Shai Tubali is a specialist in meditation, mental flexibility, and the modern application of ancient philosophies. He is also the author of the new book: Your Chakra Personality, in which he details ways that people use the philosophy of Chakras in healing. He also shares the dangers of comparison and how to find healthy tension in our lives. Follo…

Dot Baisly, Executive Director of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) talks about why this organization stands strongly behind their science-based positive reinforcement approaches to dog training, and against the use of devices like shock collars. She also explains that IAABC certification isn’t only about dogs, th…

Ann Russo is a clinical social worker, therapist, and founder of AMR Therapy & Support Services. She specializes in healing religious trauma, client empowerment, and inclusivity in mental health. Ann is a strong advocate for all survivors within marginalized communities. Follow her work at www.amrtherapy.com Visit www.dcoffeyfoundation.org to suppo…

Jenny Schlueter is the Executive Director of Heartland Animal Shelter in Wheeling. And the comeback story there is quite incredible. After suffering from a devastating flood (all animals were heroically rescued but the facility suffered serious damage); this is a comeback story of perseverance featuring record adoption numbers. Anti Cruelty is the …

Dr. Patricia McConnell is the GOAT of dog training. Among her books, the classic, The Other End of the Leash. She discusses the state of dog training today, and her feelings about a movement among a vocal and perhaps increasing minority to use shock and prong collars. She also talks about the magic relationship we have with dogs. Also, a tribute to…

Dr Jo-Ann Finkelstein is a Psychologist and Author. Her new book, "Sexism & Sensibility: Raising Empowered, Resilient Girls in the Modern World," helps parents and young women to face toxic messages about body image, femininity, and sex. Follow her work at www.joannfinkelstein.com. Our charity of focus this month is Learning Works, a delightful non…

Anxiety magnifies and distorts worries, making them seem even more urgent than they are. One technique to mitigate this is to look at underlying assumptions and expectations about our lives and duties. The highlighted charity this month on the podcast is Learning Works, a nonprofit dedicated to providing academic assistance to those who might other…

Kathy Callahan and Helen St. Pierre, co-authors Old Dog, New Dog: Supporting Your Aging Best Friend and Welcoming a New One talk about everything from “puppy proofing a home” to adjusting homes for senior pets to whether or not to mix it up, do you bring in a young dog to share space with an old dog? Callahan runs a rescue for displaced senior dogs…

Psychology is primarily a study of understanding why we do things. This is an important part of measuring, predicting, and providing treatment for aspects of behavior. The question of how to accurately study this behavior and how to use it ethically is the work of today's guest. JonRobert Tartaglione uses social and psychological research to help d…

It turns out that by learning about cancer in dogs, we can help people with cancer too, it’s called comparative medicine. By studying and researching cancers dogs naturally get, we can save their lives and human lives – and it’s happening. Dr. Timothy Fan, veterinary oncologist and professor veterinary oncology University of Illinois College of Vet…

Dr Steven Lazar is a pediatric neurologist specializing in detection, diagnosis, and management of neurodevelopmental disorders. He is also the Medical Director of Neonatal Developmental Follow-Up Clinics for Texas Children's Hospital, and is here today to teach us about modern understanding and study of ADHD and Autism, and his focus on individual…

Award-winning photographer Bob Walker’s latest book is a love letter to one very unlikely recipient who enters his cat house, a Chihuahua: A Lost Dog Finds Cat Paradise: Tails of Love and Mischief. The EveryCat Health Foundation’s 2025 Communications Award recipient is Stacy LaBaron for her podcast, The Community Cats Podcast. What exactly are comm…

Marcia Holt is the CEO & Founder of Because Organization, helping survivors of Trafficking. She returns to the podcast with Dr Bill Cottringer, Clinical Psychologist and Trauma Expert, to discuss the use of Trauma Informed Care, and the importance of this specialty when working with the after-effects of Human Trafficking. Follow their work at www.b…

Co-editor of Low Stress Handling: A Practical Guide to Cooperative Care, Training, and Behavior Modification, veterinary behaviorist Dr. Christine Calder explains what cooperative care is about. For example, how you may train your dog or cat to comply contentedly with having nails trimmed. And what’s the most important cue you can teach a cat or do…

Another example of the use of TTRPG for emotional and therapeutic applications. This is a live-play session of a mysterious nursing home environment. Players created characters of retired individuals (with sketchy pasts) and gained advantages in their choices through communicating negative emotions, communication, and problem-solving. Go to www.dwi…

