Best Michele Levitt Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 51 - Never Let Disappointment in and Never Let It Win 13:59

3d ago13:59

13:59

This is a reminder that allowing disappointment in accomplishes absolutely NOTHING. We should never let disappointment win. It’s a battle we can always win. Preventing the poison of disappointment into our runs and relationships is 100% preventable and controllable. Happy to be listening and learning? Want to keep me motivated? You can ⁠⁠⁠buy me a …

1
Episode 50 - Agility Trial Supplies 48:28

3M ago48:28

48:28

I'm known to have EVERYTHING a person could need when away from home, even probably more than most people have in their home but I carry it in a convenient tool bag. From safety pins and measuring tape to pain relievers and stomach soothers, I am known as CVS - Cara's Variety Service. While I might be a handy individual to have at the agility trial…

1
Episode 49 - Mindset Strategies for Qualifying for Big Events 1:03:16

6M ago1:03:16

1:03:16

I've been watching friends and good handlers crumble under the pressure of trying to qualify for the 2024 AKC Agility Invitationals. While I know how to comfort them and buy them a drink, I needed to lean on the expert Julie Bacon, AKA The Q Coach to help teach us all how to get a grip on the mindset that is melting our agility skills. Julie as alw…

1
Episode 48 - Unleashing the Power of Positivity in Agility 38:44

7M ago38:44

38:44

Positive reinforcement isn't just a training method; it's a lifestyle, one that can transform not only the way we interact with our dogs but also how we approach life's challenges. For many, myself included, it's been a profound shift in perspective. Positive reinforcement training isn't just about rewarding good behavior; it's about fundamentally …

1
Episode 47 - When Trial Stress Breaks Connection 27:37

8M ago27:37

27:37

When our dog is stressed, we often find our connection breaks. Picture a Venn diagram where two circles, stress and connection intersect. It is here that we need to find our way back into connection and away from the dark cloud of stress. While connection has much to do with our dog's ability to perform the behavior you have cued, stress can preven…

1
Episode 46 - What Makes a Good Trainer & How to Be a Good Student 43:53

9M ago43:53

43:53

After listening and then re-listening to Daisy Peel's The Agility Challenge Podcast Episode 13 on Where to start when you're starting and what makes an expert an expert I was inspired to discuss with my listeners the points I agreed with as well as expand upon this concept. I wanted to discuss what makes a good trainer and how can you be a good stu…

1
Episode 45 - Trapped in Inaction 1:09:07

10M ago1:09:07

1:09:07

When Julie Bacon from The Q Coach reached out to me to record an episode on the grief we both recently experienced we talked off-air after the episode about life and such. She asked how I was doing and I said I was stuck in inaction, and in that moment I realized I just inadvertently asked for help from the best person to offer it. While my grief c…

1
Episode 44 - My Simple Pet Lab 54:03

1y ago54:03

54:03

In my day job of promoting pet first aid & CPR training I set Google alerts to scan the Internet for anything related to pet first aid & CPR. When I received a ping about a veterinarian-founded company that was filling a much-needed gap in pet care I reached out and had to learn more. Their products are just what pet owners and pet care professiona…

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Episode - 43 Back to Center 1:18:05

1y ago1:18:05

1:18:05

Let's be more holistic in our view of the agility community, the good and the bad, not everything will be perfect and we cannot lean towards one or the other too heavily. Remain in the center and accept that things may sometimes be amazing and sometimes not but as long as events occur more towards center, we will be Ok. There will always be outlier…

1
Episode 42 - Avoiding Trial Tribulations 1:01:47

1y ago1:01:47

1:01:47

I started compiling a list on my phone of what could make trials better for you as the exhibitor and me as an exhibitor. While these are specific to AKC agility, much of this information can apply to all organizations. Keep these tips in mind to help make your experience be the best. We all were beginners once, we are all on our own journey but for…

1
Episode 41 - The Long Game 29:18

1+ y ago29:18

29:18

Do you look at the big picture or are you focused on the details? This is an interview question I ask new hires for my dog-walking company. The correct answer is, both. But in agility, I feel like we lose sight of the big picture. And I don't mean the goal of a MACH or to be the #1 in our breed, we very easily lose sight of the picture that our dog…

1
Episode 40 - Canine Conditioning 49:21

1+ y ago49:21

49:21

Learn how to keep your pups in tip-top shape to be prepared to perform at their absolute best. While I obviously focus on agility, canine conditioning will help with duration sits in obedience, stamina in long nose work searches and in everyday life to afford your dog the physical and mental ability to keep up. The better shape they are in, the mor…

