The Grounded Communicator

In this episode, I am joined by Mariana Nagy-Reis, founder of Alchemy Queen, for a conversation that moves far beyond the surface of animal healing and into the shared energetic field between humans, animals, and the Earth.We begin by exploring the idea of interspecies healing. The understanding that the well-being of our animals is deeply intertwined with our own. Mariana shares her journey from being a biologist to becoming an animal communicator, including the life-changing experience with her horse that opened the door to a completely new way of seeing healing, connection, and consciousness.As the conversation unfolds, we explore how animals act as mirrors, reflecting our emotional states, inner imbalances, and unhealed parts. We speak about twin-flame bonds between humans and animals, how animals hold memory codes that help us remember who we truly are, and the subtle ways they guide us back into alignment with our own frequency and truth.We also touch on elemental and energetic consciousness, the way animals bridge different realms of awareness, and what it truly means to be an alchemist in this work.About Marianna Nagy-ReisMariana is an Animal Communicator whose work is rooted in Animal Alchemy — an embodied, relational approach that emerges from the lived dynamics between people, animals, and nature.Together with her mare Amelia and her goat DeeDee, she is the co-creator of Alchemy Queen: a multidimensional space where science (PhD), symbolism, and energy meet to empower co-creation with animals as active and sovereign participants in shaping a more authentic and meaningful way of living.Resources Mentioned:www.tammybillups.comConnect with Marianna Nagy-Reis: Website: ⁠www.alchemyqueen.ca⁠Instagram ⁠@⁠⁠alchemy_queen_ Connect with Brittany Ashworth: Website: www.sacredechos.comInstagram @sacredechosFacebook @sacredechos

In this episode, we’re talking about something so many of us navigate: going on vacation while our animals stay home.Whether you’re travelling for a weekend or heading away for an extended trip, time apart can impact our animals in ways we don’t always fully consider. I share how I personally prepare my animals before I leave, practically, emotionally, and energetically. From choosing the right caretaker based on each animal’s unique needs, to communicating through visualization, showing them how long I’ll be gone, and preparing them for the shift in routine.This episode is about creating smoother transitions, honouring your animals’ needs, and remembering that while you may be on vacation, their world feels different in your absence.With intention, communication, and awareness, time apart doesn’t have to feel disruptive, it can become something your animals can navigate with trust and certainty.Suggest something for a future episode: Podcast Suggestions Form .Connect with Brittany Ashworth: Website: www.sacredechos.comInstagram @sacredechosFacebook @sacredechos

This episode has been on my list for a while. Over the years, I kept receiving questions about how I work, how sessions unfold, and what the process actually looks like behind the scenes.So in this episode, I’m offering an honest look into my animal communication practice.I walk you through how sessions are held, from the moment someone books, to how I prepare my body and space, to the way I open and close the channel of communication with an animal. I share why I work the way I do, how boundaries and neutrality are woven into my process, and why intention, environment, and energetic consent matter so deeply to me in this work.It’s an invitation into the why behind my choices, the care I bring into each session, and the respect I hold for the individuality of every animal I connect with.Whether you’re curious about animal communication, have worked with me before, or simply feel drawn to the layers of connection between humans and animals, my hope is that this episode offers clarity, transparency, and a deeper sense of the space I hold when I sit down to listen.As always, thank you for being here and for your curiosity.Suggest something for a future episode: Podcast Suggestions Form Connect with Brittany Ashworth: Website: www.sacredechos.comInstagram @sacredechosFacebook @sacredechos

In Part Two of Navigating Behaviours with Our Animals, we continue the conversation that began last week, this time turning our attention toward how we can support what’s showing up.Rather than approaching behaviour as something to fix, this episode invites a more compassionate, layered way of being with our animals. We explore how understanding the root of a behaviour (whether it’s an unmet need, an emotional pattern, a physical imbalance, or something shaped by past experiences) can guide us toward the kinds of support that actually feel helpful and supportive.This episode also speaks to the quiet truth that not all behaviours are ready to disappear. Some are woven into who an animal is, while others are ways they’ve learned to stay safe, get their needs met, or navigate a confusing world. We talk about how to hold realistic expectations, how to notice small shifts instead of looking for final results, and how to honour the pace that both you and your animal are able to move at.Along the way, we touch on different forms of support, from communication and energy work to emotional and physical care, and how your own nervous system, reactions, and inner world are always part of the equation.This episode is an invitation to meet behaviour with curiosity instead of judgment, and to remember that real change often comes not from force, but from being deeply seen, heard, and supported. Connect with Brittany Ashworth: Website: www.sacredechos.comInstagram @sacredechosFacebook @sacredechos

