Communicate With Animals & The OTHER SIDE - The Phenomenon Project (Ep. 16) with Dawn Baumann Brunke

Name: Communicate With Animals & The OTHER SIDE - The Phenomenon Project (Ep. 16) with Dawn Baumann Brunke
Uploaded: 2026-04-04T15:11:00.000Z
Duration: 2 h 28 min 17 s

Memorable Animal Communication Experiences

A Unique Encounter with a Horse

The speaker recounts a memorable experience visiting a woman's farm to communicate with her horses, highlighting the emotional connection formed during these interactions.

During the visit, the speaker envisions a strong black horse named Midnight, who communicates through feelings and imagery, saying "Midnight says hello."

The woman becomes emotional upon hearing this message, revealing that Midnight had passed away a year prior but she still feels his presence in the barn.

Introduction of Don Bowman Baranki

The host introduces Don Bowman Baranki as an author and animal communicator, expressing excitement about discussing animal communication and his recent book titled "Talks with Bob."

The book explores themes of communication beyond death, focusing on insights shared by Bowman's late husband regarding life and the afterlife.

The Journey into Animal Communication

Initial Discoveries

Don shares that he did not initially seek to learn animal communication; his journey began in 1999 when he moved to Alaska and became an editor for a health magazine.

He discovered an article about animal communication written by a woman in Anchorage, which piqued his interest and led him to interview her.

Influential Figures

Through interviews with various animal communicators (about 24), Don learned more about this field and its practitioners.

He references Jay Allen Boon, an early writer who communicated with animals through profound connections rather than traditional methods.

Personal Experience

While writing his first book on animal communication, Don experienced moments of connection with birds outside his window that felt qualitatively different from his own thoughts.

This experience marked the beginning of his ability to tune into animals' thoughts and feelings over time through practice.

Can Anyone Communicate with Animals?

Accessibility of Animal Communication

Don believes anyone can learn to communicate with animals if they are willing to tune into specific frequencies or channels.

He compares this skill development to learning musical instruments or painting—requiring passion and dedication while acknowledging some may have natural inclinations towards it.

Telepathy and Animal Communication

The Nature of Psychic Abilities

Discussion on the inherent psychic abilities of humans, suggesting that while everyone has the potential, some may excel due to passion or natural inclination.

Emphasis on personal methods for connecting with psychic channels without traditional meditation, likening it to tuning a radio for clarity.

Heart-to-Heart Connections

Exploration of emotional and physical sensations experienced during animal communication, highlighting the importance of both mind-to-mind and heart-to-heart connections.

Personal anecdotes about receiving information from animals in various forms, including emotions and physical sensations.

Group Consciousness in Animals

Reflection on observing flocks of birds moving in unison, pondering whether they communicate telepathically.

A personal experience shared about feeling a collective consciousness among birds while canoeing, illustrating a sense of group knowing rather than individual decision-making.

Connection with Nature

Mention of the interconnectedness between animals and their environment during activities like dog sledding; dogs share an energy connection with their musher and surroundings.

Discussion on how animals sense changes in their environment (e.g., chimps detecting predators), paralleling human experiences of intuition or instinctual awareness.

Enhancing Human Connections

Suggestion that humans can also tap into this intuitive awareness to connect better with each other and nature.

Reference to personal grief experiences affecting outward appearances in social settings, emphasizing the need for deeper understanding among individuals.

Empathy and Connection in Human Relationships

The Importance of Genuine Communication

The speaker emphasizes the need for deeper connections among humans, advocating for stronger empathy to foster closeness.

Acknowledges that surface-level interactions often mask true feelings; people frequently respond with "I'm fine" even when they are not.

Discusses the fear of vulnerability, where individuals hesitate to share their struggles due to potential rejection or inadequate responses from others.

Sharing Personal Struggles

The speaker recounts a personal experience where friends encouraged open sharing about emotional struggles, highlighting the importance of support during tough times.

Emphasizes that simply talking about one's issues can lead to healing and strengthen relationships without needing to fix anything.

Animal Communication Experiences

Memorable Encounters with Animals

The speaker shares a story about their initial skepticism regarding animal communication and how specific confirmations helped build belief in their abilities.