1
Episode 39 - The Importance of Decompression 34:33

1+ y ago34:33

34:33

We compress the crap out of our dogs by putting them in situations that are not natural to them. This is not to say they are bad situations but they require a lot out of our dogs to handle the stimuli among other variables. Yes, over time many dogs become desensitized to all these situations, I would agree as my dogs age they become extremely comfo…

1
Episode 38 - Keeping Cool 2.0 32:44

1+ y ago32:44

32:44

When you have extra time please go back and listen to Episode 10 - Car Safety Setups & Keeping Cool it really covers an immense amount of useful information, so much so that I broke it down and redid it to a) remove the pandemic-isms and b) update some of the products I have found to be even better to help us and our dogs stay cool this summer. Wha…

1
Episode 37 - Why Mindset Matters 1:29:58

1+ y ago1:29:58

1:29:58

I struggled to develop a title for this episode because it covers SO MUCH! Julie Bacon of The Q Coach and I discuss the importance of our mindset for the human and the dog parts of our team, but then we cover so much more! We discuss the difference between outcome goals and process goals, what we can control, and what it takes to get there. We offe…

1
Episode 36 - All About ISC 27:12

1+ y ago27:12

27:12

I have been seeing and hearing a lot about ISC events or classes added to trials recently. ISC stands for International Sweepstakes Class. In my mind, this was a new addition to the AKC agility program which I admittedly knew very little about. Wanting to learn more about ISC, I went directly to the source, the director of AKC agility, Carrie DeYou…

1
Episode 35 - Solutions for Ring Stress (Stressed for Success Cont.) 1:24:16

1+ y ago1:24:16

1:24:16

Go listen to Episode 33 - Stressed for Success⁠ before you listen to this gem. Noreen Bennett of PawPrint Trials and I follow up on our Stressed for Success episode not just by providing solutions but also providing creative ways to unravel the uncertainty you may find you and your dog in on your agility journey. In our first episode about stress, …

1
Bonus Episode - Steve Basson and his dog Hogan, the 2023 24" National Agility Championship winning team 41:42

1+ y ago41:42

41:42

I'm bringing this to you as a bonus episode because I wanted to be one of the first to interview Steve after his fantastic win at the 2023 National Agility Championship. He and his dog Hogan, who is not a Border Collie, clenched the final win for the 24" class with a touch less speed but 100% consistency as Steve gives us insight into his strategy.…

1
Episode 34 - Sniffing for Confidence 1:01:37

1+ y ago1:01:37

1:01:37

This episode captures a little bit of Michele and me geeking out on dog behavior and a whole lot of great information about how you can help your hyper, reactive or stressed-out dog in agility by letting them sniff. We bust myths about confusing dogs and allowing them to sniff, we arm you with a ton of information you can gather about your dog and …

1
Episode 33 - Stressed for Success 1:04:40

1+ y ago1:04:40

1:04:40

Noreen Bennett of PawPrint Trials and I just gave a seminar on the impacts of stress in our agility journey, called Stressed for Success. While she might be the most prominent trial secretary in New England, Noreen also has had a 25-year front-row seat watching stress in the ring and figuring out her own with her dogs over her lifetime. Some of us …

1
Episode 32 - The 2021 AKC Agility Invitationals 1:11:08

3y ago1:11:08

1:11:08

Hey agility addicts! We're BACK ... AGAIN. Sorry for another hiatus, let's just say that life has interrupted our podcasting plans again. But never fear, we aren't going anywhere. This episode covers the 2021 AKC Agility Invitationals, which we BOTH were fortunate enough to attend this year. This was Cara's third time attending and Michele's first!…

1
Episode 31 - Regional Differences 1:20:39

3y ago1:20:39

1:20:39

We're BACK! Sorry for the slight hiatus but Michele and I have had a crazy summer. We added puppies, travel, job changes, more projects, more trial work and so on and so forth! We are busy but we wanted to get back to what we love, talking about agility! We're thrilled to bring you the regional differences episode. We posted a survey and got a lot …

1
Episode 30 - Traveling 1:10:54

3+ y ago1:10:54

1:10:54

Have fun playing your favorite game in a new place! Michele and Cara share a bunch of tips on how you can travel safely to agility trials outside of your home-turf. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/startlinepod/support

1
Episode 29 - Areas of Opportunity 54:17

3+ y ago54:17

54:17

Learn how to make a good trial great. What factors fill trials, what makes exhibitors keep coming back year after year? Here is a the checklist for trial chairs. We're here to help you with ideas on how to fill trials in your area, keep exhibitors coming back and even marketing for you. What can you do to help the novice exhibitors who are the futu…

