
Tricks My Dog Taught Me with Tanya H. Franklin : Life Lessons from Zack the Toy Poodle
Tanya H. Franklin
Show overview
Tricks My Dog Taught Me with Tanya H. Franklin : Life Lessons from Zack the Toy Poodle launched in 2025 and has put out 22 episodes in the time since. That works out to roughly 20 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 43 min and 1h 2m — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Education show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 2 days ago, with 21 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2026, with 21 episodes published. Published by Tanya H. Franklin.
From the publisher
Tanya has learned so much from her delightful toy poodle, Zack and hopes to share some of the tricks he's taught her about life with anyone who will listen.
Latest Episodes
View all 22 episodesWeek 21: Walk Proudly
Week 20: Willing to Explore
Week 19: In a Funk
Week 18: You’re Not a Whimp(er)
Week 17: Grounded in Fear
Week 16: Size Does Not Matter

Week 15: Sit and Wait
The conversation delves into the art of patience and perseverance in pursuing goals, balancing instant gratification with long-term goals, navigating social media and comparison, the pressure of time and deadlines, the challenge of staying patient, the concept of sprint, marathon, or short laps in life, recognizing signs and green lights, making sacrifices, and generational perspectives on work ethic. The conversation delves into the themes of pressure, impatience, and reflection. It explores the impact of societal expectations, the illusion of time and success, the relationship between impatience and mental health, and the importance of reflection and advice for one's younger self. It also touches on daily impatience and coping strategies, ending with a fun question about identifying with a specific dog breed.TakeawaysPatience and perseverance in pursuing goalsBalancing instant gratification with long-term goals Pressure to succeedImpact of impatienceReflection on past decisionsChapters00:00 The Art of Patience and Grit06:33 Navigating Social Media and Comparison14:12 Sprint, Marathon, or Short Laps19:34 Recognizing Signs and Green Lights27:56 Navigating Pressure and Expectations33:32 The Illusion of Time and Success43:18 Reflection and Advice for Younger Self48:55 Daily Impatience and Coping Strategies

S1 Ep 14Week 14: A Little Tug
The podcast episode explores the concept of 'nudges' and their impact on decision-making, personal growth, and the influence of others. It delves into the power of nudges in guiding decisions, the weight of nudges from family and friends, and the role of nudges in seeking advice. The episode also reflects on personal struggles, the influence of signs and inner tug, and the pressure of being a positive influence on others. The conversation delves into the themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the pursuit of inner peace and abundance. It also explores the power of positive energy and the impact of negativity in the world. The discussion highlights the importance of exploring new activities and engaging in self-reflection as part of the journey towards personal development.TakeawaysNudges can be wake-up callsThe power of nudges in guiding decisions Self-discovery and personal growthThe power of positive energyChapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest05:04 The Role of Nudges in Seeking Advice10:06 The Inner Tug and Decision-Making15:20 The Role of Nudges in Building Others Up23:24 Seeking Inner Peace and Abundance31:38 Exploring New Activities and Self-Reflection

S1 Ep 13Week 13: You Barking at Me?
The conversation covers topics related to dealing with confrontation, handling aggression, and parenting and discipline. It explores the challenges of communication during confrontational situations, strategies for managing aggression, and the approach to parenting and discipline. The conversation delves into the challenges of dealing with defensive and aggressive behavior, the impact of yelling and aggression on emotional well-being, and a comparison of human behavior to dog behavior. It explores the strategies for handling defensive individuals and the emotional toll of aggressive behavior. Additionally, it draws parallels between human and dog behavior, highlighting the importance of understanding and managing behavioral responses.TakeawaysDealing with confrontationHandling aggressionParenting and discipline Dealing with defensive and aggressive behaviorThe impact of yelling and aggression on emotional well-beingChapters00:00 Confrontation and Communication07:10 Dealing with Aggression19:26 Parenting and Discipline28:20 Dealing with Defensive People52:39 Comparing Human Behavior to Dog Behavior

S1 Ep 12Week 12: Never Too Proud
Keywordspride, accomplishments, family, personal growth, self-esteem, asking for help, emotional vulnerability, humility, professional life, self-recognitionTakeawaysPride can be a motivating force in personal and professional life.It's important to celebrate achievements without comparing them to others.Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.Pride should not lead to arrogance or looking down on others.Emotional vulnerability is essential for personal growth.Recognizing one's accomplishments can boost self-esteem.The pressure to make others proud can be toxic.Self-recognition is crucial for mental well-being.Pride can coexist with humility and gratitude.It's okay to be proud of oneself and still strive for more.SummaryIn this episode of 'Tricks My Dog Taught Me', Tanya Franklin and her friend Tracie discuss the concept of pride, exploring its role in personal and professional growth. They share personal stories about family achievements, the pressure of making others proud, and the importance of asking for help. The conversation delves into the balance between pride and humility, the significance of self-recognition, and the fine line between pride and arrogance. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of celebrating one's accomplishments while remaining grounded and open to growth.TitlesThe Power of Pride: Celebrating AchievementsNavigating the Balance of Pride and Humility sound bites"Pride can be a motivating force.""Pride should not lead to arrogance.""It's okay to be proud of yourself."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tanya's Journey as a Dog Mom05:24 The Pressure of Making Others Proud12:28 Gratitude and Self-Reflection19:34 The Balance of Pride and Humility25:42 Navigating Career Challenges31:55 The Balance of Pride and Complacency37:03 The Importance of Self-Pride42:14 Comparing Accomplishments and Self-Worth