In this two-part episode of The Grounded Communicator, we begin a deep exploration into navigating behaviours in our animals. This isn't from a place of correction or control, but from curiosity, neutrality, and understanding.In Part One, we focus on how behaviours form and why they show up. We gently pull apart the many layers that can influence behaviour, including personality, lived experience, nervous system responses, soul contracts, past patterns, learned dynamics within the home, and so much more. This episode invites you to look beyond the idea of “good” or “bad” behaviour and instead see behaviour as information.We also explore the often-overlooked truth that our relationship to a behaviour (our emotional charge, personal history, expectations, and nervous system) plays a significant role in how that behaviour shows up and how much friction it creates. Sometimes, simply shifting perspective can soften the energy around a behaviour, even before anything changes externally.You’ll be guided through the first three foundational steps to navigating behaviour:Understanding where a behaviour is coming fromExploring why it feels undesirable or activating for youNoticing when, where, and with whom the behaviour occursThis episode isn’t about fixing your animal. It’s about creating enough neutrality and awareness to truly see what’s happening for them and for you.If you’re navigating challenging behaviours with an animal you love, this episode is an invitation to slow down, soften your lens, and listen more deeply.Suggest something for a future episode: Podcast Suggestions Form Connect with Brittany Ashworth: Website: www.sacredechos.comInstagram @sacredechosFacebook @sacredechos

In this episode of The Grounded Communicator, I share guidance for anyone curious about getting started in animal communication. Whether you’re a devoted animal guardian looking to connect more deeply with your companions, or aspiring to explore this path professionally.We cover the foundational steps to begin your journey, including: experiencing sessions as a client, exploring different approaches, following mentors you resonate with, developing intuition, finding supportive peers, and building your skills through consistent practice.This episode is full of practical advice, gentle encouragement, and insights from my own journey as an animal communicator. It’s designed to help you approach animal communication in a way that feels accessible, sustainable, and deeply connected to the animals in your life.Suggest something for a future episode: Podcast Suggestions Form Connect with Brittany Ashworth: Website: www.sacredechos.comInstagram @sacredechosFacebook @sacredechos

In this episode of The Grounded Communicator, I’m honoured to be joined by Dr. Tracy Rainwaters, an intuitive channel, shaman, and chiropractor, to explore the heart of what it means to truly connect with our animal companions.Tracy reveals how she connects with animals on a deeper level, offering insights into their wisdom, personalities, and unique ways of communicating. We explore how listening with presence can deepen our connections, transform our relationships, and uncover the subtle guidance animals share with us.Tracy shares her unique perspective, blending intuition, shamanic practice, and hands-on support, showing us that listening with presence and compassion opens the door to profound connection, insight, and healing.Whether you’re curious about animal communication, seeking to understand your pets better, or interested in the intersection of intuition, healing, and shamanic practices, this episode offers inspiration, practical insights, and a reminder that every animal has a voice—we just need to listen.         Connect with Tracy Rainwaters: Website: www.tracyrainwaters.comInstagram ⁠@⁠⁠dr.rainwatersYouTube ⁠@Wisdomoftheirvoices.Suggest something for a future episode: Podcast Suggestions Form .Connect with Brittany Ashworth: Website: www.sacredechos.comInstagram @sacredechosFacebook @sacredechos

In this episode, we continue the conversation on reincarnation with our animals, building on ideas from Season 1, Episode 31: The Return of the Soul: Understanding Reincarnation with Our Animals. Whether you’re revisiting the topic or encountering it for the first time, this episode explores new layers of understanding.We dive into the roles and lessons that animals may carry through multiple lifetimes, how reincarnation can show up in our relationships, and why it isn’t always about coming back to us in the way we expect. From protective guardians and wise teachers to independent spirits and emotional anchors, each soul has unique intentions and opportunities for growth.I also discuss the ethical and nuanced aspects of recognizing reincarnation: how to honour an animal’s individuality, navigate expectations, and avoid projecting our own hopes onto them. Through examples from my work as an animal communicator, I offer insight into how reincarnation can inform our understanding of behaviour, connection, and the deep connections we share with our animals.This episode is an invitation to explore reincarnation with curiosity, respect, and a sense of reverence for the souls in our care.Suggest something for a future episode: Podcast Suggestions Form Connect with Brittany Ashworth: Website: www.sacredechos.comInstagram @sacredechosFacebook @sacredechos

