The Natural Animal

What if we’ve been looking at animal health through too narrow a lens? Welcome back to Season 4 of The Natural Animal Podcast. In this opening episode, I share a realisation that’s emerged through years of working with animals and their guardians. Not because my approach has changed, but because I’ve found new language to describe what has always connected my work. Nutrition, herbs, emotional well...

We’re closing out the season with something truly special. In this final episode of The Natural Animal for 2025, I’m joined by bestselling illustrator, author and gardener Jessica Roux — the creative force behind the Woodland Wardens oracle deck, Floriography , and a whole world of nature-inspired art that celebrates the wisdom of animals and plants. Jessica’s work feels like a love letter to the...

What actually creates real change for animals — outrage or strategy? In this episode, I sit down with Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst to unpack the journey from animal activism to animal welfare reform . We explore how the psychology of behaviour change plays a critical role in advocacy, the three levers that drive reform ( individual, corporate, political ), and why strategy — not outrage — is...

Community isn’t just a social buzzword — it’s essential for life on Earth. In this episode of The Natural Animal podcast, I explore why we humans need to belong as much as we need oxygen and how animals — from wolves and elephants to dolphins, birds, and honeybees — form complex societies of their own. I share stories of the deep relationships I’ve built with clients, the science behind our drive...

What does it really take to rescue cats and kittens, and why does it matter? In this episode of The Natural Animal podcast, I sit down with Bethany Swiggs , founder of Big Dollan’s Fur-Rescue , to explore the heart, challenges, and triumphs of cat rescue. Bethany shares her personal journey into animal rescue, why she’s so devoted to giving cats a second chance, and the realities she sees in the r...

Caring for your pet’s health can feel overwhelming — itchy skin, gut upsets, sensitivities, anxiety, even more serious conditions. Where do you start, and how do you know what to focus on first? In this episode, I share why healing doesn’t happen by trying to “fix it all” at once. Instead, lasting results come from creating a clear, step-by-step plan that works with your animal’s body at the right...

In this episode of The Natural Animal Podcast , I explore a topic that stirs up a lot of debate in the herbal and animal wellness world: Should we be using alcohol in herbal remedies for animals? As an animal naturopath and herbalist, I’ve made the choice to avoid ethanol in my herbal preparations for pets. In this episode, I’ll share why - from both a physiological and energetic perspective - and...

In this inspiring episode of The Natural Animal Podcast , I’m joined by Dr Susan Recker , an integrative veterinarian and nutrition consultant at Animal Diet Formulator. With over two decades of clinical experience and a deep passion for education, Dr Recker brings a grounded, compassionate approach to healing animals through the power of real food. We explore what food as medicine really means in...

Are you exploring holistic healing for your animal’s chronic or complex health issues? In this episode, I’m joined by Elsa, a devoted pet parent who shares her powerful story of working with me to support her dogs through natural, holistic care. We explore how her dogs’ health challenges led her to holistic support, the emotional and energetic transformations that followed, and how this path deepe...

In this special Q&A episode of the Natural Animal Podcast , Ruth answers your most asked questions about holistic pet health and conscious pet parenting. From natural tick prevention and endocrine support for desexed pets to calming trauma in cats and finding a truly low tox cat tower—this episode dives deep into what it means to care for your animals in a mindful, informed way. You’ll also he...

Is your pet anxious, withdrawn, or struggling with chronic issues, yet nothing seems to help? In this episode, we explore  nervous system dysregulation  in dogs and cats: what it is, how it shows up, and how to support your pet naturally. From subtle stress signals to deep emotional shutdown, many animals live with nervous system strain that goes unrecognised. You’ll learn how to spot the signs of...

Your pet’s nervous system is foundational to their overall health — influencing everything from digestion and immunity to behaviour, emotional balance, and their ability to cope with stress. But despite its importance, it’s often overlooked in everyday animal care. In this episode, I touch on a recent personal experience — the arrival of a new kitten into our home — and how it impacted one of our...

