In this Radiance Series episode of the Reiki Women Podcast, hosts Bronwen Logan, Carrie Varela, and Michaela Daystar are joined by Janet Dobbs, founder of Animal Paradise Communication and Healing, for a deeply touching conversation on Reiki, animal elders, and the sacred transitions at the end of life.

Janet shares how her Reiki journey unfolded through animal communication and how working closely with elder animals has shaped her understanding of authenticity, presence, and listening beyond words. Together, we explore the unique ways animals receive and respond to Reiki treatments, and how these relationships invite us into deeper compassion for animals and ourselves.

This episode tenderly weaves stories of companionship, loss, and love, illuminating how Reiki can support animals and humans during end-of-life moments. Janet speaks to the sacredness of these transitions, the importance of staying present, and the gentle ways Reiki continues to hold animals even beyond physical life.

A heartfelt conversation for animal lovers, Reiki practitioners, and anyone walking alongside an aging or transitioning animal, this episode is an invitation to honor the wisdom of animal elders and the healing bonds we share.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Authenticity with Animals
01:26 Welcome to Reiki Women Podcast
02:28 Meet Janet Dobbs: Animal Reiki Expert
04:21 Journey into Reiki and Animal Communication
07:34 Focusing on Elder Animals
11:11 The Healing Power of Reiki for Animals
17:34 Supporting Animals and Humans in End-of-Life Care
23:32 Personal Reflections and Insights
25:17 Acknowledging Personal Loss and Compassion
28:35 The Elder Consortium and Animal Spirits
30:10 Reiki Practices for Deceased Animals
32:30 Connecting with Animals Through Reiki
34:18 Reiki Sessions with Animals: Real-Life Stories
39:28 Being Present for Animals Near the End of Life
44:58 The Healing Circle: Humans and Animals
46:52 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

🌿 Guest Speaker

Janet Dobbs:
Founder, Animal Paradise Communication and Healing
🌐 Website: https://animalparadisecommunication.com
📺 YouTube:  @AnimalParadiseCommunication

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🌸  About the Podcast
Reiki Women Podcast shares the voices of women-identified Reiki practitioners from around the world. Through stories of healing, lineage, and spiritual practice, we explore the culture and community of Reiki practice.

Join hosts Bronwen Logan, Carrie Varela, and Michaela Daystar as they reflect on the system of Reiki and the women who shape its path.

Meet the Hosts
🌿 Bronwen Logan —   @reikiwithbronwen  
🌿 Carrie Varela — @reikihealingsociety
🌿 Michaela Daystar —   @heartscapesreiki1496  

🎧 Listen on Spotify, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platforms
💛 Support us on BuzzSprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217494/supporters/new

📲 Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/reikiwomenpodcasts/groups

#ReikiHealing #WomenInReiki #ReikiPodcast #ReikiLineage #ReikiCommunity #SpiritualPractice #shelteranimals #shelterfordogs #reikipractitioner #ReikiWomenPodcast #AnimalReiki #ReikiForAnimals #AnimalEndOfLife #PetLossSupport #EnergyHealing

Support the show

Welcome to Radiance, a series from the Reiki Women Podcast, where we explore how Reiki Ryoho is lived, practiced, and embodied in service to the world.

In this episode, we’re joined by Teresa Montalbo, Reiki practitioner and founder of Unleash Your Inner Peace in Niagara, Canada, for a heartfelt conversation on offering Reiki treatments in animal shelters.

Teresa shares her journey of working with shelter animals and the powerful shifts she has witnessed when animals are met with presence, patience, and compassionate care. From injured animals and first-time shelter experiences to pregnant animals, newborn puppies, and adoption support, this episode explores how the system of Reiki supports trust, regulation, and authentic expression in animals navigating stress and transition.

We also reflect on the ways animals become teachers in Reiki practice, the impact of this work on shelter staff, and how offering Reiki treatments in shelters can become both a personal calling and a meaningful path of service.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and honor the quiet wisdom animals share when we meet them with care.

