Podcast Summary: Lauren Akins: Motherhood, Mustang Mishaps & Her Dog Cash’s Brush with Death

Title: The Bobby Bones Show
Host/Author: Premiere Networks
Episode: Lauren Akins: Motherhood, Mustang Mishaps & Her Dog Cash’s Brush with Death
Release Date: May 26, 2025

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of The Bobby Bones Show, host Dr. Josie Horczak welcomes special guest Lauren Akins, a New York Times best-selling author, philanthropist, devoted mother of four, and wife to country music superstar Thomas Rhett. Together, they delve into the joys and challenges of motherhood, the love for their animals—including their dogs Cash and Kona—and a harrowing experience that nearly cost Cash his life.

Balancing a Busy Family Life

Lauren begins by sharing insights into her bustling household, emphasizing the constant activity brought about by her four daughters and a traveling husband.
Lauren Akins [03:10]: "How do you balance all of these creatures and then your family and being a wife and a mom? How do you do that?"

Dr. Josie Horczak [04:57]: "Honestly? Probably not super well. Our life in house is pretty chaotic. I think that's to be expected, probably with four little ones running around... but in the chaos, it's my normal now."

The conversation highlights how Lauren and Josie manage their hectic lives by embracing the chaos and finding peace in their beloved pets, who provide emotional support and stability amidst the daily hustle.

The Special Bond with Cash and Kona

Lauren introduces her dogs, Cash and Kona, describing their distinct personalities and roles within the family. Cash, a Silver Lab, is portrayed as affectionate and protective, while Kona, their energetic hound, exhibits diva-like traits.
Lauren Akins [08:17]: "When I come to the house to take care of the dogs, it's funny because their personalities could not be more different."

Dr. Josie Horczak [08:37]: "Kona is like Thomas Rhett's person and I'm Cash's or other way around. He is her person."

Their dogs are integral to the family's dynamics, providing companionship and teaching Lauren the importance of patience and resilience.

A Traumatic Experience: Cash’s Emergency

The episode takes an emotional turn as Lauren recounts the night when her dog Cash faced a life-threatening emergency. Cash's attempt to retrieve a dried-up pumpkin stem led to a severe injury, causing a laceration in his trachea.
Lauren Akins [17:32]: "But then you came up for air a few weeks later and you were like, by the way, something's happened. And I get a 175-page report from the ER clinic here."

Dr. Josie Horczak [24:14]: "And so Cash, as soon as he goes out, he does his business... but he was making such a weird noise that I was like, what is that?"

Despite her initial instincts to seek immediate emergency care, Lauren had to grapple with guilt and fear as Cash struggled alone during the night. The detailed narrative captures the fear and uncertainty both Lauren and listeners can relate to when a beloved pet is in crisis.

Cash’s Recovery Journey

Cash's road to recovery was long and fraught with challenges. After being intubated and placed on a ventilator, Cash experienced significant swelling that compounded his injuries, leading to prolonged hospitalization.
Lauren Akins [29:11]: "He fully crashed. And they were like, do you want us to intubate? Like, how do you want us to proceed?"

Dr. Josie Horczak [32:03]: "He pulled through. He made it. But when he comes out of that, you were... almost a week. He looked half the size because they were trying to get him to eat something."

Lauren describes the physical and emotional toll the experience took on her and her family, underscoring the resilience required to support a pet through such a dire situation. The dogs' playful interactions post-recovery symbolize the restored harmony in their lives.

Lessons Learned and Pet Care Advice

Drawing from her harrowing experience, Lauren shares valuable advice for pet owners, particularly new dog parents.
Lauren Akins [51:42]: "I do tell owners I would not take my new puppies to dog parks exactly for the reason that..."

She emphasizes the importance of socializing pets in safe environments and maintaining regular veterinary care to prevent and address emergencies. The conversation also touches on interspecies relationships, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of their dogs and barn cats.

Embracing the Equine Passion

Beyond dogs and cats, Lauren expresses her love for horses, specifically her mustang mare, Daisy. She recounts a mishap that led to a severe ankle injury while riding, illustrating her passion and the occasional risks that come with equine activities.
Lauren Akins [40:27]: "But she started to move fast, and I tried to get off quickly, and I just... landed perfectly on the side, rolling my ankle."

Despite the injury, Lauren remains passionate about horse riding, viewing it as a rewarding endeavor that complements her active family life.

Community and Family Support

Throughout the episode, Lauren and Josie highlight the importance of community and family support in navigating the complexities of a busy household and pet care.
Dr. Josie Horczak [48:03]: "We have a lot of fun. And when we all get together, you know, there's 20 something of us, and it's so much fun."

Their close-knit community provides a strong support system, enabling them to handle unexpected challenges with grace and humor.

Conclusion

Lauren Akins’s story is a poignant reminder of the deep bonds we share with our pets and the unforeseen challenges that can arise. Her experience with Cash underscores the importance of vigilance, timely medical intervention, and the unwavering support of family and community. Through laughter, tears, and shared wisdom, this episode offers listeners both emotional resonance and practical advice on navigating the joys and tribulations of pet ownership and family life.

Notable Quotes:

• Lauren Akins [06:06]: "I love that too. It is funny, though, you say that, like, I feel like when I'm having a really bad day... my dogs are therapy."
• Dr. Josie Horczak [07:27]: "I'm right here. I'm not going to leave."
• Lauren Akins [51:42]: "I would not take my new puppies to dog parks exactly for the reason that..."
• Dr. Josie Horczak [33:04]: "What are we gonna be picking up when this... he pulled through."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Bobby Bones Show offers a heartfelt exploration of motherhood, the complexities of pet ownership, and the resilience required to overcome unexpected crises. Lauren Akins’s candid storytelling provides listeners with both inspiration and practical insights, making it a memorable and impactful installment.