Podcast

The Fur Real Podcast with Mark A Kyle

Kids & Family, Nature, Pets & Animals, Science

Unleash your curiosity with The Fur Real Podcast—where heartwarming animal stories meet cutting-edge pet technology.

Hosted by Mark A Kyle, Fur Real dives into the fascinating world of animals through inspiring conversations with top veterinarians, animal experts, rescue organizations, and everyday pet lovers. From heroic rescue missions to groundbreaking veterinary innovations, each episode brings you closer to the incredible bond we share with our furry (and sometimes not-so-furry) friends.

Whether it's the latest in pet tech or jaw-dropping stories of animal courage, Fur Real delivers laughter, insight, and inspiration—one remarkable tale at a time. Subscribe now and join us on an unforgettable journey into the lives of animals that touch our hearts and change the world.

Episodes
164
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
1 hr 2 min
On air since
2023
Latest episode
18 hours ago

Episodes

164 episodes, newest first

  1. "COYOTES: Misunderstood or Misbehaving?" with Mark Surls

    Episode 163

    Show notes

    Coyotes have been called sneaky, dangerous, and even villains of the animal kingdom. But are these clever survivors really deserving of their bad reputation?

    On this episode of The Fur Real Podcast, Mark A. Kyle welcomes Mark Surls, wildlife photographer, author, and Colorado & Northern Rockies Coordinator for Project Coyote, to uncover the fascinating world of one of America's most misunderstood animals.

    From their remarkable intelligence and strong family bonds to their incredible ability to adapt and thrive almost anywhere, coyotes are full of surprises. We'll explore their important role in nature, why they've been persecuted for generations, and how humans and coyotes can learn to share the same neighborhoods.

    Are coyotes really troublemakers, or have we simply gotten them all wrong? Tune in and discover a whole new side of America's wild song dogs!

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    57 min
  2. "AFRICAN TERMITES: Tiny Builders, Giant Kingdoms!" with Dr. Rob Pringle

    Episode 162

    Show notes

    Who knew that some of Africa’s most important wildlife conservationists are tiny insects?

    Termites might be small, but their impact on the African savanna is enormous! These remarkable little engineers build towering mounds, create elaborate underground kingdoms, and transform the land around them into fertile oases bursting with life. By bringing nutrients to the surface and enriching the soil, termites help create lush patches of vegetation that attract everything from insects and grazing antelope to elephants and their predators.

    Joining us is Dr. Rob Pringle, a Princeton University ecologist, who reveals how these often-overlooked insects help shape entire ecosystems. We explore their incredible colonies, surprising teamwork, and the fascinating ripple effect their mounds have on the plants and animals that share their world.

    They're not just building homes. They're helping build the African savanna itself!

    Tiny insects. Giant impact. And a fascinating story hiding in plain sight!

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    links:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IcEdyHXEAI

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJGpABrEatc

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRGb9Pq64cU

    https://doi.org/10.1002/ecm.1549

    https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.1000377

    https://www.nature.com/articles/nature20801.epdf?author_access_token=izlKY_Sq277VxEw39zT80NRgN0jAjWel9jnR3ZoTv0Omh6oCd9LJM-J_U261-PDuym-JGXYJ2sRi71pbqyIBf4XZF9_-KvX5IERIU21T_unMUWy8zzeod0F0yOmc7jnL

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    46 min
  3. "ARMADILLOS: FROM PINK FARIES TO GIANTS!" with Dr. Mariella Superina

    Episode 161

    Show notes

    What has a suit of armor, powerful claws, and comes in everything from a tiny pink fairy to a giant weighing more than 100 pounds? An armadillo, of course!

    Here in Texas, we proudly claim the nine-banded armadillo as our official state small mammal, but there's a whole world of these wonderfully weird creatures beyond the Lone Star State!

    This week, we're joined by world-renowned armadillo expert Dr. Mariella Superina to explore the fascinating world of one of nature's most unusual mammals.

    From the mysterious pink fairy armadillo, small enough to fit in your hand, to the enormous giant armadillo with its massive claws, these incredible creatures are full of surprises. Why do they wear armor? Can they really roll into a ball? How do they dig so well? And what makes the Texas armadillo so special?

