The Fur Real Podcast with Mark A Kyle

Every animal has a personality—and Michelle Lerner has known some unforgettable ones. This week, Mark talks with author and animal law expert Michelle Lerner about her new book, A Series of Opinionated Animals , and the quirky, funny, fiercely individual animals she has shared her life with along the way. Each one left its mark, helping shape not only Michelle’s life, but the way she came to think about animals and ultimately advocate for their legal rights. From laugh-out-loud stories that will feel instantly familiar to anyone who has ever loved an animal, to the fascinating questions surrounding non-human personhood and animal rights, Michelle’s journey makes you look at the animals in our lives a little differently. Because they’re not just pets. They’re individuals—with personalities, opinions, and a way of changing us. Every animal really is a character. www.michellelerner.net www.furrealpodcast.com ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakyle fb@Mark A Kyle tik tok@thefurrealpodcast The Lofty Pigeon (hardcover) (: https://shop.loftypigeonbooks.com/item/XpwwXuCxn2eR2i2mqqH27w Porter Square Books (hardcover): https://portersquarebooks.com/book/9781610887069 Barnes and Noble (hardcover and ebook): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-series-of-opinionated-animals-michelle-lerner/1148790979?ean=9781610887069 Amazon (hardcover and Kindle): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1610887069 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

This week, Johanna Johnson from CAMP Clinics joins us to talk about the incredible bond between people experiencing homelessness and their pets—and why there is often much more to that relationship than we realize. CAMP Clinics provides veterinary care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness, helping with vaccinations, preventative care, and other medical needs. And that care can have an impact far beyond the animal. By making sure pets are vaccinated and have the necessary records, CAMP Clinics can help remove one of the barriers that may prevent someone from moving into housing with their pet. Johanna gives us a different perspective on what it means when we see someone experiencing homelessness with an animal by their side. That pet may be family, companionship, protection, and sometimes the one constant they have in their life. It’s a great conversation about pets, people, homelessness, and awareness—and why sometimes we need to see both ends of the leash. www.campclinics.org www.furrealpodcast.com ig@campclinics_ ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakyle fb@ Companion Animal Medical Project-Camp fb@Mark A Kyle tik tok@thefurrealpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Manta rays are enormous, graceful, and unlike just about anything else in the ocean. But behind those huge wings is something even more surprising—a remarkably big brain. This week, Mark is joined by Dr. Guy Stevens, one of the world’s leading manta ray experts and co-founder of the Manta Trust, to explore what makes these ocean giants so extraordinary. From their intelligence and complex social lives to their incredible migrations and curious encounters with humans, manta rays are proving there’s a lot more going on beneath those wings than we ever imagined. Guy takes us into the world of mantas—how researchers identify individual rays, what we’re learning about the way they think and interact, why they gather at cleaning stations, and what it’s actually like to be in the water alongside one of these massive animals. We’ll also look at the threats manta rays face around the world and the work being done to understand and protect them. Huge wings. Bigger brains. And one seriously fascinating fish. www.mantatrust.org www.furrealpodcast.com ig@mantatrust ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakyle fb@ Manra Trust fb@ Mark A Kyle tik tok@mantatrust tik tok@thefurrealpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Tarantulas have a reputation for being big, hairy, and downright terrifying—but how much of what we think we know about them is actually true? This week, Mark is joined by Dr. Chris Hamilton , tarantula researcher and evolutionary biologist, to get beyond the fangs and the fear and discover what makes these incredible spiders so fascinating. Chris takes us inside the world of tarantulas—from how they hunt and defend themselves to their surprising behaviors, incredible diversity, and why these giant spiders may be far less dangerous than their reputation suggests. We’ll also find out what it’s like to search for tarantulas in the wild, why scientists are still discovering new species, and why Chris believes these misunderstood animals deserve a little more appreciation—and a lot less fear. And we’ve got a special guest before we go! Chris’s son Coy joins us at the end of the episode—and delivers what just might be one of the best jokes we’ve had on the show yet. You’ll definitely want to stick around for this one! “TARANTULAS! Big, Hairy and Surprisingly Nice!” takes a closer look at one of the animal kingdom’s most feared creatures—and might just have you seeing tarantulas very differently. www.thehamiltonlab.gitub.io/hamilton-lab www.furrealpodcast.com ig@8legs2fangs ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakyle fb@markakyle tik tok@thefurrealpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

