The Fur Real Podcast with Mark A Kyle

Latest Episodes:

"BIG HEARTED: Better Dogs, Better Lives" with Heather Gibson May 05, 2026

Show notes

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.

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"HeroRATS: A Nose for Danger" with Cristophe Cox Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

What if the most powerful weapon against landmines and disease weighed less than three pounds and ran on banana rewards? Meet the HeroRATs.

This week, Mark sits down with Christophe Cox — CEO and co-founder of APOPO — to tell the remarkable story of how a wild idea born in Belgium became one of the most innovative humanitarian organizations on the planet. From the organization's scrappy origins to deploying specially trained African giant pouched rats across minefields in Cambodia, Angola, and Mozambique, Christophe shares what it really takes to clear land that's been terrorizing communities for decades.

But landmines are just the beginning. These extraordinary animals are also sniffing out tuberculosis in clinics across Africa — catching cases that traditional testing misses — and now being trained for search and rescue and wildlife trafficking detection.

It's inspiring, it's eye-opening, and yes, it will make you see rats in a completely different light.

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"MORE YEARS, BETTER LIVES; INSIDE PET LONGEVITY" with Dr. Kevin Toman Apr 21, 2026

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What if your pet could live not just longer—but better?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kevin Toman, a veterinarian focused on longevity and proactive care, to explore what it really takes to extend the life—and quality of life—of our animals. From nutrition and early prevention to emerging science and overlooked habits, this conversation breaks down how small, intentional changes can have a massive impact over time.

We dive into the difference between lifespan and healthspan, the biggest mistakes pet owners make without realizing it, and what the future of veterinary medicine could look like as longevity becomes the new frontier.

Whether you have a young pet or a senior companion, this episode offers practical insights and eye-opening perspectives on how to give them more healthy years by your side.

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"HYENAS: SPOTTED AND MISUNDERSTOOD" with Dr. Kay Holekamp Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

Spotted hyenas are often cast as villains—scavengers with eerie laughs and ruthless reputations. But the truth is far more fascinating.

In this episode, Dr. Kay Holekamp, one of the world’s leading experts on spotted hyenas, breaks down the science, behavior, and social complexity of one of Africa’s most misunderstood predators. From their powerful matriarchal societies to their intelligence, hunting skills, and unique vocalizations, hyenas challenge almost everything we think we know about them.

We dive into the myths vs. reality, what their “laugh” actually means, and why they play a critical role in maintaining balance in the wild. Dr. Holekamp also shares insights from decades of field research, offering a rare look into hyena clans and their intricate social lives.

This is a story about perception, science, and giving one of nature’s most unfairly judged animals the respect it deserves.

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Helpful link

www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-b5Ue7V-DM

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"MORE THAN JUST A BUNNY" with Paige Parsons Apr 07, 2026

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Rabbits are often seen as simple, low-maintenance pets—but the truth is far more complex. In this episode, Paige Parsons of Rabbit.org joins the conversation to share what it really means to care for these intelligent, sensitive animals.

From the surprising depth of their personalities to the level of commitment they require, this episode explores why rabbits are so often misunderstood. We also dive into the seasonal surge in rabbit adoptions and the difficult reality many face when that initial excitement fades.

It’s a conversation that balances both sides—highlighting rabbits as incredible companions, while addressing the responsibility that comes with bringing one home.

If you’ve ever thought about getting a rabbit—or already have one—this episode will change the way you see them.

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Basica Care Guide https://rabbit.org/care/how-to-care-for-a-pet-rabbit-a-primer/

Rabbits and Children https://rabbit.org/care/rabbits-and-children-kids-baby/

Local US Rescues https://rabbit.org/rescue/rabbit-rescue-groups/

Rabbit Bahavior https://rabbit.org/behavior/reading-your-rabbits-behavior/

Diet Guite https://rabbit.org/care/food-diet/

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"ELITE POLICE AND MILITARY K9 TRAINER SINEAD IMBARO" Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, I sit down with Sinead Imbaro, a highly experienced K9 trainer and canine search specialist with over two decades of work in detection, tracking, and search and rescue.

Sinead shares her journey working alongside elite dogs in some of the most demanding environments—from disaster response to high-level operational deployments. At the center of it all is K9 Magnus Ares, a remarkable working dog whose skill, discipline, and drive represent the very best of what these teams can achieve.

We explore what it really takes to train and handle a working dog at this level, the intense bond between handler and K9, and the realities—both physical and emotional—of life in the field.

This episode offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the dedication, precision, and trust that define these extraordinary canine teams.

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https://www.newyorker.com/news/dispatch/sifting-silently-through-surfsides-rubble

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"SXSW Live: MONARCHS, FLAMINGOS & GORILLAS" with Turk Pipkin Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

Live from SoHo House Austin during SXSW, this conversation with filmmaker and author Turk Pipkin explores the wild through a deeply human lens. From the vibrant ecosystems of flamingos to the extraordinary migration of monarch butterflies and the powerful presence of mountain gorillas, Turk shares stories from behind the camera and across the globe.

Through his films, he captures not just animals, but the environments, people, and moments that connect us all. This live recording offers a rare look into the storytelling, challenges, and purpose behind documenting some of the world’s most remarkable species.

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"EMANCIPET: CARE FOR EVERY PET" with Dr. Virginia Mule' Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Virginia Mule' to discuss the mission behind Emancipet and its groundbreaking work to make veterinary care accessible and affordable for more pets and families.

Millions of pets across the United States go without basic veterinary care each year, not because their families don’t love them—but because the cost of care can be out of reach. Emancipet is tackling this challenge head-on by rethinking how veterinary services can be delivered, offering affordable clinics and innovative solutions that help keep pets healthy and with the families who love them.

Dr. Mule' shares how Emancipet’s model is expanding access to veterinary care, the challenges facing pet owners and veterinarians today, and why affordable care is one of the most important issues in modern animal welfare.

This episode explores how compassion, innovation, and community partnerships are helping reshape the future of veterinary medicine—and ensuring that more pets receive the care they deserve.

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"THE DOG AGING PROJECT: Unlocking the secrets of canine longevity" with Dr. Brynn Franks Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

Why do dogs age so much faster than we do—and can science change that?

The Dog Aging Project is one of the most ambitious studies ever conducted on canine health and longevity. By following tens of thousands of dogs across the United States, researchers are uncovering how genetics, environment, diet, and lifestyle influence how our dogs age.

Dr. Brynn Franks joins the conversation to explore what scientists are learning about the biology of aging in dogs, why some dogs live longer and healthier lives than others, and how this research could transform veterinary medicine in the future.

But the project is about more than science. Because dogs share our homes, our habits, and even many of our diseases, studying their lives may also help unlock clues about human aging.

What are the biggest factors that shape how dogs age?

Can interventions extend a dog’s healthy lifespan?

And what might our dogs teach us about longevity itself?

This episode explores the fascinating science behind aging—and how our closest animal companions may help reveal the secrets of living longer, healthier lives.

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"ANIMALS IN THE MIDDLE AGES: CARE, HEALING AND BELIEF" with Kathleen Walker-Meikle Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

What did it mean to care for an animal in the Middle Ages?

Long before modern veterinary medicine, medieval people developed detailed systems for healing horses, hounds, livestock, and even household pets. Treatments ranged from practical wound care and herbal remedies to bloodletting, lunar timing, and deeply held spiritual beliefs about the body.

Medieval historian Kathleen Walker-Meikle explores how animals were understood, valued, and treated in a world where science, faith, folklore, and lived experience were inseparable. From war horses essential to power and survival, to beloved companion animals inside the home, care was not just medical — it was cultural.

How did people decide when to treat an animal?

What role did astrology and religion play?

Were medieval healers more sophisticated than we assume?

This episode uncovers a surprisingly complex world of animal medicine — where healing meant far more than technique, and where belief shaped the care animals received.

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Books:

Kathleen Walker-Meikle, Medieval Pets (Boydell and Brewer, 2012; paperback 2019)

Ibid, Dogs in Medieval Manuscripts (London: British Library Publications, 2020)

Ibid, Cats in Medieval Manuscripts (London: British Library Publications, 2019)

Ibid, The Horse Book: Horses of Historical Distinction (London: Bloomsbury, 2017);

Ibid, The Cat Book: Cats of Historical Distinction (London: Bloomsbury, 2015)

Ibid, The Dog Book: Dogs of Historical Distinction (London: Bloomsbury, 2014)

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