In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Olly Jacobs (he/him) and Calum Torcasio (they/them) from Moonlit Sanctuary - two zookeepers whose passion for animal welfare and behavior science shines through every word. From early dreams of working with animals to becoming key members of Moonlit’s show and mammal teams, their parallel journeys are filled with curiosity, grit, and deep respect for the animals they care for.

Olly and Calum share their unique entry points into zookeeping, the roles that education, volunteering, and community played in launching their careers, and how their love for Australia’s diverse native wildlife continues to grow. We dive into their creative and thoughtful approaches to animal training, with heartwarming and educational stories - from target and station training a potoroo named Pikelet, to building trust and voluntary cooperation for dingo toothbrushing.

This episode highlights: ✅ The power of relationship-based training and consent-driven interactions ✅ How show animals are given choice, control, and a starring role in education ✅ Why tailoring communication to the individual matters - no “one-size-fits-all” ✅ How storytelling, humor, and hope create meaningful conservation messages ✅ Their hopes for connecting audiences, especially children, to native species

With humility and humor, Olly and Calum show us what it means to train with intention and heart - making waves not just for the animals they work with, but for the future of conservation.

Links

https://moonlitsanctuary.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/moonlitsanctuary/ 

https://www.facebook.com/moonlitsanctuary/ 

In this special 60th episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we’re celebrating a major milestone - 10 years of Animal Training Academy! And who better to join us for the celebration than the founder himself, Ryan Cartlidge.

Ryan has worked professionally with animal behavior and training since 2007, across zoos and organizations throughout Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the US. He’s a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (KPA), Fear Free Certified Professional, Family Paws Parent Educator, and Level 1 Certified TAGteach Instructor. But most notably, he’s the visionary behind ATA - the platform that continues to ripple its influence through education, community, and connection.

In this episode, Ryan reflects on the evolution of ATA - from its humble beginnings with a single online course to a thriving global community supporting thousands of trainers and enthusiasts.

We dive into:

✅ The origin story behind Animal Training Academy and how it grew from an idea to a movement ✅ Personal challenges and triumphs along the way - including some humorous (and humbling!) early moments ✅ The growth mindset and the powerful role of supporting the human side of animal training ✅ Ryan’s metaphors for navigating capacity, burnout, and behavioral change - from trees to containers to rocket ships ✅ Why investing in personal sustainability is one of the kindest things we can do for our communities

Whether you’re a longtime ATA member or just discovering this podcast, this episode is full of wisdom, warmth, and celebration. Join us as we honor 10 years of ripples - and look ahead to many more.

In this heartfelt and compelling episode, we meet Zuzia Kubica - Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, founder of CoeurCanin, and passionate advocate for animals who walk the wilder edges of society. From befriending street dogs as a child in communist Poland to developing a thriving behavior consultancy in Quebec, Zuzia’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Zuzia shares how her upbringing among free-roaming animals and a nature-loving family laid the foundation for a life built on curiosity, empathy, and quiet rebellion against coercion. Her first dog, Zorro - a reactive, resilient former shelter dog - became her greatest teacher and helped inspire protocols she still uses today. With stories that span cultures, continents, and communities, Zuzia brings a unique, deeply humane lens to behavior change.

In this episode, we explore: ✅ Why Zuzia never had to “crossover” to positive reinforcement ✅ What she learned from working with clients in high-risk or marginalized contexts ✅ How freestyle training became a powerful healing tool for both dogs and humans ✅ Her reflections on burnout, emotional labor, and setting trainers up for long-term success ✅ The vital need for trainer education that includes human-centered skills and support

Zuzia’s experiences - ranging from musical canine freestyle to navigating the emotional terrain of helping humans with trauma - highlight the richness and responsibility of being a modern animal trainer. This conversation is a tribute to empathy, perseverance, and the beautiful messiness of human-animal relationships.

Links

[email protected]

http://CoeurCanin.com 

Formation CoeurCanin: https://www.facebook.com/FormationCoeurCanin 

CoeurCanin group (in French but can be posted in English): https://www.facebook.com/groups/49236022174

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coeurcanin/ 

BlueSky:  https://bsky.app/profile/coeurcanin.bsky.social

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we're joined by Martina Luisetti, Certified Dog Trainer and founder of ULI Dog Training in the UK. Martina brings a refreshing and compassionate perspective to canine behavior, offering training that’s as much about the humans as it is about the dogs.

With a background shaped by personal growth and a deep love for animals, Martina shares how her passion for trauma-informed care, attachment theory, and relational safety informs her training methods. Her work centers on supporting excitable dogs and their guardians through classes like Fun Agility and foundational puppy training — always with a focus on connection, trust, and clear communication.