When your pet has an emergency, panic can set in fast. What should you do first? What happens when you arrive at the ER? And how do veterinarians decide which animal gets treated first? Dr. Garret Pachtinger, a board-certified veterinary emergency and critical care specialist, joins Mark to take some of the fear and uncertainty out of one of the most stressful moments a pet parent can face. From recognizing a true emergency and knowing when to head to the ER, to understanding triage, wait times, costs, and what’s happening behind those closed doors, Garret gives pet owners an inside look at emergency veterinary medicine. They also talk about how a little preparation before an emergency happens can make a huge difference when every minute counts—and how new technology, including Garret’s work with Tether, is helping veterinarians communicate, learn, and provide better care. Because when something happens to the animal you love, you may still be scared—but you don’t have to be unprepared. www.furrealpodcast.com www.vetgirlontherun.com www.tether.pet www.openvet.ai ig@ thefurrealpodcast ig@markakyle fb@Mark A Kyle tik tok@thefurrealpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

How smart can a parrot really be? Dr. Irene Pepperberg spent decades answering that question with the help of one remarkable African grey parrot named Alex. Alex didn’t just mimic words. He learned to identify colors, shapes, numbers and objects, understood concepts like same and different, and showed abilities that challenged what scientists thought they knew about animal intelligence. In this episode, Dr. Pepperberg shares the incredible story of Alex, their groundbreaking work together, and how one very special bird helped change the way we think about the minds of animals. Funny, fascinating and sometimes deeply touching, this is the story of a parrot who proved that being called a “bird brain” might actually be a compliment. www.furrealpodcast.com ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakyle fb@ Mark A Kyle tik tok@ thefurrealpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

What do Pablo Escobar, Colombia, and hippos have in common? More than you might think. From their incredible size and surprising behaviors to the unusual story of how they became one of Colombia's most controversial wild animals, hippos are full of surprises. In this episode, Mark sits down with Dr. Rebecca Lewison , professor of biology at San Diego State University and one of the leading experts studying Colombia's hippos. Together, they explore what makes hippos one of Africa's most fascinating—and dangerous—animals before diving into the remarkable story of how Pablo Escobar's four imported hippos grew into a thriving wild population in Colombia. They discuss the impact these animals are having on native ecosystems and the difficult decisions scientists and governments face in managing their future. Are the "cocaine hippos" simply a bizarre legacy of a notorious drug lord, or have they become something far more complicated? Be sure to stay through the very end, where our Special Guest Comedians , Payton and Naomi Lewis , each share a fun animal joke that's sure to leave you smiling. www.hippos.org www.iucn.org www.fauna-flora.org www.pbs.org www.furrealpodcast.org ig@iucn_official ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakyle fb@ iucn.org fb@Mark A Kyle tik tok@ The Fur Real Podcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

What do you get when you combine a duck’s bill, a beaver-like tail, webbed feet, venomous spurs, egg-laying, and the ability to detect electricity? You get one of the most unusual animals on Earth—the platypus. In this episode, Mark talks with Australian platypus researcher Dr. Tahneal Hawke about the remarkable biology, behavior, and conservation of this one-of-a-kind mammal. They explore how platypuses hunt underwater with their eyes, ears, and nostrils closed, why males carry venomous spurs, and how an egg-laying mammal became one of evolution’s greatest surprises. Dr. Hawke also shares what it is like studying these elusive animals in the wild, the threats they face from habitat loss, drought, and changing waterways, and what researchers are learning about how to protect them. Funny, fascinating, and packed with “wait...what?” moments, this episode proves that when it comes to the platypus, nature clearly decided the usual rules did not apply. www.unsw.edu.au/research/platypus-conservation-intiative www.furrealpodcast.com ig@platypus_ci ig@tahneal ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakyle fb@ PLatypus Conservation Iniative fb@Mark A Kyle tik tok @thefurrealpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

