Bridging Worlds: Intuitive interspecies communication and conservation, with Sydney Kuppenbender
In this episode, we chat with Sydney Kuppenbender, a Métis-Ukrainian-French Canadian researcher and environmental advocate from rural Northern Saskatchewan. Sydney’s powerful vision for the future of the environmental sector emphasizes the need for animals and the land to be consulted as equals in conservation and land management processes.Sydney recently completed her Master’s degree in Environment and Sustainability at the University of Saskatchewan, where her research focused on the role of intuitive interspecies communication (IIC) in wildlife conservation and human-animal conflict resolution. Her work beautifully intertwines her Indigenous roots with modern conservation science, offering a fresh perspective on how we can better understand and respect the spiritual and relational connections we share with animals.In this episode, Sydney takes us through her journey of discovering IIC, the challenges and breakthroughs of working alongside animal communicators, and how her research can shift the paradigm in conservation practices. She shares powerful stories from her research, including a case where an animal communicator was called in to help with the relocation (which can often be very complex, challenging and even dangerous) of elephants. Join us as we explore how asking the right questions, and truly listening to the answers, can help foster a more harmonious relationship between humans and the natural world.Listen now to hear Sydney’s inspiring journey and her vision for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to environmental conservation.For more information, visit Sydney's:Website at https://www.sydneykuppenbender.ca/ Instagram account at https://www.instagram.com/borealiskwiw/LinkedIn account at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-kuppenbender-596b22b3/She also mentions Indigenous Elder Copper Jack's work in this episode. If you are interested in learning more about him and his work on the Land and Peoples Relationship Model, visit https://www.respectcareshare.ca/
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Profound and life-changing encounters with animals, with wildlife photographer Dan Elster
In this episode of Animals & Us - Voices of a New Paradigm, we are joined by the incredible wildlife photographer Dan Elster, whose work captures the raw, authentic moments of animals in the wild. Dan’s unique approach to wildlife photography goes beyond just snapping a picture - he shares how he establishes a deep, respectful connection with the beings he photographs, often creating a silent space that allows for the magic to happen in the interaction.We dive into the process behind his photography, discussing how patience and presence play crucial roles in forging these meaningful connections with wildlife. Dan reflects on some of his most profound encounters, including a powerful story of a mother bear and her cubs, as well as the deeply personal lessons he’s learned about human-animal connections and the importance of understanding animals as individuals with distinct personalities.In this episode, we also explore the complexities of anthropomorphism in wildlife photography, examining how attributing human emotions to animals can shape our understanding of them. Dan also shares his thoughts on how he thinks animals might perceive humans in their space and how we can show up for them in ways that are respectful and non-threatening.With a deep commitment to conservation and education, Dan hopes his photography inspires others to connect with the natural world in a more meaningful and respectful way. He shares advice on cultivating stillness and presence in our interactions with animals and the environment, helping us all take steps toward a more mindful, compassionate relationship with wildlife.Catch the full episode to hear about Dan’s transformative experiences in the wild and the profound lessons animals have to offer.Check out Dan's incredible photography HERE.He has a beautiful collection of greeting cards with his amazing photography, and he donates a portion of all proceeds to conservation efforts. Click HERE to see his unique and stunning greeting cards.Dan is also very active on Facebook, where he shares about his adventures with wildlife photography.