1
Episode 28 - AKC Agility Premier Cup 1:00:04

3+ y ago1:00:04

1:00:04

Get a blind review and reaction to Cara's experience at the AKC Agility Premier Cup, meaning Michele had no idea how things went! We usually talk before we record but we decided to go with a natural reaction. Learn about the amazing event in this episode, the happy the humbling and the haunting. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.…

1
Triple Threat Interview Series - Michael Teh 1:26:46

3+ y ago1:26:46

1:26:46

We couldn't call this just a judge interview because Michael Teh is so much more than that! Mike is a judge, trial secretary and trainer. And because of his diversity in the agility community, we're going to need another interview with him or more. This is a great surface dive into all the different aspects of an agility trial from someone that wea…

1
Episode 26 - Judge Interview Series - Geoff Nieder 1:17:48

3+ y ago1:17:48

1:17:48

Michele and Cara had a blast not only interviewing a judge but a judge who was in the middle of an assignment at a trial where they were both entered. Michele masters her MACH while Cara masters her NQ's. It's a fun interview covering topics spanning juniors to course design to memorable gifts clubs have given. Listen, laugh and learn with us. --- …

1
Episode 25 - Judge (& Rep) Interview Series - Arlene Spooner 1:15:24

3+ y ago1:15:24

1:15:24

We had a double whammy this episode and had the privilege of interviewing AKC rep Arlene Spooner. In order to become a rep, you have to have judged and typically reps then can no longer judge. Thanks to the paindemic, unusual circumstances allowed an AKC agility rep to get back out there and judge. We get to learn from both sides, what it's like to…

1
Episode 24 - Judge Interview Series - Oksana Syrkin 1:02:15

4y ago1:02:15

1:02:15

Another wonderful judge interview! Oksana couldn't figure out what our issues were in the 20" class after running a couple of Corgi's for many years so she got herself a super fast Australian Shepherd - now she knows! Listen to what she has learned with her 20" dog, how she commits herself to judging and the fun she has. Oksana always brings her bi…

1
Episode 23 - Judge Interview Series - Dr. Laura Kuterbach 1:24:59

4y ago1:24:59

1:24:59

Another fabulous judge interview. We dive into a little psychology of the sport and dogs, learn a ton about how Laura got into agility as well as judging. Find out what Laura likes most about agility and what she wishes every exhibitor knew. As always, rate, review, SHARE and subscribe! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/s…

1
Episode 22 - Judge Interview Series - Zach Davis 1:00:56

4y ago1:00:56

1:00:56

AKC Agility Judge Zach Davis helped us kick off this delightful series with a wonderful interview into the insight of a judge. Find out just what happens and goes into getting yourself in the middle of the ring. Zach gives some valuable advice to exhibitors and we let him know just what we think of his course designs! --- Support this podcast: http…

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Episode 21 - Polarity in the Agility Community 1:03:05

4y ago1:03:05

1:03:05

Attending an agility event has become a hot topic. Opinions are flying but we encourage you to focus on the facts. Understanding the information available will help you make a decision that works for you. Cara made the decision to attend the AKC Agility Invitationals with 2 of her dogs. She gives a recap in this episode and also discusses with Mich…

1
Episode 20 - Obsessing 54:47

4y ago54:47

54:47

Obsessing can run right down the leash and ruin your runs. We have firsthand experience with obsessions, learn how you can recognize and rise above the compulsive feeling to obsess! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/startlinepod/support

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Episode 19 - Be Adaptable 40:27

4y ago40:27

40:27

The Rona is hanging around longer than any of us could have imagined. What was once how we did things has now become how are we doing things? Gather the information you can from your confirmation but otherwise, show up, be appreciative that you have the chance to run with your dogs, and be adaptable; things can change instantly - and that is Ok! --…

1
Episode 18 - USDAA@Home! 51:54

4y ago51:54

51:54

We talk to the VP of USDAA, Andy Hartman to learn about how they have pivoted in the pandemic to bring agility to anyone, right from their home. New to agility or a long time addict, the at-home program has something perfect for you. Go to https://www.usdaa.com/athome/index.cfm for more details on how you can play agility at home in the PAIN-demic!…

1
Episode 17 - Volunteering 49:05

4y ago49:05

49:05

COVID-19 has changed the landscape of agility trials for the foreseeable future. The need for volunteers and more of them is even greater. We take a deep dive into the importance and fun you can have working at a trial, especially now in the paindemic. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/startlinepod/support…

1
Episode 16 - Championships 48:15

4+ y ago48:15

48:15

There are several agility organizations where we have the privilege to trial with our pups. Most of us trial to showcase our relationship with our canine partners and while our dogs get rewarded in tugging or cookies, we get rewarded in ribbons. The collection of titles and ribbons becomes addicting and in each organization, there is the big daddy …