Your pet is exposed to more toxins than you might realise—from flea treatments and processed food to plastics, cleaning products, and even their bedding. In this episode, we explore what toxic load really means, why it builds in our animals over time, and how it can silently affect their health. You'll learn: What toxic load is (in simple, clear terms) The everyday sources of toxins in your pe...

🌀 Did you know your animal has an energy system just like you do? From chakras to meridians, auras to energy fields—your pet’s energetic blueprint plays a huge role in their health, emotions, and behaviour. But what does that actually mean, and how can you support it? In this special bonus episode , we’re diving into the fascinating world of animal energy . You’ll learn: ✨ What an energetic blue...

As we wrap up the final episode of the season (and the year), we’re diving into a thought-provoking question that has shaped so many of our conversations: “If there was one thing you could change about the human-animal relationship, what would it be?” Over seasons 1 and 2, our incredible guests—animal experts, advocates, and visionaries—have shared their heartfelt answers to this question. In this...

Ever wonder if your animal is trying to tell you something in a way you can’t quite explain? In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of clair senses - intuitive abilities like clairvoyance (seeing), clairaudience (hearing), and clairsentience (feeling) - and how they shape the way animals communicate with us. Joined by intuitive animal communicator Clare Deale, we uncover: 🐾 What clair...

In this episode, Ruth Hatten, animal naturopath, dives deep into the world of  pet allergies and intolerances . If your pet suffers from food sensitivities or environmental reactions, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Ruth explains the difference between  intolerances  and  allergies , the most common triggers, and how these conditions affect your pet's overall health. Ruth dives into the...

Heading out of town and wondering how to care for your pets while traveling? In this episode, Ruth shares expert tips and reflections from my recent overseas trip on ensuring stress-free pet care while you’re away. From choosing between a cattery, kennel or pet sitter, to preparing meals and maintaining your pet’s routine, Ruth has got everything covered to help your beautiful animal kin stay happ...

🐾 The Fight for Better Animal Welfare in Australia 🐾 In this compelling episode of The Natural Animal Podcast , I sit down with Jed Goodfellow , a passionate animal advocate with over 20 years of experience in protecting animals. From his early days volunteering with the RSPCA—where he faced heartbreaking cases of cruelty—to co-founding the Australian Alliance for Animals , Jed has dedicated his...

In this heartfelt episode, we dive into the profound grief pet parents experience when they lose a cherished animal companion. This sacred time of mourning can feel overwhelming, but here we offer compassionate guidance on navigating the sadness and finding meaningful ways to honour the bond you shared. We discuss practical coping strategies, healing rituals, and remembrance practices that can hel...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of zoomancy, or “animal dreaming,” uncovering how animals convey profound wisdom and guidance through their symbolic presence in our lives. Our guest, Scott Alexander King, shares how his deep connection with animals from an early age has offered him consistency, guidance, and an inner knowing. Together, we explore the roles of spirit animals, po...

Ever wonder if kibble is really the best option for your cat? In this episode, we’re uncovering the hidden health risks of kibble and why it falls short of what our obligate carnivores truly need. Cats aren’t small dogs—they require a high-protein, moisture-rich diet to stay healthy and thrive, but kibble just doesn’t meet these needs. Join us as we explore: The dangers of kibble for cats, includi...

Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Ondine Sherman, Co-founder and Managing Director of Voiceless, the animal protection institute. As a lifelong animal advocate, Ondine shares her journey from Sydney to Tel Aviv, where she balances her role as a mother with her passion for promoting respect and compassion for all creatures. In this episode, we delve into the origins of Voiceless, celebratin...

In this episode of The Natural Animal , we explore one of the most important but often overlooked organs in your pet’s body—the liver. Learn how the liver supports everything from detoxification and digestion to metabolism and immune function, and discover practical, natural ways to keep your pet’s liver healthy. We’ll dive into the liver’s vital roles, common liver issues in cats and dogs, and ho...

Ready for a deep dive into the world of raw pet nutrition? This week on the podcast, I’m thrilled to be joined by Dr. Ian Billinghurst, the father of raw feeding and the founder of BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food). We'll be discussing his pioneering work in the field of pet nutrition, the science behind raw feeding, and how his approach can help transform the health of our pets. Whether yo...