In this episode of The Grounded Communicator, we explore some of the common myths and misconceptions that often surround animal communication—both in general and in my own practice.We talk through 10 myths, including ideas like:- Do you need to speak out loud to connect with an animal?- Do animals “talk” in human voices?- Must an animal be physically present, or even alive, to communicate?- Do animal communicators have special powers or control over animals?Through stories and examples, I share what I’ve learned over the years about how animals communicate, the importance of their voice and choice, and how connection happens in subtle, sometimes unexpected ways.This episode is for anyone curious about animal communication, or for those who have wondered what it truly means to listen to our animals beyond words and assumptions. It’s less about rules and more about understanding, respect, and the quiet ways animals share their perspective with us. Suggest something for a future episode: Podcast Suggestions Form Connect with Brittany Ashworth: Website: www.sacredechos.comInstagram @sacredechosFacebook @sacredechos

In this powerful and deeply vulnerable episode, I’m joined once again by my sister Breanne Kerr for a conversation that many animal guardians will one day face—but few talk about openly. Breanne recently navigated the transition of her beloved dog, Stitch, and the journey was anything but straightforward.What made Stitch’s transition so complex and so poignant was the profound disconnect between what his internal body was showing and what he was outwardly presenting. While his physical body was quietly shutting down, his spirit, behaviour, and energy expressed joy, enthusiasm, and life. For many humans, that lack of clear, external signs removes the sense of “certainty” we so often rely on when making end-of-life decisions for our animals. This episode gently explores what it means to walk through that space of uncertainty with courage, honesty, and love.Breanne introduces Stitch—who he was as a soul, a companion, and a teacher—and takes us through the unfolding of his health journey. Together, we explore the hardest emotional moments, the inner conflict of “he still seems happy,” the intuitive nudges that informed their decisions, and the quiet wisdom that Stitch offered throughout.We also speak to the practical pieces, the energetic considerations, the spiritual support, and the reminders that can help you feel less alone in an impossibly tender chapter.Connect with Breanne Kerr: Website: ⁠www.wildwynd.com⁠Instagram ⁠@⁠⁠wildwyndequine⁠Facebook ⁠@wildwyndequine⁠Connect with Brittany Ashworth: Website: www.sacredechos.comInstagram @sacredechosFacebook @sacredechos

In this honest and eye-opening episode, I’m joined by Breanne Kerr for a conversation I’ve been wanting to have for a long time. Together, we explore something that shows up in every corner of our relationships with animals—the language we use, the words we choose, and the energy that lives underneath them.We talk about the moments that have made us pause, the jokes that weren’t really jokes, the labels we’ve absorbed from others, and the words that can land with a surprising amount of charge. Whether it’s calling a horse “stubborn,” a cat “lazy,” or a dog “bad,” we look at how these descriptions shape not only how our animals feel, but also how we understand them, relate to them, and advocate for them.And of course, we delve into the flip side: the impact of speaking with respect, clarity, and kindness and how those simple choices can change the way our animals receive us, and how we receive ourselves.This episode is an invitation to expand your awareness, soften into humility, and get curious about the words that fall out of your mouth without you even noticing. Not with judgment, but with compassion, honesty, and a desire to grow.   Connect with Breanne Kerr: Website: www.wildwynd.comInstagram @wildwyndequineFacebook @wildwyndequine  Connect with Brittany Ashworth: Website: www.sacredechos.comInstagram @sacredechosFacebook @sacredechos

