The Big Dog Podcast

Can change be both an opportunity and a source of anxiety? Join us as we explore this duality within the Wilson family and our bustling businesses. From Kiki starting her senior year to the thrill and challenges of our business expansions, including new software releases and the success of Bay River's boarding daycare and our Media agency, we candidly discuss the whirlwind of emotions that come with these transitions. Discover how our son's decision to join the family business instead of attending college has shaped his growth and the exciting prospect of him owning his first home at a young age.

In this episode, we delve into the depths of personal growth, recounting early-life struggles and the evolution of our stress management strategies. Reflecting on moments of inadequacy and college panic attacks, we underscore the importance of acknowledging anxiety and seeking professional help. We share how our perspectives on handling responsibilities have shifted over the decades, offering valuable insights into managing life's unpredictable nature and the ongoing journey of personal development.

Finally, we address the poignant emotions tied to significant life transitions, such as children growing up and moving away. We emphasize the importance of recognizing and vocalizing these feelings to manage associated stress. Through personal anecdotes, we illustrate the delicate balance between personal and professional life, prioritizing family time, and ensuring our loved ones feel supported and valued. Tune in to hear about the necessity of staying present, grounded, and transparent with our families while navigating the complexities of life's demands.

Could a small act of kindness transform an entire educational community? Join us as we kick off the fifth annual "Clear the List" campaign on the Big Dog Podcast! I'm Josh Wilson, alongside my son Logan, and we're passionate about easing the financial burdens on teachers during the back-to-school season. This episode is packed with heartfelt stories and practical strategies to support our educators, highlighting how every single contribution can make a difference. We're on a mission to ensure teachers are equipped, resourced, and in high spirits as they return to the classroom.

Expect a dash of humor as we recount a hilarious mishap involving our puppy Callie during a past recording session and reflect on personal growth and patience in the face of unexpected situations. Plus, meet Charlotte, our beloved black lab who's been with us from the start and hear why this time of year holds a special place in our hearts. Stick around to learn how you can join our campaign and help clear teachers' Amazon wish lists, making a positive impact on our community. Don't miss this uplifting and empowering episode!

What if you could let go of yesterday’s triumphs and troubles to truly seize today? Join us as we explore the transformative power of staying present and maintaining discipline in your daily life. We share how past successes and failures should serve as lessons, not as obstacles. A hilarious story about an earwig in a headset reminds us that tiny setbacks shouldn't throw us off course. We also delve into the importance of emotional stability, discussing how avoiding emotional extremes can help you seize new opportunities and ensure continuous growth.

Is motivation overrated? Hear our take on why discipline, not motivation, is the true driver of success. Through my own struggles with technology, I illustrate how perseverance and disciplined effort led to success. We break down why so many of us fail at keeping New Year's resolutions and how you can flip the script by focusing on disciplined daily actions rather than fleeting bursts of motivation. Learn practical tips on living in the present and applying lessons from the past to fuel your current and future endeavors.

In our final segment, we share personal reflections on balancing the chaos of family life with professional aspirations. Listen to relatable stories of overcoming setbacks like bankruptcy and the daily juggle of responsibilities. Enjoy a lighthearted recounting of family dynamics, including a comical episode involving my son's first attempt at making smash burgers. The overarching message is clear: despite life's unpredictability, each of us deserves to pursue success and happiness by showing up each day with a renewed sense of discipline and fresh perspective.

• Ever wondered how maintaining a positive attitude can shape your daily life and relationships? Join us on this engaging episode of the Big Dog Podcast as my son Logan and I share personal stories and valuable insights on self-reliance, confidence, and handling life's challenges. From Logan's exciting developments in photography to our recent upgrade to a new podcast recording platform, we catch up on some significant events and reflect on the importance of self-awareness and growth. Plus, hear all about my expanding tattoo collection and the surprising return of Logan's sister, Jenna.