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Reiki and Animal Companions
00:32 Welcome to Radiance: Exploring Reiki and Animals
01:55 Meet Teresa: A Journey with Reiki and Animals
03:31 Teresa's First Encounter with Reiki
04:18 The Healing Power of Reiki: Gracie's Story
06:44 Bringing Reiki to Shelters
09:07 Teaching Reiki at Shelters
10:54 First Shelter Experience: The Husky
15:47 Reiki for Injured Animals
19:11 Building Trust and Helping Adoptions
23:00 Chanting and Sensory Experience with Animals
23:46 Reiki and Intuition in Animal Care
25:03 Experiences with Pregnant Animals in Shelters
25:48 Reiki Sessions with Newborn Puppies
27:45 Personal Reiki Journey and Energetic Shifts
29:51 Animals as Teachers in Reiki Practice
32:12 Impact of Reiki on Shelter Staff
34:08 Incorporating Animal Reiki into Business
38:15 Advice for Aspiring Animal Reiki Practitioners
41:32 Encouragement for Volunteering at Shelters

Guest Speaker: Teresa Montalbo
https://www.unleashyourinnerpeace.com/
Instagram:  @UnleashYourInnerPeace
Facebook: @Unleash Your Inner Peace - Bring Your Dog to Yoga + Reiki
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About the Podcast
Reiki Women Podcast shares the voices of women-identified Reiki practitioners from around the world. Through stories of healing, lineage, and spiritual practice, we explore the culture and community of Reiki practice.

Join hosts Bronwen Logan, Carrie Varela, and Michaela Daystar as they reflect on the system of Reiki and the women who shape its path.

Meet the Hosts
🌿 Bronwen Logan —  @reikiwithbronwen
🌿 Carrie Varela —  @reikihealingsociety
🌿 Michaela Daystar —  @heartscapesreiki1496  

🎧 Listen on Spotify, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platforms
💛 Support us on BuzzSprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217494/supporters/new

📲 Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/reikiwomenpodcasts/groups

#ReikiHealing #WomenInReiki #ReikiPodcast #ReikiLineage #ReikiCommunity #SpiritualPractice #shelteranimals #shelterfordogs #animalreiki #reikipractitioner

Support the show

Join us for a deeply moving episode of the Reiki Women Podcast – Radiance Series as we sit in conversation with Charis Nick-Torok — former attorney, educator, animal law advocate, and devoted Reiki practitioner whose life’s work bridges ethics, compassion, and care for wildlife.

Charis shares her remarkable vocational journey from the legal world into hands-on wildlife rehabilitation, where her Reiki practice became a powerful tool for supporting injured, captive, and free-roaming animals. She speaks to the importance of caregiver support, honoring animal agency, and practicing the system of Reiki through the Let Animals Lead method and the Usui Reiki Ryoho Tradition of Reiki.

Together, we explore the emotional and ethical complexities of working with wildlife, the distinctions between offering Reiki treatments to domestic versus wild animals, and how daily Reiki practice shapes both personal life and professional advocacy. This conversation is a heartfelt reflection on kindness, coexistence, and what it means to live in service to all beings.

✨ Special Highlight:
Charis also shares details about an upcoming FREE three-part symposium presented by the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Animals and the Law, focused on compassionate, ethical, and legal considerations surrounding end-of-life care for our beloved animal companions.

🐾 Upcoming Free Symposium

The End of Life Journey with Our Beloved Animals: From Diagnosis to Life After Loss

This three-part series explores the emotional, practical, ethical, and legal complexities of end-of-life care for companion animals and equines. Sessions may be attended individually or as a full series.

💛 Registration is free, but advance registration is required.
Use code EOL26COMP at checkout to waive the fee (code is not listed on the registration page).

