Pet Psychic Michael Burke... and Butters Has Notes!

Detox Retox with Tom Schwartz

Episode Title: Pet Psychic Michael Burke... and Butters Has Notes!
Release Date: January 14, 2026
Host: Tom Schwartz
Guest: Michael R. Burke (Pet Psychic, Animal Communicator, Author)
Dog Star: Butters (Tom’s beloved dog)

Episode Overview

This episode of Detox Retox takes a heartfelt detour into the world of animal intuition and communication. Tom welcomes Michael R. Burke, a renowned pet psychic and animal communicator, for a session centered on Butters, Tom’s cherished and empathic dog. Listeners are treated to insights about animal consciousness, emotional bonds between humans and pets, and the kind of wisdom that comes from ten years of loving and being loved by furry friends. The conversation is candid, curious, and brimming with affection for animals, with Tom and Michael delving into both personal anecdotes and universal truths about pet-owner relationships.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing the Session & Emotional Bonds (`00:11–03:38`)

Tom sets the scene, expressing his devotion to Butters and his desire to “honor our connection” through a psychic reading.
He describes Butters as an “empath,” “emotional support angel,” and “unpaid therapist.”
Michael is introduced as a “pet whisperer, psychic, intuitive, pet expert, author.”

“Let’s take a moment to appreciate our furry little friends giving us all that unconditional love and support.” — Tom Schwartz (01:49)

2. Meet Michael R. Burke: Becoming an Animal Communicator (`03:38–08:06`)

Michael discusses his childhood surrounded by animals and in a family open to intuition and metaphysics.
He recalls early intuitive experiences, including “tuning into the neighborhood animals” and validating those feelings later.
After a stint in the corporate world, Michael embraced his true calling as an animal communicator.

“I just sort of have followed my path, and I’m here to serve, you know, I’m just happy to help.” — Michael R. Burke (06:47)

Tom sums it up: Michael’s gift is innate but honed over time, with deliberate effort to strengthen it.

3. How Animal Communication Feels (`08:06–11:15`)

Tom asks whether Michael receives messages in words or sensations.
Michael explains that it can be words, symbols, feelings—like a game of intuitive “charades,” and he shares everything that comes through without judgment.

“It’s like my database of familiar phrases or symbols or ways of expressing that energy, my database chooses.” — Michael R. Burke (09:51)

Sometimes symbols make no sense at first but later become meaningful to clients.

4. Embracing the Woo-Woo (`12:08–13:26`)

Tom and Michael discuss the challenge of overcoming self-doubt and judgment regarding his unusual vocation.
Michael says he presents his work in a grounded, pragmatic way so people “get that this is something real and it doesn’t have to be something woo woo.”

“Of course, you know, I’m very grounded and I am very pragmatic… my sort of modus operandi is to come in in a real grounded way.” — Michael R. Burke (12:51)

5. The Butters Reading: Dog Divorce, Purpose, and Empathy (`13:26–16:53`)

Tom’s questions: Has Butters been affected by Tom’s divorce from Katie? Does Butters miss his 'mom'?
Michael describes seeing “the road splitting” and Butters having “work to do,” serving a specific purpose for Tom during this life phase.
Butters reads the room, follows Tom’s lead, and is depicted as an “old soul.”

“There’s something deeper going on from a soul level in why he is with you more often... He not simple, not like, you know, nothing against dodido kind of dogs, but he’s tuning in and ‘okay, I get it.’” — Michael R. Burke (15:12)

6. Butters’ Role: Empath & Supporter (`16:18–18:14`)

Tom and Michael affirm Butters’ empathic abilities; he’s an emotional barometer and intentional comforter.
Michael highlights Butters’ gift for “grounding energy,” acting like a “warming pad.”
There’s visualization of a “figure eight from your heart to his heart… back and forth.”

7. Neighbor Dog Drama: The Riff Raff (`18:14–20:11`)

Tom jokes about Butters’ feud with neighbors’ dogs.
Michael senses Butters regards them as “riff raff” or “commoners,” preferring to “diffuse the chaos.”