Recounts an experience at a farm where they communicated with horses, leading to an emotional revelation for both the speaker and the horse's owner.

Confirmation Through Connection

Describes a poignant moment when communicating with a white horse named Charlie, which led to unexpected messages from another horse named Midnight who had passed away.

Highlights how this interaction confirmed both the presence of Midnight for the owner and validated the speaker's abilities in animal communication.

Healing Through Shared Experiences

Concludes that through listening and speaking, individuals help each other awaken to larger forms of love and connection.

Exploring Connections with Animals and the Afterlife

The Power of Intuition and Inspiration

The speaker reflects on a moment where they intuitively mentioned the name "Charlie," which turned out to be significant, raising questions about the nature of intuition and inspiration.

They discuss how moments of inspiration can occur even without a structured meditative practice, suggesting that mental states can influence our ability to connect with deeper insights.

Emphasizes the importance of relaxation and acceptance in accessing intuitive knowledge, contrasting human tendencies to complicate experiences through doubt.

Understanding Animal Communication

The conversation shifts to whether animals convey messages or insights for humanity, highlighting the complexity of tuning into different levels of communication.

Discusses how inquiries about animal behavior often stem from personal concerns (e.g., misbehavior or health), indicating a need for understanding at both personality and higher self levels.

Introduces the concept of a "species voice," suggesting that each species embodies unique wisdom that can be communicated beyond individual personalities.

Gifts from Different Species

Each species is believed to bring distinct gifts to Earth, similar to humans who share their own unique contributions based on their interactions with others.

Highlights that communication varies across relationships; we may receive wisdom or choose mischief depending on our intentions and consciousness levels.

Observations from Animals

Questions arise about whether animals communicate environmental concerns (e.g., deforestation), but responses are more observational than judgmental, focusing on empowerment rather than criticism.

The speaker notes that animals express a desire for collaboration with humans, reinforcing mutual support as an essential aspect of coexistence.

Personal Story: Loss and Connection

Transitioning into a personal narrative about Bob, the speaker's husband, who was deeply connected to nature yet not heavily involved in metaphysical practices.

Describes Bob's role in wildlife management at an Air Force base, illustrating his practical skills and love for nature before his unexpected passing on September 11th, 2024.

Recounts the day before his death when he experienced discomfort but reassured those around him; this foreshadowed his sudden collapse later.

Experience of Loss and Connection

A Magical Moment by the Lake

The speaker recounts a poignant experience on the third day after a significant loss, where they visited a lake with their daughter. It was a misty day that set an emotional tone.

A moment of connection occurred when sunlight broke through the clouds, described as "mist like champagne bubbles," leading to feelings of presence from the deceased husband.

The speaker realized they could communicate with their husband, which was confirmed by their daughter's shared experience.

Signs and Communication from Beyond

As they drove past a river, the speaker recalled her husband's planned moose hunt, coinciding with an unexpected rainbow appearing in the sky—an event she initially thought too cheesy for fiction.

This led to ongoing signs and connections with her husband during early morning moments between sleep and wakefulness, evolving into direct communication similar to talking with animals.

Grief and Transformation

The discussion touches on profound grief following loss, comparing it to losing one's foundation. The speaker reflects on how this transformation alters one’s identity.

Despite enjoying alone time while married, losing her husband changed her fundamentally; she felt like a different person afterward.

Bob's Connection to Nature in Afterlife

The conversation shifts to Bob's love for nature and how it influenced his experiences after passing. He had planned an annual hunting trip shortly after his death.

Bob communicated about being in an "in-between" space between earth and spirit realms during his hunt—a unique fusion of both worlds.

Understanding Animal Communication

During this period, Bob engaged in what resembled animal communication rather than traditional hunting; he would connect deeply with animals he encountered.

His experiences included meeting various wildlife such as moose and bears while exploring this transitional state between life and death.

Insights on Time After Death

The speaker notes that Bob's journey seemed introductory rather than fully transcendent; he remained at a level allowing continued communication due to their strong bond.

There is contemplation about differing experiences of those who feel their loved ones around them versus those who do not post-passing.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Understanding Time and Reality in the Afterlife

The Nature of Time

The speaker reflects on a conversation about time, describing it as "stretchy" and different from our usual perception. This concept stems from interactions with someone who has experienced an altered state of consciousness.

