Today’s episode is a really special Spotlight Series episode where I bring on other mystic dog mamas to talk about their journeys, and their stories with their dogs. My guest today is Barbara Thompson, who I am grateful to say has become a friend of mine after we first met through the podcasting community. Barbara came to her own spiritual awakening experience rather unexpectedly as a result of her sweet soul dog, a pug named Floss.

In our conversation, Barbara shares how Floss, and then her dog Mazey, catalysed a deep and transformative personal growth process that asked Barbara to go through the dark trenches and come out the other side a new person. From being a former bodybuilder with a less-than healthy relationship to her body and food, to now being an inspiration as a licensed therapist and nutritionist, Barbara’s dogs, or her “girls” as she lovingly calls them, have been her support the whole way. They’ve also supported her clients by serving as therapy dogs! And now, she and her gorgeous little puppy, Tully, are embarking on a new journey towards health together as I help support them in learning how to feed Tully a fresh food diet.

This is such a beautiful chat, and we cover a lot of ground that I think many of us can relate to. Just as a heads up, we do touch on some sensitive subjects of having battled with suicidal thoughts, and with eating disorders, so if that is triggering to you, you may want to skip this one. Again, I absolutely encourage you to seek the appropriate help that you need, if this is the case.

To connect with Barbara:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/self_care_studio

The Studio Chat Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fXhFt72cnU4kSysloUXcd

Website: https://selfcarebybarbarathompson.com.au

If you are interested in learning how to feed your own dog a fresh diet, or you have a dog with a health condition and want some support with a fresh therapeutic diet, or you’re already a fresh feeder and just want a bit of guidance on how you can make your dog’s diet even better, reach out to me on Instagram @mysticdogmama! I’m putting together a new course, and I’m opening up spaces for canine nutrition consults, and would love to support you! Like I said, just DM me on Instagram @mysticdogmama for more information.

In a couple of weeks I’m going to switch things up for a bit over the dog days of summer here in the Northern Hemisphere. I’ll be sharing some shorter solo episodes with you where I’ll talk about some of the things that you guys are asking me, or mentioning that you’re curious about when it comes to nourishing your dogs and yourselves mind, body, and soul. So, if there’s something you would like me to talk about in one of these shorter episodes, just send me a message on Instagram @mysticdogmama and let me know!

This episode was sponsored by Aspirationery, which, in full transparency, is another project of mine where we create books, notebooks, and stationery to help you become all you aspire to be. You can check out our shadow work and moon magic journals and workbooks, as well as our popular “My First Period Tracker” for young girls and tweens on Instagram @aspirationery.