Animals & Us - Voices of a New Paradigm

In this episode, we talk about the upcoming 2023 International Multispecies Methods Research Symposium - what it is, why it's happening, and who should come. We discuss the event in detail, which is taking place virtually from May 8-12, 2023. Tickets are available until May 5, 2023. For more info, visit https://iic2023.eventbrite.com/ or check out @iic.symposium2023 on Instagram.

Scott Beckstead is the director of campaigns for Center for a Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action. He worked as an attorney in private practice for 17 years on the central Oregon coast before going to work full-time in the animal protection sector. During his time on the coast he also served as the mayor of Waldport, Oregon from 2002 to 2007.He became known for his special expertise in the field of animal law, and has taught that subject at the University of Oregon and Willamette University law schools. In 2000, he co-authored Animal Law, the first casebook on the subject, and continues to teach animal law, wildlife law and policy. From 2008 to 2020, Scott served in a multitude of roles for the Humane Society of the United States, including Oregon state director, equine protection specialist, and Rural Outreach director; he also helped lead a successful ballot measure campaign in 2016 to ban the trade in endangered wildlife in Oregon.Because of his close familiarity with horses, livestock, and farm animals, Scott provides training to law enforcement agencies on how to handle and work with those animals, and how to investigate equine and livestock cruelty and neglect. He lives in Sutherlin, Oregon with his family, which includes four adult kids and two grandkids, as well as three dogs.Here are some topics we discussed:What led Scott to become a lawyer specializing in animal law after growing up as a rancher.How he copes with the sadness and disappointment he encounters every day in his legal work, dealing with animal abuse.His passion and focus on important wild horse issues.Scott's silly dogs and how they appear on their own social media sites.Why he loves cows.Scott's views about animal sentience, intelligence, and consciousness.What people can do to help animals avoid suffering and neglect.https://www.facebook.com/scott.beckstead1Zoom Atti Zoom on instagram:https://www.instagram.com/zoom_atti_zoom/50 Shades of Divvy on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067056872969

In this episode, we sit down and chat with Dr. Colleen Dell, an award winning researcher who focuses on animal assisted therapy and mental health research. Colleen and her animal companions have gone into hospitals, prisons, COVID vaccination clinics and many other places to help humans with their health and well-being. The therapy dogs seem to know just what we humans need, and are able to comfort us, love us, and support us in so many ways. Colleen shares some beautiful stories about the impact that dogs have made on the lives of prisoners, people who were scared of getting vaccine injections, etc. She shares how emotionally intelligent and sentient these dogs can be, knowing exactly what people need, how to connect with them, and how to give them love and comfort.  We talk about how she got started in the field of animal assisted intervention research, some of the work that her and the dogs have done together, animal consciousness, the human-animal bond and relationship, and interspecies communication. She also tells us about a randomized control trial (the first of its kind!) where they took dogs into the ER of a hospital and observed the outcomes. This study has been downloaded over 10,000 times! ---Colleen Anne Dell (PhD) was appointed the Centennial Enhancement Chair in One Health and Wellness at the University of Saskatchewan in 2016 for a five year term, with a focus on addiction and mental health. Her position was renewed for a second five year term in 2021. Dr. Dell has a Google Scholar h-index of 30. She has been awarded $5.4 million as a Principal Investigator in CIHR grants alone, and an additional $20.3 million as a co-Investigator and Supervisor. As a Professor, she has published over 85 innovative peer-reviewed journal articles, with lead authorship in over half, contributed over two dozen book chapters, and 57 technical reports.  Dr. Dell is a public sociologist and Professor in the Department of Sociology, with an Associate appointment in the School of Public Health. She is also a Senior Research Associate with the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, Canada’s national non-governmental addictions agency. Dr. Dell is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Carleton University and a past Research Associate with the Indigenous Peoples’ Health Research Centre. She is a 2013 graduate of the Canine Behaviour Psychology Academy, Extreme K-9 Professional Dog Training school, in Illinois, USA and completed a certificate course in animal assisted therapy and activities at Harcum College in 2014. In 2020 she completed the Nonhuman Nature Research Methods course at the Kerulos Centre for Nonviolence. She has thousands of hours of practice providing community-based animal assisted intervention (AAI) services since 2013, and has been a committed community volunteer in the areas of social justice, inclusion and equity since 1993. Find out more about Colleen at https://colleendell.com/

