and the importance of rescuing senior pets. He works in communications and social media marketing and is based in Rochester, New York. CONNECT WITH JONATHAN GRAZIANO Website: jonathangraziano.com Instagram: @jongraz TikTok: @jongraz Preorder Milton Makes a Move (out August 4): Simon & Schuster CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them, and the businesses they build.

    Milton Makes a Move: Teaching Kids Bravery Through Adorable Pugs with Jonathan Graziano
  8. Jul 18

    Dog Coaching for Leadership and Personal Growth with Frank van Nimwegen

    Dog-assisted coaching brings leadership development out of the boardroom and into a space where authenticity can't be faked. Frank van Nimwegen, Dutch agility handler turned coach, uses dogs to help corporate teams and individuals develop confidence, clear communication, and grounded leadership. Because dogs respond to who you really are, not who your business card says you should be. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN How dogs reveal the gap between who we pretend to be and who we actually are, and why that matters for leadership and personal growthWhy people-pleasing patterns show up instantly when working with dogs, and what a simple bowl of treats can teach you about setting boundariesHow mental state affects performance in dog sports, and what that means for managing your own reactions under pressureThe difference between demonstrating dominance and offering genuine leadership, as dogs will always choose the highway over an inflexible handlerWhy starting with the basics matters, whether you're learning agility for fun or aiming for competition levelWhat happens when corporate teams work through exercises with dogs instead of staring at PowerPoint slidesHow fear and discomfort can shift when someone gets to approach dogs at their own pace, without pressure or pretenceA FAVOURITE MOMENT "There's only one nervous creature allowed in the ring, and the dog has already chosen." — Frank ABOUT FRANK VAN NIMWEGEN Frank van Nimwegen is a Dutch agility handler, instructor, and coach who has competed internationally with Belgian Shepherds and served as team manager of the Dutch agility team. After decades in dog sports, he became increasingly interested in how dogs can help people develop confidence, communication, and leadership. Today, he combines his competition experience with coaching methodologies like NLP and mBIT to offer dog-assisted coaching for agility handlers, corporate teams, and professionals seeking greater performance and personal growth. CONNECT WITH FRANK VAN NIMWEGEN Website: www.qynnect.nl LinkedIn: Frank van Nimwegen Additional: www.caniquest.com CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com And if you're a dog lover who's also building a business - or just want a calmer, happier dog - come find us at Happy Pupcakes. Happy dogs, thriving businesses, and a community that gets both.

    Dog Coaching for Leadership and Personal Growth with Frank van Nimwegen

About

Welcome to the Soul Touched by Dogs Podcast, the show for dog lovers who see dogs not as toys or tools, but as wise souls worth our respect and care. The 30-minute interviews with "Pawsome Humans", people who do great work for dogs and their people, you're listening to here on the podcast are one of the ways we celebrate the human-canine connection and advocate for holistic approaches to canine health and well-being.

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