The Fur Real Podcast with Mark A Kyle

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 keep the boat afloat, and the surprising ways tourists and locals alike are touched by this floating feline family.From meows on the water to tails of second chances, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the most magical rescues happen where you least expect them—like on a houseboat full of whiskers. 🐱⚓www.furrealpodcast.comwww.depoezenboot.nlig@De Poezenboot ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakylefb@Dr Poezenboot fb@ Mark A Kyletiktok @depoezenboot tiktok @The Fur Real PodcastFor donations click the link belowWith you support we are able to help a lot of cats. https://www.ing.nl/payreq/m/?trxid=w3KA8qCGpRcEQhTXwocrcf5GmvkPO85ZSpeical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!!Special thanks to Jake Olson jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing and to our supporters:www.prepvet.com Stem cells for pets

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-edge conservation, it’s a sparkling journey into the lives of these magical insects—and a reminder that wonder is just a flash away.www.furrealpodcast.comig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakylefb@Mark A Kye tik tok@ The Fur Real PodcastTED TalkSilent Sparks: The Wondrous World of Fireflies Threads: @silentsparksSpeical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!!Special thanks to Jake Olson jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing and to our supporters:www.prepvet.com Stem cells for pets

Lisa Spector, concert pianist and founder of My Zen Pet and her new venture, Canine Classical. Lisa has devoted her career to creating calming music designed specifically for dogs, blending her virtuoso performance with a passion for canine well-being.In this episode, Lisa shares the science and inspiration behind her work, the journey from concert halls to composing for pets, and the launch of her new company and new album focused on canine relaxation and enrichment. As a special treat, Lisa sits at the piano during the conversation and plays a piece by Chopin—just for the dogs.Discover how classical music can transform your pet’s environment, reduce stress, and strengthen the bond between you and your four-legged companion.www.canineclassical.com www.furrealpodcast.comig@myzenpet ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakylefb@ Canine Classical fb@ Mark A Kyletik tok@ Canine Classical tik tok@the fur real podcastListen to samples and streaming here (Chopin for Dogs & Dog Gone Calm) ➡️ https://canineclassical.com/listenNew website ➡️ https://CanineClassical.comFREE Get in Tune With Your Dog Through Music Checklist ➡️ https://CanineClassical.com/InTuneSpeical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!!Special thanks to Jake Olson jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing and to our supporters:www.prepvet.com Stem cells for pets

Pippa Ehrlich, acclaimed director of My Octopus Teacher, Kulu’s Journey, The Pangolin Story, and My Mercury, joins this week’s conversation to share her extraordinary path as a filmmaker and conservation storyteller. She reflects on how her work brings hidden animal lives and fragile ecosystems to the screen while inspiring global audiences to care more deeply about the natural world. Pippa also highlights the mission of the Sea Change Project, which connects people to the ocean through immersive storytelling and champions the urgent protection of South Africa’s Great African Seaforest. And her journey continues...www.furrealpodcast.com www.seachangeproject.comig@the_rewilding ig@seachangeproject ig@markakyle ig@thefurrealpodcastfb@ Pippa Ehrilich fb@Sea Change Project fb@Markakyletik tok The Fur Real PodcastSpeical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!!Special thanks to Jake Olson jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing and to our supporters:www.prepvet.com Stem cells for pets

What happens when the jungle becomes a parliament? In this episode, world-renowned primatologist Dr. Shirley Strum takes us deep into the lives of baboons—animals whose complex societies mirror the political games, alliances, and betrayals we see in our own world.From power struggles and unexpected leadership shifts to the surprising role of cooperation, Dr. Strum reveals the hidden “politics” that shape baboon troops in the wild. With over 50 years of groundbreaking field research in Kenya, she brings eye-opening stories and insights that challenge everything you thought you knew about these intelligent and often misunderstood animals.Whether you’re fascinated by animal behavior, human parallels, or simply curious about how nature negotiates power, this episode will keep you hooked from start to finish.www.thefurrealpodcast www.baboonsrus.comfb@markakyle ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakyle tik tok@thefurrealpodcastUASI NGIRO BABOON PROJECTEchos of our origins: baboons, human and naturehttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=echoes+of+our+origins+baboons%2C+humans%2C+and+nature&crid=27PX3CVY2TMHM&sprefix=Echoes+of+Our+Origins%2Caps%2C324&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_21_p13n-pd-dpltr-rankerSpeical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!!Special thanks to Jake Olson jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing and to our supporters:www.prepvet.com Stem cells for pets