What happens when you combine curious kids, amazing farm animals, and a passion for agriculture? You get Super Smart Farming , a unique podcast from Lancaster Farming that's inspiring the next generation of farmers, animal lovers, and lifelong learners. In this episode, Mark sits down with Candice Wierzbowsky and Eric Hurlock , the creative team behind Super Smart Farming , to talk about how they're making agriculture fun and accessible for children. From cows, pigs, chickens, sheep, and goats to the science and technology shaping modern farms, they share how hands-on experiences with animals can spark curiosity that lasts a lifetime. Candice and Eric also discuss why it's so important for young people to understand where their food comes from, how farmers care for their animals, and the role innovation plays in producing food sustainably. Whether a child grows up on a farm or in the middle of a city, connecting with animals can teach responsibility, compassion, problem-solving, and an appreciation for the people who help feed the world. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, animal lover, or simply curious about the future of farming, this is an inspiring conversation about education, stewardship, and the incredible bond between kids and the animals that help shape their world. www.lancasterfarming.com www.furrealpodcast.com ig@lancasterfarming ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakyle fb@Lancaster Farmning fb@ Mark A Kyle tik tok@ Lancaster Farming tik tok@ The Fur Real Podcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

War leaves behind more than shattered buildings and displaced families. It also leaves countless animals frightened, injured, abandoned, and fighting to survive. In this special episode, I travel to Ukraine to meet the extraordinary team from ARK Animal Rescue Ukraine on the frontlines of one of the world's most dangerous humanitarian crises. Joined by Yaryna Vintoniuk and Helen Donets , I witness firsthand what it takes to rescue animals from active war zones, provide emergency medical care, reunite pets with their families, and offer hope when hope is often in short supply. What makes ARK's story even more remarkable is where it began. Before the war, they were simply a group of friends united by their love of animals, helping whenever and wherever they could. Today, that grassroots effort has grown into one of Ukraine's largest animal rescue organizations, employing more than 120 dedicated staff , operating their own veterinary clinic, caring for more than 1,000 rescued dogs , nearly 200 cats , and responding to rescue calls from some of the most dangerous areas of the country. From heartbreaking rescues to incredible stories of resilience, this conversation reveals the courage of the people who refuse to leave animals behind. It's a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, compassion endures—and that saving one life can make all the difference. www.animalrescuekharkiv.org www.furrealpodcast.com ig@animal.rescue.kharkiv ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakyle fb@ Animal Rescue Kharkiv fb@ Mark A Kyle tik tok@animalrescuekharkiv tik tok@thefurrealpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Some animals spend their lives in places that seem impossible to survive. Clinging to sheer cliffs, navigating narrow ledges, and scaling near-vertical mountainsides, these remarkable creatures have evolved to thrive where one wrong step could mean the difference between life and death. In this episode, Dr. Marco Festa-Bianchet, one of the world's leading experts on mountain wildlife, shares insights from decades of research studying these incredible animals. From their astonishing agility and survival strategies to the challenges they face from predators, harsh environments, and a changing climate, you'll discover what it really takes to live life on the edge. The conversation also explores one of the most influential discoveries in wildlife biology: how trophy hunting that selectively targets males with the largest horns can shape future generations. Dr. Festa-Bianchet explains the science behind horn size, evolution, and conservation, offering a fascinating look at how human decisions can have lasting effects on wild populations. It's a captivating conversation about resilience, adaptation, and the delicate balance between nature and human influence—one that will change the way you see the animals that make the world's steepest mountains their home. www.labofestabianchet.weebly.com/recherche.html www.furrealpodcast.com ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakyle fb@markakyle tik tok@thefurrealpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Most people think lions are Africa's greatest hunters—but what if they're not? This week, Mark sits down with wildlife conservationist Greg Rasmussen to uncover the remarkable story of Africa's painted dogs, one of the continent's most successful—and most endangered—predators. With decades spent studying and protecting these incredible animals, Greg shares what makes them such extraordinary hunters and why they deserve far more attention than they receive. But this conversation goes beyond the hunt. Painted dogs thrive because of trust, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to the pack. Their success isn't built on strength alone—it's built on cooperation, communication, and putting the group ahead of the individual. In many ways, they offer a powerful reminder that humans still have a lot to learn from the natural world. Join us as we explore one of Africa's most fascinating species and discover why the painted dog may just be the greatest hunter you've never truly known. www.painteddogresearch.org www.furrealpodcast.com ig@ painted_dog_conservation ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakyle fb@painted dog research trust fb@ Mark A Kyle tik tok@ thefurrealpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Flying fish soar above the ocean. Elephant seals dive to extraordinary depths. At first glance, they couldn't be more different. This week, we sit down with marine biologists Dr. Eric Lewallen and Dr. Carolina Bonin , two scientists whose research intersects in unexpected ways. Eric shares the remarkable adaptations that allow flying fish to glide hundreds of feet above the ocean, while Carolina reveals what elephant seals can teach us through cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) research—including how tiny traces of DNA left behind in seawater are helping scientists better understand marine ecosystems. The conversation also explores surprising discoveries about elephant seal genetics, including evidence suggesting there is little to no sign of inbreeding despite their dramatic population bottleneck. Together, Eric and Carolina discuss how their different areas of expertise complement one another, what collaboration looks like in modern marine science, and how new technologies are transforming the way we study and protect wildlife. From flying fish to elephant seals, this episode is a fascinating look at how two scientists—and two extraordinary species—are connected by a shared passion for understanding our oceans. https://bonincarolina.wixsite.com/mammel www.furrealpodcast.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-lewallen-0bb0b352 https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=1Vbusj4AAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate ig@furrealpodcast ig@markakyle fb@markakyle tik tok@thefurrealpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Cute. Fluffy. Nut-obsessed. That's the squirrel story we all know... right? Not so fast. This week, we sit down with Dr. Sonja Wild, a behavioral ecologist and postdoctoral researcher at UC Davis , whose work explores how animals adapt and thrive in a changing world. Her recent research helped uncover something that stunned even seasoned scientists: California ground squirrels hunting and eating voles. In this fascinating conversation, Dr. Wild shares how her team documented this never-before-described behavior, what it reveals about squirrel intelligence and adaptability, and why there's still so much to learn about some of the animals we think we know best. After this episode, you'll never look at the squirrels in your backyard the same way again. https://sites.google.com/view/sonjawild/home www.furrealpodcast.com ig@s_wild_photography ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakyle fb@ Mark A Kyle you tube @sonjawild @thefurrealpodcast tik tok @thefurrealpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