The individual being discussed feels anchored by the speaker's presence, suggesting that their connection allows for a deeper exploration of time and memory.

The idea that "everything is now" is emphasized, indicating a non-linear perception of time where past, present, and future coexist simultaneously.

Time is likened to waves, allowing access to memories from different points in life. This metaphor illustrates how one can navigate through experiences as if riding waves.

There’s a distinction made between physical life and other states of existence, with the assertion that this physical reality may not be the ultimate or "real" world.

Perceptions of Reality

A discussion arises about how those unfamiliar with spiritual concepts might perceive these ideas as unusual or concerning, highlighting societal skepticism towards non-material perspectives.

It is suggested that many near-death experiencers describe their true home or essence as more real than our current physical existence.

The complexity of defining reality is acknowledged; what feels real in the moment may differ across various states of awareness or consciousness.

Bob's perspective includes multiple levels or facets of reality where awareness can exist simultaneously across different dimensions or moments in time.

Life Review Experience

Bob shares an experience where all versions of himself throughout his life come together during a life review process. This indicates a holistic view of self beyond linear time constraints.

His life review begins with an encounter with his younger self, illustrating emotional connections across different ages and stages in his life journey.

Bob describes walking back to his tent with his 5-year-old self, symbolizing reconciliation and integration within himself at various ages.

All versions of Bob interact during this experience—his past selves are depicted as sharing insights and experiences collectively rather than separately existing timelines.

Exploration of Subconscious

A significant moment occurs when Bob invites the speaker to explore the "cave of the subconscious," which represents deep emotional work involving trauma and unresolved issues from his life.

In this cave-like setting resembling a coal mine, Bob's various selves search for "nuggets," representing emotional wounds needing attention and healing.

Each self collaborates when one finds an emotional nugget; they gather around it to acknowledge its significance—a metaphor for collective healing within oneself.

Young Self and Dental Trauma

Childhood Experience with the Dentist

The speaker recounts a childhood experience involving a painful toothache, where his mother took him to a dentist who was having a bad day. This situation highlights the emotional burden on both the child and the single mother.

The young boy felt responsible for his mother's financial stress during this visit, showcasing how children can internalize adult worries and emotions at an early age.

Transformation of Pain into Anger

The narrative describes how the pain from this dental experience transformed into anger, which became a protective shield for the boy as he grew older. This illustrates how unresolved trauma can manifest in various ways throughout life.

As they revisited this memory, feelings of irritation from the dentist and fear from the mother were acknowledged, emphasizing empathy towards all parties involved in traumatic experiences.

Healing Through Love

The process culminated in transforming negative emotions into love, represented by a clear crystal symbolizing healing. This aligns with Jonathan Ashford's philosophy that every experience is an opportunity for love.

Subconscious Exploration

Delving into Subconscious Trauma

Bob's advice emphasizes exploring one's subconscious to bring forth hidden traumas for healing. This suggests that confronting past experiences is crucial for personal growth.

Visualizing Trauma as Holes

The discussion introduces the concept of "holes" representing compacted dark emotions like anger and fear. These holes symbolize areas within oneself that need attention and healing through acceptance.

Meditation and Time Perception

Gateway Voyage Experience

A participant shares their experience at the Monroe Institute's Gateway Voyage, where meditation led them to explore concepts of time and self-healing across different timelines.

Healing Across Time

During meditation, participants encountered their younger selves, facilitating mutual healing between past and present selves. This reflects on how interconnected our experiences are across time.

Past Lives Connection

Interacting with Past Selves

Engaging with past lives revealed insights about alternate selves affecting current realities. This interaction underscores the importance of acknowledging all facets of one’s existence for holistic healing.

Carrying Traumas Forward

Discussion on carrying traumas from past lives into present circumstances highlights how unresolved issues can influence current decisions and behaviors.

Humor as Coping Mechanism

Finding Humor in Trauma

The speaker discusses using humor as a coping strategy when dealing with trauma, illustrating how laughter can transform sadness into joy amidst difficult situations.

