Podcast · Learning

The Agility Odyssey Podcast

by Sarah Espinoza-Sokal · English · Learning

Observations, thoughts, and stories about making the sport of dog agility a great experience for dogs and humans.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 19 min
Latest: 8 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026 · 18 min

Thoughts Inspired by AWC and WCO

In this week's episode I'm reflecting on some thoughts inspired by the recent Agility World Championship and West Coast Open. I really enjoyed watching much of the AWC livestream and of course competing at WCO and both experiences left me feeling so grateful for our sport and the dogs who play it with us. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

1 Oct 2026 · 22 min
Lessons from Spire's Line Up
In this week's episode I'm talking about one of the most drawn-out and complex training puzzles I've ever tackled -- Spire's line up or ability to set up for reps of agility training. I know this can be a challenging part of the training process for many dogs, but Spire has certainly been the most extreme example of it I have personally seen. Recently this problem has hit what I hope is rock bottom, and I'm sharing the lessons and reminders that are helping me keep going with some hope we WILL solve this. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at…
24 Sep 2026 · 20 min
Preparing for the West Coast Open
In this week's episode I'm talking about the preparation Zi and I have been doing for the UKI West Coast Open which is coming up NEXT WEEK. Big event prep is a little different with nine-year-old Zi and I'm sharing what we've been focused on and how my perspective has shifted as we've left our tryouts era in our past. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b
17 Sep 2026 · 22 min
Calm Behavior Around Agility
In this week's episode I'm talking about nurturing calm, regulated behavior around agility. I don't need or want my dogs to be asleep while waiting their turn in an agility context, but I do want them to understand how to access their turn through behavior that helps them start their runs in a productive state of mind. It's also important to me that their behavior in these moments isn't rude or disruptive to others around us. In this episode I'm sharing some of the key point of how I build the behavior I want around agility. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page,…
3 Sep 2026 · 11 min
Ziya Turns Nine
On this week's episode of the podcast I'm sharing some thoughts and reflections I have about Ziya turning nine. Mostly, I feel incredibly blessed to have shared my life with her for the last nine years and I'm so glad she came into my life at a time when I was able to fully appreciate that. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b
27 Aug 2026 · 23 min
Preparing for the Agility Trial Environment
In this week's episode I'm talking about all the things I did to prepare Spire for the agility trial environment that happened outside the agility trial environment. In fact, outside of the agility context altogether. It's important to me that my dogs be eager and confident participants in my agility adventures, and there's a great deal I do outside of agility that helps that happen. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here:…
20 Aug 2026 · 16 min
Mentally Preparing for a Puppy
In this week's episode I'm discussing my current thoughts on how I'd like to mentally prepare for my next puppy. I feel I did a disservice to Spire and myself by being clear on my agility aspirations for her, but forgetting to embrace the uncertainty and impact any puppy can bring to our lives. So, this is my reminder for my future self, and I hope you find it helpful, too.
13 Aug 2026 · 13 min
Thoughtfulness and Action
In this week's episode I'm talking about striking a balance between being thoughtful and taking action, because both are undoubtedly essential to making progress in agility. What do your natural strengths lie? How is your current balance working for you? These are things I am always conscious of because it's so important to me to create the best experience I can for myself and my dogs. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here:…
6 Aug 2026 · 16 min
Intentional Agility Trialing
In this episode I'm talking about what it means to me to practice intentional agility trialing and why I think it's important. In my experience, competing with intent and purpose creates a more deeply satisfying connection with the sport and a better experience for both myself and my dogs. So, how do we subscribe to this belief that the rules of the agility game are things we use to inspire and motivate us, but NOT to define our success? Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here:…
30 Jul 2026 · 24 min
Building Engagement
In this week's episodes I'm sharing my take on building engagement. Engagement, enthusiasm, focus... these are essential to our dog sports partnership, and the specific ingredients or techniques that work best for each team can vary, but the fundamental principles are similar across the board. In this episode I share some of the top things I consider when it comes to building strong engagement. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here:…
23 Jul 2026 · 14 min
Inconvenient Choices
In this week's episode I'm talking about how sometimes we make choices that aren't convenient for us or conducive to our dog sports goals because they're in the best interest of our dogs. It's helpful for me to recognize that sometimes I'm going to make decisions for my dogs that require me to hold myself to a higher standard, and it's worth the commitment to see them thriving in their lives. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here:…
16 Jul 2026 · 12 min
Updates from the Road
In this week's episode I'm sharing some updates on my journeys with Zi and Spire. I gathered some valuable data from our weekend at the UKI Classic, I'm enjoying sharing this trip with my two best companions, and I'm so looking forward to the remaining plans we have here in Washington. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b
9 Jul 2026 · 24 min
Other People's Thoughts
In this week's episode I start off with a little update about Zi and what Zi, Spire, and I will be up to for the next two weekends. I then move on to discuss my perspective on the problem of other people's thoughts... what do we do when the idea that other people are thinking about or judging our training or performance starts to interfere with our ability to be in the moment and show up for our dogs? If you can relate to this struggle, I hope this episode will help. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or…
2 Jul 2026 · 21 min
The Balance of Possibility and Peace
In this week's episode I'm sharing more mindset thoughts inspired by the Ears Up Agility Mindset Summit on the topic of being a values-based agility competitor. What do we do when conflict arises between our competitive aspirations and our values? In my experience, finding the right balance between possibility and peace is key to showing up for my dogs the way I want to be for them each day. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here:…
25 Jun 2026 · 16 min
Gifts From My Horses