In this episode, we explore:

✅ Martina’s journey from struggling with her own dog’s behavior to becoming a skilled trainer helping others ✅ Why understanding human psychology and emotional regulation is crucial in dog training ✅ The importance of non-judgmental spaces in classes and community learning ✅ How Martina blends play, empathy, and structure to support excitable dogs ✅ Her reflections on healing, compassion, and building safer relationships — for both dogs and their humans

Whether you're a seasoned trainer or a dog guardian navigating challenging behaviors, Martina’s gentle approach and insightful reflections will inspire you to rethink how we support both ends of the leash.

Links

[email protected] 

https://www.instagram.com/ulidogtraining?igsh=dzVjaWNyb3p0OTNz

www.ulidogtraining.com

PACT Professional Association of Canine Trainers https://www.pact-dogs.com/

ABTC Animal Behaviour and Training Council https://abtc.org.uk/ 

Certified Separation Anxiety SA PRO trainer with Julie Neismith program

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we're joined by April Williams, the passionate owner and operator of All About The Hound dog services in Masterton, New Zealand. With 13 years of experience, April is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and Certified Professional Groomer who is dedicated to providing stress-free grooming and training experiences.

April's commitment to kind and gentle training is evident in her specialized "Little Groomies" Puppy Grooming Intro packages, designed to ease puppies into the grooming process. She shares her journey from working in academic publishing to establishing All About The Hounds, driven by her desire to connect and understand her own dog, Archie. 

In this episode, we dive into:

✅ April’s approach to creating positive and stress-free grooming experiences for dogs

✅ The importance of early and gentle introduction to grooming, and her ‘Little Groomies’ program

✅ How a clicker training experience with her dog Archie, helped shape her training philosophy

✅ The challenges in the grooming industry, particularly around education and training

Whether you're a pet professional or a pet guardian, April's dedication to improving animal welfare and her innovative approach to grooming and training will provide you with valuable insights into creating a better experience for the animals in your life.

Links:

https://www.allaboutthehound.co.nz/

https://www.facebook.com/allaboutthehound.co.nz

[email protected]

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we’re delighted to welcome Raoudha Mairos, a passionate dog trainer and behavior consultant, as she shares her inspiring journey from fearing dogs to dedicating her life to understanding and improving animal welfare. As the founder of Sunny Paws, Raoudha offers one-on-one coaching to help dogs and their guardians build confidence, trust, and a stress-free bond. She also co-founded Global Animal Experts, a platform that connects professionals in the French-speaking community with expert insights through courses and webinars.

Raoudha’s story is one of transformation—moving from fear to fascination as she navigated life with her first dog, Sunny, and eventually shifted careers from teaching to professional dog training. She shares how different dogs, including her own, have shaped her approach, emphasising the importance of understanding individual animals rather than forcing them into rigid expectations.

In this episode, we dive into: ✅ The power of observation and empathy in animal training ✅ How Raoudha’s work helps bridge the communication gap between dogs and their humans ✅ The importance of giving animals choices in training and daily life ✅ The lessons she’s learned from working with multiple species, including a surprising training experience with a giraffe!

Whether you're an animal trainer, pet guardian, or behavior enthusiast, Raoudha’s insights will inspire you to rethink the way we understand and connect with the animals in our lives.

Links

• https://sunnypaws.co.uk/
• www.globalanimalexperts.com

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Samantha Rubio, a dedicated horse trainer specialising in positive reinforcement and equine rehabilitation. Based in Montgomery County, Maryland, Samantha works at a cutting-edge equine behavior and sports medicine rehabilitation facility while also running her own training business.

Samantha shares her inspiring journey from a childhood passion for animals to earning her degree in Animal Science and Neurobiology at Cornell University. She opens up about her experience bridging the gap between academic research and real-life training, advocating for lifelong learning, and fostering an inclusive approach that values both human and non-human learners.

Listeners will gain insight into Samantha’s work at Misty Step Stables, where she collaborates with veterinarians and specialists to support horses in medical and behavioral rehabilitation. She discusses the importance of recognising pain in horses - challenging outdated industry norms that often dismiss behavioral indicators of discomfort. Through compelling case studies, including a transformative experience with a horse named Rum, Samantha highlights the power of listening to both horses and their owners, reinforcing the idea that effective training is built on trust, science, and compassion.

Whether you're an equestrian, animal behavior enthusiast, or trainer looking to deepen your understanding of positive reinforcement in the horse world, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical takeaways.

Links

• Samantha's workplace >>> https://mistystepstables.com/
• Samantha's business on Facebook >>> https://www.facebook.com/AhimsaEquineLLC
• Samantha on Facebook >>> https://www.facebook.com/samantha.rubio.5074

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Eileen Anderson—writer, researcher, and advocate for humane dog training. Eileen is the author of Remember Me?, a Maxwell Award-winning book on canine cognitive dysfunction, and a thought leader in the world of positive reinforcement training.

Eileen shares her fascinating journey from engineering and music to becoming a trusted voice in the animal behavior community. She discusses how a chance adoption of a challenging dog named Summer set her on a path of discovery, leading her to the world of behavior science, dog training, and eventually, writing. With her unique background in acoustics, Eileen also sheds light on common misconceptions about sound sensitivity in dogs and how her expertise has helped shape innovative approaches to training and problem-solving.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the science of sound and its impact on dogs, the importance of careful and ethical training, and practical strategies for building trust and communication with their pets. Eileen also shares her experiences mentoring aspiring writers, offering tips for overcoming writer’s block and developing a meaningful writing practice.