Dr Alan Rozanski is a professor of medicine at Icahn University of MEdicine, teaching cardiology, health psychology, and the importance of cognitive techniques in healthcare. He has developed a 6 stage health model, exercise, muscle care, diet, sleep, emotions, and thinking quality. Follow his work at www.alanrozanski.com. Go to www.covenanthouseca…

Illinois Director of the Humane Society for Animals Marc Ayers joins Steve Dale to explain how the seemingly harmless and fun puppy yoga classes may be sourcing puppies from puppy mills. In Chicago, this is illegal, and the City has taken action. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7459762/7459762_2025-06-08-183802.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Steve Dale’…

Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Beth Strickler makes an exciting announcement which will save lives of dogs, cats and rabbits. There’s a new and improved pheromone product available which will reduce anxiety, the Secure line of products by Signs. After all, behavior is the number one cause of death for pets and the most common behavior issues occur beca…

What happens when gender stereotypes, economic development, societal expectations and the 5,000 year old technology known as the wheel all converge? You get wheels on the bottom of your suitcase! This is the monthly dive into psychological & cultural history available to all listeners of the show. To hear the weekly bonus history episodes go to www…

Sean Murphy, AKA Mr Motivation, is an educator and motivational speaker. He has taught students, Scholars as he calls them, at every level from Elementary School to College. As a Veteran and someone who has overcome many obstacles he has developed expertise in motivation, and how we can reframe challenges to help catapult personal development. Lear…

It's about time Piglet started pulling his weight on this show. For this week's mental health tip we look at a technique of Cognitive Reframing endorsed by both Winnie the Pooh and David Mamet. It's a new month, which means we have a new charity-of-focus. Covenant House California is a nonprofit that helps Homeless Youth to find housing and resourc…

Hard to believe that a dog training organization that seeks to set licensing standards for dog trainers is willing to accept the use of shock collars. Dog trainer Zak George explains why that is unacceptable. He notes that while the use of shock can stop of a problematic behavior in its tracks, it will also cause significant collateral damage to th…

George Peabody, known as the Father of American Philanthropy, donated 1/2 of his fortune throughout his life to education, feeding the needy, and fighting poverty. This episode dives into the history of the Peabody Education Fund, the first modern nonprofit started in the USA. There are also some interesting tidbits about earlier charitable groups …

Many people value philosophical & spiritual approaches to trauma recovery, self-improvement, and breaking unhealthy patterns. My guest today is Masati, is the CEO & Founder of Xponential Intelligence Science, dedicated to the study and application of Dimensional Consciousness and shifting focus while suffering. He finds that reframing our emotions …

Rachel Suissa is the writer & director of "Greek Mother's Never Die," a film with dramatic, romantic, and comedic elements which follows Ella, a young Greek American woman who finds that the spirit of her recently deceased mother continues to give her advice and life guidance. Rachel shares how she used her own Greek heritage and experience to tell…

Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Nicholas Dodman, Co-founder of Center for Behavior Studies explains what this non-profit to support pet studies and keeping pets in homes is all about. Dr. Dodman reveals the most common behavior problem in dogs. Why do dogs sometimes have compulsive behaviors, such tail or light chasing, and what can be done to help thes…

Michael Reddington is a former private investigator and Forensic Interviewer. In his book "The Disciplined Listening Method," he describes lessons learned from conducting Interviews, and his belief that every conversation has hidden meaning and value, and that two people effectively communicating can meet both of their needs, and the role of empath…

Never give up! A little look at a social movement success, as Sesame Street appears to have been saved from cancellation. Each one of us can opt in or out of doing something to help with things we care about, and every contribution helps. Go to www.grandviewforgood.org to learn more about this month's highlighted nonprofit organization, helping rai…

Dog trainer Jeff Millman on a new way to think about dog bite prevention, which is actually Steve’s idea. Millman is the author of Triggers and Reactions: A Guide to Fixing Dog Behavior Problems: Volume One: On-Leash Aggression Anti Cruelty President Darlene Duggan talks about the city’s oldest and most significant animal shelter’s biggest fundrais…

Thursday Thistory! Today we are diving into the history of the classic novel & movie "A Clockwork Orange," and the effect it had on public perceptions of Behavioral Psychology. Go to www.grandviewforgood.org to learn about this month's highlighted nonprofit, working on public awareness of mental health and increasing access to care.…

Dr Charlie Powell helps military veterans dealing with PTSD and the stress of transitioning into civilian life. His experience as a decorated two war veteran and combat physician led him to confront his own Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, as he learned that it could not simply be avoided. This led him to create a TV series. "Healing Heroes, No Mind …