In today's episode I'm sharing some of the most valuable gifts and lessons my horses gave me that have helped me with my mindset in agility. I'm so glad my dogs and I have benefited from these lessons, and I hope you will find them useful, too. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b
18 Jun 2026 · 20 min
Fascination and Frustration in Spire's Training
In this week's episode I'm sharing some recent developments in Spire's training that have pushed me to be a better trainer and, once again, to find my patience and faith in her. It's an on-going practice and a choice to find the fascination instead of wallowing in frustration, and I hope this story helps you when some frustration finds its way into your agility journey. At the end of episode I mentioned next weeks Ears Up Agility Mindset Summit - find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=122162808392706616&set=a.122110561082706616 Like what you heard and want more? Check out my…
11 Jun 2026 · 19 min
Marker Cues
In today's episode I'm talking about marker cues and why using them effectively can really improve your agility experience and results. We've been discussing markers within my Limitless Agility Foundations program, clearing up common misunderstandings, and addressing common mistakes, and I decided to share some of the things that have come up there on the podcast. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b
4 Jun 2026 · 17 min
Prerequisite Skills
In this week's episode I'm talking about the concept of prerequisite skills and how thoughtfully assessing whether or not our dogs are ready for a particular exercise or challenge can go a long way to minimize confusion and frustration in our agility training. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b
28 May 2026 · 15 min
Being A Good Student
In this week's episode I share some thoughts about what it means and what it takes to be a good student. Being fascinated by and dedicated to becoming a more effective student has been one of the most powerful things I've ever done for myself. Although I have a great MANY thoughts on this topic, in this episode I only share a few. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b
21 May 2026 · 59 min
The Foundation Framework for Upgrading Your Agility Success
This week on the podcast I'm sharing my thoughts on the foundation framework for upgrading your agility success, and the things I prioritize with puppies to make sure I'm starting off on the right track. If you want to create a foundation that expands what's possible for you in the sport of agility, this one is for you! If you'd like to find out more about my Limitless Agility Foundations program, the details are available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Wj75Z5KUnN-9Cd7SK4FeZfoMrW5SQoIz5vymThUNFqI/edit?tab=t.0 Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility…
14 May 2026 · 20 min
Being Appropriately Progressive
In this week's episode I'm taking about the powerful concept of being appropriately progressive. We are in this "sweet spot" when we become great at presenting our dogs with the right level of challenge, so they can grow their skills, capacity, and confidence over time. Honing this skill is a game-changed for effective training! Mentioned in the podcast: You can register for my free webinar on The Foundation Framework for Upgrading Your Agility Success here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/foundation-framework-sign-up And you can read all the details about the upcoming session of…
7 May 2026 · 14 min
Quality Over Quantity, Qualities Over Content
In this episode I'm sharing some of my favorite reminders about puppy training for anyone who has a puppy, will soon have a puppy, or plans to raise another puppy in the future. When you keep your priorities in the right place, you'll have much more success creating the results you've been dreaming of! Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b
30 Apr 2026 · 17 min
How I Define Success in Agility
In this episode I talk about my definition of success in agility, and how defining success for ourselves plays such a big part in helping us create results we really love. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b
23 Apr 2026 · 23 min
Three Shifts in My Perspective on Raising Puppies
Puppies and young dogs are on my mind this week! So we're talking about three ways raising Spire has shifted my perspective on the process of raising sport puppies. If you have a puppy or will be bringing one home soon, be sure to listen and I hope you find it helpful! Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b
16 Apr 2026 · 27 min
Choosing Educational Opportunities
In this week's episode I'm talking about how I choose the right seminars, workshops, or lessons for myself and my dogs. I think quite carefully about which instructors will have the most meaningful positive impact on our journey, and I'm sharing the thought process behind my decisions. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b
9 Apr 2026 · 20 min
Spire's Trial Readiness
Spire is almost two years old and in this week's episode I'm sharing an update on her training and progress towards trialing. Spoiler alert: it's going slower than I expected, and I'm working on being okay with that. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b
2 Apr 2026 · 12 min
The Emotional Roller Coaster of Agility
In this brief episode I'm sharing some thoughts about how I view the emotional roller coaster of agility. This is a conversation I would love to continue, so please send me your comments or questions. A private message to the Agility Odyssey page would be a perfect way to do that! Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b
26 Mar 2026 · 10 min
Why I Play So Much
A brief discussion about WHY I play with my dogs so energetically and enthusiastically. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b
19 Mar 2026 · 18 min
Making Pivotal Decisions
In this episode, I discuss my decision making process around choosing to retire Zi from jumping 24". I hope this episode provides helpful insight on how to approach your own pivotal decisions in your agility career. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b
12 Mar 2026 · 22 min
Repairing Competition Behaviors
Retraining or repairing competition behaviors that have broken down is a big challenge that many agility handlers find frustrating. In this week's podcast I'm talking about what it takes to successfully repair competition behaviors, based on my experience and observations. Like what you heard and want more? Check out my Facebook page, Agility Odyssey, at https://www.facebook.com/agilityodyssey. Or join my email list here: https://agilityodyssey.mykajabi.com/signup-46bd1cf8-8d47-4db6-bc3c-eb213fa59e8b

About The Agility Odyssey Podcast

Observations, thoughts, and stories about making the sport of dog agility a great experience for dogs and humans.

The Agility Odyssey Podcast is a English learning podcast from Sarah Espinoza-Sokal. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Sarah Espinoza-Sokal
Language: English
Category: Learning
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 19 min
Latest episode: 8 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1860145395

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