1
Episode 15 - Goals 53:08

4+ y ago53:08

53:08

"A goal without a plan is just a wish". We all wish to be great at agility but it takes planning, goal setting, evaluating and often changing your goals. It of course takes training, dedication, money and all that good stuff but in this episode, we specifically dive into the benefit of setting goals. You also will help your team and mental strength…

1
Episode 14 - Stress 1:02:12

4+ y ago1:02:12

1:02:12

Michele and I dive anecdotally deep into trial stress. It's been one of our biggest challenges and we are quasi-experts in the field at this point. From stressing up to stressing down, our dogs have displayed it all but certainly not in all the ways it can be displayed. We encourage you to step back and look at your runs objectively. Is your dog ha…

1
Episode 13 - Back at It 59:45

4+ y ago59:45

59:45

Michele and Cara dip their toes back in the agility trial waters. The new normal has some benefits and if you want to be a part of it, think about joining a club! We discuss all of that as well as fat bars, a bit about stress and what we missed these past 3 months away from trials. Clubs, trial secretaries, and venue owners are working hard to brin…

1
Episode 12 - Life Hacks for Keeping Track 45:03

4+ y ago45:03

45:03

We take a step into Cara's wheelhouse in this episode. One of her favorite things to do is organize because the goal of organization is to create efficiency. Efficiency means preventing the wasteful use of a particular resource such as time! Finding shows, filling out entries and keeping track of Q's can be overwhelming and super-duper time-consumi…

1
Episode 11 - Kay9 Fitness 1:02:26

4+ y ago1:02:26

1:02:26

Canine conditioning is a big deal regardless if you have a performance dog or a couch potato. Older dogs, baby puppies and everything in between need regular fitness exercise in order to be healthy. Karen Kay, from Kay9 Fitness, joins us to explain just why that is. So many dogs are receiving wonderful veterinary and post-op care for injuries but w…

1
Episode 10 - Car Safety Setups & Keeping Cool 1:01:58

4+ y ago1:01:58

1:01:58

The agility forums have been littered with worries about having to crate from our cars so Michele and I decided to tackle this tantrum head-on. We both happen to be experts in crating out of our cars, particularly in hot weather - we do not have heat-tolerant dogs by any stretch of the imagination. Listen as we describe our setups and even post the…

1
Episode 9 - The Stockdale Paradox 52:06

4+ y ago52:06

52:06

Michele and I set out this week to bring you great information on how you can keep your dog conditioned during the pandemic. We even made some videos to share with what you can accomplish with things such as couch cushions - but things changed. We both have had an emotionally tough week and rather than provide an episode on conditioning, which we s…

1
Episode 8 - Fangirling & ETO With Meg McCarthy Cataldo 1:03:27

4+ y ago1:03:27

1:03:27

Michele and I are lucky to trial in New England which is chock full of super agility stars. Many, even as much as half of the members on the Agility World Team are from here, so we naturally get to fangirl these folks. Meg McCarthy Cataldo is just one of those agility superstars and we brought her on to share with you. We learn how she first found …

1
Episode 7 - Homemade Agility 48:23

4+ y ago48:23

48:23

You're stuck at home - you have some equipment, you don't have any equipment, you have a well-trained dog, you have a novice dog. . . it doesn't matter! We discuss so many options available to you without equipment, skill or geographical limitations. Here are some thoughts - ok, really our outline for the episode but you get the idea. At-Home Train…

1
Episode 6 - Find the Joy in helping others 48:41

4+ y ago48:41

48:41

Michele and I had the privilege to spend our evening with Grace Heck (houndsofheck.com) and Stefanie Rainer (stefanierainer.com). These two women are not only sparkling stars in the agility ring but they are spreading sparkles around our community with their Power of Positivity Fundraiser (and T-shirts). The dog training world has taken a huge hit …

1
Episode 5 - What's Your Positive? 47:34

4+ y ago47:34

47:34

Let us know what you are doing to stay positive during the PAIN-demic. What activities are you doing with your pups, what are some new things you wouldn't have been able to do or find yourself with more time to do? Please share, we need the social interaction :) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/startlinepod/support…

1
Episode 4 - Entry Refunds During the Pandemic 40:07

4+ y ago40:07

40:07

Michele and I discuss at the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdown of all things social in life, the impact of refunds on clubs versus exhibitors. We don't always agree so enjoy listening to how our opinions panned out. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/startlinepod/support…

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Episode 3 - Entering a Trial 43:14

4+ y ago43:14

43:14

We go through the process of how to enter a trial. We may also plea for online entries, listen and enjoy our conversation! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/startlinepod/support

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Michele Levitt Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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