Best Scentwork Podcasts (2025)

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56. Researching the Connection Between External Behavior and Inner States 17:59

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1d ago17:59

17:59

What we show on the outside doesn’t always reflect what’s happening on the inside—but sometimes the signals are there if we know how to read them. In this episode, Dr. Brenda explores her curiosity about the connection between behaviors, especially in children, and what’s happening internally for survivors of trauma. She draws from polyvagal theory…

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#122 Almog: Building Smarter Training Through Data & Technology 1:08:03

7d ago1:08:03

1:08:03

Check Dog Base Out: https://www.dogbase.co/ In this episode of K9’s Talking Scents, host Cameron Ford sits down with Almog, founder of DogBase.co, a groundbreaking platform bringing data and analytics into the world of dog training. They dive into how trainers can leverage technology to track performance, identify training gaps, and ultimately buil…

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55. Supporting Children’s Emotional Growth Through Play Therapy 19:47

9d ago19:47

19:47

Working with children can be challenging, especially when they are experiencing emotional struggles. In this episode, Dr. Brenda Murrow examines how children decode emotions in voices and what this means for supporting their social and emotional development through therapy. Drawing on a 2023 study published in Cerebral Cortex, Dr. Murrow highlights…

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54. How Voice Reveals Emotion Beyond Words in Therapy 19:31

16d ago19:31

19:31

In this episode of the Connection Therapy Podcast, Dr. Brenda Murrow explores the concept of voice prosody — the way something is said beyond the words themselves. Prosody includes the tone, pitch, rhythm, and other vocal qualities that carry emotional meaning and influence how language is experienced, which has implications for therapy. Dr. Murrow…

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#121 She Trains Strong - Ilse Duineveld 1:05:12

22d ago1:05:12

1:05:12

Is your dog confused — or are you confusing your dog? In this episode of K9's Talking Scents, Cameron Ford sits down with Ilse Duineveld, a working dog trainer, researcher, and behavioral expert who’s shaking up how we think about detection training. Together, they dive into: Why "odor load" might be sabotaging your dog’s ability to stay focused Th…

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53. Inside the Emotional Systems That Shape Us 20:10

23d ago20:10

20:10

In this episode of the Connection Therapy Podcast, Dr. Brenda Murrow explores how our most basic emotional systems—shared with other mammals—shape both our behavior and overall well-being. Drawing from the work of Jaak Panksepp, Mark Solms, and Temple Grandin, she breaks down how concepts like allostasis, heart rate variability, and emotional flexi…

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52. When Cognition and Behavior Don’t Match: Unconscious Motivation and the Emotional Systems Driving Us 22:03

29d ago22:03

22:03

In this episode, Brenda explores the often-overlooked mismatch between what clients say and what they do. It’s a common experience in therapy: insight is there, but behavior doesn’t shift. This conversation dives into why that happens—and how unconscious motivation plays a powerful role in human behavior. Grounding the conversation with contributio…

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#120 Learning To Adapt with Jerry Bradshaw 1:23:15

1M ago1:23:15

1:23:15

Few figures have had as lasting an impact on the K9 world as Jerry Bradshaw — founder of Tarheel K9, co-creator of PSA, and host of the Controlled Aggression podcast. In this special episode, Jerry sits down with K9's Talking Scents to reflect on the evolution of dog sports, detection dog methodologies, and the delicate balance between science and …

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51. Integrating Nonverbal Communication into Clinical Practice 21:19

1M ago21:19

21:19

In this episode, Dr. Brenda Murrow shares how learning from Dr. Rachaël Draaisma, an expert in horse behavior, has changed the way she shows up in the therapy room. What started as curiosity turned into a deeper appreciation for the power of observation, body awareness, and learning from unexpected places. Brenda talks about what it means to really…

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50. Why Body Language Matters with Dr. Rachaël Draaisma 25:31

1M ago25:31

25:31

In part three of her conversation with Dr. Rachaël Draaisma, Brenda dives straight into one of the most persistent myths in the horse world: that chewing always means a horse is thinking—or being submissive. Turns out, it’s not that simple. Dr. Draaisma helps us unpack what chewing actually communicates and why assuming a single meaning can cause u…

