
The Whole Horse Podcast | Episode 74 | What horses teach us about systemic oppression with Julia Alexander
What an episode this was with Julia Alexander. After reading one of Julia’s blog posts, I knew that I needed to speak with her about her work at the intersection of horses and systemic oppression, and her ideas on how to start to change the unhealthy systems that we exist in, and the foundation of much of our horse work (and how we have been taught to be). I’m so grateful to her for doing this work, exploring my many questions, and opening up about this challenging topic.
Julia (she, her, hers) is a fellow traveler for those seeking healing, an advocate of love in action, and a connector of dots. She believes that meaningful relationships, where people are seen and heard in the reality of their lived experiences, are essential to healing. For 15 years, Julia has worked to advance social justice in education, therapy, and work with non-human animals. She has designed social justice curriculum for colleges and universities, taught courses, and facilitated dialogues on privilege and oppression, racism, sexism, and heterosexism. Julia is also a long-life horsewoman with 20 years of experience in the horse industry. From 4-h to classical dressage in Spain to Equine-assisted mental health- she is passionate about promoting kind, ethical horse-human relationships that truly embody socially just practices. Julia is learning from several horse trainers and animal behaviorists exploring positive-based learning/training methods and seeks to combine all of her experiences to support others in developing compassionate, safe, embodied relationships and communities that reunite us with our interconnectedness.
Julia studied the psychology of colorblind racism and white identity development as an undergrad at Mount Holyoke College. She earned a Masters of Social Justice Education at UMass Amherst, where she discovered the art of dialogue facilitation across differences. She received her MSW from Smith College and currently works as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Colors of Austin Counseling in Austin TX. Julia is a Certified Daring Way Facilitator, a Circle of Security Parent Facilitator, a Trained Intergroup Dialogue Facilitator, a graduate of Leif Hallberg’s year-long Master Class on Equine Assisted Mental Health and Equine Assisted Learning and is currently participating in a year-long Interpersonal Neurobiology course with Bonnie Badenoch.
Learn more about Julia and her work at https://www.juliaalexandercounseling.com/
Social change Map: http://deepaiyer.com/the-map-

Episode 107 | Observing posture and behaviour to meet your horse where they are with Equine Physiotherapist Yasmin Stuart
The Whole Horse Podcast | Episode 107 | Observing posture and behaviour to meet your horse where they are with Equine Physiotherapist Yasmin Stuart This week I was joined by Equine Physiotherapist Yasmin Stuart, who is also a BTMM apprentice trainer with...

Episode 106 | Wisdom of the water element + habits to restore balance with Susan Tenney of Elemental Acupressure
The Whole Horse Podcast | Episode 106 | Wisdom of the water element + habits to restore balance with Susan Tenney of Elemental Acupressure In the two most recent episodes, guests and I have delved into our experiences of burnout and the impact of this...

Episode 105 | Perspectives on compassion fatigue + a chat about spines with Dr. Tracy Rainwaters
The Whole Horse Podcast | Episode 105 | Perspectives on compassion fatigue + a chat about spines with Dr. Tracy Rainwaters It was so great to have Dr. Tracy Rainwaters back on the podcast this week. Tracy reached out to me after listening to my last...

Episode 104 | Unpacking the impact of burnout and adrenaline poisoning in horses and humans with Lockie Phillips and Elsie Reford
The Whole Horse Podcast | Episode 104 | Unpacking the impact of burnout and adrenaline poisoning in horses and humans with Lockie Phillips and Elsie Reford I was delighted to welcome Lockie Phillips back for his third appearance on the podcast to unpack...

Episode 103 | Integrating our shadow selves + experiencing love with our horses with Emily Frost of Kiros Way
The Whole Horse Podcast | Episode 103 | Integrating our shadow selves + experiencing love with our horses with Emily Frost of Kiros Way Get ready to expand your mind and heart with this potent conversation! Recording this episode with Emily Frost of Kiros...

Episode 102 | Beyond equine rehab + finding neutrality with Betsy Vonda
The Whole Horse Podcast | Episode 102 | Beyond equine rehab + finding neutrality with Betsy Vonda A synchronistic series of events connected Betsy Vonda and I and right away we knew we needed to have this important conversation. Betsy specializes in...

Episode 101 | Gracefully navigating transitions with our horses with Dr. Tracy Rainwaters
The Whole Horse Podcast | Episode 101 | Gracefully navigating transitions with our horses with Dr. Tracy Rainwaters What a pleasure to connect with Dr. Tracy Rainwaters! I had goosebumps most of this poignant episode, as there was so much resonance and so...

Episode 100 | 100th episode + Densensitization Practices that support your horse with Felicity Davies
The Whole Horse Podcast | Episode 100 | 100th episode + Densensitization Practices that support your horse with Felicity Davies Well look at that! It's the 100th episode of the Whole Horse Podcast! Loved celebrating this milestone with this awesome...

Episode 99 | The foundational mechanisms, anatomy and physiology behind cranial work with Elisse Miki
The Whole Horse Podcast | Episode 99 | The foundational mechanisms, anatomy and physiology behind cranial work with Elisse Miki Me and my partner in all things equine body work are back again for another deep-dive into geeky territory! Elisse Miki of...

Episode 98 | The Balance through Movement Method Masterclass Explained with Celeste Lazaris
The Whole Horse Podcast | Episode 98 | The Balance through Movement Method Masterclass Explained with Celeste Lazaris This episode with Celeste Lazaris, founder of the Balance through Movement Method, was everything I had hoped and more! After starting...