In this episode, we delve into how our attitudes influence our experiences and the power of focusing on current progress. We'll explore the concept of viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth and the critical role of self-talk and supportive social circles. By sharing candid personal struggles and triumphs, we highlight the importance of controlling our responses to external factors and appreciating the present moment. Whether you're facing external negativity or striving for personal improvement, our conversation offers practical advice and encouragement to help you navigate life's ups and downs with resilience and a positive mindset. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that promises to inspire and motivate!

Discover the transformative power of dog training from the insights of Cameron Ford, the brilliant mind behind Ford Canine. This episode is a thrilling journey through the evolution of canine training, blending heartfelt personal narratives with groundbreaking scientific research. Prepare to be inspired by Cameron's transition from military to civilian life, his forward-thinking approach at Duke University with Dr. Brian Hare, and the dynamic interplay of traditional and scientific methods in enhancing the art of dog training.

Feel the pulse of the dog training industry's ever-changing landscape, as we unwrap the stories behind podcasting's shift from audio to YouTube, examining the effect of technology on how we share knowledge. My own path intertwines with Cameron's, bringing to light the nuanced experiences—from a childhood fear to guiding others in the field—that have shaped our philosophies. The episode peels back the layers of our careers, revealing the pivotal moments that sparked growth and the synergy of fusing passion with technological innovation.

Join our celebration of collaboration, where respect and openness in dog training are not just encouraged but proven to be essential. This conversation is a treasure trove of shared wisdom, touching upon the compassionate human element that drives successful training and the powerful connections formed between handlers and their canine companions. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring trainer, this episode is a testament to the collective spirit that propels the dog training community forward.

When the stakes are high and the fields are wide, you can bet Steven McBee and his family are there, thriving against the odds. Their leap from hunting enthusiasts to first-generation farmers is a story of grit and growth that's nothing short of inspiring. On the Big Dog Podcast, I sit down with Steven to unearth the roots of the McBee family's agricultural empire, which spans everything from corn to exotic meats, and how they've cultivated success while others are scaling back. Listen in for a candid conversation that reveals the resilience required to sow seeds of prosperity in today's farming landscape.

Running a family business is no picnic, and when your portfolio includes not just a farm but a car wash and a meat processing plant, the challenges multiply. Our latest episode delves into the McBees' tale of diversifying revenue streams, the relentless hustle of entrepreneurship, and the strategic moves that keep their ventures flourishing. Steven and I examine the delicate balance of stress management and decision-making that's essential when your income is at the mercy of Mother Nature. This is a hearty discussion for anyone intrigued by the intersection of tradition and innovation on the modern farm.

As reality TV finds its way onto the ranch, the McBees face a whole new world of exposure and opportunity. We peel back the curtain on the family's foray into the limelight, discussing the pros and cons of life under the camera's unblinking eye. Steven shares the behind-the-scenes drama and the business savvy that comes from turning real-life into reel-life. The episode wraps with a heartfelt reflection on leadership, the nuances of family dynamics in the public eye, and how authenticity can be your strongest asset in business and beyond. If you're a fan of true entrepreneurial spirit with a side of reality TV, this is one conversation you don't want to miss.

Embark on an intimate journey with Sunny Dwyer, whose infectious zeal and entrepreneurial acumen shine as brightly as her camera flash. Our conversation meanders through the rich tapestry of her life, from embracing motherhood to nurturing a thriving family business. Sunny's candid tales of parenting offer a glimpse into the delicate dance of instilling leadership in her children, while her anecdotes of entrepreneurship reveal the steadfast resolve needed to not just survive but flourish, especially in the demanding world of photography.

It's not every day you meet someone who can turn the trials of a pandemic into their most prosperous year yet—Sunny and her husband Shane did just that. Their story is a masterclass in seizing unexpected opportunities, from the impulsive purchase of a commercial property in Dallas to the strategic narrowing of their business focus. The Dwyers' studio, specializing in pet and family photography, stands as a testament to their belief in the profound simplicity of black and white imagery and the emotional resonance it captures.

But beyond the lens, this episode delves into the heart of what makes relationships—both professional and personal—truly valuable. As Sunny shares the tools and practices, like the Ask Bay app and monthly retreats, that keep her marriage with Shane joyful and grounded, you too may find yourself inspired to nurture the bonds that matter most. Join us for a tale of love, laughter, and the nuanced art of living a life intertwined with family, work, and the enduring pursuit of happiness.