Whether you're a dog trainer, behavior enthusiast, or an aspiring writer, this episode is packed with inspiration, knowledge, and practical advice.

Links

• Dogs and Sound Webinars
  • Both webinars are available here >>> https://payhip.com/brightfriendsproductions
• Books
  • Remember Me? Loving and Caring for a Dog with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction >>> https://books2read.com/dogdementia
  • Puppy Socialization: What It Is and How to Do It, coauthored with Marge Rogers >>> https://books2read.com/puppysocialization
  • Both books are also available at Dogwise, and Puppy Socialization is available at Clean Run and Mungo’s in Canada.
• Contact Eileen via Her Blog >>> https://eileenanddogs.com/drrp/
• Blog Posts Discussed in the Podcast
  • https://eileenanddogs.com/blog/2022/07/29/how-i-taught-my-puppy-to-sleep-later-in-the-morning/
  • https://eileenanddogs.com/blog/2024/01/09/desensitizing-a-dog-to-high-pitched-beeps-part-1-of-2/
  • https://eileenanddogs.com/blog/2024/01/12/desensitizing-a-dog-to-high-pitched-beeps-part-2-of-2/
• Journal Article Related to the Counterconditioning Posts
  • Poppen, R. (1970). Counterconditioning of conditioned suppression in rats. Psychological Reports, 27(2), 659-671. (desensitization was done using frequency rather than volume)
• Other Information on Sound from Eileen
  • All articles on dogs and sound on my blog >>> https://eileenanddogs.com/blog/category/dogs-and-sound/
  • How to Soundproof a Dog Crate (You Can’t >>> https://eileenanddogs.com/blog/2019/08/06/how-to-soundproof-a-dog-crate/
  • Using Sound Apps for Desensitization & Counterconditioning for Dogs >>> https://eileenanddogs.com/blog/2021/01/08/using-sound-apps-for-desensitization-counterconditioning-for-dogs/
  • Article on Sound Masking >>> https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/noise-canceling-for-dogs/
• Eileen’s Writing Mentorship (next one will be in July 2025)
  • https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/writing-mentorship-with-eileen-anderson/
• Writing Tips
  • About Freewriting >>> https://www.research.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/RD/docs/FREEWRITING-by-Peter-Elbow.pdf
  • Writing Word Count Goals Gamified (R+) >>> https://4thewords.com/ 

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Daniela Zurr, a distinguished behavioral veterinarian from Nuremberg, Germany. With over 25 years of experience as a veterinarian and a Tellington TTouch instructor, Dr. Zurr combines her expertise in behavioral medicine, zoo animal consultations, and positive reinforcement training to create innovative approaches to animal care.

Dr. Zurr shares her journey from an early passion for reptiles to her current role, where she works with a wide range of animals, from household pets to zoo residents. She discusses the profound influence of mentors like Linda Tellington-Jones, the evolution of her work with TTouch, and the development of her holistic method to improve animal behavior and welfare.

Listeners will gain insights into the principles of TTouch, including its focus on mindfulness, trust, and connection, and learn how it can be used to address behavioral challenges, prevent stress, and improve the bond between humans and animals. Dr. Zurr also shares personal stories, such as her experiences with her own rescue dog and her work with shelter animals, highlighting the importance of adaptability and compassion in animal care.

Whether you’re a pet owner, trainer, or behavior enthusiast, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and practical advice for fostering trust and connection with the animals in your life.

Links

• www.ttouch.com
• www.tellington-methode.de
• www.ttouch-n-click.de
• www.tierverhalten-zurr.de
• Email; [email protected]

In this episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we are joined by the wonderful Kristi Martin, a behavior specialist with a diverse background in both the zoo and veterinary fields. Kristi shares her journey from caring for a wide variety of species in zoos to transitioning into the veterinary field, where she specialized in behavior care. She talks about her current work at the Richmond Animal Behavior Wellness Center, where she assists a veterinary behaviorist and runs a DigiTherm thermal scanner to help assess pain in behavior patients.

Kristi’s expertise shines as she discusses her experiences working with animals, including the shift from zoo work to veterinary care, and how her passion for learning has driven her to continually expand her skill set. From handling complex cases of fear, anxiety, and aggression in pets, to integrating the latest technology in veterinary behavior, Kristi’s insights offer valuable lessons for both pet owners and animal care professionals.

Listeners will be inspired by Kristi's approach to simplifying behavior modification plans, her dedication to making training practical for pet owners, and her emphasis on the importance of checking for pain or discomfort as a potential cause of behavior issues. With her varied experiences, Kristi provides a refreshing perspective on animal behavior and welfare.

https://www.abwellnesscenter.com/