John Littlefair

DR MARNY LISHMAN: PSYCHOLOGIST AND CRISIS TO CONTENTMENT AUTHOR

In this episode, your host John Littlefair chats with Health & Community Psychologist, Mindset Coach, Author, and Media Commentator Dr. Marny Lishman
Marny’s a nationally recognized mental health expert with years of experience, having run a successful private practice in Western Australia. She’s worked with organizations, schools, and individuals, helping them build resilience and psychological flexibility in today’s fast-paced world.
As a regular commentator on TODAY EXTRA, SUNRISE, Nine News Perth, and a columnist for Body + Soul, Marny’s advice is trusted by thousands. She’s also the author of Burnout to Brilliant and Crisis to Contentment—two books I love and highly recommend.
Links to Dr Marny Lishman’s books are below:
Purchase Crisis to Contentment here
Purchase Burnout to Brilliant here
Learn more about Marny here
 
Official Never Just A Dog website link below:
https://johnlittlefair.com.au/
 
Connect with podcast host John Littlefair via email below:
john@johnlittlefair.com.au
 

Read More

GAIL ANTHEA BROWN: LOSING MY DOG BRODY, PART TWO

In our previous episode, your host John Littlefair sat down with Gail Anthea Brown, a writer from Scotland’s northern Highlands, who shared the story of her beloved dog, Brody. Brody was a vital part of Gail’s family—a friend, inspiration, and a true source of joy.
In Part Two, we join Gail as she opens up about the difficult path of grief after Brody’s passing. She shares the challenges of moving forward while holding onto cherished memories, and how her journey has taken a new turn with the recent arrival of Reeva, a rehomed dog. Reeva has brought comfort and a renewed sense of love into Gail’s life, reminding her of the healing power of companionship.
Learn and read more about Gail by following the links below:
Gail Anthea Brown
What dogs teach us about living and dying
Finding meaning in challenging times
 
Connect directly with your podcast host John Littlefair
john@johnlittlefair.com.au
Podcast Official Website

Read More

GAIL ANTHEA BROWN: LOSING MY DOG BRODY, PART ONE

In this episode, your host John Littlefair chats with Gail Anthea Brown, a writer from Caithness in the Northern Highlands of Scotland. Gail’s work, rich in folklore and personal storytelling, is deeply inspired by her experiences, including the journey with her dog Brody, a beloved member of her family.
Brody brought joy, loyalty, and inspiration into Gail’s life, shaping her writing and infusing her stories with warmth and authenticity.
 Brody’s passing has left a profound absence, yet his memory continues to resonate in Gail’s work. With a background in Psychology, Mental Health, and Creative Wellbeing, Gail brings a unique perspective on the connection between loss, creativity, and companionship.
This is part one of a two-part series with Gail, where she shares how Brody’s life and legacy have shaped her work and how the bond they shared speaks to the profound role our dogs play in our lives.
Never Just A Dog Official Website
Connect with your host John Littlefair directly below:
john@johnlittlefair.com.au

Read More

CLARISSA MOLL: AUTHOR OF HURT HELP HOPE, A REAL CONVERSATION ABOUT TEEN GRIEF AND LIFE AFTER LOSS

In this episode, your host John Littlefair chats with award-winning writer and podcaster Clarissa Moll.
We dive into Clarissa’s own story, including the loss of her husband in a tragic hiking accident back in 2019, and how that experience has shaped her work in guiding others through grief.  
Alongside her daughter Fiona, Clarissa has co-authored the soon to be released ‘Hurt Help Hope, a real conversation about teen grief and life after loss’.
You can pre-order/purchase Clarissa’s book through the link below
 Purchase Here
 
You can host the host of Never Just A Dog podcast directly via email below
john@johnlittlefair.com.au
Official Podcast Website
 
 

Read More

FELICITY POLAIN: LOSING OUR DAUGHTER, PART TWO

One of the greatest human tragedies is the sudden unexpected death of a child. When that death remains unexplained, it is even more devastating for the parents, the family, and society at large.
 In our previous episode, we had the honor of hearing Brad’s heart-wrenching story about the sudden and unexpected loss of his daughter Grace.  Brad shared the profound impact this loss has had on his life and the ways he’s found to cope and honor Grace’s memory.
In this episode, we continue our exploration of this deeply emotional journey with Brad’s wife, Felicity.  She will offer her perspective on navigating the grief of losing a child, the personal and collective challenges she and Brad have faced, and the ways they have supported each other through this unimaginable experience.
This episode is a powerful continuation of our conversation, providing further insight into resilience, hope, and the enduring strength of love.
 