“I’m feeling sort of his bougie-ness in a sense. Like they’re the rift. Like ‘we don’t do that.’ He’s sort of like nipping that in the bud.” — Michael R. Burke (18:50)

8. Separation & Absence: How Dogs Perceive Time (`20:11–23:54`)

Tom asks: How sad do dogs get when we leave? Are they consciously missing us?
Michael reassures: Dogs are more adaptable than we think; they see absences as “new stages” with “different experiences.”
Owners should project confidence and calmness; energetically, “we are corded to them.”

“When you are away traveling... imagine that you have a little envelope that you’re stuffing a message of love... and you’re sending it off, maybe even from your heart.” — Michael R. Burke (21:46)

9. Butters’ Favorite Treats, Hobbies, and His Glimmer (`23:54–25:56`)

Butters apparently loves “rich and creamy” treats (mozzarella, whipped cream, Jersey Mike’s).
Tom says Butters is “very Zen” during the reading.
Michael sees Butters as aware of the “glimmer” he brings, knowing his positive effect on people, “posing like this, like, legend.”

10. Soul Contracts, Animals as Angels (`25:56–31:19`)

Butters and Gordo are viewed as purposeful “comets or angels,” bringing light and opening new perspectives for Tom and Katie.
Michael describes their presence as “parallel waves carrying forward” and assures: “love never dies,” even after pets pass.
Animals remain guides, present in spirit, and often “send us other animals to continue the journey.”

11. Grieving, Presence, and Cherishing the Moment (`31:19–35:17`)

Tom requests comfort for listeners facing pet loss.
Michael advises savoring moments, especially as a pet nears the end of life. He recounts a personal story of lying with his dog Cooper, intentionally “absorbing the moment” to return to forever in memory.
The ultimate takeaway: Be present and cherish every moment with your pet.

“I really set an intention to really absorb the moment… so I can always remember our love and refer back to this moment.” — Michael R. Burke (33:11)

12. Final Notes and Closing Wisdom (`35:17–36:12, 37:21`)

Michael’s closing email (read by Tom):

“Our animals are constantly inviting us into the present moment. When we slow down enough to savor our time with them, something beautiful happens. We feed our spirits together and those quiet, shared moments become a form of communication all their own. And often they’re where the deepest healing and connection take place.” — Michael R. Burke (36:31)

Tom encourages listeners to consider adopting pets, being mindful and grateful for the joy animals bring.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“Butter Boy... my little emotional support angel, my little unpaid therapist, my rider.” — Tom Schwartz (00:23)
“I was tuning into animals... sensing things going on with them and then hearing, like, maybe they were sick or there was some sort of reactivity issue amongst the animals.” — Michael R. Burke (05:20)
“Sometimes it’s like a game of charades where I’m piecing things together.” — Michael R. Burke (09:19)
“I feel him, like, knowing when to sort of lay in your lap as a warming pad or a grounding pad.” — Michael R. Burke (17:39)
“We are energetically and telepathically connected with our animals regardless of time and space.” — Michael R. Burke (21:07)
“But him feeling purposeful... coming at this, like, deeper soul level.” — Michael R. Burke (25:44)
“That love never dies and it continues beyond the veil… our animals are there in spirit.” — Michael R. Burke (28:17)
“Be present in the moment, not spending too much time dwelling in the past or the future.” — Tom Schwartz (34:20)

Important Timestamps

00:11 — Tom introduces the episode and Butters
03:13 — Pet psychic Michael R. Burke joins, shares background
08:29 — How animal messages come through (symbols, energy, sensations)
13:26 — Divorce and its impact on Butters (psychic reading)
16:48 — Butters’ empathy and emotional abilities
18:14 — The neighbor dog feud and Butters’ “bougie-ness”
20:11 — Traveling and separation: How dogs feel when owners are away
23:54 — Butters’ favorite snacks and treats
25:56 — Butters as a “legend” and soul companion
27:57 — Lessons from animals: Unconditional love, living in the moment, spiritual bonds
31:55 — Advice for grieving pet owners and cherishing the present
33:05 — Michael’s story about cherishing moments with his own late dog
35:17 — Tom requests anything further to help him stay a great dog dad
36:31 — Michael’s emailed wisdom about being present

Summary Takeaways

Animal communicators can perceive pets’ emotions through energy, symbols, and sensations, translating them for owners.
Pets, especially highly sensitive ones like Butters, often act as emotional support and have purposeful, soul-deep connections with their people.
Animals are more adaptable and present than we think, handling separations with resilience but strongly influenced by our own emotional energy.
Losing a pet is one of life’s hardest transitions, but love endures beyond physical presence. Deliberately absorbing joyful moments with pets creates touchstones for future comfort.
Above all, being present and mindful with your animal companion is the great gift—for you both.