They may be tiny, fuzzy, and undeniably adorable — but sugar gliders are far more than just cute faces. In this episode, Alea Holladay, founder of Sugar Glider Guardians, shares the real story behind these fascinating marsupials. From their incredible ability to glide through the air to the challenges of keeping them as pets, Alea reveals what most people don’t know about sugar glider care, behavior, and rescue. She also takes us behind the scenes of “Operation Face Hug,” one of the largest sugar glider rescues ever undertaken, and explains how education and community support are saving gliders from a cycle of neglect. Whether you’re a sugar glider fan or just love animal rescue stories, this conversation will open your eyes to the big world of these little creatures.www.furrealpodcast.com www.sugargliderguardians.comfb@Sugar Glider Guardians fb group@Super Glider Guardians fb@markakyleig@SugarGlidersGuardians ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakyletik tok@thefurrealpodcastSpeical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!!Special thanks to Jake Olson jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing and to our supporters:www.prepvet.com Stem cells for pets

Majestic, powerful, and cloaked in mystery — the Bengal tiger has long captured the imagination of the world. This week, world-renowned wildlife biologist Ullas Karanth takes us deep into the heart of tiger country, sharing his decades of experience studying and protecting these incredible big cats. From the dense jungles of India to the cutting-edge science used to track and conserve tiger populations, Ullas reveals what makes Bengal tigers both fearsome predators and vital symbols of a thriving ecosystem. Along the way, you’ll hear surprising insights about their behavior, the challenges of living alongside them, and what it really takes to ensure their survival for generations to come.www.thefurrealpodcastig@thefurrealpodcass ig@markakylefb@Mark A Kyletik tok@ thefurrealpodcastSpeical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!!Special thanks to Jake Olson jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing and to our supporters:www.prepvet.com Stem cells for pets

This week we head deep into the Florida Everglades with Amy Siewe—also known as The Python Huntress. Armed with a flashlight, unmatched grit, and a deep respect for native ecosystems, Amy is one of the few women licensed to hunt invasive Burmese pythons by hand—and she does it at night, often barefoot.Mark Kyle sits down with Amy to talk about how she went from selling real estate to wrangling some of the largest snakes in the world. They discuss the ecological disaster caused by these apex predators, her record-breaking python catches, and why removing these snakes is critical for protecting Florida’s native wildlife. It’s part conservation, part adrenaline, and fully wild.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to grab a 17-foot python by the tail—or why anyone would want to—this episode is for you.www.pythonhuntress.com www.furrealpodcast.comig@thepythonhuntress ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakylefb@ Python Huntress fb@ Mark A Kyletik tok AmyS @sieweswamp tik tok @ The Fur Real PodcastSpeical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!!Special thanks to Jake Olson jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing and to our supporters:www.prepvet.com Stem cells for pets

This week on The Fur Real Podcast, host Mark A Kyle travels deep into the heart of animal rescue and education with Dave Siddon, Executive Director of Wildlife Images Rehabilitation & Education Center. Founded by Dave’s father, wildlife filmmaker J. David Siddon, Wildlife Images has rescued and rehabilitated thousands of animals while educating generations about the wonders of the wild.From grizzly bears to bald eagles—and even Hollywood film sets—Dave shares fascinating stories about growing up around wild animals, his father’s work with National Geographic and Disney, and how Wildlife Images has become a West Coast treasure for animal lovers. You'll hear about the behind-the-scenes moments of animal rescues, the unexpected challenges of running a sanctuary, and how the organization is evolving to inspire a new generation of wildlife stewards.Whether you’re an animal lover, film buff, or curious conservationist, this episode offers wild stories, real emotion, and powerful insight into what it takes to protect the animals we share this planet with.www.wildlifeimages.org www.furrealpodcast.comig@wildlifeimagesrehabed ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakylefb@ Wildlife Images Rehabilitaion &Education Centerfb@ Mark A Kyle tik tok@ The Fur Real PodcastSpeical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!!Special thanks to Jake Olson jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing and to our supporters:www.prepvet.com Stem cells for pets

They’re misunderstood, mythologized, and often feared — but bats might just be the unsung heroes of our planet. This week, legendary bat expert Merlin Tuttle joins The Fur Real Podcast to set the record straight.From pollinating your favorite foods (yes, even tequila starts with bats) to devouring crop-destroying pests by the billions, bats play a vital role in our ecosystems — and yet, they're constantly under threat.Merlin, founder of Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation and dubbed “the real-life Batman,” shares jaw-dropping facts, wild rescue stories (including a bat in a theater!), and explains why saving bats means saving the planet.We bust the biggest myths (no, they won’t fly into your hair or suck your blood), and uncover the true brilliance of these night-flying marvels.If you love nature, animals, or just want to be blown away by some next-level science, this one’s for you.www.merlintuttle.org www.furrealpodcast.comfb@ Merlin Tuttle Bat Conservtion fb@markakyleig@merlintuttlebats ig@thefurrealpodcast ig@markakyletik tok @merlintuttlebats tik tok @ The Fur Real Podcastall photos with permission @merlintuttle.0rgSpeical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!!Special thanks to Jake Olson jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing and to our supporters:www.prepvet.com Stem cells for pets

This week we journey to the lush hills of Costa Rica, where over a million stray dogs roam the streets—but one woman dared to make a difference. Meet Lya Battle, the remarkable founder of Territorio de Zaguates, also known as Land of the Strays—one of the largest free-range dog sanctuaries in the world. What began with the rescue of a single dog has grown into a 400-acre paradise that now shelters over 1,500 dogs, all free to run, play, and live their best lives. In this powerful and heartwarming episode, Lya shares how a simple act of compassion turned into a movement. We discuss the challenges of caring for thousands of animals, the joy of seeing dogs regain their trust in humans, and how visitors from around the world can hike alongside hundreds of happy pups while supporting the cause. Whether you're a dog lover, animal advocate, or simply someone who loves a story of hope and resilience, this episode will leave you inspired—and maybe even ready to plan your own trip to the Land of the Strays. www.territoriodezaguates.com      www.furrealpodcast.com iig@territorio_de_zaguates     ig@thefurrealpodcast   ig@markakyle fb@ Territorio de Zaguates   fb@ Mark A Kyle tik tok The Fur Real Podcast  Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!! Special thanks to Jake Olson  jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing  and to our supporters: www.prepvet.com  Stem cells for pets    

Renowned animal communicator Leslie Cirinesi of I Speak to Animals joins us this week. Have you ever wondered what your pet is thinking or feeling? Leslie has dedicated her life to bridging the gap between humans and animals, helping people better understand their beloved companions through intuitive communication. In this heartfelt and fascinating episode, Leslie shares how she discovered her unique gift, the incredible stories behind her work, and the powerful connections she’s helped foster between animals and their people. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this conversation just might change the way you look at your furry, feathered, or even scaly friends. Tune in for a deeper look at the emotional lives of animals—and the humans who love them. www.furrealpodcast.com    www.ispeaktoanimals.com ig@thefurrealpodcast    ig@markakyle   ig@ispeaktoanimals  fb@mark a kyle      fb@I Speak To Animals tik tok @The FurReal Podcast Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!! Special thanks to Jake Olson  jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing  and to our supporters: www.prepvet.com  Stem cells for pets      

Imagine navigating the world without sight. In this inspiring episode, Christine Benninger, President and CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), joins us to share how one rescued German Shepherd named Blondie sparked a movement in 1942 to help WWII veterans—and how that mission has evolved into the largest guide dog organization in North America. With over 16,000 guide dog teams graduated, GDB continues to transform lives through the incredible bond between dogs and their human partners. Christine walks us through the organization’s history, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the groundbreaking work they’re doing today. As GDB says, “Everyone deserves to move through the world safely.” This episode will open your eyes to the life-changing role of these extraordinary dogs. www.guidedogs.com               www.furrealpodcast.com ig @gdb_official      ig @thefurrealpodcast     ig@markakyle fb @ Guide Dogs for the Blind         fb @ Mark A Kyle tik tok @gdb_official        tik tok @thefurrealpodcast  Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!! Special thanks to Jake Olson  jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing  and to our supporters: www.prepvet.com  Stem cells for pets