S1 Ep 11Week 11: The Dog Nap
Keywordsdog parenting, sleep, napping, mental health, societal pressures, sleep strategies, power naps, dog vs cat, sleep tracking, stress managementSummaryIn this episode of 'Tricks My Dog Taught Me', Tanya Franklin and her cousin Marissa Allen discuss the importance of sleep and napping, drawing parallels between the lives of dogs and humans. They explore societal pressures that lead to sleep deprivation, share personal experiences with sleep sacrifice, and offer strategies for improving sleep quality. The conversation also touches on the impact of sleep on mental health, the benefits of power naps, and the differences between dogs and cats as companions for napping. Ultimately, they emphasize the necessity of prioritizing sleep for overall well-being.TakeawaysDogs teach us the importance of napping.Societal pressures often lead to sleep deprivation.Tracking sleep can help improve sleep quality.Power naps can be beneficial for mental clarity.Sleep impacts memory and critical thinking abilities.Women generally need more sleep than men.Setting boundaries with work can improve sleep.Background noise can aid in falling asleep.Naps can help alleviate migraines.Prioritizing sleep is essential for overall health.TitlesThe Power of Naps: Lessons from DogsSleep Sacrifice: Why We Do It sound bites"I love a good power nap for migraines.""Naps are rejuvenating and do us good.""Dogs curl up and are great for napping."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dog Parenting and Napping02:52 The Importance of Sleep for Humans06:00 Societal Pressures and Sleep Sacrifice08:57 Personal Experiences with Sleep Sacrifice12:02 Strategies for Better Sleep15:07 The Impact of Sleep on Mental Health17:52 Tracking Sleep and Stress Levels20:59 Power Naps and Their Benefits23:56 Dogs vs. Cats: Who's Better for Napping?27:01 Conclusion: Prioritizing Sleep and Naps

S1 Ep 10Week 10: A Long Stretch
Keywordsstretching, self-care, balance, mental health, physical health, personal growth, boundaries, positivity, resilience, life lessonsTakeawaysStretching is essential for both physical and mental well-being.Finding balance in life is crucial to avoid burnout.Self-care practices like sleep and relaxation are vital.Overcoming challenges helps build resilience and character.Positive thinking can significantly impact daily life.Setting boundaries is important for mental health.Pushing beyond perceived limits can lead to personal growth.Celebrating small victories is essential for motivation.Community support can enhance personal growth and happiness.It's important to remember your 'why' in pursuing goals.SummaryIn this episode, Tanya Franklin and Zamora Thomas engage in a heartfelt conversation about the importance of stretching, both physically and mentally. They explore the challenges of balancing life as a busy mom and teacher, the significance of self-care, and the power of positive thinking. The discussion emphasizes the need for setting boundaries, celebrating progress, and pushing beyond perceived limits to achieve personal growth. Zamora shares her journey of resilience and the lessons learned along the way, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own stretching journeys.TitlesStretching Beyond Limits: A Journey of GrowthFinding Balance: The Art of Stretching in Life sound bites"Finding balance in life is crucial to avoid burnout.""Positive thinking can significantly impact daily life.""Setting boundaries is important for mental health."Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Journey of a Dog Mom01:11 The Importance of Stretching: Physical and Mental03:33 Balancing Family and Self-Care04:56 Prioritizing Sleep and Its Impact09:10 The Struggle of Stretching Oneself Thin12:02 Finding Balance in Life13:22 Being Present: The Challenge of Multitasking16:45 The Connection Between Stress and Stretching19:26 Setting Boundaries for Mental Well-being19:56 Pushing Beyond Limits20:41 The Journey of Self-Discovery21:56 The Importance of Stretching Yourself24:54 Building Character Through Challenges28:31 Celebrating Progress and Achievements34:13 Advice for Others on Their Journey36:39 Finding Your Why38:02 Fun Reflections on Personal Growth

