Episode Details

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Most animal care professionals face grief that’s often silenced or overlooked. What if understanding and embracing this grief could actually transform how we care, both for the animals and ourselves? Brigid Dodge, a former dolphin trainer turned grief coach, shares the raw truths about the hidden toll of working with animals and how loss shapes us in ways we’re often unprepared for.

In this powerful episode, Brigid opens up about her journey from marine mammal training to coaching professionals through grief and burnout. She explores how grief isn’t a linear process and how cultural norms in the animal care industry can make it even harder to express or process loss. You'll discover: how guilt, identity shifts, and rituals play crucial roles in healing, and why many of us are woefully underprepared for the emotional aftermath of loss. Brigid also shares practical tools, including simple rituals and goal-setting strategies, that help cope with the chaos of grief and burnout.

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Connect with Brigid:
Website: Literally Working Through It
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Studies mentioned in this episode:
Zoo professionals and volunteers... burnout, mental health and animals loss (published paper)
Mental Health for Zoo Professionals (video presentation)

Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com

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Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.