To learn more about Red Nose Australia click the link below to visit their website
Red Nose Australia
 
To visit the Never Just A Dog website click the link below
Never Just A Dog
Contact your podcast host directly via email
john@johnlittlefair.com.au
 
For crisis support please contact Lifeline Australia
Lifeline Australia
 
‘Come & sit awhile with me’

Read More

BRAD POLAIN: LOSING OUR DAUGHTER, PART ONE

One of the greatest human tragedies is the sudden unexpected death of a child. When that death remains unexplained, it is even more devastating for the parents, the family, and society at large.
On this episode, your host John Littlefair chats with Brad Polain, who, along with his wife Felicity, tragically lost their daughter Grace to Sudden Unexpected Death of a Child (SUDC). In this episode, Brad will share his story, the profound impact of this loss on their lives, and how he has found ways to cope and honor Grace’s memory.
Never Just A Dog Website
John Littlefair’s email
john@johnlittlefair.com.au
 
Important website links for helpful resources and support
Red Nose Australia
Lifeline

Read More

HEALING WISDOM FOR PET LOSS: ANNE MARIE FARAGE-SMITH

In this episode your host John Littlefair chats with Anne Marie Farage-Smith.
 Anne Marie Farage-Smith is a lifelong animal lover and an advocate for all animals. She holds a Master of Science degree in mental health counselling from St. John Fisher University and a Master of Science degree in education from Nazareth University and is a Pet Loss Grief Counselling Trained Professional.
As a licensed mental health counsellor and educator in private practice, she has offered clinical guidance to many individuals and groups experiencing grief and loss. She is the founder of the Rochester Center for Pet Grief and Loss.
 Anne Marie is the author of the book Healing Wisdom for Pet Loss.
 Healing Wisdom for Pet Loss is designed to help readers understand the bond they have with their pets and why losing them is uniquely painful; aid them in understanding the grief they experience in the aftermath of that loss, and teach them the skills they need to process this loss.
 
To purchase Healing Wisdom for Pet Loss the website link is below:
Purchase Book Here.
 
Rochester Center for Pet Grief and Loss
https://www.petlossroc.com/
 
To connect directly with your host John Littlefair:
john@johnlittlefair.com.au
Official Website
 

Read More

JOHN LITTLEFAIR AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST TALYA CARTER: REMINISCING ON GEORGE’S LEGACY 14 YEARS AFTER HE PASSED AWAY

Join John and Talya on this introspective journey as they pay tribute to George’s enduring legacy, offering insights into the profound connections we forge with our animal companions and the significance of holding their memories close to our hearts, even years after they’ve passed away.
And a special thank you to the supporting cast, in no particular order, Meg, Mog, The Fish, and the two crazy comedians Angus and Hamish.  
 
Connect with John directly via email:
john@johnlittlefair.com.au
Website
https://johnlittlefair.com.au/about/
 
‘This episode is dedicated to my dear friend Barbara’
-John- 
 

Read More

MICHAEL HINGSON: 9-11 SURVIVOR, #1 NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR AND INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC SPEAKER

In this episode, your host John Littlefair chats with New York Times Best-Selling Author and International Speaker, Michael Hingson.
Michael’s life journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Blind since birth, he faced one of the darkest days in modern history, the 9-11 attacks, and emerged not only as a survivor but a testament to the incredible bond between humans and animals. His guide dog Roselle played a pivotal role in this story of teamwork, resilience, and the indomitable will to not just live but thrive. All of this is beautifully chronicled in his Best-Selling book Thunder Dog.
 ‘Chapter by chapter of this intriguing work will keep you spellbound. Thunder Dog celebrates the power of the human and animal bond. We all can learn life lessons from this incredible story’
 -Larry King, Emmy Award-Winning Broadcaster-
 
You can purchase Thunder Dog via the link below.
Thunder Dog
 
But Michael’s impact extends beyond the pages of his book. He takes his experiences and lessons to audiences around the world, delivering compelling presentations. Find out more at Michael’s website below.
https://michaelhingson.com/speaker/
 
As mentioned in the episode Michael also has a new book that will be published later this year. Live Like a Guide Dog: true stories from a blind man and his dogs about being brave, overcoming adversity and moving forward in faith is available for pre-order. The link is below.
Live Like A Guide Dog

Read More