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#119 Zach Skow on Redemption, Recovery & the Pawsitive Change Movement 59:09

2M ago59:09

59:09

In this moving episode of K9's Talking Scents, host Cameron Ford sits down with Zach Skow, co-founder of Marley’s Mutts and the groundbreaking Pawsitive Change Program. Zach shares his personal battle with addiction—and how it ultimately led him to a purpose-driven mission: rescuing shelter dogs and pairing them with incarcerated individuals to cre…

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49. From Fear to Curiosity: Exploring the Seeking System with Dr. Rachaël Draaisma 31:29

2M ago31:29

31:29

In today’s episode Brenda continues her conversation with Dr. Rachaël Draaisma. In part two of this discussion, they move deeper into what it means to support emotional health in animals—not just by shaping their behavior, but by helping them feel safe, curious, and motivated from within. Dr. Draaisma shares how she builds training sessions that wo…

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48. Understanding Calming Signals and Scentwork with Dr. Rachaël Draaisma 22:46

2M ago22:46

22:46

In this episode, Dr. Brenda Murrow welcomes Dr. Rachaël Draaisma for a truly fascinating conversation about the subtle, yet powerful, language of calming signals—what many in the clinical and animal behavior world might also recognize as appeasement behaviors. Rachaël shares how her work with horses opened a path to understanding the nervous system…

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#118 Marine Corps Dog Handler Reveals the Untold Truths of Combat Detection Work 59:58

2M ago59:58

59:58

Upcoming Seminars: https://www.fordk9.com/events/ Stratos K9 Application: https://stratosk9.com/work-for-us/ In this episode of K9’s Talking Scents, host Cameron Ford sits down with Jonathan “Monte” to unpack his incredible journey from Marine Corps infantry to canine handler on the frontlines. Monte shares what it’s really like to work an off-leas…

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47. From Horsework to Human Work: Reading the Signals We Miss 24:18

2M ago24:18

24:18

In this episode, Dr. Brenda Murrow explores the powerful role of calming signals—those subtle, nonverbal cues used to manage social dynamics, reduce conflict, and build connection. Building on past episodes on appeasement behaviors in dogs and humans, this conversation turns to horses—drawing on the work of two influential authors: Turid Rugaas (do…

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46. How Trauma Shapes Behavior: A Look at Appeasement in Children 26:52

2M ago26:52

26:52

In today’s episode, Dr. Brenda Murrow takes a look into behaviors we sometimes see in children that can feel confusing or hard to understand—like why a child might stay very close to a caregiver who’s actually causing them harm or distress. To start, she shares an example of how horses react unpredictably to things in their environments which helps…

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#117 Living The Dream with Deni McNulty & K9 Tanner 1:18:07

3M ago1:18:07

1:18:07

In this episode of K9s Talking Scents, host Cameron Ford sits down with Deni McNulty—a professional detection dog handler whose journey into the K9 world breaks all the traditional molds. With no military or law enforcement background, Deni started with a Craigslist shepherd and zero working dog experience. Today, she’s touring with Broadway’s Hami…

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45. How Trauma Shapes Children’s Behavior and Their Need to Stay Connected 30:07

3M ago30:07

30:07

Dr. Brenda Murrow began her career working with children and quickly realized that young kids don’t always use the language adults expect to describe their experiences. Each child has their own unique way of expressing what they feel and see, which makes understanding them a careful process. This is especially true when working with children who ha…

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44. How Embarrassment Builds Trust in Relationships 24:17

3M ago24:17

24:17

We often think we need to show up perfectly, but the truth is—our imperfections are doing more work than we realize. In this episode, Dr. Brenda Murrow talks about how information moves between beings, especially through non-verbal signals, and how something as simple as embarrassment can actually build trust. Humans, like many species, show appeas…

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#116 Revolutionizing Detection Dog Training with Science and Technology: Insights from Dr. Lauren DeGreeff and Dr. Lindsay Waldrop 1:10:23

3M ago1:10:23

1:10:23

Upcoming Seminars: https://www.fordk9.com/events/ Stratos K9 Application: https://stratosk9.com/work-for-us/ Unlock the secrets of detection dog training and discover innovative techniques revolutionizing the field! Join us as we welcome Dr. Lauren DeGreeff and Dr. Lindsay Waldrop, whose groundbreaking research into the sniffing prowess of dogs off…

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43. The Psychology of Appeasement: What Dogs Teach Us About Connection 21:51

3M ago21:51

21:51

In this episode of the Connection Therapy Podcast, Dr. Brenda Murrow explores how understanding animal behavior—especially in dogs—can deepen our insight into human communication and relationships. Dr. Murrow reflects on her own experience learning French and how it made her more aware of cultural nuances in language—particularly terms of endearmen…

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42. Observing Eye Contact in Dogs for Better Connection 15:34

3M ago15:34

15:34

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to reflect on what helps us feel seen, safe, and connected. And sometimes, the most powerful connection doesn’t need words at all. It begins with eye contact. In this episode, Brenda reflects on the power of eye contact and what it tells us about connection, safety, and trust—both in our relationships wit…

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41. Art and Science Combined for Better Mental Health Practice 17:52

4M ago17:52

17:52

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 U.S. adults and 1 in 6 children experience mental health challenges each year. And, 122 million people live in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals, highlighting a critical gap in care. This is why Brenda is passionate about podcasting on mental health—both to raise…

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40. Insights from Research That Transform Therapy Practice 31:03

4M ago31:03

31:03

In this episode, Brenda takes a step back to reflect on several of her recent research-based episodes—and how what she’s learned is continuing to shape the way she practices. Revisiting past studies has helped her see just how much of what we do in the therapy room is grounded in awareness, relationship, and presence. Across these episodes, one the…

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39. The Research on Mimicking and Connection 16:26

4M ago16:26

16:26

There are so many things that influence a therapy session—and not all of them are spoken. In this episode, Brenda is continuing the exploration into the less obvious dynamics that shape the therapeutic relationship. Encouragement, presence, attunement—they’re all part of the work. But there are also layers we don’t always consciously notice. One of…

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38. Increasing Alignment in the Therapy Room: Ways to Make Sense of Differences Between Statements and Nonverbal Signals 16:03

4M ago16:03

16:03

In therapy, we often listen closely to what’s being said—but what’s not being said can sometimes offer even more insight. A client may describe their week as “fine” or say they’re “managing,” but their body is heavy, their eyes are downcast, and their facial expressions suggest something else entirely. This kind of misalignment—between verbal langu…

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37. Strengthening Relationship Patterns Through Disruption and Repair 24:54

5M ago24:54

24:54

In today’s episode, Brenda explores how relationships—whether with clients in our professional lives or in our personal lives—are strengthened not by perfection, but by disruption and repair. Drawing from Beebe and Lachmann’s 1994 paper, she explains how the concept of a "good enough therapist" and the ability to repair mistakes is essential in bui…

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36. How Animals Detect Human Nervous System States Through Scent 17:56

5M ago17:56

17:56

Brenda has often shrugged off the question, “Can horses really smell fear?” But in this episode, she takes a closer look—and the research is fascinating. When someone walks into their first equine session feeling nervous, it’s not just body language the horse is picking up on. There’s now scientific evidence that animals, including horses, can dete…

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35. Exploring Physiological Synchrony in Therapy Settings 25:44

5M ago25:44

25:44

By exploring the latest research on how our nervous systems interact—whether between humans or across species—Brenda aims to provide therapists with the knowledge to deepen their connections with clients and improve therapeutic outcomes. In recent podcast episodes, Brenda has explored how physiological interactions, both between humans and animals,…

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34. Observing Physical Reactions to Strengthen Interventions 15:35

