The Fur Real Podcast with Mark A Kyle

Often called The Panda Bears of the Sea , the Vaquita is the most endangered marine mammal on Earth—and is on the brink of extinction. In this episode, marine biologist Dr. Lorenzo Rojas-Bracho , one of the world’s leading experts on vaquitas, takes us inside the urgent fight to save this elusive porpoise found only in the northern Gulf of California. We explore why the vaquita population collapse...

In this episode, we explore the missing links in modern pet health —the gaps many pet owners don’t realize exist until their dog or cat isn’t getting better. Joining the conversation is Dr. Katie Woodley , founder of The Natural Pet Doctor , a holistic veterinarian who blends conventional medical training with evidence-based natural therapies. Dr. Woodley shares why so many pets struggle with chro...

When dogs are abandoned, abused, or caught in crisis, someone has to step in—and for thousands of dogs, that someone is K9 Global Rescue. In this episode, Jon Barocas shares what it really takes to rescue dogs from the most desperate situations imaginable. From large-scale emergency rescues to long, complicated rehabilitation journeys, this conversation goes beyond the highlight reels and into the...

What if the key to understanding intelligence, emotion, and even human evolution starts with puppies? In this episode, we explore the surprising science behind how dogs think, learn, and connect with us—beginning at the earliest stages of life. Our guest, Vanessa Woods , takes us inside the world of canine cognition, revealing what puppy development can teach us about communication, cooperation, e...

Cadaver dogs are often thought of as simply having an exceptional nose—but the truth is far more complex. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Briggs breaks down what truly goes into cadaver detection, from the science behind human scent to the intensive training required for both dogs and their handlers. She explains how scent changes depending on environment, time, and conditions, and why locating human re...

What happens when a nuclear disaster site becomes home to one of the world’s most unique dog populations? This week, Mark speaks with Dr. Jennifer Betz of the Clean Futures Fund , who has spent years studying, caring for, and advocating for the free-roaming dogs of Chernobyl. Dr. Betz offers rare insight into the science behind the dogs’ survival, including genetic research, behavioral studies, an...

In this episode, we sit down with Beke Lubeach, the CEO of DOGTV, the world’s first television network created specifically for dogs and the people who love them. Under Beke’s leadership, DOGTV has evolved from a cable-only idea into a global streaming service offering 24/7 programming scientifically designed to enrich a dog’s life, reduce stress and separation anxiety, and provide comfort and eng...

It’s the time of year when wild turkeys are on everyone’s mind—but few people truly understand these remarkable birds. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Mike Chamberlain , widely known as “The Wild Turkey Doc” and the force behind the Wild Turkey Lab , to explore the science and stories that make this species so endlessly fascinating. Dr. Chamberlain breaks down the surprising intelligence, soc...

Can animals really be hypnotized? Or is it their humans who need to relax first? In this fascinating conversation Victoria Sambleson , founder of Animal HypnoShift , to explore the world of pet hypnotherapy — where energy, emotion, and the deep human–animal bond collide. Victoria explains how pets often mirror their owners’ stress, how calm energy can transform behavior, and why the heart’s electr...

High in the remote mountains of northern Mongolia, one of the world’s last human–reindeer partnerships endures. Archaeologist and researcher Dr. William Taylor explores the lives of Mongolia’s reindeer herders — a nomadic people who still ride, depend on, and revere these extraordinary animals. For generations, reindeer have provided milk, meat, and cheese, sustaining families in one of the harshe...

Jim and Barkley Poole of JFP Equine open the barn doors to the world of the legendary Clydesdale—where power meets grace. From training and showing these gentle giants to welcoming visitors on their immersive farm experience tours, the Pooles share what it takes to care for horses with hearts as big as their hooves. You’ll hear about the breed’s Scottish roots, their partnership with Belgians, the...

Sea otters are more than just adorable faces floating on the waves — they’re vital to the health of our oceans. In this week’s episode, marine biologist Gena Bentall , founder of Sea Otter Savvy , shares her mission to protect these remarkable animals through education, research, and community action. We talk all about sea otters — from their fascinating behaviors and social lives to their critica...

From the streets of Nairobi to the skies above it, Rodgers Oloo Magudha—known as The Nairobi Birdman —has turned a life of struggle into one of purpose. Homeless since the age of 13, Rodgers found family among the city’s street children and the injured birds he began to rescue and heal. Today, he’s devoted to creating a sanctuary not only for the birds of Nairobi but for his street family as well—...

