The Deal with Animals with Marika S. Bell

First episode in a five‑episode series recorded at the Psychology of Human–Animal Intergroup Relations (PHAIR) Conference, exploring how beliefs, identity, childhood perception, and social norms shape human–animal relationships. Across conversations with ten speakers — researchers, advocates, and strategists — the series traces the tensions, hopes, and emerging ideas shaping the future of human–an...

Special Bonus Content Episode - Sneak Preview from Patreon! This special bonus‑preview episode shares three curated clips from past conversations — deeper dives, tangents, and moments that didn’t make it into the main show. You’ll hear Scott Giacoppo on dogfighting myths and industry beliefs, Suzanne Clothier responding to Marika’s early experience with her newly adopted dog, and Daniel Ettinger d...

Episode 5 of Series 16: The Captivity Conversation - Transcript Amber reveals what happens when an animal’s entire life is shaped around the profitability of her reproductive system, and what it means to rethink captivity from the inside out. Guest Bio: Amber Canavan is the Associate Director of Vegan Campaigns at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), where she focuses on improving t...

Episode 4 of Series 16: The Captivity Conversation Transcript Dr. Culum Brown's insights challenge our assumptions about agency underwater and ask us to reconsider what captivity means for animals whose intelligence we’ve long underestimated. Guest Bios: Dr. Culum Brown is a behavioural ecologist and Professor at Macquarie University, known for his pioneering research on fish cognition, learning,...

Episode 3 of Series 16: The Captivity Conversation - Transcript In this episode, animal welfare scientist Lauri Torgerson‑White unpacks how sanctuaries can become true multispecies communities, exploring what agency, choice, and ethical care look like when we design environments with animals rather than for them . Guest Bios: Lauri Torgerson‑White is an agency‑focused animal welfare scientist work...

Episode Two of Series 16: The Captivity Question - Transcript (linked) Primatologist, Andy Gray explains how primate sanctuaries exist to provide lifelong, species‑appropriate care—especially social companionship—for primates who often arrive with trauma, abnormal behaviors, or complex medical needs. She describes the growing demand for sanctuary placement driven by illegal pet trade, confiscation...

Episode One of Series 16 : The Captivity Question - Transcript (linked) Dr. Susan Friedman joins me to explore captivity through the lens of behaviour science — from choice and control to “freeing the operant,” honouring the no, and shaping the yes. We discuss how environments shape agency for animals in zoos, sanctuaries, and homes, and what true welfare requires. Women Podcaster Awards- Vote Gue...

The is the Spring Special Episode! Transcript McConnell describes learning the craft of fiction, developing protagonist Maddie McGowan, for her recently released murder mystery, 'Away To Me'. The conversation also explores what herding teaches about partnership and training without leashes, how breed and context affect behavior, and what she hopes the next generation of trainers advances. Women Po...

Wrapping up Series 15: I’m filled with gratitude for the incredible insights shared by researchers on animal communication. From primates to birds, it's evident that the way we connect with animals echoes far beyond what we initially perceive. This series to be continued...(TBD) Introducing Series 16: We navigate the complex dynamics of captivity, I aim to challenge our preconceptions and invite d...

Episode 6 of Series 15: Animal Communications - Transcript (linked) I’m joined by Dr. Kaeli Swift and Dr. William Feeney to explore how birds learn from one another—sometimes within a species, sometimes across species lines. From crows passing along reputations to magpies inheriting the neighbourhood’s opinion of a cuckoo in seconds, we dive into the fast, social, and surprisingly nuanced ways inf...

This is a quick explanation of a phenomenon seen in animals who are considered 'conscious' beings. Essentially the difference between automatic or reflexive responses to their environment and reactions that are thought out. This was my final project for the IAABC Foundation class "The Thinking Animal" with Instructor, Dr. Kristina Spaulding Regularly scheduled programming on March 2nd. This was my...

Send us a text Episode 4 of Series 15: Animal Communications  - Transcript The discussion dives into the often misunderstood social behaviors and communication methods of reptiles, from chemical and tactile cues to visual displays. The episode also explores ethical considerations in reptile pet ownership, conservation challenges, and groundbreaking research on reptile emotions and personalities. ...

