Dog training shouldn’t break your spirit—or your dog’s.
Helping dogs and the humans who love them thrive through honesty, compassion, and real support—without shame or quick fixes.
Meet Your Host & Producer
Em - Host & Creator
Em is a passionate animal advocate with more than 30 years of hands-on experience—from working as a veterinary technician to pet sitting, dog walking, and now serving as a virtual dog trainer. She holds multiple certifications in the canine field, including Family Dog Mediator (FDM), Certified Canine Enrichment Technician (DN-CET), and C
Em is a passionate animal advocate with more than 30 years of hands-on experience—from working as a veterinary technician to pet sitting, dog walking, and now serving as a virtual dog trainer. She holds multiple certifications in the canine field, including Family Dog Mediator (FDM), Certified Canine Enrichment Technician (DN-CET), and Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist (CPCN).
Her lifelong dream came to life through Straight Up Dog Talk—a podcast and platform created for pet parents of reactive, misunderstood, and big-feeling dogs. With decades spent behind the treatment room doors and inside homes of struggling dogs and their guardians, Em brings a perspective rooted in empathy, honesty, and real-world experience.
Her mission? To normalize the conversations no one else is having—about dog behavior, reactivity, nutrition, grief, and the messy, real parts of raising a dog today. Through education, empathy, and zero judgment, she helps pet guardians build stronger relationships with their dogs—one moment, one breakthrough at a time.
When she’s not podcasting or training, you’ll find her with her two dogs, Toby and Fitz, who often steal the spotlight on Instagram and remind her daily why this work matters.
✨ Ready to transform your relationship with your dog?
Head to the Straight Up Dog Training page to work one-on-one with Em and start building a calmer, more connected bond with your pup.
🎧 Straight Up Dog Talk: Now Streaming Everywhere
Stay connected with new episodes of Straight Up Dog Talk—the podcast where pet parents, trainers, and passionate dog lovers come together for real, honest conversations about life on both sides of the leash.
New episodes every week:
- Solo episodes every Monday – covering reactive dogs, enrichment, canine nutrition, training tips, and pet pa
Stay connected with new episodes of Straight Up Dog Talk—the podcast where pet parents, trainers, and passionate dog lovers come together for real, honest conversations about life on both sides of the leash.
New episodes every week:
- Solo episodes every Monday – covering reactive dogs, enrichment, canine nutrition, training tips, and pet parent support.
- Expert interviews every Wednesday – featuring dog trainers, veterinarians, canine nutritionists, and professionals sharing insights you won’t find in a Google search.
🎙 Stream it your way:
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, and more—all in one place.
Prefer to listen online or support the show?
👉 Visit the Fuel the Mission & Listen page to stream episodes and learn how you can get involved.
💛 Don’t miss out—tune in, find support, and be part of the conversation that’s helping big-feeling dogs (and their humans) thrive.
Josh - Producer
Josh - Producer
Josh is a multifaceted creative with a passion for storytelling, humor, and podcasting. As a role-playing game author and longtime podcaster, he brought a unique mix of insight, wit, and technical skill to Straight Up Dog Talk—helping shape the show’s foundation and voice.
Josh served as the editor and producer for episodes 1–48 and cohost
Josh is a multifaceted creative with a passion for storytelling, humor, and podcasting. As a role-playing game author and longtime podcaster, he brought a unique mix of insight, wit, and technical skill to Straight Up Dog Talk—helping shape the show’s foundation and voice.
Josh served as the editor and producer for episodes 1–48 and cohosted through episode 39, playing a key role in helping Em launch the podcast and learn the ropes of podcast production. His presence in the early episodes reflects the collaborative energy that helped the show take off.
Previously the host of several geek-focused podcasts including Digital Llama, Knightmare, and Wasta Show (RIP!), Josh later cohosted Graphically Novel and RetConversations. Although he has since retired Graphically Novel, he continues to explore new creative passions and geeky projects behind the scenes.