Recently, Janean Strong invited me, Barbara Shor, to be interviewed on her podcast. The name of her podcast is Keepin It Real with Janean.We had a delightful conversation that I would like to share with you. Janean also communicates with animals, so it was fun to trade stories.In our conversation, I share about how I went from working as a veterinarian to becoming an animal communicator more than 30 years ago.   We discuss what animal communication is, how it works, and how you can know if you are on track by paying attention to validation signals.We talk about elephant consciousness, who they are and why they are here. And about my new book, soon to be published, called Soul of the Wild Book ll: The Wisdom of Elephants.I share about my recent trip to Africa. If you would like to go to Bit Chute or Rumble and watch this podcast, you'll see a slide show of some of the animal photos I took while I was there. Janean and I also talked about how to win the love and trust of animals, especially wild ones. And about my experience of swimming with a humpback mother whale and her baby in Tonga. And finally, I share about the brilliance of our own companion animals and give some tips about how to connect with and communicate with them.I hope you will enjoy it!You can find Janean and this podcast, with links to other venues where you can see the slides while you listen to the interview at: https://realjanean.com/index.php?podcast=1493Here is Janean's podcast site: https://www.realjanean.com/

In this episode, we speak with animal communicator Liz Murdoch from Talking With the Dogs! If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to actually communicate with an  animal, and how an animal communicator can help with decision making and with the dynamics in your family between the humans and the animals, then this is the episode for you. We talk about all of that, and much more, with Liz as she takes us through story after story about her encounters with the animals. At just the age of 5, Liz realized that she could understand what a dog was thinking! She went on to win awards, as a child and as an adult - in dog training. In fact, she got her first award competing against adults, at the age of 8. Liz is passionate about helping families enhance their relationships with animals and improve their communication skills so that families, with their companion animals, can live in greater harmony throughout all stages of life. She has helped professionals like veterinarians, animal rescue and foster organizations, and she’s done work in animal assisted therapy as well. In this episode, we talk about how she receives incredibly specific information from the animals, including things about their health and well-being. Liz feels, hears, sees and knows things when she is talking to them, and feels that others who tune into their intuitive gifts can do so as well. We talk to her about end of life communication and decision making, and how communicating with the animal can help navigate through the complex emotions that arise when we say goodbye to our loved ones. Liz also shares how she helps dogs make "bucket lists" and helps their humans understand what they want before they leave the physical world.All that and more in this episode with Liz Murdoch!You can find her at:Website - https://talkingwiththedogs.comInstagram - @talkingwiththedogsTalking With the Dogs Podcast

In this episode, we both share the biggest takeaways from our trip to Africa earlier this year. We recap and reflect on what all we did while we were there, and the memorable moments we experienced.

We had so much to discuss with Rebecca Goff about her experiences with dolphins and whales! Here's some bonus content on gratitude and trusting what we receive, the differences between dolphins and whales, and dolphins in the wild versus dolphins in captivity.