    We'll uncover their remarkable adaptations, surprising behaviors, and the challenges threatening their survival. Along the way, Dr. Superina shares why these often-overlooked animals deserve far more attention and protection.

    From the backroads of Texas to the wilds of South America, armadillos prove that Mother Nature has one wild imagination!

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    1 hr 17 min
  4. "WATER MOCCASINS: ALL BITE OR ALL HYPE?" with Dr. Ryan McCleary

    Episode 160

    Show notes

    They've got venomous fangs, a fearsome reputation, and a name that sends shivers down your spine. But are water moccasins, also known as cottonmouths, really the aggressive, dangerous snakes we've been led to believe?

    This week, zoologist and snake venom researcher Dr. Ryan McCleary joins us to separate fact from fiction about one of America's most feared and misunderstood snakes.

    Do water moccasins really chase people? How dangerous is their venom? Why do they flash that unmistakable cotton-white mouth? And are they actually looking for a fight, or just trying to defend themselves?

    From their fascinating behavior and surprising hunting abilities to the myths that have fueled their frightening reputation, Dr. McCleary reveals a side of these remarkable reptiles that most people never get to see.

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    Links

    https://www.sarasotamanatee.usf.edu/academics/faculty-listing/dr-ryan-mccleary.aspx

    https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/gopher-tortoise-reclassified-as-critically-endangered-researchers-say/

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    54 min
  5. "HEALTHY PET? KEEP IT THAT WAY!" with Dr. Kendra Pope

    Episode 159

    Show notes

    Your pet may look healthy today—but what can you do to keep them that way?

    About 1 in 4 dogs will develop cancer during their lifetime, and by age 10, the risk climbs to roughly 1 in 2. Cats face cancer and chronic disease too. So instead of waiting until something goes wrong, what if we started thinking about our pets’ health before they get sick?

    This week, Mark talks with Dr. Kendra Pope, a board-certified veterinary oncologist and leading voice in integrative veterinary medicine. She combines conventional medicine with nutrition, lifestyle, and complementary therapies to help pets live longer, healthier lives—and to give pet parents practical ways to be proactive about their health.

    They talk about cancer and chronic disease, what pet parents should be watching for, the role of diet and lifestyle, and the things you can start doing now to support your pet’s long-term health.

    Dr. Pope also shares how her educational courses are helping pet parents better understand their animals’ health and become more informed advocates for their care.

    Because the best time to think about your pet’s health isn’t when they get sick. It’s while they’re healthy.

    Links:

    https://prismpets.krtra.com/t/QLJCxIwYEAlF

    https://prismpets.krtra.com/t/AhIM4vPV9joQ

    www.drkenrdapope.com www.furrealpodcast.com

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    55 min
  6. "WINNIE THE POOH AT 100... MEET THE REAL BEAR" with Lindsay Mattick

    Episode 158

    Show notes

    For 100 years, Winnie-the-Pooh has brought a little magic into all of our lives. But behind the stories, the Hundred Acre Wood and the bear we all know and love was a real bear named Winnie—and she was a girl.

    As Winnie-the-Pooh celebrates his 100th anniversary on October 14, Mark sits down with author Lindsay Mattick, the great-granddaughter of Harry Colebourn, the Canadian soldier and veterinarian who rescued a female black bear cub during World War I and named her Winnie after his hometown of Winnipeg.

    Winnie eventually found a home at the London Zoo, where she became the favorite bear of a little boy named Christopher Robin Milne—and the inspiration for Winnie-the-Pooh.

    Lindsay shares her family’s remarkable connection to Winnie and the true story of the little bear who inspired a character that, a century later, still brings friendship, wonder and a little magic into all of our lives.

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    49 min
  7. "MARMOSETS...THEY'RE CUTE, CHATTY & CLEVER!" with Dr. Cory Miller

    Episode 157

    Show notes

    They’re tiny, ridiculously cute, incredibly social—and they have a lot to say. Marmosets may be some of the smallest monkeys around, but behind those expressive faces is a surprisingly complex world of communication, family life, cooperation and intelligence.

