• The Chinese Zodiac: Animals and Beyond
    Feb 3 2026

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    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 rich mythology and historical origins of this ancient system that combines astronomy, philosophy, and folklore. Discover the personality traits and unique stories behind each of the 12 Zodiac animals, and how they continue to influence modern culture, personal identity, and even traditions. Join us on this journey to understand what makes us Resilient Animals and how these timeless symbols connect us across the globe.

    00:00 Introduction to The Resilient Animal Podcast

    00:31 Understanding the Chinese New Year

    01:15 The Chinese Zodiac: An Overview

    05:17 The Great Race: Mythology of the Zodiac

    09:23 Personality Traits of Zodiac Animals

    21:30 Modern Influence of the Zodiac

    26:57 Cultural Significance and Adaptation

    30:50 Conclusion and Reflection

    What is Your Zodiac Animal?

    Rat 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, and 2020 Famous Rat people include William Shakespeare, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Prince Harry.

    Ox 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, and 2021 Notable Ox personalities include Barack Obama, Vincent van Gogh, and Margaret Thatcher.

    Tiger 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, and 2022 Famous Tigers include Marilyn Monroe, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Queen Elizabeth II.

    Rabbit 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, and 2023 Famous Rabbit people include Albert Einstein and Angelina Jolie.

    Dragon 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, and 2024 Famous Dragons include Bruce Lee, John Lennon, and Martin Luther King Jr.

    Snake 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, and 2025 Famous Snake people include Abraham Lincoln, Audrey Hepburn, and Pablo Picasso.

    Horse 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, and 2026 Famous Horse people include Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey, and Paul McCartney.

    Goat 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, and 2027 Famous Goat people include Michelangelo, Steve Jobs, and Nicole Kidman.

    Monkey 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, and 2028 Famous Monkey people include Leonardo da Vinci, Julius Caesar, and Tom Hanks.

    Rooster 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, and 2029 Famous Rooster people include Beyoncé, Serena Williams, and Elton John.

    Dog 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, and 2030 Famous Dog people include Mother Teresa, Winston Churchill, and Elvis Presley.

    Pig 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, and 2031 Famous Pig people include Hillary Clinton and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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    32 mins
  • Adopt a Bird Month: The Joys and Commitments of Bird Companionship
    Jan 20 2026

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    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 profound bond humans can form with these intelligent animals. Dr. Petersen highlights the challenges and responsibilities of bird ownership, emphasizing the need for proper care, socialization, and the ethical commitment of adopting from rescues instead of buying from breeders. The episode covers various bird species, their unique needs, and offers guidance on making informed adoption decisions, ensuring that potential adopters are well-prepared for a lifelong commitment.

    00:00 Introduction to the Resilient Animal Podcast

    00:32 January: Adopt a Bird Month

    01:13 The Reality of Bird Adoption

    02:41 Understanding Bird Companionship

    03:58 Commitment and Care for Birds

    06:48 Choosing the Right Bird Species

    08:44 Preparing for Bird Adoption

    12:18 The Adoption Process

    16:10 Adjusting to a New Home

    19:07 Essential Bird Care Tips

    22:27 The Importance of Social Interaction

    25:06 Monitoring Bird Health

    28:13 The Rewards of Bird Companionship

    30:16 Getting Involved and Making a Difference

    34:46 Conclusion and Resources

    Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV): https://www.aav.org/

    Avian Welfare Coalition (AWC): https://www.avianwelfare.org/

    Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary (Near San Diego): https://www.freeflightbirds.org/

    Parrot Education and Adoption Center (PEAC): https://peac.org/

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    35 mins
  • Embracing the New Year: Animal-Inspired Resolutions for Mindfulness
    Jan 6 2026

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    In this episode of "The Resilient Animal," host Dr. Annie Petersen explores how animals can inspire human #mindfulness and #wellbeing. She discusses the natural mindfulness that animals embody, backed by scientific research, and how observing and interacting with them can lower stress and increase present-moment awareness. The episode encourages listeners to set intentions for the new year inspired by animal behavior, rather than rigid resolutions, and offers practical tips for integrating these lessons into daily life.

    00:00 Introduction to The Resilient Animal

    00:26 Embracing the New Year with Animal Wisdom

    01:07 Learning Mindfulness from Animals

    03:48 Scientific Insights into Animal Mindfulness

    08:45 Mindfulness Exercises Inspired by Animals

    14:54 Animals in Yoga and Mindfulness Practices

    21:29 Setting Intentions Inspired by Animals

    28:22 Practical Tips for Observing Animal Wisdom

    30:16 Conclusion and Invitation to Share

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    32 mins
  • Christmas Animals' Ancient Symbolism and Traditions
    Dec 10 2025

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    In this episode of The Resilient Animal, host Annie Petersen explores the rich symbolism and cultural significance of animals in Christmas traditions. From the iconic reindeer and the humble robin to the mystical Yule Goat and the terrifying Yule Cat, discover how these animals have become beloved symbols of the holiday season. Through stories and folklore, learn about the values they represent, such as endurance, hope, peace, and humility, and how they've enriched Christmas celebrations around the world.

    Yule Goat and Gävle Goat In Scandinavia where the charming straw goat decorations appear during the Christmas season is the Yule goat, known as Julbock in Swedish and Julebukk in Norwegian.

    The goat was closely associated with Thor, the powerful Norse god who rode a chariot pulled by two magical goats named Tanngrisnir.

