Animals have a way of taking us places in life we never expected. That's exactly what happened to my guest Derek Walter when a "micro pig" entered his life and soon became a 650 lb. pig with the intelligence of a small child. Esther The Wonder Pig became an internet sensation as her dads shared her 11 year life's journey with the world. The world is better having had Esther in it and the same goes for her dad Derek. Listen in as he tells funny stories about Esther, what the "Esther Effect" was, how she changed veterinary medicine in Ontario and what palliative care looked like for Esther.

And stick around right to the end as I reveal what lies ahead for this podcast.

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Animal workers are deeply passionate and can carry strong opinions about what's "best" for animals. The problem is that judgment creeps in, hijacks your nervous system and narrows your options to choose empathy and compassion instead of judgement. In this episode, we swap judgment for steadiness with a quick pause-and-reset and "what else could be true?" prompts that pair compassion with accountability, so you leave with tiny practices that calm your body and open better paths for animals and people.

You're a helper, caregiver, advocate for animals. But how do you do all of that and not lose yourself in the process? The answer is with intention. We burnout when the demands being made on us don't match our ability to refuel/restore/rest. I know it's hard to stop when so many need you. This episode focuses on 3 moves you can make to help yourself.

This convo is so cool! Join me and Julie Smith, associate professor at Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo while we talk about talking to animals. Let's be clear, Julie (Smith) is the expert here, I'm just listening intently. Julie tells us how she went from a skeptic to full-on believer in communicating with her cats using Fluent Pet's buttons and how she's even using them with zoo animals. You don't want to miss this episode. Julie also graciously is sharing resources for all.

Fluent Pet - home of the buttons and all kinds of resources

Promo codes for Fluent Pet:

What a summer of pep talks! Today I close the summer circle with a calming reset, a story about tiny wins, three truths, and a short visualization. And a tease of what is to come.

In this episode, we break down the myth of the "unbreakable caregiver" and explore what real resilience actually looks like. True strength isn't about powering through or pretending you're fine, it's about allowing yourself to bend, rest, and reach for support when you need it. You don't need to be superhuman to be resilient; you need space to be human.

There is a unique emotional weight when you work to help animals everyday and then your own pet is facing a tough diagnosis. It's a reminder that expertise doesn't make you immune to grief, guilt, or overwhelm, and that you're allowed to lean on others when the personal and professional collide. Above all, this is an invitation to give yourself the same compassion you give to others.

We all have painful stories that we believe about ourselves. Today we explore how to gently question those stories that keep us stuck and begin to rewrite them with truth, compassion, and humanity. You deserve a story that helps you heal.

After a week of giving so much to others, your nervous system might be crying out for a reset. In this episode, we explore how nature can be the medicine we often forget to reach for. From calming our stress hormones to restoring our sense of belonging, the natural world has a profound way of bringing us back to ourselves. Whether it's a walk in the woods, tending a garden, or simply feeling the sun on your face, nature offers a quiet refuge where you don't have to be anything but human. This is your gentle reminder: you're not just here to care for others. You too need caring for.

Boundaries aren't rejection, and they're not selfish. They are acts of love. Love for yourself, love for others, and love for the work you care so deeply about.

If you've been feeling stretched thin, resentful, or guilty for needing space, this episode is your permission slip to reclaim your peace. Because staying connected doesn't mean losing yourself and honoring your needs is never a failure.