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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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When you think of cryotherapy, you probably picture a human stepping into a freezing cold chamber — but did you know cryotherapy is now helping horses without the giant ice-box contraptions? This week on The Fur Real Podcast, we dive into the cold, hard facts with Brady Case of Precision Equine Therapy, a pioneer bringing mobile cryotherapy directly to horses (and even their owners!).
Brady breaks down how targeted cryotherapy triggers a powerful physiological response that reduces pain, inflammation, and promotes faster healing — often slashing recovery times in ways that seem almost unbelievable. We talk about the science behind the chill, why cold therapy works so effectively for injuries and maintenance, and how his mobile system makes it easy for horse owners and trainers to integrate cryotherapy into their regular care routines.
Not only is Brady treating horses, but he's also empowering owners, trainers, and barn staff to learn the techniques themselves — creating a ripple effect of better health and recovery in equine communities everywhere.
If you love learning about cutting-edge animal therapies, want to boost your horse’s performance and recovery, or are just curious how a little cold can create such hot results, you won’t want to miss this episode.
www.furrealpodcast.com www.pecryo.com
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What comes to mind when you hear the word Penguin?
Not the Batman villain (though he had some flair)… We’re talking about the real-deal, black-and-white waddlers—like Charlie Chaplin in a tux, just with more feathers and fish breath.
In today’s episode we welcome Professor Richard Reina, a top expert in animal responses to the environment and—get this—a leading authority on the Little Penguin. Also called the Fairy Penguin or the Little Blue Penguin (yep, they’re actually blue), these adorable creatures are the smallest penguins on the planet.
We’re diving beak-first into:
What a “penguin divorce” looks like (spoiler: it’s not as dramatic as Hollywood, but still juicy)
What these tiny tuxedoed swimmers snack on
How they survive in a rapidly changing world
And why they're more fascinating than you'd ever expect
Whether you're a penguin superfan or just here for the animal oddities, this episode is full of fun facts, expert insight, and a whole lot of penguin charm. So grab your fish snacks and get ready to waddle into the wonderful world of the Little Blue Penguin!
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🎬 Ever wonder how they get a bear to drive a golf cart—or a dog to save the day on cue?
In this wildly entertaining episode of Fur Real, we pull back the curtain on the magic behind Hollywood’s most talented animal stars. From Lassie to Flipper, Gentle Ben to the majestic lion in Secondhand Lions, there’s one name behind the scenes who’s helped bring these iconic animal performances to life: Bobbi Colorado.
Bobbi is one of Hollywood’s top Animal Wranglers—a real-life animal whisperer with decades of experience training everything from house pets to exotic creatures for the big screen. She joins us to share jaw-dropping stories from film sets, the incredible patience and creativity it takes to train animal actors, and what it really means to be a wrangler in the wild world of showbiz.
🐾 How do you train a bear to drive a golf cart?
🐾 What’s it like working on set with lions, tigers, and…well, maybe not bears—but close?
🐾 And why might you never look at an animal scene in a movie the same way again?
This episode is packed with behind-the-scenes secrets, unforgettable stories, and a whole lot of animal love. Don’t miss it—it’s truly Fur Real.
www.furrealpodcast.com www.bobbicolorado.com
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You’ve definitely seen their photo — big round eyes, a chubby-cheeked smile, and an almost cartoonishly cute face. But did you know the name of this camera-loving marsupial? Meet the quokka, famously dubbed “The Happiest Animal in the World.”
In this wildly fun episode of Fur Real, host Mark Kyle is joined by Dr. Matthew Hayward, a leading quokka expert, author of Saving Biodiversity, and professor at The University of Newcastle. Together, they dive into the fascinating world of these adorable Australian icons.
From their ancient roots and unique behaviors to the viral sensation of the “quokka selfie,” Dr. Hayward shares incredible insights about these creatures — including why they have so little fear of humans, and what myths we’ve all gotten wrong.
Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or just in it for the cute factor, this episode delivers laughs, learning, and plenty of "aww" moments. You can hear the joy as Mark and Matt geek out over these little legends.
Get ready to fall in love with the quokka — and maybe even start planning your own selfie!
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Saving Biodiversity link https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003587644/saving-biodiversity-matt-hayward
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Coyotes are everywhere—from the open deserts to the heart of major cities—but how much do you really know about them? Are they dangerous? Do they hunt in packs? And why do they have such a legendary reputation, from Native American trickster tales to the relentless Wile E. Coyote?
