Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Episode 688: Elias Weiss Friedman (The Dogist) on How Dogs Help Us To Matter More

Release Date: November 11, 2025
Guest: Elias Weiss Friedman (“The Doggist”)
Theme: How our connection with dogs reveals and shapes our humanity, enhances our well-being, and helps us “matter more.”

Episode Overview

In this heart-centered episode, John R. Miles sits down with Elias Weiss Friedman, the sensational street photographer and storyteller behind “The Doggist.” With over 11 million followers and a new book, This Dog Will Change Your Life, Friedman brings to light how dogs not only improve our lives but fundamentally help us become better humans. Together, they explore the nature of the human-dog bond; how dogs cultivate empathy, combat loneliness, and spark connections in a fragmented, accelerated world; and why the lessons we learn from dogs are more vital than ever.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origin Story of The Doggist

• Elias Friedman shares how his lifelong love for dogs went from a childhood affection (“There’s a picture of me…being licked by my grandmother’s dog, Oreo…That was the very beginning” – Elias, 05:23) to an unexpected international project.
• Inspired by a layoff, Friedman shifted from agency work to street photography, recognizing a gap: “No one’s doing this for dogs. And it seemed like a bit of a joke at the time…but I was like, I will.” (06:04)
• Very early on, Friedman noticed that people open up about their dogs in ways they don’t about themselves or even their children: “When you ask about their dog, they just completely open up and they’ll tell you…the most candid, sometimes embarrassing story right off the bat.” (08:08)

2. Dogs as Social Catalysts & the Antidote to Loneliness

• John Miles recounts how his own dog, Bentley, helped him truly meet his neighborhood.

  “Before you get a dog, you know your neighbor, and after you get a dog, you know your neighborhood.”
  — Elias Friedman (09:16)

• Dogs naturally invite strangers into community, break down barriers, and facilitate deeper, more meaningful connections.

3. The Photographer’s Perspective

• Friedman discusses what he looks for as the Doggist: not just the visual, but moments that capture the dog’s experience of the world.
• “Every dog has its day.” (10:33) The selection of subjects is partly random but always about seizing the authentic.

4. What is a Dog — And Why Does Definition Matter?

• The book opens with cultural references to underscore how deeply dogs are woven into our stories.
• Elias: “We created dogs. Unlike cats…they are less domesticated compared to dogs. We selectively bred dogs…to be what we want them to be. There’s no such thing as a wild pug.” (12:27)
• Understanding dogs’ origins helps us respect them and fulfill our stewardship more responsibly.

5. The Joys (and Trials) of Dog Parenting

• John introduces his new puppy, Luma, rescued from a hoarding situation, demonstrating both the delight and challenges of integrating a new dog into the family (13:29–15:09).

6. “Dogs Are About Light” – On Canine Positivity

• Friedman: “They live in the present moment. They don’t dwell on the past…and they just say, like, how do I do this? Let’s do this.” (15:48)
• Dogs serve as mirrors for how we might live: without judgment, ego, or fixation on regret.

7. The Power of Eye Contact & Matter

• “Dogs are incredibly generous with their eye contact…they stare into your soul.” (17:59)
• The loss of direct, authentic connection among humans is in some ways restored by the attentive, loving gaze of a dog.

8. Dogs & Shelters: A Call for Compassionate Adoption

• The darker side of our relationship with dogs: overpopulation, abandonment, and commercial breeding.
• “I just think it’s a noble thing if you’re interested in getting a dog to at least consider getting one from a shelter.” (21:30)
• Friedman distinguishes responsible breeders with genuine love for the breed from commercial puppy mills.

9. Breeds as Human Inventions and Responsibility

• Discussion of the 16 “basal breeds,” the origins of breed diversity, and the human imprint on the dog world.
• “The hallmarks of a puppy mill…is the ability to get a dog next weekend…Those are the dogs that can end up in a shelter.” (23:27–24:14)

10. What Dog Shows Say About Us

• Shows like Westminster both preserve diversity and display the peculiarities and passions of “dog people”:

  “Each breed has its own sort of like, variety of people. Poodle people, pug people…It’s a beautiful expression of our diversity and humanity.” (27:31–28:27)

11. “Do People Look Like Their Dogs?”

• Visual and emotional resonance:

  “Whether it starts with the person looking for aspects of themselves in a dog, or the person starts to mirror their dog…we end up with dogs that are like us in some way, and we become more like each other.” (28:45–31:04)

12. The Grit of Rescue: Chrissy Beckles & the Sato Project

• True rescue work means getting dirty, facing heartbreak, and doing unglamorous labor.
• Friedman’s vivid portrait: “Her job is to lure these dogs who are maybe afraid of humans with food…getting them off of the beach and into a better life.” (31:22–34:06)

13. Dogs as Catalysts for Deeper Human Relationship

• Dogs not only introduce people, but can also deepen (or even catalyze) romantic relationships—Friedman shares stories of couples brought together by their dogs and how his own dog Elsa deepened his relationship with his now-wife.

