Because Dog Parenting Isn’t Always Easy
Compassionate, straightforward guidance on dog training, nutrition, and enrichment—so you and your dog can thrive.
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 Ce
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, developing personalized nutrition and enrichment plans, or training dogs, 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 dog’s health and happiness?
Explore Em’s Nutrition & Enrichment Programs or learn more about personalized training support to start building a calmer, more connected life with your dog.
Want daily tips, behind-the-scenes moments, and real-life lessons from life with big-feeling dogs? Join me, Toby, and Fitz on Instagram, where I share stories, strategies, and support to help you and your dog thrive—one day at a time.
👉 Follow along at @em_lovesdogs for daily training, nutrition, and enrichment inspiration!
🎧 Straight Up Dog Talk: Now Streaming Everywhere
Stay Connected with Straight Up Dog Talk 🎙
The podcast built for dog parents, trainers, and passionate dog lovers who want real, judgment-free conversations about life on both sides of the leash.
✨ New Episodes Every Week
- Solo Mondays – Deep dives into reactivity, enrichment, canine nutrition, training, and the messy middle of dog parenti
Stay Connected with Straight Up Dog Talk 🎙
The podcast built for dog parents, trainers, and passionate dog lovers who want real, judgment-free conversations about life on both sides of the leash.
✨ New Episodes Every Week
- Solo Mondays – Deep dives into reactivity, enrichment, canine nutrition, training, and the messy middle of dog parenting.
- Expert Wednesdays – Conversations with trainers, vets, nutritionists, and professionals sharing insights you won’t find in a late-night Google search.
🎧 Stream Your Way
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Google Podcasts, and more—all in one place.
💛 Straight Up Dog Talk helps big-feeling dogs—and the humans who love them—find clarity, connection, and real-life solutions.
👉 Visit the Fuel the Mission & Listen page to stream episodes and learn how to support the show.
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 going mobile—and you’re invited to be part of it.
I’m preparing to take the podcast (and my two dogs, Toby and Fitz 🐾) on a cross-country RV tour to bring real stories, dog-friendly adventures, and meaningful connections directly to dog parents, rescues, and communities nationwide.
🎙 What this means for you:
• Exclusive in-person podcast interviews with trainers, rescues, and dog lovers
• Spotlights on dog-friendly destinations, small businesses, and community events
• Honest conversations that go beyond the screen and into real life
• Ongoing access to virtual training and canine nutrition support—wherever we park
💛 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—our mobile studio + training hub
✔ Join the guest waitlist to be interviewed when I roll through your city
✔ Connect me with rescues, brands, or businesses aligned with this mission
✔ Share this journey with fellow dog parents and professionals who care
This RV isn’t just for me. It’s for:
✨ The stories that deserve to be told
✨ The dogs who’ve changed our lives
✨ 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 bring the next chapter to life.
➡️ Fuel the Mission & Listen 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 dog parent, dog 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