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a concept that quietly shapes the emotional, behavioural, and energetic lives of our animals—the Family Matrix. This is something I first learned about in my early Animal Communication training, and over the years, it has become one of the most insightful, revealing lenses during sessions. While many people naturally see their animals as part of the family, few realize that their animals are also part of a shared energetic network—one that includes every human and every animal in the family.In this episode, we explore what a Family Matrix is, how it forms, and why it matters more than most guardians realize. We talk about inclusion and exclusion within the matrix: what it looks like when an animal feels deeply woven into the family system, and what it looks like when they feel left out, unseen, disconnected, or uncertain of their role.We explore how roles are created—sometimes intentionally, sometimes completely unconsciously—and how animals may take on patterns such as protector, peacekeeper, nurturer, emotional buffer, or the one who absorbs tension within the household. We also dig into what causes shifts within the matrix: new relationships, new animals, loss, moves, changes in routine, differing levels of attention, inconsistent boundaries, or subtle interpersonal dynamics happening between the humans.I share about how to observe your own family matrix with honesty and neutrality, what questions to ask yourself, and how to identify when an animal may be struggling with their sense of belonging. And most importantly, we cover what you can do to support change—how to cultivate greater inclusion, deepen connection, and create emotional and energetic harmony within your home.Because at the heart of it, our animals aren’t just living with us—they’re living in relationship with us. And the way they feel in the family matrix can shape everything from their behaviour, to their confidence, to their nervous system, to their overall well-being. Connect with Brittany Ashworth: Website: www.sacredechos.comInstagram @sacredechosFacebook @sacredechos

One of the hardest moments any guardian faces is knowing when it’s time to help an animal transition. In this episode of The Grounded Communicator, I open an honest, compassionate conversation about the timing of euthanasia — what it means to “make the call,” how to navigate the uncertainty around when it’s right, and how to support both your animal and yourself through it.We explore what “right timing” truly means — not just for our animals, but for us as their humans. I share perspectives on how animals experience timing differently than we do, what they often care about most in their final moments, and how we can honour their preferences while also tending to our own emotional readiness.From preparing for the call itself, to knowing what questions to ask your vet, to creating a supportive environment on the day of transition for ourselves, this episode offers gentle guidance for one of life’s most sacred and challenging passages.Because while there may never be a perfect moment, there can be one that feels aligned — grounded in love, awareness, and presence.  Connect with Brittany Ashworth: Website: www.sacredechos.comInstagram @sacredechosFacebook @sacredechos

Grief doesn’t always follow ownership. In this episode, I explore a type of loss that many of us experience but rarely talk about — grieving an animal who isn’t technically “ours.”Whether it’s a barn mate, a foster, a friend’s beloved companion, or an animal you’ve shared space and connection with, these bonds can run incredibly deep. And when those animals pass away, move, or transition out of our daily lives, it can evoke complex emotions like love, loss, gratitude, and sometimes even guilt for feeling such strong emotions.I share my own experience navigating this kind of grief through my connection with April, a horse who’s been a profound teacher and partner to me for many years. Her recent move brought forward waves of emotion that reminded me how important it is to honour our feelings fully — even when we’re not the guardian making the decisions.This episode is an invitation to hold space for these quieter forms of grief with compassion and self-awareness. To feel what’s real, without projecting or dismissing, and to remember that our connections with animals extend far beyond physical proximity.Because even when an animal leaves our care or our daily life, our connection remains.  Connect with Brittany Ashworth: Website: www.sacredechos.comInstagram @sacredechosFacebook @sacredechos

Have you ever felt disconnected from your spiritual practice, even though it once brought you so much joy? In this episode of The Grounded Communicator, I open up about my personal experience with spiritual burnout: what it is, how it’s shown up in my life and work, and the signs to watch for.Together, we’ll explore the nuances of spiritual exhaustion: when practices that once felt energizing start to feel draining, when guilt or obligation creep in, and when even the things you love most feel overwhelming. I share honestly about how this has impacted my own journey, including the ways it has shown up in my personal practice and my business, and the intentional steps I’ve taken to begin reconnecting.This is a conversation to help normalize spiritual burnout, remove the shame around it, and remind you that it’s okay to take pauses, set boundaries, and nurture your human self just as much as your spiritual self.If you’ve ever felt worn out on your path, I hope this episode helps you feel less alone and offers tools to support yourself through it.    Connect with Brittany Ashworth: Website: www.sacredechos.comInstagram @sacredechosFacebook @sacredechos