Silver Linings for Senior Dogs – The Rescue Ranch Giving Aging Pups a Second Chance Every cloud has a silver lining—and for senior dogs in Bend, Oregon, that silver lining is Silver Linings Rescue Ranch. Founded by Erica Psaltis, this heartwarming sanctuary is dedicated to giving older dogs the love, dignity, and second chance they so deeply deserve. After adopting a senior dog herself, Erica discovered just how much joy, wisdom, and companionship these “seasoned souls” bring. That experience led her to create a safe haven for older dogs—especially those left behind when their owners pass away or can no longer care for them. Located in the heart of Dog Town USA (yes, that’s a real nickname for pet-loving Bend!), Silver Linings Rescue Ranch is more than just a place—it’s a movement. In a city known for its iconic dog parade and dog-friendly culture, Erica is filling a gap in rescue work, focusing on dogs who are too often overlooked because of their age. This episode is a touching tribute to the power of second chances, the magic of senior dogs, and one woman’s mission to make sure every dog’s golden years truly shine. Grab a tissue—and maybe your own senior pup—and listen in. This one will warm your heart. www.furrealpodcast.com             www.silverliningsrescueranch.org ig@thefurrealpodcast     ig@markakyle         ig@silver.linngs.rescue.ranch fb@mark a kyle             fb@Silver Linings Rescue Ranch   tik tok @ The Fur Real Podcast Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!! Special thanks to Jake Olson  jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing  and to our supporters: www.prepvet.com  Stem cells for pets    

A Donkey to Thousands: of Equines... The Wild Ride of All Seated in a Barn What began as a mission to save a single donkey quickly turned into something much bigger—a full-blown equine sanctuary rescuing thousands. In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, we sit down with Tahlia Fischer, the unstoppable founder of All Seated in a Barn. With grit, passion, and a whole lot of heart, Tahlia turned a simple act of kindness into a movement. This is more than a rescue story—it's proof that when you follow your heart and refuse to quit, anything is possible. Saddle up for an emotional and uplifting trail ride through Tahlia’s journey... one that proves you never quite know where its going to take you.. www.furrealpodcast.com       www.allseatedinabarn.com fb@Markakyle      fb@AllSeatedinaBarn ig@thefurrealpodcast   ig@markakyle   ig@allseatedinabarn tik tok @thefurrealpodcast       tik tok@allseatedinabarn Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!! Special thanks to Jake Olson  jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing  and to our supporters: www.prepvet.com  Stem cells for pets

Meet Professor Bryan Fry – Venom Scientist, Komodo Dragon Expert, and All-Around Adventure Seeker When your guest has an adrenaline molecule tattooed on his neck, you know you're in for a wild ride — and this episode absolutely delivers. Professor Bryan Fry is one of the world’s leading experts on venom and Komodo dragons, and in this episode of The Fur Real Podcast, he breaks down the fascinating science behind what venom actually is (spoiler: it’s not just poison!), how it evolves depending on a species’ environment, and why the Komodo dragon’s bite is way more complex — and deadly — than you might think. We explore how animals use venom not just for defense, but also for hunting, survival, and even communication. From snakes to sea creatures to the legendary Komodo dragon, Professor Fry shares jaw-dropping stories from his fieldwork that will make you see these creatures in a whole new light. 🧬 If you're a science lover, an animal enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys a great story told by a guy who’s been bitten, stung, and still keeps chasing the next discovery — this is the episode for you. www.furrealppdcast.com ig@thefurrealpodcast.com     ig@markakyle fb@The Fur Real Pocast  fb@Mark A Kyle Article links Fry BG, Wroe S, Teeuwisse W, van Osch MJP, Moreno K, Ingle J, McHenry C, Ferrara T, Clausen P, Scheib H, Winter KL, Greisman L, Roelants K, van der Weerd L, Clemente CJ, Giannakis E, Hodgson WC, Luz S, Martelli P, Krishnasamy K, Kochva E, Kwok HF, Scanlon D, Karas J, Citron DM, Goldstein EJC, Mcnaughtan JE, Norman JA (2009) A central role for venom in predation by Varanus komodoensis (Komodo Dragon) and the extinct giant Varanus (Megalania) prisca. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science 106(22):8969-8974. Goldstein EJC, Tyrrell KL, Citron DM, Cox CR, Recchio IM, Okimoto B, Bryja J, Fry BG (2013) The anaerobic and aerobic bacteriology of the saliva and gingiva from 16 captive komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis): new implications for the “bacteria as venom” model. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 44(2):262-72. Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!! Special thanks to Jake Olson  jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing  and to our supporters: www.prepvet.com  Stem cells for pets