SESSION ONE
End of Life Decisions and Ethical Considerations for Our Ailing Animals
📅 Wednesday, January 28, 2026
⏰ 2:00pm – 3:00pm (EST)
🔗 More Info & Registration: https://nysba.org/events/the-end-of-life-journey-with-our-beloved-animals-session-1/

Moderator: Charis Nick-Torok
Speakers include Gail Pope & Dr. Amir Shanon, DVM

SESSION TWO
Losing a Beloved Animal: Navigating the Spectrum of Grief and Bereavement
📅 Wednesday, February 11, 2026
⏰ 2:00pm – 3:30pm (EST)
🔗 More Info & Registration: https://nysba.org/events/the-end-of-life-journey-with-our-beloved-animals-session-2/

SESSION THREE
Legal Considerations for End-of-Life Decisions Concerning Our Animals
📅 Wednesday, February 25, 2026
⏰ 2:00pm – 3:00pm (EST)
🔗 More Info & Registration: https://nysba.org/events/the-end-of-life-journey-with-our-beloved-animals-session-3/

⚖️ Note for attorneys: Session 3 qualifies for one (1) CLE credit.

HOW TO BOOK!
ALL SESSIONS FREE with code EOL26COMP. To register you must set up a NYSBA account first, or email [email protected] or call 800-582-2452 and NYSBA staff can help you register.

This episode is an invitation into reverence — for animals, for energy, and for the choices we make when love meets responsibility.

00:00 Introduction to the system of Reiki and Trusting the Universal Life Force
01:22 Welcome to the Reiki Women Podcast
02:18 Introducing Charis Nick Toro
04:01 Cherise's Journey: From Law to Wildlife Rehabilitation
04:52 The Calling: A Life Devoted to Animals
06:03 Massive Career Shift: From Teaching to Wildlife Law
07:25 Discovering Reiki and Finding Alignment
08:47 Moving to Tucson and Working with Wildlife
09:59 The Importance of Caregiver Support
13:03 Differences Between Domestic and Wild Animals in Reiki
19:55 Coexisting with Wildlife
24:42 Legal Advocacy for Animals
30:23 The Role of Reiki in Legal and Personal Life
37:14 Reflecting on Compassion and Kindness
37:40 The Impact of Daily Practice
38:48 Discovering the Essence of Reiki
40:41 Bridging the Gap with Animal Reiki
42:46 Stories of Hope and Connection
46:26 Advocacy and Education for Animal Welfare
51:32 Cherise's Experiences with Reiki and Animals
01:00:11 Upcoming Symposium on Animal End-of-Life Care
01:05:12 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

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About the Podcast
Reiki Women Podcast shares the voices of women-identified Reiki practitioners from around the world. Through stories of healing, lineage, and spiritual practice, we explore the culture and community of Reiki practice.

Join hosts Bronwen Logan, Carrie Varela, and Michaela Daystar as they reflect on the system of Reiki and the women who shape its path.

Meet the Hosts
🌿 Bronwen Logan — @reikiwithbronwen
🌿 Carrie Varela — @reikihealingsociety
🌿 Michaela Daystar — @heartscapes.insight

🎧 Listen on Spotify, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platforms
💛 Support us on BuzzSprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217494/supporters/new

📲 Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/reikiwomenpodcasts/groups

#ReikiHealing #WomenInReiki #ReikiPodcast #ReikiLineage #ReikiCommunity #SpiritualPractice

Support the show

Join us in the first episode of the Radiance series on the Reiki Women Podcast where we have an insightful conversation with Kelly McDermott Burns, a passionate animal lover and experienced Reiki practitioner. 

Kelly shares her journey of combining her love for animals with Reiki, her experiences volunteering at various animal shelters, and the deep connection between Reiki and animals. 

This episode covers practical advice for those interested in practicing Reiki with animals, the importance of respecting animal agency, and profound stories from her work with animals, including heartfelt encounters with shelter animals, horses, elephants, and even an owl. 

Kelly's inspirational stories and expert insights are sure to resonate with animal lovers and Reiki practitioners alike.

And one thing Kelly would like all the listeners to know is: "the similarity between Animal Reiki and human Reiki is that both practices are rooted in compassion, presence and seeing the Light in all." 