In this episode of The Grounded Communicator, I’m joined by Susan Tenney, Co-Founder of Elemental Acupressure, for a conversation that will completely change the way you see your animals (and maybe yourself, too).Susan Tenney is the founder of Elemental Acupressure and has practiced Five Element Acupressure and EnergyWorkTM for animals since 1993. She trains animal professionals worldwide, blending Classical East Asian Medicine with modern bodywork and energy-based methods.Together, we dive into Five Element Theory, an ancient framework from Chinese Medicine that helps us understand personality, balance, and behaviour across species. Susan shares how each of the elements (Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood) shows up uniquely in each animal, how to recognize your animal’s dominant element, and how that awareness can deepen your understanding of them and support their wellbeing.We also explore practical ways to apply this wisdom at home, common misconceptions about certain elements, and how our animals’ elemental makeup might shift throughout their lives.If you’ve ever wondered why your animal has some of the behaviours and personality that they do, this episode may offer new insights and tools to see them through a new lens.Connect with Susan Tenney: Website: www.elementalacupressure.comInstagram ⁠⁠@elementalacu⁠Facebook ⁠⁠@elementalacu⁠Pet- 5 Elements QuizHorse- 5 Elements QuizHuman- 5 Elements QuizConnect with Brittany Ashworth: Website: www.sacredechos.comInstagram @sacredechosFacebook @sacredechos

Moving is one of life’s biggest transitions—not just for us, but for our animals too. In this episode, I share my own journey of preparing for a move with my cats, dog, and horses, and offer guidance on how to support your animals through every stage of the process: before, during, and after.I’ll talk about how to include your animals in the decision-making process, ways to communicate what’s happening, and the kinds of supports, like herbs, homeopathy, flower essences, or simple routines, that can help ease the transition. I also cover practical considerations for moving day itself, from trailers and carriers to creating calm environments, as well as how to help them settle into a new home with comfort and confidence.Every animal experiences change differently, so I’ll share some of the unique needs of my own crew as examples. At the heart of it all, this episode is about honouring the individuality of our animals and remembering that moving is as big of a life event for them as it is for us.If you’re planning a move or simply curious about deepening your connection with your animals during times of change, this episode will give you insights and practices to make the journey a little smoother for everyone.    Connect with Brittany Ashworth: Website: www.sacredechos.comInstagram @sacredechosFacebook @sacredechos

Welcome back to The Grounded Communicator! Season Two begins with a check-in and life update. In this episode, I share how the past few months have felt like both summer (fast, full, and full of movement) and winter (deeply reflective) and how that has brought me towards the season of Fall.I talk about recent travels, my experience teaching my Animal Intuitive course, and the ways I’m focusing more intentionally on my own health. I also share about how all my animals are doing, including Adi and Lilo, after they both needed emergency vet visits. Most of all, I reflect on the changes stirring within me, which I’ll be diving into more throughout this season.Thank you for joining me again on this journey. I’m so grateful to be reconnected with you!

In this personal and reflective episode, I’m sharing an update on the future of the podcast and what’s unfolding behind the scenes. I'm pressing pause for a little summer hiatus — not out of disconnection, but from a deep desire to realign, recharge, and create from a place of inspiration rather than obligation.Tune in to hear more about why this break feels aligned, what’s coming down the pipeline, and how I’m navigating the balance between holding space for others and tending to my own rhythms. This episode is a transparent look at the ebbs, flows, and pauses that fuel sustainable creativity.  Connect with Brittany Ashworth: Website: www.sacredechos.comInstagram @sacredechosFacebook @sacredechos

In this episode, I’m continuing the exploration of Soul Contracts and going beyond the introduction of them that I gave back in part one to share deeper insights into how they shape our relationships and lives.We’ll look at Soul Contracts from a higher perspective: not as a fixed itinerary, but as evolving journeys influenced by our own choices and the choices of our animals. I talk about why we might often only see a ‘snapshot’ of the contract at a time, how themes show up across different relationships, and how certain animals seem to arrive in our lives just when we need them.We’ll also explore the creation of these contracts, how they may span lifetimes, and how some are formed in real-time as life unfolds versus being ‘pre-planned’. I share thoughts on witnessing “harder” Soul Contracts, especially in animals experiencing neglect or abuse, and how we might hold those situations with compassion and a higher lens.And, if you’re curious about what your own Soul Contracts might be, this episode offers guidance, reflection questions, and a deeper invitation into the unseen threads that connect us.  Connect with Brittany Ashworth: Website: www.sacredechos.comInstagram @sacredechosFacebook @sacredechos