S1 Ep 9Week 9: Motive of Praise
Keywordspraise, motivation, self-esteem, relationships, personal growth, parenting, workplace dynamics, compliments, self-worth, encouragementSummaryIn this episode of 'Tricks My Dog Taught Me', Tanya Franklin engages in a heartfelt conversation with DJ Franklin about the significance of praise in various aspects of life. They explore personal experiences with receiving and giving praise, the impact of praise on motivation, and the complexities surrounding it in professional and personal relationships. The discussion delves into cultural influences on praise, the psychology behind withholding compliments, and the importance of acknowledging efforts. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the value of positive affirmations and the role they play in self-worth and personal growth.TakeawaysPraise can significantly boost motivation and self-esteem.Many people struggle with accepting praise due to feelings of awkwardness.Offering genuine praise can strengthen relationships and trust.Cultural backgrounds can influence how people perceive and give praise.Silent praise, such as trust, can be just as impactful as verbal praise.People often withhold praise because they believe it is undeserved or unnecessary.Acknowledging efforts, even small ones, can encourage continued growth.Praise from strangers can have a profound effect on someone's day.The dynamics of praise can vary greatly in professional settings compared to personal ones.It's important to be intentional about giving praise to uplift others.TitlesThe Power of Praise: A Deep DiveUnderstanding the Impact of Compliments sound bites"I want to help and praise others.""I always assume good intent.""I always try to assume good intent."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Praise and Its Importance03:01 Personal Experiences with Receiving Praise05:32 The Role of Praise in Professional Settings08:20 The Impact of Praise on Motivation11:05 The Complexity of Offering Praise13:45 Praise in Parenting and Relationships16:07 The Dynamics of Praise in Competitive Environments18:55 The Influence of Praise on Self-Perception21:48 Praise from Strangers vs. Friends24:24 The Nature of Giving Praise27:19 The Challenges of Offering Genuine Praise30:05 Cultural Influences on Praise32:42 The Connection Between Praise and Trust35:23 The Psychology Behind Withholding Praise38:00 The Importance of Acknowledging Efforts40:47 Final Thoughts on Praise and Self-Worth

S1 Ep 8Week 8: The Show
The podcast episode explores the themes of social media pressure and self-expression. It delves into the concept of 'putting on a show' and the pressure to present the best version of oneself. The conversation also touches on the importance of showing up for oneself, breaking the stigma around counseling, and the impact of monetization on self-expression and authenticity. The episode concludes with a reflection on identifying with dog breeds and a call to action for self-care and self-expression.TakeawaysSocial media pressureSelf-expression and authenticityChapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast05:10 Empowerment and Identity in 'Showing Them Who We Are'12:15 Understanding the Resistance to Self-Improvement19:13 Monetization and Authenticity in Content Creation29:49 The Complexity of Monetization and Passion35:33 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Week 7: Let Them Know You Know
The conversation focuses on themes of self-love and confidence, exploring the power of self-affirmation, overcoming insecurities, shifting perspectives, and the impact of supportive circles on personal growth and confidence building. The importance of celebrating oneself and the impact it has on personal growth and empowerment is also addressed. Furthermore, it explores the power of journaling and self-affirmation as tools for self-celebration, as well as the influence of others on one's ability to celebrate oneself. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted discussion about choosing the right breed of dog, adding a touch of humor and warmth to the overall theme of self-celebration.TakeawaysSelf-loveConfidence Celebrating oneself is importantJournaling and self-affirmation are powerful tools for self-celebrationChapters00:00 The Power of Self-Affirmation10:04 Shifting Perspectives and Embracing Self-Love24:20 The Impact of Supportive Circles29:30 The Impact of Self-Celebration on Others37:11 The Influence of Others and the Art of Self-Celebration50:17 Choosing the Right Breed of Dog

S1 Ep 6Week 6: Oh Sh#t
The podcast episode features a lighthearted and deep conversation between the host and her guest, focusing on their personal experiences, coping mechanisms, and reflections on unexpected situations. The themes of friendship, fitness, self-reflection, and personal growth are explored, highlighting the importance of taking things day by day and reducing concern for others' opinions. The conversation delves into the theme of handling unexpected challenges and oh-ish moments with positivity and mental readiness. It explores the impact of these moments on oneself and others, as well as the purpose and significance of such experiences. The conversation also includes a fun question about comparing oneself to a dog breed.TakeawaysTaking Things Day by DayDealing with Unexpected Situations Handling oh-ish moments with positivityPreparation and mental readiness for unexpected challengesChapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast05:30 Coping and Planning11:11 Changing Perspectives with Age16:18 Approaching New Connections22:08 Self-Esteem and Confidence27:13 Embracing Day by Day Approach32:56 Preparation and Mental Readiness41:00 Impact of Oh-ish Moments on Others54:34 Purpose of Oh-ish Moments