What can a sand-swimming lizard, a cockroach sprinting across rough terrain, and a centipede teach us about the next generation of robots? In this episode,we sit down with physicist and roboticist Daniel Goldman to explore the fascinating world of robophysics —the science of using animals to uncover the fundamental principles of movement. From sandfish lizards that "swim" beneath desert dunes to multi-legged robots designed for search-and-rescue missions, Goldman's research reveals how nature's solutions can inspire machines capable of navigating some of the world's most challenging environments. Along the way, you'll discover how studying animal locomotion has led to breakthroughs in robotics, why failure is often the key to understanding movement, and how insights from creatures that have evolved over millions of years may help engineers build smarter, more adaptable robots for the future. Whether you're fascinated by animals, engineering, physics, or the intersection of all three, this conversation offers a remarkable look at how nature continues to shape innovation. www.crablab.gatech.edu www.groundcontrolrobotics. com www.furrealpodcast.com ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakyle fb@markakyle tik tok@thefurrealpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

For decades, starfish were among the most common and recognizable animals along many coastlines. Then, seemingly overnight, millions began to disappear. In this episode, Dr. Ian Hewson takes us inside one of the largest wildlife disease events ever documented in the ocean: the Great Starfish Die-Off. We explore the mysterious outbreak known as Sea Star Wasting Disease, what scientists have learned about its causes, and why the loss of these remarkable creatures has ripple effects throughout entire marine ecosystems. From the biology that allows starfish to regenerate lost limbs to their critical role as keystone predators, Dr. Hewson explains why these animals are far more important than most people realize. We also discuss the challenges of studying disease in the ocean, how environmental changes can influence marine health, and what scientists are still trying to uncover about this ongoing mystery. The conversation also turns to Dr. Hewson's current work investigating disease outbreaks in sea urchins—another group of marine animals facing significant challenges in ecosystems around the world. By studying these events, researchers hope to better understand how diseases spread through ocean environments and what they can tell us about the future health of our seas. It's a fascinating look at one of the ocean's greatest mysteries—and a reminder that the health of the ocean often depends on creatures we rarely stop to notice. www.team-acquatic-virus.com www.furrealpodcast.com ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakyle fb@ Markakyle tiktok @ The Fur Real Podcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