This week, Mark sits down with Jenna Pecenka of Airedale Terrier Rescue and Adoption (ATRA) — a lifelong Airedale owner whose love for the breed goes back generations to her grandparents. Together, they dive into the world of the King of Terriers — exploring what makes Airedales so remarkable, from their fearless spirit and sharp intelligence to their unmatched loyalty and humor. Genna shares hear...

This week kicks off a brand-new series I’m calling “You’s and Me’s: Animal Stories.” Every so often, I’ll drop one of these special episodes with you —the listener sharing your animal stories. In this first installment, it’s me. I’m opening up about the animals that have shaped my life—from the first pets that made me laugh to the ones that changed how I see the world. These are the stories behind...

This week, I’m joined by Mike Saito , now a lead safari guide in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, and author/filmmaker Turk Pipkin to share the extraordinary story behind their new book, The Boy and the Lion . The book is based on Mike’s real childhood, when at just six years old he had a life-changing encounter with a lion — an experience that shaped the man he would become. In our conversation, Mike reflect...

I recently traveled to Ukraine and, on September 5, recorded this episode in person with Alexandra Mezinova , founder of the country’s largest no-kill animal shelter in fact the largest in all of Europe, and her sister Larysa Khmara , who plays a key role in running it. Their shelter is home to more than 3,000 animals , with over one-third rescued directly from the front lines of the war. Together...

All aboard for the world’s most purr-fect rescue! 🚤🐾 In the heart of Amsterdam floats De Poezenboot —the famous Cat Boat. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a floating sanctuary where rescued cats find safety, care, and maybe even their forever home. This week,Paula Combs tells the story of how a quirky idea became an international icon of compassion. You’ll hear about the cats who call the canal...

Fireflies aren’t just summer nostalgia—they’re nature’s little magicians. ✨ Dr. Sara Lewis , the world’s leading “firefly person,” professor emerita at Tufts, and author of Silent Sparks .joins the show. Sara takes us behind the glow, sharing how fireflies flirt with light signals, the wild (and sometimes sneaky) ways they attract mates, and why our backyards may hold more magic than we realize....

Lisa Spector , concert pianist and founder of My Zen Pet and her new venture, Canine Classical . Lisa has devoted her career to creating calming music designed specifically for dogs, blending her virtuoso performance with a passion for canine well-being. In this episode, Lisa shares the science and inspiration behind her work, the journey from concert halls to composing for pets, and the launch of...

Pippa Ehrlich, acclaimed director of My Octopus Teacher , Kulu’s Journey , The Pangolin Story , and My Mercury , joins this week’s conversation to share her extraordinary path as a filmmaker and conservation storyteller. She reflects on how her work brings hidden animal lives and fragile ecosystems to the screen while inspiring global audiences to care more deeply about the natural world. Pippa al...

What happens when the jungle becomes a parliament? In this episode, world-renowned primatologist Dr. Shirley Strum takes us deep into the lives of baboons—animals whose complex societies mirror the political games, alliances, and betrayals we see in our own world. From power struggles and unexpected leadership shifts to the surprising role of cooperation, Dr. Strum reveals the hidden “politics” th...

They may be tiny, fuzzy, and undeniably adorable — but sugar gliders are far more than just cute faces. In this episode, Alea Holladay, founder of Sugar Glider Guardians, shares the real story behind these fascinating marsupials. From their incredible ability to glide through the air to the challenges of keeping them as pets, Alea reveals what most people don’t know about sugar glider care, behavi...

Majestic, powerful, and cloaked in mystery — the Bengal tiger has long captured the imagination of the world. This week, world-renowned wildlife biologist Ullas Karanth takes us deep into the heart of tiger country, sharing his decades of experience studying and protecting these incredible big cats. From the dense jungles of India to the cutting-edge science used to track and conserve tiger popula...

This week we head deep into the Florida Everglades with Amy Siewe—also known as The Python Huntress . Armed with a flashlight, unmatched grit, and a deep respect for native ecosystems, Amy is one of the few women licensed to hunt invasive Burmese pythons by hand—and she does it at night, often barefoot. Mark Kyle sits down with Amy to talk about how she went from selling real estate to wrangling s...