Learn more about Michael R. Burke: www.michaelrburke.com | Instagram: @michaelburkeofficial
Michael’s book: Intuitive Animal Communication: Co-create a Meaningful Life and Deep Connection with Animals

A moving celebration of the human-animal bond, full of humor, emotion, and practical wisdom for every pet lover.

Detox Retox with Tom Schwartz

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing the Session & Emotional Bonds (`00:11–03:38`)

Tom sets the scene, expressing his devotion to Butters and his desire to “honor our connection” through a psychic reading.
He describes Butters as an “empath,” “emotional support angel,” and “unpaid therapist.”
Michael is introduced as a “pet whisperer, psychic, intuitive, pet expert, author.”

“Let’s take a moment to appreciate our furry little friends giving us all that unconditional love and support.” — Tom Schwartz (01:49)

2. Meet Michael R. Burke: Becoming an Animal Communicator (`03:38–08:06`)

Michael discusses his childhood surrounded by animals and in a family open to intuition and metaphysics.
He recalls early intuitive experiences, including “tuning into the neighborhood animals” and validating those feelings later.
After a stint in the corporate world, Michael embraced his true calling as an animal communicator.

“I just sort of have followed my path, and I’m here to serve, you know, I’m just happy to help.” — Michael R. Burke (06:47)

Tom sums it up: Michael’s gift is innate but honed over time, with deliberate effort to strengthen it.

3. How Animal Communication Feels (`08:06–11:15`)

Tom asks whether Michael receives messages in words or sensations.
Michael explains that it can be words, symbols, feelings—like a game of intuitive “charades,” and he shares everything that comes through without judgment.

“It’s like my database of familiar phrases or symbols or ways of expressing that energy, my database chooses.” — Michael R. Burke (09:51)

Sometimes symbols make no sense at first but later become meaningful to clients.

4. Embracing the Woo-Woo (`12:08–13:26`)

Tom and Michael discuss the challenge of overcoming self-doubt and judgment regarding his unusual vocation.
Michael says he presents his work in a grounded, pragmatic way so people “get that this is something real and it doesn’t have to be something woo woo.”

“Of course, you know, I’m very grounded and I am very pragmatic… my sort of modus operandi is to come in in a real grounded way.” — Michael R. Burke (12:51)

5. The Butters Reading: Dog Divorce, Purpose, and Empathy (`13:26–16:53`)

Tom’s questions: Has Butters been affected by Tom’s divorce from Katie? Does Butters miss his 'mom'?
Michael describes seeing “the road splitting” and Butters having “work to do,” serving a specific purpose for Tom during this life phase.
Butters reads the room, follows Tom’s lead, and is depicted as an “old soul.”

“There’s something deeper going on from a soul level in why he is with you more often... He not simple, not like, you know, nothing against dodido kind of dogs, but he’s tuning in and ‘okay, I get it.’” — Michael R. Burke (15:12)

6. Butters’ Role: Empath & Supporter (`16:18–18:14`)

Tom and Michael affirm Butters’ empathic abilities; he’s an emotional barometer and intentional comforter.
Michael highlights Butters’ gift for “grounding energy,” acting like a “warming pad.”
There’s visualization of a “figure eight from your heart to his heart… back and forth.”

7. Neighbor Dog Drama: The Riff Raff (`18:14–20:11`)

Tom jokes about Butters’ feud with neighbors’ dogs.
Michael senses Butters regards them as “riff raff” or “commoners,” preferring to “diffuse the chaos.”

“I’m feeling sort of his bougie-ness in a sense. Like they’re the rift. Like ‘we don’t do that.’ He’s sort of like nipping that in the bud.” — Michael R. Burke (18:50)

8. Separation & Absence: How Dogs Perceive Time (`20:11–23:54`)

Tom asks: How sad do dogs get when we leave? Are they consciously missing us?
Michael reassures: Dogs are more adaptable than we think; they see absences as “new stages” with “different experiences.”
Owners should project confidence and calmness; energetically, “we are corded to them.”