While Josh has moved on from Straight Up Dog Talk, his influence remains a valued part of the podcast’s journey—and we’re forever grateful for his early contributions to the show.
Open Roads, Honest Conversations & What’s Next!
Real stories, meaningful connections, and dog-friendly adventures from communities across the country.
Straight Up Dog Talk Is Hitting the Road
I’m getting ready to take Straight Up Dog Talk on a cross-country RV journey with my two dogs, Toby and Fitz—and I’d love to bring you along.
This isn’t just about travel. It’s a mobile extension of the podcast’s mission: spotlighting the people, pups, and places shaping the dog world. Through in-person interviews, local rescues, dog-friendly destinations, and community meetups, we’re taking honest conversations off the screen and into real life.
And yes—I’ll still be offering virtual dog training and canine nutrition support from wherever we park. Because real education and connection can happen anywhere: from the mountains, to the beach, to a quiet corner of a campground.
💛 Here’s the Real Talk:
🚌 I don’t have the RV yet.
To make this dream possible, I need your help.
How You Can Support the Mission:
- Donate to help fund the RV that will become our mobile podcast studio + training hub
- Join the guest waitlist to be interviewed when I’m in your area
- Connect me with brands, rescues, or communities aligned with this work
- Share the mission with fellow pet parents, dog professionals, and small businesses
This RV isn’t just for me—it’s for all of us.
For the stories that deserve to be told.
For the dogs who’ve changed our lives.
For the humans who just want to do right by them.
If Straight Up Dog Talk has ever helped you feel seen, supported, or inspired… now’s the time to help bring this next chapter to life.
➡️ Head to the Fuel the Mission & Listen page to donate, collaborate, or follow the journey.
Let’s build something amazing—together.
Support Your Dog’s Mind and Body—Starting Today!
Create Real Change With Nutrition and Enrichment That Works
Your dog deserves more than a one-size-fits-all plan—and so do you.
These customized programs blend better nutrition and meaningful enrichment to support your dog’s:
🌿 Physical health
💛 Emotional well-being
🐾 Behavioral balance
Whether you’re hoping to ease anxiety, reduce reactivity, support healthy aging, or help your pup live a more fulfilled life—you’re in the right place.
💛 Let’s create a plan that helps your dog thrive—and helps you feel supported every step of the way.
DIY Dehydrated Dog Treats – Free Guide!
Wholesome, Homemade Dog Treats—Made Simple
Give your pup a healthy, homemade snack you can feel good about. 💛
This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to make nutritious dog treats at home—using real, dog-safe ingredients that support your dog’s health instead of working against it.
Perfect for dogs with food sensitivities, picky eaters, or pet parents who simply want healthier treat options without the fillers and mystery ingredients.
Transform Behavior with Virtual Training
Personalized, Play-Based Dog Training—From Anywhere
No pressure. No judgment. Just expert virtual dog training with daily feedback, personalized support, and real progress—tailored to your dog’s needs and your lifestyle.
All online. All at your pace. All focused on building connection, confidence, and trust between you and your dog.
Merch
Wear the Mission. Support the Podcast. Fuel the Journey.
Looking for a cozy way to support Straight Up Dog Talk and our upcoming RV tour?
Every purchase helps fuel the journey—supporting new podcast episodes, virtual training, in-person meetups, and the real, unfiltered stories that bring our dog-loving community together.
💛 Wear the message.
💛 Share the mission.
💛 Keep th
Got a Question, Story, or Idea to Share?
Let's Connect!
Whether you're a new pet guardian or a seasoned pro, your voice matters—and we’d love to hear from you!
This is your space to reach out about:
• Guest inquiries
• Podcast topic ideas
• Collaborations & partnerships
• Sponsorship opportunities
Want to be a guest on Straight Up Dog Talk or explore working together?
📩 Click below to email Em directly.
💛 Let’s build stronger bonds—on both sides of the leash.
Straight Up Dog Talk