00:00 Introduction to Reiki and Animals
01:50 Meet Kelly McDermott Burns
04:28 Kelly's Journey into Animal Reiki
08:05 Differences Between Human and Animal Reiki
12:55 The Simplicity of Reiki Practice
19:36 Profound Insights from Animal Reiki
30:00 Teaching at an Alpaca Farm
31:57 Meditation with Elephants in India
33:40 Reiki in Western and Eastern Cultures
34:25 Working with Shelter Animals
35:17 Reiki with Senior Citizens
37:57 The Philosophy of Reiki and Animal Interaction
40:09 Advice for Aspiring Animal Reiki Practitioners
46:17 Personal Stories and Experiences
56:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Subscribe now and join the conversation. 

Guest: https://heartsongreiki.com

Resource: 
https://www.youtube.com/@rockykanaka
https://rabiesalliance.org/world-rabies-day/nominee/tree-life-animals-tolfa
https://shelteranimalreikiassociation.org/

Hosts
Bronwen Logan: https://ReikiwithBronwen.com
Carrie Varela: https://www.reikihealingsociety.com
Michaela Daystar: http://HeartscapesInsight.com

Our email: [email protected]

Our own RWP Facebook Group discussion: Embodying Reiki
   / 1564135767437136

Support the show

https://gofund.me/c0a78594e

Dear Reiki Women Podcast listeners,

Thank you so much for being a part of our community! Reiki Women Podcast exists because of YOU—your listening, your presence, and your willingness to explore the system of Reiki together.

It is because of this continued engagement that we are able to look into 2026 excited to strengthen and grow this work and community! And to do that, we need to strengthen the structures that help us produce this podcast and related offerings.

The Reiki Women Podcast has been a labor of love for our team, with thousands of unpaid hours dedicated to filming, editing, and sharing meaningful conversations with our listeners.

So we’re launching a crowdfunding campaign to support the continued growth of the podcast and the creation of future conversations dedicated to centering women's voices, sharing insights from the Japanese origins of Reiki and empowering Reiki practitioners around the globe!

Your support of this campaign will allow us to:

• Hire an editor for the podcast, to free up the many hours Bronwen dedicates each month to editing and publishing the pod;

• Cover the cost of our editing software and other production costs;

• And keep this offering accessible and sustainable by allowing us to dedicate additional time for us to create new offerings in 2026.

A central purpose for Reiki Women Podcast is to uplift women’s voices, perspectives and leadership within the Reiki community. As advocates for women, we need to be firm about the importance of women being compensated for our labor, freeing us up to reciprocate even more value back into this community.

If you feel called, we would be so grateful for your contribution—whether that’s donating, sharing the campaign, or simply holding us in your thoughts. Every form of support truly matters and helps this work continue.

Thank you for walking this path with us and for being part of a community that believes in healing, connection, and authentic embodiment of the system of Reiki.

With gratitude,

Bronwen, Carrie and Michaela,
Hosts of the Reiki Women Podcast.
https://gofund.me/c0a78594e

Support the show

Radiance is an interview series focusing on meaningful topics from our community of Reiki practitioners. 

This season, we're exploring the intersection of Reiki and our animal companions across every stage of their lives and in the environments they inhabit.

From the vulnerable creatures and shelters waiting for homes to the aging pets we love through their final days. 

And from the wild beings we encounter in nature to the animals we care for professionally. We are acknowledging how our Reiki practice supports us to be open to animals as healers and teachers.

This series celebrates the profound bonds between humans and animals, and how Reiki practice can support both creatures in our care and those who dedicate themselves to animal welfare.

Subscribe now and join the conversation. 

Hosts
Bronwen Logan: https://ReikiwithBronwen.com
Carrie Varela: https://www.reikihealingsociety.com
Michaela Daystar: http://HeartscapesInsight.com

Our email: [email protected]

Our own RWP Facebook Group discussion: Embodying Reiki
   / 1564135767437136

Support the show

In this episode of the Reiki Women podcast, hosts Bronwen, Carrie, and Michaela delve into the controversy surrounding Doreen Virtue's recent evangelical conversion and her subsequent denouncement of various new age practices, in which she has unfortunately and incorrectly included the system of Reiki. 

The hosts share personal experiences, scrutinize Virtue's claims, and discuss broader issues such as cultural appropriation, religious trauma, and the intersection of spirituality and racism. 