The wonderfully wacky — and surprisingly cuddly — world of skunks with Deborah Cipriani, founder of Skunkhaven! A licensed skunk rescue in the United States, Skunkhaven is more than just a safe haven — it’s a full-on mission to change the way people see these misunderstood animals. Deborah shares how she went from curious pet owner to full-time skunk advocate, building a sanctuary that educates, rescues, and supports skunks and their humans nationwide. You’ll hear the truth about de-scenting, what skunks are really like as pets, and yes — some hilariously adorable skunk stories, too. If you’ve ever thought skunks were just backyard troublemakers, this episode might just change your mind. www.skunkhaven.net                          www.furrealpodcast.com fb Deborah Cipriani         fb The Fur Real Podcast    fb Mark A Kyle ig @thefurrealpodcast       ig @markakyle Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!! Special thanks to Jake Olson  jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing  and to our supporters: www.prepvet.com  Stem cells for pets

Lee Asher......You’ve seen him on social media rescuing animals, transforming lives, and living his dream surrounded by a pack of pups — now hear the story behind the mission. Lee opens up about what inspired him to leave his corporate life behind, how he built a sanctuary (The Asher House) from scratch, and what keeps him going through the chaos (and joy!) of caring for dozens of dogs. From road trips in an RV with his rescue crew to the creation of a permanent haven for animals in need, Lee shares the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that changed him. He also dives into the deeper “why” behind his work, the challenges of staying authentic in the public eye, and what it really means to build a life with purpose. This episode is full of heart, humor, and the kind of real talk that’ll inspire you to chase your passion — even if it’s covered in fur. www.theasherhouse.com              www.furrealpodcast.com ig@theasherhouse          ig@leeasherworld   ig@thefurrealpodcast       ig@markakyle fb@ The Asher House      fb@ Mark A Kyle  tik tok @theasherhouse    @thefurrealpodcast Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!! Special thanks to Jake Olson  jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing  and to our supporters: www.prepvet.com  Stem cells for pets

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 creative talents into finding loving homes for countless dogs. Her stories are too numerous for a single podcast, but we dig into some of her most memorable rescues and the passion that fuels her mission. We also get an exciting sneak peek at a new animal-centered film project she’s developing — you’ll hear about it here before almost anyone else. Tune in for a powerful reminder of how much of a difference one person can make in the lives of animals in need. www.furrealpodcast.com   ig @thefurrealpodcast     ig @markakyle fb @ The Fur Real Podcast    fb @ Mark A Kyle tik tok The Fur Real Podcast ig @katezenna  fb Kate Zenna Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!! Special thanks to Jake Olson  jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing  and to our supporters: www.prepvet.com  Stem cells for pets

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 is actually translucent, their skin is black, and they’re capable of swimming for days across icy waters. But beyond the trivia, this episode dives deep into the urgent challenges they face and what scientists and conservationists are doing to help. Whether you're a polar bear superfan or just polar bear-curious, this episode delivers eye-opening science, expert insights, and a powerful message of hope. www.furrealpodcast.com                        www.polarbearsinternational.org fb @The Fur Real Podcast      fb @Mark A Kyle      fb @polarbearsinternational Ig @thefurrealpodcast     Ig @markakyle    ig@polarbeardsinternational tik tok @The Fur Real Podcast         tik tok @polarbearsinternational You Tube  @ The Fur Real Podcast    You Tube @Polarbearsinternational.org Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!! Special thanks to Jake Olson  jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing  and to our supporters: www.prepvet.com  Stem cells for pets