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A sustainability expert's thoughts on intuitive telepathic communication with nature, with Kristina Hunter
In this episode of Animals & Us - Voices of a New Paradigm, we are joined by the incredible Kristina Hunter, founder of the Eco-Impact Academy, and a passionate advocate for sustainability and personal wellbeing. Kristina has dedicated over 20 years to teaching about environmental sustainability and green building, and she believes that the health of the planet, our communities, and ourselves are all interconnected. Kristina’s work centres around the deep connection between personal healing and healing the earth. She shares her powerful belief that sustainable living starts with taking care of our own wellbeing—because a healthy planet begins with healthy people.In our conversation, Kristina unpacks her innovative work with Eco-Impact Academy, and the importance of addressing eco-anxiety. She also reflects on her time teaching on the land in Churchill, Manitoba, and how connecting with nature enhances our learning and understanding of the world.Kristina also opens up about her evolving perspective on animal communication, sharing how her scientific background initially made her skeptical, but how she’s become more open to the idea of intuitive connections with nature and animals. Her story about grieving the loss of a tree in her neighbourhood and her experience connecting with an animal after the passing of her beloved dog, Maddie, are powerful examples of the emotional and spiritual ties that bind us to the natural world.This episode is a beautiful reminder of the importance of integrating personal health with environmental sustainability and how emotions play a critical role in our journey toward a more compassionate and sustainable world.Listen now to hear Kristina’s inspiring insights on sustainability, wellbeing, and the importance of recognizing our emotional connection to nature.Check out Kristina's work on her website HERE.Kristina also has an amazing newsletter and a podcast that are incredible resources for anyone who is looking to live a more eco-conscious life.
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Starting my PhD focused on animal communication!
In this special episode of Animals & Us - Voices of a New Paradigm, Avantika shares a significant life change—her move to Belgium to pursue her PhD. This marks the beginning of a new academic chapter, one that aligns closely with her personal aspirations and her grandfather’s legacy. Avantika reflects on the excitement and challenges of this new adventure and the personal significance of this step in her journey.Her upcoming research will be with the ANICOM project—a groundbreaking study on intuitive interspecies communication (IIC), funded by the European Research Council. The project, led by Prof. Vanessa Wijngaarden at the University of Liège (Belgium) explores the practices of animal communicators and how they engage in two-way communication with animals. With a multidisciplinary team and fieldwork across 8 countries, the ANICOM project aims to develop new methods for engaging with non-human animals as full research participants. Avantika discusses her involvement with this project and how it will contribute to the development of "dialogic multispecies methods," combining insights from animal cognition, Indigenous knowledge, biosemiotics, and new materialism.Join Barbara and Avantika as they talk about the intersection of personal growth, academic pursuit, and professional passion. This episode is about honouring the past, embracing the future, and forging a path toward a more inclusive and interconnected world where humans and animals communicate on equal terms.Listen now to hear more about Avantika’s exciting new chapter in Belgium and her commitment to advancing research on animal communication through the ANICOM project.Click HERE for more information about the ANICOM project.Avantika will also be sharing snippets of her journey during this process on her Instagram account.
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On the Academic Journey to Study Animal Communication with Avantika Mathur on the Dani Fankhauser Podcast
In this episode, we share a conversation with me (Avantika Mathur) on Dani Fankhauser's Spirit Doggies Podcast. Here's a little bit more about the episode, from that podcast:"If your first thought was that animal communication doesn't exactly sound science-based, you wouldn't be alone.This week's guest combined her drive for a purposeful career with her academic roots to become a pioneer in the field of animal communication research. She set aside her own initial doubts and put on her researcher hat to find out.This interview absolutely blew my mind! There's already so much work underway in understanding and making practical use of animal communication, on both small and large scales.Avantika Mathur is an academic researcher with a master of science in Global Health, co-host of the Animals & Us podcast, and is currently completing a research fellowship focused on Intuitive Interspecies Communication. She's a trailblazer in this space, both in coordinating events and editing for academic journals on the topic.Learn more about the podcast here: dogdeities.comIn this episode: Avantika's career pivot into studying animal communicationAdoption story of her first dog, SimbaThe current academic research around animal communicationWhat humans can learn from animals, and their perception of us and our contributions to the globe (!!)How intuitive interspecies communication (IIC) can help address major global issues like climate change, without fear or shame tactics"
Animals may not speak in our language, but that doesn’t mean they have nothing to say. In fact, they have tremendous wisdom and they have important messages for us. In Animals & Us, we explore intuitive interspecies communication and the incredible insights animals have for us all. Join your hosts Dr. Barbara Shor, veterinarian and animal communicator, and Avantika Mathur, public health professional and researcher, as they explore concepts of oneness, spirituality, telepathy, sentience and animal consciousness. Their hope is to inspire people to deepen their appreciation and reverence for animals, nature and all living beings.
Portugal