The Resilient Animal
by Annie Petersen, Ed.D.
Why Xolos Appear on Día de los Muertos Ofrendas: The Ancient Mexican…
About this podcast
The Resilient Animal: Exploring Mental Health Through Helping Animals and Their People
Each episode invites listeners on a journey to discover how assisting other living beings can profoundly impact our own mental health. Dr. Petersen explores the science and stories behind resilience, highlighting inspiring examples from both human and non-human animals. Through engaging interviews and thoughtful insights, the podcast delves into how acts of compassion and care for animals can foster healing, growth, and resilience in people.
What makes The Resilient Animal truly unique?
• In-person interviews with animal advocates, mental health professionals, and everyday heroes who share their personal stories and expertise.
• Fascinating explorations of animal folklore from around the world, revealing the symbolic and cultural significance of animals in human societies.
• Deep dives into the importance of animals in history and the lives of historical figures, uncovering how animals have shaped - and been shaped by - our collective past.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This content is the property of the Association for Human-Animal Bond Studies / Annie Petersen, Ed.D. and is for educational purposes only.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should contact your own physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical/mental health condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on information from this content. Relying on information provided by this content is done at your own risk, In the event of a medical or mental health emergency, contact your physician or contact 9-1-1 immediately.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 41 episodes
- Why Xolos Appear on Día de los Muertos Ofrendas: The Ancient Mexican Hairless Dog’s Sacred Role · 12 min · Season 4 Episode 2Send us Fan Mail Why is there always a little dog on Día de los Muertos altars? 🕯️🐶 Dive into the spiritual and historical significance of the Xoloitzcuintli on The Resilient…
- Autumn Crows and Ravens · 21 min · Season 4 Episode 1Send us Fan Mail This episode of The Resilient Animal podcast, explores why crows and ravens feel especially powerful in autumn, when their louder calls and massive communal…
- Summer Break Announcement for The Resilient Animal · 1 min · Season 3 Episode 14Send us Fan Mail Hey everyone! Just a quick note from The Resilient Animal podcast! We're taking a summer break and will be stepping away for a few weeks to recharge. We hope you…
- Nature's Therapy · 23 min · Season 3 Episode 13Send us Fan Mail This episode of The Resilient Animal explores how summer wildlife survives and thrives in heat and long days, highlighting adaptations like elephant ear…
- Words for Animals: How Language Shapes Care · 31 min · Season 3 Episode 12Send us Fan Mail This episode of The Resilient Animal, explores how everyday language about animals—pronouns, labels, euphemisms, and idioms—shapes perception. It argues that…
- Love and Sacrifice in Animal Welfare · 28 min · Season 3 Episode 11Send us Fan Mail Listener Discretion Advised If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support, please contact 911 in the United States or the 988 crisis helpline…
- Animal Communicator Cindy Richardson on Healing, Grief, and the Human–Animal Bond · 14 min · Season 3 Episode 10Send us Fan Mail Dr. Annie Petersen re-releases a 2001 Animal Bond Academy episode featuring animal communicator Cindy Richardson. Richardson explains she is a communicator…
- Animals in Literature: From Fables and Symbols to Allegory and Ethics · 29 min · Season 3 Episode 9Send us Fan Mail In this episode, The Resilient Animal Podcast host Dr. Annie Petersen, explores why animals appear across world literature, from ancient oral traditions to…
- Anthrozoology and The Deal With Animals with Marika Bell - Animal Bond Academy Flashback · 22 min · Season 3 Episode 8Send us Fan Mail This Resilient Animal Podcast episode features an Animal Bond Academy conversation with Marika Bell, host of The Deal With Animals Podcast. Vote for Marika in…
- The Healing Power of the Human–Animal Bond: A Brief History of Animal-Assisted Therapy · 32 min · Season 3 Episode 7Send us Fan Mail Host Dr. Annie Petersen weaves her childhood bond with her dog Tammy and observations of people softening around animals at a zoo with a historical overview of…
- Paws at Work: Boosting Mental Health · 45 min · Season 3 Episode 6Send us Fan Mail In this episode, host Dr. Annie Petersen reviews research showing animal interaction can reduce stress through measurable physiological changes (including lower…
- Honoring Dr. Mark Goldstein: Compassionate, Education-Focused Leadership in Animal Welfare · 36 min · Season 3 Episode 5Send us Fan Mail Host Dr. Annie Petersen introduces The Resilient Animal podcast and dedicates the episode to animal welfare leader Dr. Mark Goldstein. Annie emphasizes his…
- An Anniversary Re-Release: The Cantu Foundation and the Power of Rescue, Community, and Social Media · 47 min · Season 3 Episode 4Send us Fan Mail Host Dr. Annie Petersen welcomes Fatima Guevara (Founder) and Jenna Finch (Director of Operations) from The Cantu Foundation to discuss how the rescue began with…
- The Chinese Zodiac: Animals and Beyond · 32 min · Season 3 Episode 3Send us Fan Mail In celebration of the Chinese New Year, The Resilient Animal, host Dr. Annie Petersen delves into the fascinating world of the Chinese Zodiac. Learn about the…
- Adopt a Bird Month: The Joys and Commitments of Bird Companionship · 35 min · Season 3 Episode 2Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Resilient Animal Podcast, hosted by Dr. Annie Petersen, we celebrate Adopt a Bird Month by exploring the benefits of bird adoption and the…
- Embracing the New Year: Animal-Inspired Resolutions for Mindfulness · 32 min · Season 3 Episode 1Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "The Resilient Animal," host Dr. Annie Petersen explores how animals can inspire human #mindfulness and #wellbeing. She discusses the natural…
- Christmas Animals' Ancient Symbolism and Traditions · 22 min · Season 2 Episode 11Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Resilient Animal, host Annie Petersen explores the rich symbolism and cultural significance of animals in Christmas traditions. From the…
- Celebrating with Companions: Navigating Family and Holiday Dynamics with our Pets · 18 min · Season 2 Episode 10Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Resilient Animal, host Dr. Annie Petersen looks at how pets support us emotionally during family gatherings. We also cover the difference…
- Honoring Our Animal Relatives: The Untold Teachings of the Wampanoag and the first Thanksgiving · 21 min · Season 2 Episode 9Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Resilient Animal, host Dr. Annie Petersen explores the deep spiritual wisdom of the Wampanoag People and their Chief Massasoit. Focusing…
- Animal Spirit Guides of Día de los Muertos · 13 min · Season 2 Episode 8Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we delve into the significance of the human-animal bond during Día de los Muertos. We discover how this Mexican celebration blends indigenous…