This week on The Fur Real Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Stanley Gehrt, renowned wildlife ecologist and author of Coyotes Among Us. As the lead researcher of the Cook County Coyote Project, he has spent nearly 25 years studying how these animals thrive in urban environments—including Chicago, where over 6,000 coyotes are quietly living among people… mostly unnoticed.
We bust some of the biggest coyote myths, uncover how these adaptable predators navigate city life, and answer the big question: should we fear them or admire them? Dr. Gehrt brings both science and storytelling to the conversation, making this episode as entertaining as it is eye-opening.
🐾 Hit play and discover the truth about one of North America’s most misunderstood creatures!
https://urbancoyoteresearch.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Coyotes-Among-Us-Citys-Predator/dp/1959411233
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The Cutting Edge of Exotic Animal Medicine
If you love diving deep into the world of veterinary medicine—or even if you don’t think you do—this episode will absolutely blow your mind! Dr. Stephen Divers, a world-renowned specialist in endosurgery, joins The Fur Real Podcast to reveal the incredible advancements happening in minimally invasive surgery for animals.
Endoscopic surgery is revolutionizing the way we treat everything from common ailments to life-threatening conditions in animals, offering a less invasive, faster-healing approach. But wait until you hear just how many species Dr. Divers has worked on—from reptiles and amphibians to some of the most unexpected exotic creatures. You won’t believe the groundbreaking procedures being performed, the technology behind them, and the jaw-dropping stories Dr. Divers shares from the operating room.
This episode is packed with fascinating insights, wild animal cases, and a glimpse into the future of veterinary medicine. Trust us—you’ll never look at surgery the same way again. And, of course, we couldn’t resist one pun: wait until you hear the full scope of what Dr. Divers is doing!
Tune in now for an unforgettable journey into the cutting-edge world of animal healthcare!
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You’ve heard of the Big Bad Wolf, Call of the Wild, and countless other wolf tales… but have you ever heard of Sea Wolves? These extraordinary wolves are unlike any others on Earth.
Joining us today is Dr. Chris Darimont—a professor at the University of Victoria, the Director of Science at the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, and one of the world’s leading experts on Sea Wolves. He’s here to share their fascinating story.
These wild canines roam the remote coastline of British Columbia, living in one of the most stunning and untamed environments on the planet. But here’s what makes them truly unique: over 80% of their diet comes from the ocean! They feast on fish, crabs, seals, and even barnacles, adapting to a marine lifestyle in ways no other wolf species has.
And get this—they don’t just wade in the water; they’re incredible long-distance swimmers, sometimes covering up to 7 miles between islands! Imagine spotting a wolf slicing through the waves like an apex predator of both land and sea.
If you haven’t seen the award-winning documentary Takaya: Lone Wolf, put it on your must-watch list. It tells the unbelievable true story of a lone Sea Wolf who captivated the world with his journey.
Scientists, conservationists, and Indigenous Nations are working together to better understand and protect these wolves. The First Nations have long believed Sea Wolves bring good fortune and prosperity—so by the time you finish this episode, maybe a little luck will come your way too!
Let’s dive into the world of Sea Wolves with Chris Darimont.
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🎶 Singing for the Animals: The Plumes Officiel Story 🎶
What happens when you bring a guitar, a chair, and a song to a field of cows? If you’re Plumes Officiel, you end up with a herd of new fans—literally! It all started when he heard that cows love music, so he decided to test it out on his grandmother’s farm. The moment he started strumming, the cows ran over, snuggled up, and listened intently. That magical moment was just the beginning.
Since then, Plumes Officiel has taken his music on the road, serenading animals in zoos, sanctuaries, and beyond. From lions to lemurs, each creature has its own unique reaction, and the heartwarming stories he shares will leave you in awe. His journey is nothing short of incredible, and by the end of this episode, you’ll be just as enchanted as the animals he sings to.
🐄🎵 Get ready for a musical adventure like no other on Fur Real!
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Tiny but Mighty: The Fascinating World of Chihuahuas
If you've ever had the pleasure of owning a Chihuahua, you already know they’re intelligent, loving, and fiercely loyal—despite their tiny size! But did you know these so-called "rat dogs" have a history that dates back to the Aztecs? Or that royalty once used them as foot warmers?
This week on Fur Real, I’m joined by Linda Hempler, founder of Chi’s Chi’s and Me, to dive into everything Chihuahua. We’ll uncover the origins of the world's smallest dog breed, the meaning behind their name, and why these pint-sized pups are often misunderstood. Linda’s personal journey with Chihuahuas offers eye-opening insights into their care, behavior, and unique charm.
So, whether you’re a proud Chihuahua parent or just curious about these feisty little companions, get ready to learn why the best things truly come in small packages!
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