The Fur Real Podcast with Mark A Kyle

What began as playful Super Bowl counter-programming has grown into one of the most successful adoption platforms in television history. Now in its 22nd year, the Puppy Bowl has helped prove that joy, storytelling, and animal rescue can coexist — and work.
In this episode, we go inside the Puppy Bowl with Dan Schachner, the longtime “Rufferee” who has been part of the event’s evolution into a cultural phenomenon. Dan shares how the Puppy Bowl actually comes together behind the scenes, how puppies are selected from shelters and rescues, and why adoption has always been the true goal.
A remarkable 100% of the dogs featured on the Puppy Bowl have been adopted, and Dan opens up about what that impact really looks like — from unforgettable on-set moments to the quieter success stories viewers never see. We also talk about what’s new this year, the growing focus on senior and special-needs dogs, and how fostering and adoption have shaped Dan’s own life.
It’s funny, heartfelt, and a reminder that sometimes the most joyful things on TV can also change lives.
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Snow leopards are among the most elusive animals on Earth—so rarely seen they’re known as the ghosts of the mountains.
In this episode, Mark is joined by Dr. Koustubh Sharma, a leading snow leopard researcher, to explore the hidden world of these remarkable big cats and the fragile high-altitude ecosystems they call home.
Dr. Sharma takes listeners deep into the remote mountain ranges of Central and South Asia, explaining how snow leopards survive in extreme environments, why studying them is so difficult, and how cutting-edge science is helping researchers track and protect a species that spends most of its life unseen. The conversation also examines the delicate balance between snow leopards and the human communities who share their habitat—and why conservation success depends on protecting both.
Equal parts science, storytelling, and awe, this episode reveals why snow leopards matter far beyond the mountains—and what their survival tells us about the health of some of the world’s most important ecosystems.
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Dogs experience the world through scent in ways humans can barely imagine.
In this episode, I sit down with Maria Ikenberry, founder of Eyes Ears Nose and Paws, to explore how specially trained dogs use their extraordinary noses—and their training—to support people with medical needs. We talk about how dogs can alert to seizures and other medical events through scent, as well as how they’re trained to provide practical assistance, such as retrieving phones or keys when someone is unable to do so.
We also dive into a lesser-known but deeply meaningful part of this work: the role of incarcerated trainers who help prepare these dogs for service. It’s a powerful story of second chances at both ends of the leash (ABEL) —where dogs find purpose through meaningful work, and people find responsibility, dignity, and hope through training them.
From the science of scent to the life-changing impact of medical assistance dogs, this conversation reveals why a dog’s nose remains one of the most remarkable tools we have—and how its influence reaches far beyond the dogs themselves.
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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 illegal gillnet fishing, and the high-stakes conservation efforts happening right now to prevent the species from disappearing forever.
Dr. Rojas-Bracho also clears up common myths, explains why saving the vaquita is far more complex than it seems, and shares what gives him hope—even when the odds feel overwhelming.
This is a powerful, emotional look at conservation under pressure, the unintended consequences of human activity, and why the fate of one small marine mammal matters far beyond the sea it inhabits.
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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-focused care can fall short, and what a more complete, whole-body approach to healing really looks like.
We dive into nutrition, inflammation, gut health, supplements, diagnostics, and the role pet parents play in advocating for smarter care. This episode isn’t about choosing natural vs. traditional—it’s about understanding how the two can work together to help pets truly thrive.
Whether your pet is dealing with ongoing health challenges or you simply want to be more proactive about their long-term wellness, this conversation offers practical insight, clarity, and a fresh way of thinking about modern veterinary care.
www.thenaturalpetdoctor.com www.furrealpodcast.com
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Links from the episode
Enviromental Working Group https://www.ewg.org/
Skin Deep Database https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
Peptide Blog/Video https://thenaturalpetdoctor.mykajabi.com/blog/peptide-therapy-in-pets
HTMA in Pets https://thenaturalpetdoctor.mykajabi.com/blog/htma-testing-for-pets-the-root-cause-test-that-reveals-hidden-mineral-imbalances
Prospect Pet https://prospectpet.com/
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