Tune into this episode to hear all about how Rebecca Goff started working on the guidance she was receiving from the cetaceans to actually take people into the oceans and help heal them. Rebecca talks about how the dolphins and whales guide her and support her all the time, and how paying attention and being open help her connect with them. Whether we realize it or not, we all have innate gifts, and we must work on developing them, and  using them wisely to make the world a better place. We also talk about Rebecca's motto - "Healthy Oceans, Healthy Children," and how the two are interconnected and dependent. --From aquacranial.com:Rebecca Goff is the internationally acclaimed creator of AquaCranial Therapy, bringing healing and transformation to others with what she is taught by wild dolphins and whales. Rebecca's Work in PreNatal Aquacranial Therapy has opened a whole new spectrum in birthing.​ Aquacranial is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that supports your body's own natural healing. Rebecca has given thousands of free treatments to families, with an emphasis on pregnant woman, infants and toddlers. She is on the cutting edge of   Cetacean Therapy Research and one of of the most experienced people today in the field of Aquatic Biomagnetic Healing. Rebecca is a Certified Marine Mammal Naturalist and Pediatric Craniosacral. Her healing modality has been featured in major publications, seen on television worldwide and offered at select 5 Star Resorts. Rebecca lives in Hawaii and Tonga. For more information about her Blue Hui charitable organization, visit:https://bluehuiorg.homesteadcloud.com/

In this episode, we dive deep into what "animal communication" is, and how it works. Akshaya Kawle, from Maharashtra, India, tells us about how she explains the mechanics of telepathic communication with animals and plants, and how anyone can learn how to do it. Akshaya has a learning academy with clients from all over the world. She teaches them how to develop and strengthen their senses in order to intuitively and intentionally connect with animals and the natural world on a deeper level. More information about Akshaya can be found on her website:https://www.animalcommunication.in/

Curious about how our trip to Botswana went and what we did there? Tune into this episode to find out what our experience was like, what all we did, and how the experience was deeply moving for both of us. We experienced the true wilderness of Botswana and spent time in the "bushes" observing many incredible animals in their true glory, in their own habitats - lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, hyenas, wild dogs, warthogs, wildebeests, and so many more animals and birds. Join us in this episode to hear from our amazing guide, Isaac Tapa, who shared his love, passion and knowledge with us while we were there. Born and raised in eastern Botswana, Isaac knew early on in his life that he cared deeply for nature and animals. He joined the tourism industry, which is Botswana's second largest industry, so that he could pursue his love for the natural world by becoming a guide. For him, it's not a job - it's a way of life, a passion that keeps growing day by day. No two days in the bush are ever the same for him, and being the bush never disappoints. Above all else, he appreciates the absolute tranquility that comes with being out in the wild, surrounded by the beauty of nature and animals.--Isaac is a guide with Okavango Expeditions, a company that aims to share a real and untouched Africa with travelers from around the world. They specialize in lodge and mobile safaris and value doing all their work in sustainable, eco-friendly ways. More information about Isaac can be found on his Facebook page.More information about Okavango Expeditions can be found on their website:https://okavangoexpeditions.com/A huge thank you to Africa Geographic, who arranged all our travels in Botswana and ensured that we were fully prepared before we came. They strive to facilitate tourism in a way that benefits African ecosystems, biodiversity and people. They place high value on conservation and sustainability through all their activities. More information about Africa Geographic can be found on their website:https://africageographic.com/

In this episode, Cathrine shares with us how she left everything behind in her home country, Norway, to start a large cat sanctuary in South Africa. She shares with us details of her journey, including the time that she made a promise, in her mind and in her heart, to a white lion she met named Oliver. Years later, after opening the sanctuary and rescuing Oliver, they invited an animal communicator to the organization. Lo and behold, Oliver had a special message for Cathrine, showing us that he heard her promise and wanting to thank her for following through. Cathrine shares with us the beautiful and divine moments she has shared with the large cats at Panthera Africa, and how she turns to them for guidance all the time about everything big and small. Cathrine tells us how communicating with the animals has been a gateway into her own spiritual journey, and how it has transformed the way that they do their work at Panthera. Panthera Africa is a non-profit company founded by Cathrine and her partner Lizaene. The name "Panthera" is inspired by their passion for the 4 pantheras - the lion, the leopard, the jaguar and the tiger. Their goal is to be an educational platofrm to create awareness about conditions big cats face in captivity, and how animal weflare and enrichmnt plays a vital role in giving them the best captive life possible. No hands-on interaction, breeding or trading happens at their sanctuary. They believe that "In unity there is strength" - that by standing together, human and animal, a prosperous future for the big cats is possible. They take pride in "speaking" on their behalf.Panthera Africa received a 2017 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award, a "One to Watch - Best Responsible Attraction" award by the African Responsible Tourism Awards in 2019, and the 2020 Trip Advisor Travellers' Choice Award. https://pantheraafrica.com/https://twitter.com/pantheraafricahttps://www.facebook.com/pantheraafricasanctuaryhttps://www.instagram.com/pantheraafricasanctuaryhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC47lB9jsSriLSEigza74VoQ--Podcast website: www.animalsanduspodcast.comBarbara's website: www.barbarashor.comInstagram: instagram.com/animalsanduspodcastFacebook: facebook.com/animalsanduspodcastTwitter: twitter.com/animals_and_us