Send us a text Winter Special with Dr. Nunro Henrique Franco!  The conversation covers ethical frameworks, the importance of transparency through pre-registration and non-technical summaries, and the impact of public trust on scientific practice. They also explore the philosophical perspectives that shape animal research ethics and emphasize the role of scientists in advancing animal welfare. Gues...

Send us a text Episode 3 of series 15: Animal Communications    Transcript From energetic impressions to emotional insights, Maribeth shares how she supports guardians through behavioral challenges, end‑of‑life transitions, and the deep bonds we form with our animal companions.  Maribeth Coye Decker is an intuitive animal communicator, energy healer, and retired U.S. Navy lieutenant commander. Aft...

Send us a text Episode 2, Series 15: Transcript Join us to explore the ethical implications of the words we use and how they affect both our understanding and treatment of animals in research, our homes, and our moral imaginations. Guest Bio: Nuno Henrique Franco has degrees in Natural Sciences and Teaching (BSc + MSc), Animal Biology (BSc Hons), Basic Studies in Veterinary Sciences (BSc) and a Ph...

Send us a text Episode 1 of Series 15:  Transcript We explore the story of Washoe, the first non-human to learn American Sign Language, and discuss the broader implications of chimpanzee communication on our understanding of language, culture, and ethics. The conversation covers the challenges of raising chimps in human environments, the role of sanctuaries in their care, and the ongoing reliance...

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Send us a text Episode 8 of Series 14: The Dog's Days of Autumn. ..  Transcript Featured is a roundtable discussion focusing on the integration of humane, science-based techniques that prioritize emotional safety and trust. Key insights are provided on how trainers' philosophies intertwine with their ethical beliefs and the real-life applications for managing behavior through kindness an...

Send us a text Episode 7, Series 14: Dog's Days of Summer/Autumn...   Transcript From genetics to environment, we unpack the science behind your dog’s actions and what it means to live compassionately with them. Plus, a follow-up conversation with Kim and Kate dives deeper into the ethics of behavior change and the language we use to describe our canine companions.  Guest Bio: Kim Brophey, CD...

Send us a text Episode 5 of Series 14- Dog's Days of Summer...Fall?...*shrug*, I'm in the middle of an international move.  Guest Bio: Kayla is currently a PhD student and NSF-GRFP Fellow at Oregon State University in Taal Levi's lab. Her research there focuses on the combination of scat detection dogs and genetic methods to answer questions regarding diet and movement of sea wolves...

Send us a text Episode 5 of series 14: Dog's Days of Summer... Autumn Transcript Simone shares her expertise on identifying, controlling, and redirecting predatory behaviors through various training techniques and games, ensuring safety and solidifying the human-animal connection. Guest Bio: Simone Mueller, MA is a certified dog trainer and dog behaviour consultant (ATN) from Germany. She spe...

Send us a text Episode 4 of Series 14: Dog's Days of Summer We discuss the cultural acceptance of these dogs in India, their social structures, and the recent controversial legislation in New Delhi aimed at removing street dogs. This episode also delves into larger themes of human-animal relationships, ethics, and the importance of respecting canine autonomy. Guest Bio: Sindhoor is a canine b...

Send us a text Episode 3 of Series 14: Dog's Days of Summer Dr. Clive Wynne from July 2022,  shares insights from his book 'Dog Is Love' and discusses why dogs succeed in our world by forming powerful emotional bonds. Then, dog trainer Kate Lasala joins me, along with a visit from Dr. Wynne, to chat about dog stuff:) Guest Bio: Professor Clive D. L. Wynne, Ph. D. hails from the UK a...

Send us a text Episode 2 of Series 14: Dog's Days of Summer  We explore the research on bite risks, the experiences of postal workers, and the challenges faced by dog owners. We discuss the lasting impacts on families and communities, and the social narratives surrounding aggressive behaviors in dogs. We'll also hear from dog trainer Kate La Sala about hands-on training perspectives and...

Send us a text Episode 1 of Series 14: Dog's Days of Summer! This episode was archived from the Aggression in Dogs Conference 2022 In this first episode, Marika Bell revisits her conversation with Suzanne Clothier from the Aggression in Dogs Conference 2022, focusing on the individualistic approach to dog training and the deep connections between humans and animals, with co-host Kate Lasala p...