When Stan Smith first laid eyes on that Craigslist pit bull, little did he know it would pave the way to founding X-Dog and revolutionizing the canine supplement industry. Join us as we uncover Stan's journey from a troubled childhood companioned by loyal dogs, to breaking into and rising above the pushback of the established dog community, and onto the inception of X-Dog, a testament to his dedication to improving dog well-being. We tackle the challenges of e-commerce, the significance of quality in pet supplements, and how Stan's personal mission morphed into a thriving business that's setting new standards in the canine world.

Navigating the intricacies of product quality and inventory management, the episode reveals the hurdles and eureka moments in the development of the X-Dog V4 series. We'll share how this functional dog harness is changing the game in canine fitness and weight management, maintaining an impeccable safety record while combating dog obesity. Our candid conversation also highlights the lessons learned in business management, the impact of strategic partnerships, and the future plans for X-Dog as we gear up to reach our ambitious goal of impacting a million dogs a year.

But it's not all business; we open the door to the personal side as well. Balancing entrepreneurship with family life, the pride of raising bilingual children, and the hard-earned rewards of a successful venture, we explore the multifaceted life of a CEO. We wrap up with a crucial discussion on leadership, the value of accountability, and the transformation that comes from embracing collaboration. So, if you're passionate about dogs, interested in the intersection of personal growth and business, or simply looking for a story of resilience and success, this episode is ready to captivate and inform.

When Howard Young entered the mental health field, little did he know that his journey would lead him to revolutionize police K9 training. This episode peels back the layers of Howard's three-decade story, from his initial fascination with Rottweilers to becoming an authority in the canine training world. Alongside sharing my own experiences with Rocky, my beloved Rottweiler, we delve into the nuances of dog training, debunk breed misconceptions, and underscore the importance of preparing our four-legged partners for every scenario imaginable.

If you've ever wondered what it takes to transform an eager pup into an elite law enforcement K9, this episode is your backstage pass. We examine the meticulous selection process, the full spectrum of training, and the ongoing commitment required to fashion these canines into confident, adaptable, and reliable officers. From understanding the value of environmental soundness to maintaining the agility of these canine athletes, the conversation with Howard sheds light on the intricate world of K9 units that often remains hidden from public view.

Rounding off our discussion, Howard and I celebrate the power of podcasts to forge connections and champion the spirit of community within the dog industry. Reflecting on the growth of my show, Working Dog Depot, I share the transformative journey from its humble beginnings to a platform that now resonates with a wider audience. As we express gratitude for the insights Howard and his wife have brought into our lives, we leave listeners with an open-hearted invitation to engage, question, and join us in honoring the human-canine bond that enriches our lives.

Picture a dog, discarded and forgotten, now imagine it becoming a hero in a police uniform. This is the heart of our latest episode, where Carol Skaziak of the Throwaway Dogs Project takes us on a riveting journey from obscurity to glory for canines who prove to be much more than meets the eye. Carol, with roots that run deep in PR, marketing, and law enforcement, unveils the transformation of rescue dogs into indispensable assets for police departments, offering a narrative that intertwines second chances with societal impact.

Throughout the episode, we traverse the tales of breeds like pit bulls, shattering long-held stereotypes as they emerge as champions in scent detection and arson investigation. We spotlight a particular pit bull whose journey to becoming Law Enforcement Dog of the Year redefines the role these dogs can play in law enforcement. Carol and I engage in a rich discussion about the meticulous selection process, the victories of dogs finding their calling, and the invaluable training that prepares them and their handlers for the field's challenges.

As we wrap up our conversation, Carol's passion and sense of purpose shine through, revealing the tenacity it takes to spearhead a mission-driven nonprofit in a competitive industry. We touch upon the complexities and the fulfillment that come from uniting a community to back a cause that offers more than just a service—it provides a transformative experience for both the dogs and the departments they join. So join us for an intimate exploration of dedication, impact, and the indomitable bond between humans and their four-legged partners.