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In this heartfelt solo episode, Melisa explores the often-overlooked art of truly listening. Drawing from her years as a psychotherapist, educator, and Equine Gestalt practitioner, she shares how most people unintentionally interrupt, derail, or “hijack” conversations instead of offering genuine presence and attention. Through relatable stories and practical examples, Melisa unpacks the emotional impact of being deeply heard—and how learning to listen with patience, compassion, and curiosity can transform our relationships, parenting, friendships, and healing work.
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In this warm and conversational catch-up episode of Touched by a Horse, Melisa and Dane reflect on a whirlwind month filled with Equine Gestalt coaching trainings, cross-country road trips, reunions with friends and graduates, and settling further into life in British Columbia. Along the way, they share stories about traveling with their beloved Bernese Mountain Dogs, reconnecting with students and colleagues in Colorado, and the joys and challenges of building a new home base in Canada. With humor, heart, and plenty of personal updates, this episode offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the everyday life behind the work they love.
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In this episode, Melisa and Dane reconnect after time apart, sharing stories from Dane’s memorable trip to Augusta for the Masters, complete with early mornings, long lines, and plenty of golf (and merch). Back on the farm, Melisa dives into the deeply transformative work happening within her equine gestalt programs, from guiding students through group facilitation to teaching her immersive “Reveal” process for couples seeking clarity and reconnection. She also reflects on recent workshops exploring personal growth, relationships, and even our inherited beliefs about money.
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In this solo episode, Melisa shares a personal and reflective update while Dane travels to the Masters, offering a glimpse into life on the ranch—from spring cleaning and hosting guests to preparing for upcoming equine gestalt training sessions. She weaves in updates on her growing programs and a behind-the-scenes look at her work, before diving into a thought-provoking discussion on bioenergetics and the human energy field. Exploring the seven layers of the aura and how horses intuitively read these vibrations. Melisa connects science, spirituality, and horsemanship to illustrate how deeper self-awareness can lead to healing, alignment, and a return to our “original design.”
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In this episode, Melisa and Dane share a behind-the-scenes look at life on their farm as spring arrives—balancing horses, new equipment, travel plans, and even the complexities of navigating dual U.S. and Canadian taxes. Melisa also dives into the heart of equine gestalt coaching, exploring how deep listening, collaboration with horses, and a trauma-informed, non-pathologizing approach create meaningful transformation for clients. She highlights upcoming programs, including advanced trainings, while inviting listeners to join the growing Touched by a Horse community. Blending personal updates with powerful insights on slowing down, finding clarity, and fostering inner peace, this episode offers both practical updates and soulful reflection.
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In this solo episode, Melisa takes listeners behind the scenes of spring preparation on her British Columbia horse farm, sharing the rhythms, challenges, and essential care routines that come with managing a herd of 14–20 horses. From navigating late-season snowstorms to tackling seasonal chores like tack cleaning, worming, veterinary visits, dental care, and shedding, Melisa offers practical insights and personal stories from life on the farm. She also shares helpful tips for maintaining horse health—like sand prevention, coat conditioning, and grooming techniques—while reflecting on the slower winter season and the excitement of gearing up for a busy spring.
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In this episode of The Touched by a Horse Podcast, Melisa and Dane share updates from the ranch as they prepare for spring, from caring for their horses to planning improvements around the property. Melisa also explores the powerful symbolism of the 2026 Fire Horse year in the Chinese zodiac, discussing its themes of bold action, innovation, and personal reinvention. The conversation then shifts to the growing influence of artificial intelligence, where Melisa reflects on how AI can support business and creativity while emphasizing that it can never replace the deeply human connection and healing presence found in equine-assisted work.
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On today’s episode, Melisa chats with Graduate of the Year Casie Simpson of Flourish with Horses in Colorado Springs. Casey shares the powerful story of finding her heart horse, Teddy, during one of the most difficult seasons of her life—and how their healing journey together led her to the Equine Gestalt Coaching Method program. Now a dedicated practitioner, Casey serves nurses, healthcare workers, and caregivers through her new monthly self-care retreat, Equine Rx, blending connection, nervous system reset, and meaningful time with horses. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about grief, purpose, and the transformative partnership between horses and humans.
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In this warm and wide-ranging episode, Melisa and Dane reunite in the studio to share personal updates, including celebrating the birth of their assistant Tana’s baby boy, Atticus. They dive into a fascinating bit of trivia tracing the standard railroad gauge—four feet, eight and a half inches—back to Roman war chariots and the width of two horses, exploring how ancient history still influences modern engineering. Melisa also introduces the new Touched by a Horse Wisdom Circle community, details her upcoming “Ology” course on human and equine typology, and shares a few lighthearted ranch updates—from the hunt for a round baler to hockey road trips and shifting winter weather. Listen and laugh along!
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In this heartfelt episode of The Touched by a Horse Podcast, Melisa Pierce welcomes Equine Gestalt graduate Emma Rogers for a powerful conversation about following your bliss, navigating unexpected life turns, and the healing connection between horses and humans. Emma shares her journey from being inspired by Cavalia to building and selling her thriving group practice, Argo Counseling and Wellness, and how a stage three colon cancer diagnosis transformed her life and deepened her spiritual path. Now serving as Director of Counseling and Programs at the Annapolis Wellness House, Emma leads free, holistic cancer support services—including equine-assisted programs—on a stunning 125-acre property in Maryland. Together, Melisa and Emma explore resilience, motherhood, entrepreneurship, end-of-life work, and the profound role horses play in healing, reminding listeners that even life’s sharpest left turns can lead to extraordinary purpose.
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