Dog training shouldn’t break your spirit—or your dog’s.
At Straight Up Dog Talk, we help big-feeling dogs and their humans thrive—without shame, pressure, or perfection.
Meet Your Host & Producer
Em - Host & Creator
Em is a passionate animal advocate with over 30 years of hands-on experience as a retired veterinary technician, pet sitter, dog walker, and now 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 Can
Em is a passionate animal advocate with over 30 years of hands-on experience as a retired veterinary technician, pet sitter, dog walker, and now 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 built 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 humans, Em brings a unique perspective rooted in empathy, honesty, and real-world experience.
Her mission? To normalize the conversations no one else is having—on behavior, nutrition, grief, reactivity, and what it really means to raise a dog in today’s world. Through education and zero judgment, she helps pet guardians build better 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 regularly steal the spotlight on Instagram and remind her every day 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 dog guardians, professionals, and passionate pet people come together for real, honest conversations about life on both sides of the leash.
🗓 New episodes drop every Wednesday
🎙 Stream it your way:
Listen on your favorite platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Goo
Stay connected with new episodes of Straight Up Dog Talk—the podcast where dog guardians, professionals, and passionate pet people come together for real, honest conversations about life on both sides of the leash.
🗓 New episodes drop every Wednesday
🎙 Stream it your way:
Listen on your favorite platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, 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 and be part of the conversation.
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 for Straight
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 for the ride.
This isn’t just about travel. It’s a mobile extension of the podcast’s mission: to spotlight 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 the world.
And yes—I’ll still be offering virtual training 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.
But here’s the real talk:
🚌 I don’t have the RV yet.
To make this dream a reality, I need your help.
💛 Here’s 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 dog-loving 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
Personalized Programs to Help Your Dog Thrive
Your dog deserves more than a generic plan—and so do you.
These customized programs combine better nutrition and meaningful enrichment to support your dog’s physical health, emotional wellbeing, and behavioral balance.
Whether you're looking to ease anxiety, reduce reactivity, support healthy aging, or just help your pup live a more fulfilled life—you’re in the right place.
💛 Let’s build a plan that supports both of you—together.
DIY Dehydrated Dog Treats – Free Guide!
Wholesome, Homemade Dog Treats—Made Simple
Give your dog a healthy snack you can feel good about. 💛
This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to make nutritious, homemade treats—using real ingredients that support your dog’s health, not work against it.
Perfect for pups with sensitivities, picky eaters, or pet parents who just want better options.
Transform Behavior with Virtual Training
Personalized, Play-Based Dog Training—From Anywhere
No pressure. No judgment. Just expert support, daily feedback, and real progress—tailored to your dog’s needs and your lifestyle.
All virtual. All at your pace. All about connection.
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