“When you are away traveling... imagine that you have a little envelope that you’re stuffing a message of love... and you’re sending it off, maybe even from your heart.” — Michael R. Burke (21:46)

9. Butters’ Favorite Treats, Hobbies, and His Glimmer (`23:54–25:56`)

Butters apparently loves “rich and creamy” treats (mozzarella, whipped cream, Jersey Mike’s).
Tom says Butters is “very Zen” during the reading.
Michael sees Butters as aware of the “glimmer” he brings, knowing his positive effect on people, “posing like this, like, legend.”

10. Soul Contracts, Animals as Angels (`25:56–31:19`)

Butters and Gordo are viewed as purposeful “comets or angels,” bringing light and opening new perspectives for Tom and Katie.
Michael describes their presence as “parallel waves carrying forward” and assures: “love never dies,” even after pets pass.
Animals remain guides, present in spirit, and often “send us other animals to continue the journey.”

11. Grieving, Presence, and Cherishing the Moment (`31:19–35:17`)

Tom requests comfort for listeners facing pet loss.
Michael advises savoring moments, especially as a pet nears the end of life. He recounts a personal story of lying with his dog Cooper, intentionally “absorbing the moment” to return to forever in memory.
The ultimate takeaway: Be present and cherish every moment with your pet.

“I really set an intention to really absorb the moment… so I can always remember our love and refer back to this moment.” — Michael R. Burke (33:11)

12. Final Notes and Closing Wisdom (`35:17–36:12, 37:21`)

Michael’s closing email (read by Tom):

“Our animals are constantly inviting us into the present moment. When we slow down enough to savor our time with them, something beautiful happens. We feed our spirits together and those quiet, shared moments become a form of communication all their own. And often they’re where the deepest healing and connection take place.” — Michael R. Burke (36:31)

Tom encourages listeners to consider adopting pets, being mindful and grateful for the joy animals bring.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“Butter Boy... my little emotional support angel, my little unpaid therapist, my rider.” — Tom Schwartz (00:23)
“I was tuning into animals... sensing things going on with them and then hearing, like, maybe they were sick or there was some sort of reactivity issue amongst the animals.” — Michael R. Burke (05:20)
“Sometimes it’s like a game of charades where I’m piecing things together.” — Michael R. Burke (09:19)
“I feel him, like, knowing when to sort of lay in your lap as a warming pad or a grounding pad.” — Michael R. Burke (17:39)
“We are energetically and telepathically connected with our animals regardless of time and space.” — Michael R. Burke (21:07)
“But him feeling purposeful... coming at this, like, deeper soul level.” — Michael R. Burke (25:44)
“That love never dies and it continues beyond the veil… our animals are there in spirit.” — Michael R. Burke (28:17)
“Be present in the moment, not spending too much time dwelling in the past or the future.” — Tom Schwartz (34:20)

Important Timestamps

00:11 — Tom introduces the episode and Butters
03:13 — Pet psychic Michael R. Burke joins, shares background
08:29 — How animal messages come through (symbols, energy, sensations)
13:26 — Divorce and its impact on Butters (psychic reading)
16:48 — Butters’ empathy and emotional abilities
18:14 — The neighbor dog feud and Butters’ “bougie-ness”
20:11 — Traveling and separation: How dogs feel when owners are away
23:54 — Butters’ favorite snacks and treats
25:56 — Butters as a “legend” and soul companion
27:57 — Lessons from animals: Unconditional love, living in the moment, spiritual bonds
31:55 — Advice for grieving pet owners and cherishing the present
33:05 — Michael’s story about cherishing moments with his own late dog
35:17 — Tom requests anything further to help him stay a great dog dad
36:31 — Michael’s emailed wisdom about being present

Summary Takeaways

Animal communicators can perceive pets’ emotions through energy, symbols, and sensations, translating them for owners.
Pets, especially highly sensitive ones like Butters, often act as emotional support and have purposeful, soul-deep connections with their people.
Animals are more adaptable and present than we think, handling separations with resilience but strongly influenced by our own emotional energy.
Losing a pet is one of life’s hardest transitions, but love endures beyond physical presence. Deliberately absorbing joyful moments with pets creates touchstones for future comfort.
Above all, being present and mindful with your animal companion is the great gift—for you both.