    This week, Mark talks with Dr. Cory Miller, a professor and researcher at the University of California, San Diego, whose work explores how marmosets communicate and interact with one another. Cory and his team are studying their vocal behavior and the brain systems behind it, using these highly social little primates to better understand how communication works—and what it can tell us about our own brains and behavior.

    From their constant chatter and family dynamics to the remarkable ways they listen, respond and learn from one another, marmosets prove there’s a whole lot going on inside those very cute little heads.

    Cute? Absolutely. Chatty? Definitely. Clever? You bet.

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    https://millerlab.ucsd.edu/

    www.https://mcc.ohsu.edu/

    https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-future-of-ai-lies-in-monkeys-not-microchips-c855aad6?st=Rvkig8&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink__;!!Mih3wA!EMfVKy5TJ-aQJl-EtiQObPSKXpvlVC4EhoEtUkDb7IkVhwDDKTJuekLjVKdKH93LBZUpuUUOq9N1K2NK9Lg$

    https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nationalreview.com/2025/12/americas-risky-retreat-in-biomedical-leadership/__;!!Mih3wA!EMfVKy5TJ-aQJl-EtiQObPSKXpvlVC4EhoEtUkDb7IkVhwDDKTJuekLjVKdKH93LBZUpuUUOq9N1RuCxQT4$

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    1 hr 18 min
  8. "EVERY ANIMAL IS A CHARACTER" with author Michelle Lerner

    Episode 156

    Show notes

    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

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    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://bookshop.org/p/books/a-series-of-opinionated-animals-a-memoir-michelle-lerner/72d8810e26bba0e9?ean=9781610887069&bkshp-astro=t

    Amazon (hardcover and Kindle): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1610887069

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    1 hr 17 min
  9. "CAMP CLINICS: SEEING BOTH ENDS OF THE LEASH" with Johannah Johnson

    Episode 155

    Show notes

    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.

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    1 hr 8 min
  10. "MANTA RAYS: Huge Wings, Bigger Brains!" with Dr. Guy Stevens

    Episode 154

    Show notes

    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.

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    1 hr 21 min
  11. "TARANTULAS! Big, Hairly and...Surprisingly Nice!" with Dr. Chris Hamilton

    Episode 153

    Show notes

    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.

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    1 hr 20 min
  12. "PET EMEGENCY: DON'T PANIC!" with Dr. Garret Pachtinger

    Episode 152

    Show notes

    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.

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    www.vetgirlontherun.com www.tether.pet www.openvet.ai

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    1 hr 10 min
  13. "ALEX: BIRD BRAIN? THINK AGAIN!" with Dr. Irene Pepperberg

    Episode 151

    Show notes

    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.

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    1 hr 2 min
  14. Pablo Escobar's "COCAINE HIPPOS" with Dr. Rebecca Lewinson

    Episode 150

    Show notes

    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.

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    58 min
  15. " A Duck?.. A Beaver?.. Nope...A PLATYPUS! with Dr. Tahneal Hawke

    Episode 149

    Show notes

    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.

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    56 min
  16. "FUTURE FARMERS & THEIR BARNYARD BUDDIES" with Candace Wierzbowski and Eric Hurlock

    Episode 148

    Show notes

    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.

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    45 min
  17. ARK: RESCUING ANIMALS OF WAR

    Episode 147

    Show notes

    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.

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    1 hr 50 min
  18. "LIFE ON THE EDGE...LITERALLY" with Dr. Marco Festa-Bianchet

    Episode 146

    Show notes

    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.

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    1 hr 9 min
  19. AFRICA'S PAINTED DOGS ... OUTHUNT LIONS" with Dr. Greg Rasmussen

    Episode 145

    Show notes

    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.

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    1 hr 15 min
  20. "BETWEEN FLYING FISH AND ELEPHANT SEALS" with Dr. Carolina Bonin Lewallen & Dr. Eric Lewallen

    Episode 144

    Show notes

    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

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    58 min

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