Lighthearted Moments Amidst Grief

Anecdotes about light beings visiting during significant moments reflect on finding humor even during somber occasions like cremation ceremonies, reinforcing resilience through laughter.

Bob's Afterlife Experiences and Insights

Humor and Lightness in the Afterlife

Bob enjoyed a humorous connection with others, which seemed to enhance his experiences after leaving his physical body. He appeared lighter and more attuned to humor posthumously.

Encounters with Guides and Light Beings

Bob had various encounters with guides or light beings in the afterlife, often engaging in conversations about their life stories. His curiosity about others persisted even beyond death.

These beings would appear to him in different forms, sometimes resembling people he knew or as pure light, providing support during moments of emotional heaviness.

Emotional Guidance and Reincarnation

In times of struggle, Bob received encouragement from these entities to delve deeper into his feelings rather than seeking immediate resolution, emphasizing a non-judgmental approach to personal growth.

He noted that souls have varied preferences regarding reincarnation; some choose to return quickly while others explore different realms for extended periods before reincarnating.

Shared Realms and Artistic Contributions

The afterlife features communal areas created by artistic beings who design environments like parks or ocean scenes for shared experiences among souls. This highlights the collaborative nature of existence beyond life.

The Concept of an Afterlife Library

Bob described a vast library in the afterlife where knowledge is accessible through various formats—traditional books or immersive experiences that allow individuals to feel what characters within them experience. His love for books influenced this vision significantly.

He recounted visiting this library with his mother, who helped guide souls preparing for reincarnation by assisting them in choosing their next life paths—a specific role she fulfilled as a teacher in the afterlife realm.

The library's offerings were diverse; some books allowed readers to jump into narratives fully, experiencing sensory details firsthand, showcasing the limitless potential of imagination even in the afterlife context.

Insights on Life Beyond and the Nature of Grief

Exploring Perceptions of Existence

The discussion revolves around the idea that learning and experiences continue beyond physical life, suggesting a deeper understanding of existence.

A reference is made to Bob's dream about a blue orb during a significant time in his life, indicating connections between dreams and personal experiences.

The Blue Orb Experience

Bob's experience with the blue orb is linked to his exploration of different selves, hinting at multi-dimensional aspects of consciousness.

The narrator recalls Bob waking up in a trance-like state after seeing the blue orb, emphasizing an otherworldly experience that he struggled to articulate later.

Time and Connection

There’s speculation about whether Bob's experience was indicative of time travel or connection with past selves, raising questions about the nature of time in relation to consciousness.

The conversation touches on how these experiences can feel more intuitive than intellectual, suggesting that emotional understanding may be key.

UFO Experiences and Shared Connections

Bob had an early encounter with a UFO which contributed to his lifelong fascination with orbs and extraterrestrial phenomena.

The speaker shares their own interest in orbs, highlighting how such interests can lead to broader explorations into spiritual realms.

Unlocking Psychic Abilities

An anecdote is shared about another individual who experienced a similar blue orb phenomenon leading to enhanced psychic abilities, illustrating commonalities in such experiences.

It’s noted that many people have significant yet unspoken experiences related to spirituality and consciousness that often go unrecognized.

Reframing Grief

Discussion shifts towards reframing grief; it’s suggested that individuals can choose different perspectives (or "windows") through which they view their loss.

Emphasis is placed on the importance of perspective when dealing with grief, encouraging listeners to find meaning through various frames.

Reframing Grief: A Journey of Love and Healing

The Shift from Missing to Loving

The speaker discusses the ongoing presence of grief, emphasizing that it is about perspective and experience. Initially, they expressed feelings of missing their loved one, which felt heavy.

A friend suggested reframing the narrative from "I miss you" to "I love you," focusing on cherished memories rather than loss. This shift allowed for a more positive reflection on past experiences.

After adopting this new perspective, looking at photos of the deceased became a source of joy instead of sorrow. The emphasis shifted from mourning the past to celebrating love in the present moment.

Personal Experience with Grief

The speaker shares their own recent experience with profound grief after losing someone significant. They realized they needed to reframe their approach to cope better with daily life.

They describe feeling guided by higher dimensional beings or thoughts that inspired them to transform their pain into something constructive, leading them to create a YouTube channel focused on understanding life and the afterlife.