5M ago15:35

15:35

Mental and physical health don’t operate in isolation; they influence each other in profound ways. Stress, anxiety, and emotional distress often manifest physically, whether through muscle tension, changes in posture, or even pupil dilation. But what do we do with this information as therapists? Understanding these real-time physical responses can …

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33. How Your Natural Skills as a Therapist Help Improve HRV and How to Strengthen The Impact 18:38

5M ago18:38

18:38

Heart rate variability (HRV) plays a crucial role in emotional regulation and mental health. Research shows that higher HRV is linked to improved well-being, making it an important consideration for therapists. In this episode, Brenda continues the discussion on HRV, exploring how it connects to psychotherapy and how clinicians can integrate it int…

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#115 K9s Talking Scent Podcast 2 Michaels a Ford with a Forrest 1:20:53

5M ago1:20:53

1:20:53

In this episode, Cameron Ford, Michael Ellis, Michael Nezbeth and Forrest Micke discuss the complexities of dog training, particularly focusing on skills transition for police dogs. They explore the importance of mental flexibility, managing arousal levels, and the role of handlers in facilitating effective training. The conversation emphasizes the…

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32. The Connection Between Horse and Human HRV—Why It’s Important 12:50

6M ago12:50

12:50

In this episode, Brenda dives into two studies about heart rate variability (HRV) in horses and humans, and how they can inform therapy practices. These studies reveal some surprising similarities between our nervous systems and those of horses, giving us new ways to think about improving therapeutic approaches. The first study, published in 2011 b…

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31. Understanding Heart Rate Variability to Improve Therapy Outcomes 20:53

6M ago20:53

20:53

Heart rate variability (HRV) is one of the most powerful yet often overlooked indicators of both mental and physical health. It’s closely linked to anxiety, depression, trauma, heart disease, and more. But for therapists, HRV offers even greater value—it provides insight into whether a patient is in shutdown, stuck in fight-or-flight mode, or able …

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#114 Detection Dog Standards and the Red Kong 1:11:43

6M ago1:11:43

1:11:43

In this episode, Cameron Ford and Dr. Paola Tiedemann discuss the role of OSAC and NIST in establishing standards for canine detection in forensic science. They explore the publication process, the importance of standardization, and the voluntary nature of these standards. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of these documents and the s…

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30. How Do We Know When Mental Health Needs Support? 16:40

6M ago16:40

16:40

Mental health is deeply personal and shaped by emotional well-being, behavioral adjustment, and the ability to handle daily life. Emotions like anxiety and depression are normal responses to challenges, but when they interfere with functioning, they may require support. The key question is: When does a normal emotional experience become a mental he…

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29. Understanding Mental Health and How Healing Begins 19:57

6M ago19:57

19:57

Mental health is a complex and essential part of our lives, but many people overlook how many ways we can improve it. Therapy is often the go-to solution, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. So, what does mental health really mean, and how can we know when we’ve made progress? This week, Brenda has been reflecting on these big questions and expl…

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28. Brenda and Kinsey Rone on the Power of Therapist Connection 21:13

7M ago21:13

21:13

Brenda and Kinsey bring their series to a close with one final episode—but this time, the tables turn. Instead of Kinsey leading the conversation, Brenda takes the opportunity to ask Kinsey a few questions about what led her to pursue psychology, her motivations, and the licensing that shaped her career. Kinsey shares how her path in mental health …

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27. More Than a Profession: Brenda’s Love for Psychology 19:41

7M ago19:41

19:41

Brenda and her colleague and friend, Kinsey Rone, LCPC, continue their conversation from last week, digging deeper into what drives Brenda’s work and the heart behind it. This isn’t just about therapy—it’s about the love for psychology that inspired the podcast and the curiosity that keeps her learning. So much of this work is about staying open. O…

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#113 The Invisible Bomb with Todd Wilber 1:45:03

7M ago1:45:03

1:45:03

In this episode of K9's Talking Scents, host Cameron Ford engages with Todd Wilber from Precision Explosives to discuss the intricacies of explosives, odor prints, and their applications in training detection dogs. The conversation delves into the science behind odor absorption, the importance of surface area in training aids, and the safety consid…