A moving celebration of the human-animal bond, full of humor, emotion, and practical wisdom for every pet lover.

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Summary

Detox Retox with Tom Schwartz

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing the Session & Emotional Bonds (00:11–03:38)

2. Meet Michael R. Burke: Becoming an Animal Communicator (03:38–08:06)

3. How Animal Communication Feels (08:06–11:15)

4. Embracing the Woo-Woo (12:08–13:26)

5. The Butters Reading: Dog Divorce, Purpose, and Empathy (13:26–16:53)

6. Butters’ Role: Empath & Supporter (16:18–18:14)

7. Neighbor Dog Drama: The Riff Raff (18:14–20:11)

8. Separation & Absence: How Dogs Perceive Time (20:11–23:54)

9. Butters’ Favorite Treats, Hobbies, and His Glimmer (23:54–25:56)

10. Soul Contracts, Animals as Angels (25:56–31:19)

11. Grieving, Presence, and Cherishing the Moment (31:19–35:17)

12. Final Notes and Closing Wisdom (35:17–36:12, 37:21)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

Summary Takeaways

Summary

Detox Retox with Tom Schwartz

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing the Session & Emotional Bonds (00:11–03:38)

2. Meet Michael R. Burke: Becoming an Animal Communicator (03:38–08:06)

3. How Animal Communication Feels (08:06–11:15)

4. Embracing the Woo-Woo (12:08–13:26)

5. The Butters Reading: Dog Divorce, Purpose, and Empathy (13:26–16:53)

6. Butters’ Role: Empath & Supporter (16:18–18:14)

7. Neighbor Dog Drama: The Riff Raff (18:14–20:11)

8. Separation & Absence: How Dogs Perceive Time (20:11–23:54)

9. Butters’ Favorite Treats, Hobbies, and His Glimmer (23:54–25:56)

10. Soul Contracts, Animals as Angels (25:56–31:19)

11. Grieving, Presence, and Cherishing the Moment (31:19–35:17)

12. Final Notes and Closing Wisdom (35:17–36:12, 37:21)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

Summary Takeaways

1. Introducing the Session & Emotional Bonds (`00:11–03:38`)

2. Meet Michael R. Burke: Becoming an Animal Communicator (`03:38–08:06`)

3. How Animal Communication Feels (`08:06–11:15`)

4. Embracing the Woo-Woo (`12:08–13:26`)

5. The Butters Reading: Dog Divorce, Purpose, and Empathy (`13:26–16:53`)

6. Butters’ Role: Empath & Supporter (`16:18–18:14`)

7. Neighbor Dog Drama: The Riff Raff (`18:14–20:11`)

8. Separation & Absence: How Dogs Perceive Time (`20:11–23:54`)

9. Butters’ Favorite Treats, Hobbies, and His Glimmer (`23:54–25:56`)

10. Soul Contracts, Animals as Angels (`25:56–31:19`)

11. Grieving, Presence, and Cherishing the Moment (`31:19–35:17`)

12. Final Notes and Closing Wisdom (`35:17–36:12, 37:21`)

1. Introducing the Session & Emotional Bonds (`00:11–03:38`)

2. Meet Michael R. Burke: Becoming an Animal Communicator (`03:38–08:06`)

3. How Animal Communication Feels (`08:06–11:15`)

4. Embracing the Woo-Woo (`12:08–13:26`)

5. The Butters Reading: Dog Divorce, Purpose, and Empathy (`13:26–16:53`)

6. Butters’ Role: Empath & Supporter (`16:18–18:14`)

7. Neighbor Dog Drama: The Riff Raff (`18:14–20:11`)

8. Separation & Absence: How Dogs Perceive Time (`20:11–23:54`)

9. Butters’ Favorite Treats, Hobbies, and His Glimmer (`23:54–25:56`)

10. Soul Contracts, Animals as Angels (`25:56–31:19`)

11. Grieving, Presence, and Cherishing the Moment (`31:19–35:17`)

12. Final Notes and Closing Wisdom (`35:17–36:12, 37:21`)