About this episode

The episode explores the concept of psychopomps and the role of animals as guides between the living and the dead.

What does it mean for an animal to travel between worlds? In this episode, Julie, Karen, and Meredith explore the rich and ancient concept of the psychopomp — a guide of souls between the realms of the living and the dead — sparked by a single word encountered in their recent conversation with The Wisdom of the Hive authors Michelle Cassandra Johnson and Amy Bertain. Meredith takes the hosts on a journey through mythology and culture, from Anubis in ancient Egypt and the Aztec Xolo dog to Norse Valkyries and the bird messengers of countless traditions, revealing how deeply animals have been woven into humanity's understanding of transition and the afterlife. Karen shares a moving personal experience of a hairless spirit guide appearing in meditation, Julie reflects on what animals share during pet loss grief sessions about who accompanied them across, and all three explore encounters with crows, cardinals, moths, and more. Along the way, they ask a profound and tender question: do animals — and perhaps even we, as animal communicators — serve as guides between the realms in ways we're only just beginning to name? Do YOU want to be an animal communicator or learn more about Soul…

People in this episode

Hosts: Julie, Karen, Meredith

Guests: Michelle Cassandra Johnson, Amy Bertain

Topics covered

• psychopomps
• animal communication
• mythology
• afterlife
• spiritual guidance

Keywords

• psychopomp
• animal communication
• mythology
• afterlife
• spiritual guidance
• transition
• soul guide

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Wisdom of the Hive

Places: ancient Egypt, Aztec, Norse

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• In Conversation with Penelope Smith · July 6, 2026 · 58 min
• Our Favorite Animal Movies · June 29, 2026 · 40 min
• Tips to Open Your Intuition · June 15, 2026 · 42 min

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