S1 Ep 5Week 5: Ode Sh#t
The podcast episode delves into the significance of life's messes and unexpected challenges, exploring the emotional and practical aspects of dealing with them. It also highlights the importance of reflection and learning from these experiences, offering valuable insights into managing life's unexpected obstacles. The conversation highlights the significance of conflict and mess in life, highlighting the lessons and blessings they offer. It emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences and lessons with others, as well as the impact of conflict and mess on personal growth and adaptation. The conversation focuses on themes of embracing the mess and learning from experiences. It explores the idea of not covering up people's mess and the impact of experiences on personal growth and development.TakeawaysReflection on life's messesManaging unexpected challenges Handling conflict and mess can be a lesson or a blessingThe importance of sharing lessons and experiences with others ResilienceOvercoming adversity Embracing the messLearning from experiencesChapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast06:36 Dealing with Unexpected Challenges13:11 Stepping in Life's Messes20:12 Learning from Life's Challenges44:15 Conflict and Handling49:22 Navigating Workplace Adversity55:06 Dealing with Negativity and Resilience01:00:14 Resilience and Perception01:07:07 Embracing the Mess01:19:05 Learning from Experiences

S1 Ep 4Week 4: Don't Hold On: Let All That Sh#t Go
The conversation revolves around the themes of letting go, learning from pets, self-doubt, communication, and age-related aspirations. The discussion begins with the inspiration behind the book, followed by a heart-to-heart conversation with a best friend, and concludes with a focus on letting go and moving forward. The conversation delves into the themes of embracing change, coping with loss and grief, navigating relationships and friendships, and self-confidence and personal growth. It highlights the importance of letting go of the past, embracing the present, and appreciating the people in one's life. The conversation explores the importance of letting go of negativity, being gentle with oneself, and the challenge of striving for perfection. It also delves into the concept of self-talk, learning from mistakes, and the need to let go of the desire for perfection. The hosts also identify with dog breeds and reflect nostalgically on their friendship, concluding with a call to action for the listeners.TakeawaysLetting go of grudgesLearning from petsSelf-doubt and second-guessingCommunication and connectionAge and aspirations Letting go of the past allows for personal growth and confidence.The importance of embracing the present and appreciating the people in your life. Letting go of negativity and negative energy is essential for personal well-being.Being gentle with oneself and offering grace is important for self-compassion.Chapters00:00 Letting Go and Moving Forward32:21 Self-Confidence and Personal Growth38:53 The Transfer of Energy44:37 Learning from Mistakes53:13 Nostalgic Reflections

S1 Ep 3Week 3: Sh#t Happens
The conversation covers a comparison of dog breed personalities, life lessons and reflections, dealing with unexpected events, belief in coincidences and life's direction, and the focus on positive energy. The takeaways include lessons from life experiences, handling unexpected events, maintaining a positive outlook and energy, and the impact of past experiences on interactions. The conversation delves into the power of journaling for self-reflection, growth through tough times, hopes for the future, connecting with family and friends, personal growth and self-reflection, and a fun question about being a dog. The closing thoughts invite listeners to consider how they handle the challenges in their lives and look forward to the next episode on letting go.TakeawaysLessons from life experiencesHandling unexpected eventsPositive outlook and energyImpact of past experiences on interactions Journaling for self-reflectionGrowth through tough timesChapters00:00 Dog Breed Personality Comparison05:23 Belief in Coincidences and Life's Direction13:24 The Power of Journaling19:58 Hopes for the Future26:14 Fun Question: If You Were a Dog

S1 Ep 2Week 2: Rude Sh#t
The conversation delves into the concept of rudeness and consideration, exploring cultural differences in politeness and the impact of intention and informed behavior. It examines the definition of rudeness, cultural perspectives on politeness, everyday interactions, navigating rudeness in crowded spaces, and aggressively passive behavior. The conversation delves into the topics of rudeness, bullying, and the impact of perception and perspective on social interactions. It explores the behavior of individuals in various scenarios and the implications of their actions on others. The discussion also highlights the importance of understanding different perspectives and the role of societal norms in shaping behavior. The conversation delves into the topics of confrontation and aggressively passive behavior, the impact of social media on rudeness, and the evolving nature of manners and individualism. Each chapter explores these themes in depth, providing valuable insights and perspectives.TakeawaysRudeness and ConsiderationCultural Differences in PolitenessIntention and Informed Behavior Rudeness and BullyingPerception and Perspective Confrontation and Aggressively Passive BehaviorRudeness and Social MediaManners and IndividualismChapters00:00 Defining Rudeness06:04 Rudeness in Everyday Interactions18:03 Aggressively Passive Behavior24:31 Rudeness and Bullying36:13 Perception and Perspective45:50 Confrontation and Aggressively Passive Behavior58:05 Manners and Individualism