One of the things I was most curious about when I started learning about animal consciousness and communication was how the animals felt about us, humans, consuming them and their by-products. In this episode, I (Avantika) share my thoughts on animal perspectives on our relationship with them as food. I share what I have learned, through my research and my own personal experience in communication with them. Humans can have a very special connection with animals, and this extends well beyond just our companion animals - we can also connect deeply with all animals we interact with, including the animals we consume. Animals have endless love and compassion for us, but are also aware of our human activity and how they are impacted by it. I talk about how mindfulness and gratitude can help us bridge this gap and allow us to connect more deeply to all the animals in our lives, especially the ones who sacrifice their lives for us. I also read aloud an excerpt from Dr. Linda Bender's book called Animal Wisdom - Learning from the Spiritual Lives of Animals. She talks about the prey/predator relationship and how animals perceive life and death, and human consumption of animals.Dr. Linda Bender was our guest in Episode 3. She is a Best Selling and Award Winning Author, Animal Advocate, Activist, Veterinarian and Spiritual Teacher around the World. Her work has been endorsed by Dr. Jane Goodall, Deepak Chopra , Dr. Larry Dossey, and many more. Dr. Bender has been featured in the Huffington Post, Natural Health magazine, Spirituality & Health magazine, Modern Dog, Elephant Journal, on Gaiam TV, Deepak Chopra’s One World TV show, and many more media outlets. She lectures around the world advocating for animals and the conservation of their habitats. Recently, she was personally invited to Japan by the Goi Peace Foundation to be one of the first signatories of the Fuji Peace Declaration for a peaceful and a sustainable world."https://lindabender.org/https://www.instagram.com/drlindabender/ --Podcast website: www.animalsanduspodcast.comBarbara's website: www.barbarashor.comInstagram: instagram.com/animalsanduspodcastFacebook: facebook.com/animalsanduspodcastTwitter: twitter.com/animals_and_us