They emphasize the importance of critical thinking, respect for different cultures, and the personal journey of spiritual exploration.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
03:19 Doreen Virtue's Evangelical Conversion
06:05 Reiki and Christian Backgrounds
08:17 Cultural Appropriation in New Age Practices
09:28 Spiritual Trauma and Fear
13:11 Misunderstandings and Ignorance
20:09 The Importance of Critical Thinking
29:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Hosts
Bronwen Logan: https://ReikiwithBronwen.com
Carrie Varela: https://www.reikihealingsociety.com
Michaela Daystar: http://HeartscapesInsight.com

Our email: [email protected]

Our own RWP Facebook Group discussion: Embodying Reiki
   / 1564135767437136

Support the show

In this episode of the Reiki Women podcast, Bronwen Logan and Michaela Daystar delve into traditional Japanese Reiki teachings, inspired by an interview with Hiroshi Doi. 

They explore the notion that Reiki levels one and two (Shoden and Okuden) encompass the complete teachings of the system, discussing the cultural and educational differences between Japanese and Western practices. 
The hosts also share insights about the historical context and integration of various spiritual traditions by founder, Mikao Usui, and how different practices are crafted within a modern framework. 
This episode offers rich historical context, reflections on teaching practices, and invites viewers to consider their own experiences with the system of Reiki.

https://www.reiki.org/articles/interview-hiroshi-doi-sensei

Hosts
Bronwen Logan: https://ReikiwithBronwen.com
Carrie Varela: https://www.reikihealingsociety.com
Michaela Daystar: http://HeartscapesInsight.com

Our email: [email protected]

Our own RWP Facebook Group discussion: Embodying Reiki
   / 1564135767437136

Support the show

In this episode of the Reiki Women Podcast, hosts Bronwen Logan and Carrie Varela delve into the nuanced differences between healing and curing within the context of Reiki. 

They explore how healing encompasses a holistic approach attending to the mind, body, and spirit, while curing is more about symptom elimination. Personal stories and meaningful quotes enrich the discussion, emphasizing the importance of balance, emotional regulation, and letting go of expectations. 
The hosts also highlight the role of the system of Reiki in fostering self-compassion and managing chronic issues. 
Tune in to learn how your Reiki practice can help you cultivate wholeness and navigate life's challenges.

00:00 Introduction to Reiki and Healing
01:51 Healing vs. Curing: Understanding the Difference
03:31 Personal Experiences with Reiki
06:08 The Concept of Wholeness in Healing
07:45 Research and Insights on Reiki
11:26 Emotional and Mental Aspects of Healing
13:10 The Journey of Healing and Balance
23:42 Conclusion and Upcoming Series

https://www.reiki.org/articles/interview-hiroshi-doi-sensei

Hosts
Bronwen Logan: https://ReikiwithBronwen.com
Carrie Varela: https://www.reikihealingsociety.com
Michaela Daystar: http://HeartscapesInsight.com

Our email: [email protected]

Our own RWP Facebook Group discussion: Embodying Reiki
   / 1564135767437136

Support the show

In this episode of the Reiki Women Podcast, Bronwen Logan, Carrie Varela and Michaela Daystar dive into the complex world of AI and its intersection with spiritual guidance. 

The discussion kicks off with an example of someone using ChatGPT to seek spiritual advice, questioning the implications and authenticity of such an approach. 
The hosts explore the challenges of relying on AI for guidance, emphasizing the need for personal responsibility and self-awareness in spiritual practices. 
They also touch on the ethical and environmental concerns surrounding AI usage. 
The conversation delves into the fundamental differences between artificial intelligence and true spiritual connection, ultimately advocating for more traditional, introspective methods of seeking wisdom. 
Join us for a compelling and thought-provoking discussion on navigating technology and spirituality.

I am an Angel: https://reikiwithbronwen.com/i-am-an-angel

Hosts
Bronwen Logan: https://ReikiwithBronwen.com
Carrie Varela: https://www.reikihealingsociety.com
Michaela Daystar: http://HeartscapesInsight.com

Our email: [email protected]

Our own RWP Facebook Group discussion: Embodying Reiki
   / 1564135767437136

Support the show