    Odin and Sleipnir Sleipnir is the legendary eight-legged horse ridden by the Norse god Odin. Odin himself is often seen as a forerunner to the modern Santa Claus.

    Mari Lwyd This Unique Welsh Tradition is a horse's skull, decorated with ribbons and bells, mounted on a pole and carried by a person hidden under a sheet. This is meant to bring good luck for the coming year.

    Yule Cat and Grýla An Icelandic Christmas Legend and gigantic beast. According to tradition, the Yule Cat can see whether someone has received new clothes as a Christmas gift. The Yule Cat is often associated with the giantess Grýla and her mischievous sons.

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    22 mins
  • Celebrating with Companions: Navigating Family and Holiday Dynamics with our Pets
    Nov 18 2025

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    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 between service animals and emotional support pets, emphasizing the unique roles both play. We examine the science behind pets reducing stress and share practical strategies for working with pets as emotional anchors during social events. Real-life examples illustrate how pets help maintain emotional balance, provide social buffers, and create opportunities for deeper connections. The episode also touches on how to ensure pets are comfortable during the holiday chaos, ensuring their well-being as they support ours.

    00:00 Introduction to The Resilient Animal
    00:28 The Role of Pets in Emotional Balance
    01:07 Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals
    03:42 How Pets Help During Family Gatherings
    04:07 Scientific Benefits of Pet Companionship
    09:44 Practical Strategies for Using Pets as Emotional Anchors
    13:56 Creating a Safe Space for Your Pet
    16:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    18 mins
  • Honoring Our Animal Relatives: The Untold Teachings of the Wampanoag and the first Thanksgiving
    Nov 4 2025

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    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 on the sacred relationship between humans and animals, she sheds light on how these ancient teachings shaped the first Thanksgiving and can influence our modern practices of gratitude, community, and respect for all living beings. Through stories of animal teachers like deer, wolves, and whales, listeners gain insights into honoring the connections we share with the natural world. Annie emphasizes the importance of continuing these traditions, with lessons on how to incorporate alternative food choices and expressions of gratitude into one's #Thanksgiving celebration.
    00:00 Introduction to The Resilient Animal
    00:26 Thanksgiving: Beyond the Food
    01:23 The Untold Story of the First Thanksgiving
    02:03 Massasoit's Teachings on Animal Relations
    03:41 The Spiritual Significance of Animals
    06:09 Ceremonies and Traditions Honoring Animals
    11:05 Marine Life and Their Sacred Bonds
    13:47 Animal Encounters and Their Messages
    18:12 The Legacy of Chief Massasoit
    20:39 Conclusion and Further Resources

    • Plant - Based Field Roast: https://fieldroast.com/
    • Good News Veg: "TheVegan Curious Guide to Thanksgiving"
    https://goodnewsveg.com/good-news-veg/a-vegan-curious-guide-to-thanksgiving/
    • The Reducetarian Foundation: "A Guide To Having A Reducetarian Thanksgiving"
    https://www.reducetarian.org/blog/a-guide-to-having-a-reducetarian-thanksgiving
    • BC SPCA: "Tips for an inclusive holiday meal"
    https://spca.bc.ca/news/tips-for-inclusive-holiday-meal/
    • Big Box Vegan: https://bigboxvegan.com/
    • Post Punk Kitchen: https://www.theppk.com/


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    21 mins
  • Animal Spirit Guides of Día de los Muertos
    Oct 21 2025

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    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 and Catholic traditions into a beautiful remembrance of life and death, featuring spiritual guides like monarch butterflies, tecolote owls, and Xolo dogs. Uncover ancient beliefs and modern customs that connect humans with the natural and spirit worlds, weaving a rich tapestry of cultural significance across Latin America.

    00:00 Introduction to The Resilient Animal Podcast

    00:30 The Significance of Día de los Muertos

    01:01 Historical Roots and Traditions

    02:17 The Role of Monarch Butterflies

    03:43 The Mystical Tecolotes (Owls)

    05:17 The Sacred Xolo Dogs

    07:06 Animals as Spiritual Guides

    09:53 Día de los Muertos Across Latin America

    11:54 The Symbolism of Calaveras

    12:27 Conclusion

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    13 mins
  • Frida Kahlo: Resilience Through Art and Animal Companions
    Oct 7 2025

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    In this episode, we discuss the life and legacy of the extraordinary artist Frida Kahlo. We delve into how Kahlo intertwined her revolutionary art with her beloved animal companions, creating a unique sanctuary of creativity and political thought.

    From her early life in Mexico City to the devastating bus accident that shaped her artistic vision, Kahlo's journey is explored through the lens of her relationships with her pets and their symbolic presence in her work. Her animal companions provided unwavering support through her struggles with physical pain, marital challenges with Diego Rivera, and her political activism. Discover how these bonds transcended ordinary understanding, helping Kahlo transform personal suffering into universal expressions of resilience and social justice.

    00:00 Introduction to the Resilient Animal Podcast

    00:25 Frida Kahlo: Early Life and Cultural Influences

    01:59 The Life-Altering Accident and Its Impact

    03:58 Frida's Animal Companions: Symbols and Comfort

    05:10 Artistic and Political Awakening

    06:52 Personal Struggles and Symbolism in Art

    11:08 Legacy of Frida Kahlo and Her Animal Companions

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    14 mins