Moving Through Grief

The conversation highlights how clinging to grief can lead to feeling trapped in time. Emphasizing gratitude and love is essential for healing, even though it can be challenging.

There’s an encouragement to embrace the process of reframing grief as an exploration rather than a burden—suggesting curiosity about new perspectives can facilitate healing.

Ongoing Communication with Loved Ones

The speaker mentions continuing communication with Bob (the deceased), indicating that this connection has been beneficial in navigating their grieving process.

They reflect on mutual support during conversations with Bob, noting how these interactions helped both parties grow through shared experiences despite differing views on grief.

Building New Foundations

Following Bob's passing, the speaker had to establish a new foundation for themselves since they felt unsettled without his support.

They emphasize actively engaging with emotions and seeking help through therapy and support groups while also allowing themselves moments of joy amidst sadness.

The journey through grief is described as an adventure filled with ups and downs; however, maintaining connections and pursuing personal growth remains crucial throughout this process.

Understanding Grief and Transformation

The Concept of Vertical Foundation

The speaker describes a transformative experience where they were introduced to the idea of a "vertical foundation," contrasting it with the traditional notion of a horizontal foundation, which is often seen as a base or floor.

This vertical foundation symbolizes a direct connection from the self to higher spiritual realms, such as God or one's higher self, leading to profound physical sensations and shifts in energy.

Experiencing and Overcoming Grief

The speaker shares their personal journey of grief, noting that after this shift in understanding, their grief dissipated unexpectedly. They express uncertainty about whether this experience is universal or unique to them.

Despite moving past some aspects of grief, the speaker acknowledges missing certain parts of their loved one but emphasizes that their relationship has evolved into something different.

Navigating Grief's Waves

The importance of actively engaging with grief is highlighted; the speaker notes that emotions can come in waves and encourages embracing these feelings rather than avoiding them.

A reference is made to attending a grief group shortly after loss, illustrating how individuals should process grief at their own pace while also challenging themselves to step outside their comfort zones for growth.

Embracing Uncomfortable Situations

The speaker reflects on advice from a therapist about becoming comfortable with discomfort as part of healing. This concept emphasizes facing challenges head-on for personal development.

There’s an acknowledgment that doing difficult work on oneself can lead to unexpected gifts and insights during the grieving process.

Insights on Life After Death

A key message shared by Bob (the speaker's deceased loved one) revolves around trusting love and letting go of expectations regarding life and death experiences.

Conversations are described as bridges connecting different realms; these dialogues help diminish feelings of distance between the living and those who have passed away.

Exploring Alternate Realities

The discussion touches upon the idea that both living beings and spirits exist simultaneously in multiple realities. This perspective suggests interconnectedness beyond our immediate perception.

Speculation arises about alternate realities where loved ones may still exist physically, prompting reflections on fairness regarding loss and existence across dimensions.

Deja Vu and Parallel Lives

The speaker discusses experiences of déjà vu as potential indicators of parallel lives or alternate versions of oneself existing simultaneously in different paths or realities.

There’s an exploration into how these moments might reflect connections with other versions of oneself navigating through various life choices.

Connecting with Loved Ones Beyond the Physical Realm

Bob's Transition and Connection

The speaker reflects on Bob's transition from his original physical form to a different space, indicating that while he has moved on, contact is still possible.

The speaker shares personal experiences of connecting with Bob during a specific time in the morning, suggesting this may be key for others seeking similar connections.

Methods for Connection

Emphasizing individual preferences, the speaker suggests various methods for connection such as meditation, nature walks, or engaging in creative activities like art or music.

The importance of finding one's "zen place" is highlighted; it serves as an entry point to connect with loved ones who have passed.

Advice on Connection

The speaker advises against making the process of connection difficult or burdensome. Instead, they recommend a relaxed and welcoming approach.

A key message from Bob is shared: "less is more," encouraging individuals to focus on being rather than doing and to embrace acceptance and gratitude.

Trusting the Process

The discussion emphasizes trusting oneself and the flow of life. It highlights love as a fundamental aspect of this trust.

Resources for Further Exploration

Information about where to find more resources: the speaker’s website (animalvoices.net), availability of their book on Amazon, and readings available on YouTube are provided.