EP 23 The Mental Resilience of a Dog : The Intention of a Cat
The Level Up Guys explore mental, emotional, and physical health to help you improve your quality of life and level up. In this episode of The Level Up Guys podcast, hosts Billy and Jarrett continue their discussion about personal growth—this time through an unexpectedly joyful lens: pets. From dogs to cats (and even the occasional lizard), the hosts unpack how animals support emotional regulation, mindfulness, and healing.
Billy shares insights from his background in dog training, explaining how pets mirror our energy and teach us about calm leadership, communication, and co-regulation. Jarrett reflects on how pets can motivate movement, combat loneliness, and even help us process grief and impermanence. Together, they explore how caring for animals deepens empathy, builds healthier routines, and reconnects us to the present moment.
Blending humor and heartfelt stories, the conversation reveals that pets don’t just make life better—they model how to live it: with curiosity, presence, and unconditional love. Whether you’re a proud pet parent or simply curious about the bond between humans and animals, this episode will leave you reflecting on how our furry (and not-so-furry) companions help us level up from the inside out.
Disclaimer
The Level Up Guys podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Please consult a qualified professional for medical advice, and remember to do your own research.
Resources
We love sharing resources and invite you all to level up with us. Below, you’ll find a curated list of standout reads and tools we genuinely believe are worth your time (and money). If you use the links, you’ll also be supporting the Level Up Guys podcast. Thanks for being part of the journey.
Martha Beck – Beyond Anxiety
An easy read or listen that shares research and personal experience using right-brained creativity to combat left-brained anxious rumination.
👉 Get it on Amazon - https://a.co/d/43X4acS
Tony Robbins – Awaken the Giant Within
Explores how language shapes our emotions, energy, and actions. A must-read for understanding personal transformation through mindset shifts.
👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4dn8zPL
Lisa Feldman Barrett – How Emotions Are Made
Breaks down the science of emotions—how they’re constructed, triggered, and felt. Perfect if you’re curious about the brain-body connection behind what we feel.
👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3YSnWK2
Brené Brown – Daring Greatly
A deep dive into vulnerability, shame, guilt, and courage. Explores how embracing discomfort can lead to stronger relationships and greater personal power.
👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3GUEkUi
Glennon Doyle – Untamed
Encourages radical self-discovery and authenticity. Her take on jealousy as “admiration holding its breath” hits hard—and this book expands on that beautifully.
👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/45jTUCT
Becky Kennedy – Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be
Grounded in emotional intelligence, this one’s not just for parents—it’s a masterclass in guilt, growth, and how to show up better for others (and yourself).
👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4dk66p4
Connect With Us
Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6BJNUL1tZgCH9L0tRNOtQw
Listen on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/by/podcast/the-level-up-guys/id1788795397
Listen on Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4afb7cd0-cc40-44a6-a6ba-d0021dfcb10b/the-level-up-guys
Get to know Jarrett : https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jarrett-clayman-framingham-ma/1328337
We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us at levelupguyspodcast@gmail.com. Let’s level up together!
Credits
Special thanks to the amazing people behind the scenes that make the Level Up Guys podcast possible:
Producer, Moe Murillo – for steering the ship forward, keeping everything on schedule.
Connect with Moe here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricio-murillo-capm-csm
Music provided by Remix Live (license free)
Artwork by Billy Batten and Moe.