  “Elsa made me realize who I wanted to be with and that I was capable…of having more love to give and deserve to be loved more.” (34:33–36:49)

14. Dogs as Co-regulators of Trauma and Mental Health

• Dogs’ healing power for trauma survivors, especially veterans:

  “The dog doesn’t have to ask you a question of like, ‘how are you doing?’…They’re the best listeners, and even though they don’t speak to you, they know exactly what to say.” — Elias Friedman (37:44, also 00:33)

• John Miles and Elias both highlight the staggering impact dogs can have in potentially life-or-death mental-health scenarios (41:12–42:17).

15. Celebrity Dogs (and Their Humans): Shooting with Bill Murray

• “He’s a dog lover as well…when we described what we were doing…he said, really? This is great. I love this concept.” (44:13–46:32)
• Even celebrities respond to the joy and authenticity of the Doggist’s mission to celebrate everyday canine companions.

16. Evolving the Mission – Staying True Amid Changing Technology

• Keeping up with changing algorithms and platforms:

  “If my goal is to be a canine evangelist, a voice for dogs…just keeping up with [platforms], and also have various people that I work with who make it all possible as well.” (46:58–48:35)

17. Final Takeaway: Living with Intention—From Our Dogs to Ourselves

• “Sit with them on the couch…give them some time…without your phone, and just feel what it’s like to be present with your dog.” (48:51)
• Friedman urges: Pause, be present, and let your dog sniff a little longer—honor the ordinary moments of joy and connection.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On social connection:

  “Before you get a dog, you know your neighbor, and after you get a dog, you know your neighborhood.”
  — Elias Friedman (09:16)

• On presence:

  “Dogs don’t have as thought that we do of ‘what if I fail?’...They live in the present moment. They don’t dwell on the past and what their shortcomings are.”
  — Elias Friedman (15:48)

• On seeing beyond differences:

  “Who knows if your ideologies align…The dogs don’t ask these questions. They just have a magnetism, a gravity about everything they do in attracting other people, in attracting love…”
  — Elias Friedman (19:20)

• On trauma and mental health:

  “There’s also a stigma around mental health. Not everyone’s going to raise their hand and say ‘I need help.’ So with a dog, you don’t have to raise your hand, they just show up for you.”
  — Elias Friedman (00:33 / 37:44)

• On breed responsibility:

  “The hallmarks of a puppy mill…is the ability to get a dog next weekend quickly with a credit card, without any sort of…background…Those are the dogs that can end up in a shelter.”
  — Elias Friedman (24:14)

• On relationships:

  “Elsa made me realize who I wanted to be with and that I was capable…of having more love to give and deserve to be loved more.”
  — Elias Friedman (36:49)

• On slowing down:

  “For your sake, take a pause and be present with your dog for a few minutes every day. And for your dog’s sake, let them sniff that thing a little longer.”
  — Elias Friedman (49:40)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Why Dogs? The Power of Connection – 00:33
• Elias’ Origin & The Doggist’s Spark – 05:23–08:27
• Dogs as Neighborhood Socializers – 09:16
• What Makes a Great Doggist Photo? – 09:59–11:15
• Defining ‘Dog’: Science & Story – 12:09–13:29
• Light, Positivity, Presence – 15:38–17:39
• The Healing Gaze & Empathy – 17:59–19:06
• Dog Rescue & Responsibility – 21:30–24:14, 31:22–34:06
• Dog Shows & Human Diversity – 26:08–28:27
• Do People Look Like Their Dogs? – 28:45–31:04
• Dogs in Our Relationships – 34:33–36:49
• Dogs & Mental Health / Trauma – 37:44–43:02
• Celebrity Encounters: Bill Murray – 43:06–46:32
• The Changing Tech Landscape – 46:32–48:35
• Daily Change: How to “Manner More” – 48:51

Actionable Takeaways

1. Be Present: Dedicate distraction-free time every day just to be with your dog—no phone, no agenda, just presence.
2. Adopt Responsibly: Consider shelter adoption, and if seeking a specific breed, research for responsible breeders.
3. Let Them Sniff: Allow your dog to explore the world at their pace; it’s their way of reading their environment—and it models curiosity and patience for us.
4. Model Empathy: Emulate your dog’s unconditional acceptance and generous connection with others; empathy is mirrored, not mandated.

Further Exploration

• This Dog Will Change Your Life—Elias Weiss Friedman’s new book; available in bookstores and online.
• Find Friedman on social media: @TheDoggist

Closing Reflection (John Miles)

“Empathy isn’t taught, it’s mirrored. Dogs don’t care what you do, own, or achieve. They care that you show up.” (50:13)
He encourages listeners to let the smallest creatures awaken their deepest humanity and to let love—uncomplicated, nonjudgmental, and fully present—lead the way.

Recommended for anyone seeking to reconnect with what matters, desiring more joy, empathy, and presence in daily life—whether you have a dog or not.