We’re joined by the incredibly multi-talented Kate Zenna — actor, director, producer, writer... and above all, a devoted dog rescuer. Kate has been a lifelong dog lover and proudly lives with a pack of pups she’s rescued over the years. Her tireless commitment to giving dogs a second chance has earned her a title I use with the utmost admiration: the crazy dog lady — and trust me, it’s the highest of compliments. In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, Kate shares how she channels her many c...
May 13, 2025•56 min•Ep. 86
In this episode of The Fur Real Podcast , we head to the Arctic with Dr. Steven Amstrup of Polar Bears International , the world’s leading organization dedicated to the conservation of polar bears and their sea ice habitat. With climate change melting the Arctic at an alarming rate, polar bears are being pushed to their limits—swimming longer distances, struggling to hunt, and adapting to a rapidly changing environment. Dr. Amstrup shares incredible facts about these powerful animals: their fur ...
May 06, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 85
When you think of cryotherapy, you probably picture a human stepping into a freezing cold chamber — but did you know cryotherapy is now helping horses without the giant ice-box contraptions? This week on The Fur Real Podcast , we dive into the cold, hard facts with Brady Case of Precision Equine Therapy, a pioneer bringing mobile cryotherapy directly to horses (and even their owners!). Brady breaks down how targeted cryotherapy triggers a powerful physiological response that reduces pain, inflam...
Apr 29, 2025•54 min•Ep. 84
What comes to mind when you hear the word Penguin ? Not the Batman villain (though he had some flair)… We’re talking about the real-deal, black-and-white waddlers—like Charlie Chaplin in a tux, just with more feathers and fish breath. In today’s episode we welcome Professor Richard Reina, a top expert in animal responses to the environment and—get this—a leading authority on the Little Penguin . Also called the Fairy Penguin or the Little Blue Penguin (yep, they’re actually blue), these adorable...
Apr 22, 2025•58 min•Ep. 83
🎬 Ever wonder how they get a bear to drive a golf cart—or a dog to save the day on cue? In this wildly entertaining episode of Fur Real , we pull back the curtain on the magic behind Hollywood’s most talented animal stars. From Lassie to Flipper, Gentle Ben to the majestic lion in Secondhand Lions , there’s one name behind the scenes who’s helped bring these iconic animal performances to life: Bobbi Colorado . Bobbi is one of Hollywood’s top Animal Wranglers —a real-life animal whisperer with d...
Apr 15, 2025•53 min
You’ve definitely seen their photo — big round eyes, a chubby-cheeked smile, and an almost cartoonishly cute face. But did you know the name of this camera-loving marsupial? Meet the quokka , famously dubbed “The Happiest Animal in the World.” In this wildly fun episode of Fur Real , host Mark Kyle is joined by Dr. Matthew Hayward , a leading quokka expert, author of Saving Biodiversity , and professor at The University of Newcastle. Together, they dive into the fascinating world of these adorab...
Apr 08, 2025•49 min•Ep. 81
Coyotes: The Secret Neighbors You Never Knew You Had Coyotes are everywhere—from the open deserts to the heart of major cities—but how much do you really know about them? Are they dangerous? Do they hunt in packs? And why do they have such a legendary reputation, from Native American trickster tales to the relentless Wile E. Coyote? This week on The Fur Real Podcast , we’re joined by Dr. Stanley Gehrt, renowned wildlife ecologist and author of Coyotes Among Us . As the lead researcher of the Coo...
Apr 01, 2025•58 min•Ep. 80
The Cutting Edge of Exotic Animal Medicine If you love diving deep into the world of veterinary medicine—or even if you don’t think you do—this episode will absolutely blow your mind! Dr. Stephen Divers, a world-renowned specialist in endosurgery, joins The Fur Real Podcast to reveal the incredible advancements happening in minimally invasive surgery for animals. Endoscopic surgery is revolutionizing the way we treat everything from common ailments to life-threatening conditions in animals, offe...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 79
You’ve heard of the Big Bad Wolf, Call of the Wild , and countless other wolf tales… but have you ever heard of Sea Wolves ? These extraordinary wolves are unlike any others on Earth. Joining us today is Dr. Chris Darimont —a professor at the University of Victoria, the Director of Science at the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, and one of the world’s leading experts on Sea Wolves. He’s here to share their fascinating story. These wild canines roam the remote coastline of British Columbia , li...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 78
🎶 Singing for the Animals: The Plumes Officiel Story 🎶 What happens when you bring a guitar, a chair, and a song to a field of cows? If you’re Plumes Officiel , you end up with a herd of new fans—literally! It all started when he heard that cows love music, so he decided to test it out on his grandmother’s farm. The moment he started strumming, the cows ran over, snuggled up, and listened intently. That magical moment was just the beginning. Since then, Plumes Officiel has taken his music on t...
Mar 11, 2025•42 min•Ep. 77
Tiny but Mighty: The Fascinating World of Chihuahuas If you've ever had the pleasure of owning a Chihuahua, you already know they’re intelligent, loving, and fiercely loyal—despite their tiny size! But did you know these so-called "rat dogs" have a history that dates back to the Aztecs? Or that royalty once used them as foot warmers? This week on Fur Real , I’m joined by Linda Hempler, founder of Chi’s Chi’s and Me , to dive into everything Chihuahua. We’ll uncover the origins of the world's sma...
Mar 04, 2025•59 min•Ep. 76
Taking your pet to the veterinarian can sometimes feel like a guessing game. You describe the symptoms, and your vet does their best to diagnose the issue—but without your furry friend being able to say, "Hey, this is exactly what's wrong," getting the right answer isn’t always easy. But what if there were a test that could pinpoint the problem with incredible accuracy and even identify the best medication for treatment? Enter Dr. Jyl Rubin, an innovative veterinarian with an impressive toolbox ...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 75
From Two Donkeys to a Lifesaving Mission: The Story of Longhopes Donkey Shelter What started as a simple search for two donkeys turned into a 25-year journey of rescue, rehabilitation, and advocacy. Kathy Dean, founder of Longhopes Donkey Shelter , didn’t just open the first accredited donkey shelter in the U.S.—she created a safe haven for donkeys in need, from those at risk of slaughter to elderly donkeys looking for a peaceful retirement. In this heartwarming episode, Kathy shares her incredi...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 74
Did you know that the most trafficked animal in the world isn’t elephants, rhinos, or tigers—but the humble pangolin? These elusive, armor-clad creatures, often called "scaly anteaters," are so rare that many people have never even heard of them. And yet, they are being pushed to the brink of extinction due to illegal wildlife trade. In this eye-opening episode of Fur Real , I sit down with Dr. Matthew Shirley of the Pangolin Specialist Group , who works closely with IUCN (International Union fo...
Feb 11, 2025•54 min•Ep. 73
At just six years old, Ethan Branscum had a big dream—to make rescue pets the official symbolic pet of Kentucky. With the unwavering support of his mom, Miche, he is making it happen! But he's not stopping there. His next goal? Making rescue pets the national symbolic pet of the United States. It almost happened, but then COVID-19 put the brakes on his progress. Fast forward to today—Ethan is now 12 years old, and he’s more determined than ever. He and his mom are on their sixth attempt, and thi...
Feb 04, 2025•48 min•Ep. 72
"Paws of War: Heroes in the Wake of LA’s Wildfires" When disaster strikes, it doesn’t just affect people—it impacts our beloved pets and the wildlife around us. The devastating LA fires left a trail of destruction, displacing families, destroying habitats, and endangering countless animals. But amidst the chaos, incredible organizations like Paws of War step in to bring hope and healing. In this episode, Robin Keats shares the inspiring work of Paws of War , an organization making a real differe...
Jan 28, 2025•47 min•Ep. 71
The Ultimate Pet Rescue Tool Few things are more terrifying for a pet owner than realizing their beloved companion is missing. Panic sets in, and you're left scrambling—driving around the neighborhood, asking strangers, putting up posters, calling shelters, and refreshing social media in desperation. But what if there was a smarter, simpler way to bring your furry friend back home? Enter Andrew Chernychev, the founder of Pet911. In this episode, we dive into how Andrew combined cutting-edge tech...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 70
TThe small and mighty hummingbird. Lanny Chambers, a leading expert on these tiny ..giarnts. Did you know some hummingbirds weigh less than a nickel yet can fly thousands of miles during migration? Or that their dazzling colors aren’t from pigment but the way light reflects off their feathers? Lanny takes us on a journey through the lives of these magical birds, sharing fascinating facts about their biology, behaviors, and unique adaptations that make them some of the most incredible creatures o...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 69
Get ready for an emotional and inspiring journey in this week’s episode of Fur Real ! Joining us is none other than Derrick Campana, the founder of Bionic Pets and the genius behind the hit TV series The Wizard of Paws . Derrick isn’t just an innovator—he’s a modern-day wizard, using his “magic” to transform the lives of animals worldwide. As a pioneer in the emerging field of animal prosthetics, Derrick has spent years crafting custom prosthetic limbs and mobility devices for animals of all sha...
Jan 07, 2025•39 min•Ep. 68
Flying to Save Lives – Pilots to the Rescue Passionate about flying and equally passionate about animals, Michael Schneider is the visionary behind Pilots to the Rescue (PTTR), an extraordinary organization that merges aviation with compassion. With animal shelters across the nation bursting at the seams, the stakes are high. Overcrowded facilities often face heartbreaking choices, including euthanasia for pets who can't find homes in time. PTTR is stepping in to rewrite these stories. Michael a...
Dec 31, 2024•59 min•Ep. 67
What makes these bubbles so special? For starters, they’re 100% safe for pets and come in irresistible flavors . Peanut butter and bacon for dogs—because who’s ever met a dog that could resist either? And for cats? Yep, there’s even catnip-flavored bubbles to send your feline into a purring frenzy! But it’s not just about flavor—it’s about connection. Imagine this: you’re a senior or someone with limited mobility, and traditional play with your pet isn’t an option. Now, with a simple wave of you...
Dec 24, 2024•42 min
Magic meets science in this episode of Fur Real . Have you heard of the unicorns of the sea ? Narwhals, with their iconic tusks, are as fascinating as they are mysterious. Joining us is Dr. Martin Nweeia , the leading expert on these Arctic creatures, to share incredible stories and surprising facts. Did you know their “horn” is actually a tooth that can grow up to ten feet long ? Or that they can dive over 7,000 feet deep thanks to a special protein that supercharges their oxygen reserves? But ...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 65
Owls!!! Don’t you just love them? 🦉 Get ready to soar into the fascinating world of these majestic, "wise" birds with Denver Holt of the Owl Research Institute! As a leading expert in owl research and conservation since the late 80s, Denver is the perfect guide to dive deep into the origin, history, and current status of these incredible creatures. In this episode, Denver brings a wealth of knowledge that will leave you saying, “Whoo knew?” From the tiny sparrow-sized owls to those with an asto...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 64
Have you ever been told to "get your head out of the ozone" or accused of being "full of...well, you know"? This week's Fur Real episode flips those phrases on their heads in the most fascinating way! We’re thrilled to welcome the legendary Dr. Margo Roman, a renowned veterinarian and a pioneer in Ozone Therapy and Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT). Join us as Dr. Roman takes us on an eye-opening journey through the history and remarkable benefits of these groundbreaking therapies. Discover...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 63
Get ready for a devilishly good time! We’re diving into the wild world of Tasmanian devils with none other than Androo Kelly, the passionate force behind Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary. These feisty, misunderstood marsupials are battling for survival against the odds, and Androo takes us behind the scenes of their fight against a devastating facial tumor disease. From their spine-chilling screams to their surprisingly gentle side, you’ll discover why these little devils are true Aussie icons. Plus,...
Nov 26, 2024•48 min•Ep. 62
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of The Fur Real podcast, Shannon Walker, founder of Northwest Battle Buddies, shares the incredible impact of her organization. Since 2011, Northwest Battle Buddies has been transforming the lives of veterans suffering from PTSD by pairing them with specially trained service dogs, known as “Battle Buddies.” With an estimated 22 veterans losing their lives to suicide daily—a rate 50% higher than that of non-veterans—this work is crucial. Shannon explains th...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 61
Have you ever imagined a world where pink dolphins roam the rivers, not just in animated films but in real life? It’s true! In this fascinating and fun-filled episode of Fur Real , I’m joined by Professor Susana Caballero, an expert on these remarkable creatures. Get ready to be amazed as we dive deep into the world of freshwater dolphins, learning that there are actually six dolphin species and one porpoise that call freshwater rivers home. Professor Caballero reveals incredible facts about the...
Nov 12, 2024•50 min•Ep. 60
We’re diving into a cutting-edge treatment for pets: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Did you know this therapy, often used by elite athletes to enhance recovery, is available for our four-legged friends too? But what exactly is HBOT, and what can it do for your pet? In simple terms, HBOT is a therapy where pets breathe in pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. This boost in oxygen saturates their red blood cells, promoting healing, reducing inflammation, and providing relief from a variety ...
Nov 05, 2024•56 min•Ep. 59
When COVID changed the world, actress Dawn Olivieri ( Yellowstone ) embarked on a life-altering journey. Leaving Hollywood behind, she moved to the rugged landscapes of Arkansas, where she felt called to start something truly transformative: Moon Mountain Sanctuary . What began as a leap into the unknown soon became a powerful mission to rescue horses from kill pens, creating a haven where they could live in peace and safety. Dawn didn’t ease her way into animal rescue—she threw herself in, hear...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 58
Get ready for a wild and prickly ride in this episode! Have you ever heard porcupines referred to as Quill Pig, Quillback, or Porky? You will now! Join me as I chat with the world-renowned porcupine expert, Professor Zvi Sever, to uncover the fascinating world of these spiky creatures. From their surprising nicknames to their quirky love lives—did you know porcupines are monogamous, and the males take on 54% of the childcare duties? We’ll dive into the two types of porcupines—New World and Old W...
Oct 22, 2024•58 min•Ep. 57
