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 collapsed so rapidly, the role of ill...

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 chronic issues, how symptom-focuse...

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 emotional, logistical, and...

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, empathy, and the deep bond be...

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 remains in water, fire scenes...

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, and the challenges of providin...

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 engagement when dogs are home...

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, social structure, and communicat...

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 electromagnetic field may hold the ...

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 harshest environments on Earth. B...

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 Budweiser connection, and...

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 critical role in coastal ecosystems...

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—a place of safety, hope, an...

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 heartwarming stories from a lif...

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 why I do what I do, and the...

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 reflects on how that boyhood moment ...

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, the sisters share an unflinc...

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 canals home, the volunteers who k...

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. From moonlit meadows to cutting...