Join us as veterinarian, Dr. Linda Bender, walks us through her journey as a child and a vet school student who was deeply connected and aware of the sentience and consciousness of the animals. From an early age, she was undeniably aware of the interconnectedness of all life, and also the cruelty and sadness that exists in our reality. Linda talks about what it was like practicing veterinary medicine and travelling the world as an empath, deeply connected to each being and aware of each living soul's sentience and consciousness. Linda shares with us what we must do now, as we experience climate change, loss of biodiversity and all kinds of unfortunate human-driven situations that test and try our tenacity. We also talk about whether science and spirituality are complementary or contradictory, and how we can navigate uncomfortable conversations with those who don't see things the way that we do.Linda is a Best Selling and Award Winning Author, Animal Advocate, Activist, Veterinarian and Spiritual Teacher around the World."For over twenty-five years, Dr. Bender has practiced meditation and studied many of the world’s wisdom traditions, including shamanism. Learning the traditions and wisdom of indigenous peoples enriched her understanding of the sacred connection shared by humans, animals, and nature. All of these experiences helped shape Dr. Bender’s environmental consciousness and deepened her commitment to spirituality, conservation, and animal advocacy.Dr. Bender started one of the first pet therapy programs in Cincinnati as part of their state mental health program. She is cofounder of the non-profit charity From the Heart and the author of the Amazon best seller Animal Wisdom: Learning from the Spiritual Lives of Animals. Her work has been endorsed by Dr. Jane Goodall, Deepak Chopra , Dr. Larry Dossey, and many more. Dr. Bender has been featured in the Huffington Post, Natural Health magazine, Spirituality & Health magazine, Modern Dog, Elephant Journal, on Gaiam TV, Deepak Chopra’s One World TV show, and many more media outlets. She lectures around the world advocating for animals and the conservation of their habitats. Recently, she was personally invited to Japan by the Goi Peace Foundation to be one of the first signatories of the Fuji Peace Declaration for a peaceful and a sustainable world."https://lindabender.org/https://www.instagram.com/drlindabender/ --Podcast website: www.animalsanduspodcast.comBarbara's website: www.barbarashor.comInstagram: instagram.com/animalsanduspodcastFacebook: facebook.com/animalsanduspodcastTwitter: twitter.com/animals_and_us

Animal communication is an emerging area of research, and we just so happen to have front row seats to it! We are both involved with some fascinating research that's happening at the University of Saskatchewan's School of Environment and Sustainability (in Canada) that's exploring the phenomenon of "intuitive interspecies communication." On May 24th, 25th and 26th, 2022, there is a virtual event taking place that you are all invited to, called the International Multispecies Methods Research Symposium. The event aims to:Embark on a scholarly exploration and deeper understanding of intuitive interspecies communication (IIC) as practiced by animal communicators (an emerging multispecies method);Catalyze novel partnerships and grow an international network of IIC research;Develop new research questions, directions, teams, discussion groups across diverse areas of inquiry and disciplines.This event will be of interest to those who are seeking to more deeply understand animals and are interested in learning more about intuitive interspecies communication and emerging research in this area. The event takes place over the course of 3 days at different timings (more info and schedule available on the website), and will include keynote presentations, sample animal communication consults, group discussions with attendees on various topics, and networking opportunities with researchers, animal communicators and symposium participants. Some very well-respected and world-renowned individuals will be presenting at the event, including:Penelope SmithCara GubbinsRosalyn BerneMaia Kincaid Wynter Worsthorne Learn more about the event HERE.Ticket can be purchased HERE.--Podcast website: www.animalsanduspodcast.comBarbara's website: www.barbarashor.comInstagram: instagram.com/animalsanduspodcastFacebook: facebook.com/animalsanduspodcastTwitter: twitter.com/animals_and_us

In this first episode, we invite you to get to know us as we embark on an amazing journey into the inner life of animals and nature. Both of us, Avantika and Barbara, are extremely passionate about this topic and we are more than excited to introduce you to the world we care so much about: the world of animals, nature and our beloved Mother Earth.We will talk about our own personal backgrounds and how we came to know one another and then enter into the creation of this podcast. And we will let you know what's ahead: our future guests, topics we will discuss, and what you might learn from joining us on this podcast. Our greatest hope is that we will become a community of like-hearted, like-minded souls and together we can change the way human beings perceive all living beings. We are extremely excited to have you join us on this incredible journey. Thank you for your attention, your love and your curiosity.--Podcast website: www.animalsanduspodcast.comBarbara's website: www.barbarashor.comInstagram: instagram.com/animalsanduspodcastFacebook: facebook.com/animalsanduspodcastTwitter: twitter.com/animals_and_us

Join us, your hosts Dr. Barbara Shor, veterinarian and animal communicator, and Avantika Mathur, public health professional and researcher, as we learn about animal perspectives, question our current paradigms, explore spiritual concepts and work together to raise the collective vibrations of humanity. Our hope is to help YOU better understand, appreciate and connect more deeply with all the beings with whom we share this beautiful planet.