What makes the praying mantis one of the most fascinating predators on Earth? In this episode, Lohit Garikipati joins Mark A. Kyle to explore the strange, beautiful, and sometimes terrifying world of praying mantises. From lightning-fast attacks and incredible camouflage to their almost “alien” appearance and ability to track movement with precision, these insects are among nature’s most efficient hunters. Lohit shares how mantises evolved into masters of ambush, the surprising intelligence and behaviors they display, and why they continue to captivate scientists, photographers, and insect lovers around the world. The conversation also dives into mantis myths, their unique vision, their role in ecosystems, and what most people completely misunderstand about these remarkable creatures. Tiny, mysterious, and deadly effective, the praying mantis may be one of the closest things we have to an alien life form right here on Earth. ig@ mantodeology ig@ thefurrealpodcast ig@ markakyle fb@ lohit garikipati fb mantodeology fb@ Mark A Kyle tik tok@ mantodeology See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

In this episode, Mark sits down with Dr. Heather Berst of Zoetis to discuss Breed Explorer — a tool designed to help people find the right pet for their lifestyle, personality, living situation, and activity level. Not every pet is the right fit for every home, and this conversation explores why making the right match matters for both humans and dogs. Apartment dwellers, active outdoor families, first-time pet owners, seniors with limited mobility, and people with large yards all have very different needs — and pets do too. Heather explains how Breed Explorer helps guide potential owners toward breeds that better fit their daily lives, energy levels, and long-term expectations. The episode also dives into breed-specific health concerns, behavioral tendencies, exercise requirements, and what owners should know at different stages of a pet’s life. Whether you’re thinking about getting your first pet or looking for the right companion for your current lifestyle, this episode offers practical insight into building healthier, happier, and more successful relationships between pets and humans. www.zoetispetcare.com www.furrealpodcast.com FB @Zoetis Petcare FB @Mark A Kyle ig @Zoetispetcare ig @thefurrealpodcast ig @markakyle tik tok @zoetispetcare tik tok @thefurrealpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Blair Braverman is a musher, adventurer, and celebrated author who has found her greatest teachers on four legs. From long distant racing treks including the Iditarod across 1,000 miles of Alaskan wilderness to the quiet moments between a musher and her dogs, Blair's life is a masterclass in love, resilience, and what it means to keep moving forward. In this conversation, we explore the personalities of her dogs, the brutal beauty of life on the trail, and the profound wisdom that only a pack of sled dogs can teach you. She's a woman with an old soul — and her dogs have much to do with it. ig@ blair_braverman ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@ markakyle fb@ Balir Braverman fb@ Mark A Kyle tik tok @blairbraverman tik tok @thefurrealpodcast www.furrealpodcast.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-to-carry-what-to-burn/id1896260781 https://www.amazon.com/Dogs-Trail-Year-Blair-Braverman/dp/0063066262 https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/magazine/sled-dogs-pack-racing-mushing.html See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Heather Gibson of Big Hearted Breeders joins for a thoughtful conversation that challenges the idea that it has to be adopt or shop . From ethical breeding to rescue, we explore how both paths can coexist when the focus stays where it belongs: on the dogs. We also dive into the powerful role dogs play in our lives—how they support, heal, and connect us in ways that go far beyond companionship. At the end of the day, it’s not about sides—it’s about doing right by dogs and the people who love them. Ig@ bigheartedbreeders Ig@ thefurrealpodcast ig@markakyle fb@ Big Hearted Breeders fb@ Mark A Kyle tik tok@ Big Hearted Breeders tik tok @The Fur Real Podcast www.bigheartedbreeders.com www.furrealpodcast.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .