In this episode, Mark sits down with Dr. Heather Berst of Zoetis to discuss Breed Explorer — a tool designed to help people find the right dog for their lifestyle, personality, living situation, and activity level.

Not every dog is the right fit for every home, and this conversation explores why making the right match matters for both humans and dogs. Apartment dwellers, active outdoor families, first-time dog owners, seniors with limited mobility, and people with large yards all have very different needs — and dogs do too. Heather explains how Breed Explorer helps guide potential owners toward breeds that better fit their daily lives, energy levels, and long-term expectations.

The episode also dives into breed-specific health concerns, behavioral tendencies, exercise requirements, and what owners should know at different stages of a dog’s life. Whether you’re thinking about getting your first dog or looking for the right companion for your current lifestyle, this episode offers practical insight into building healthier, happier, and more successful relationships between dogs and humans.

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Blair Braverman is a musher, adventurer, and celebrated author who has found her greatest teachers on four legs. From long distant racing treks including the Iditarod across 1,000 miles of Alaskan wilderness to the quiet moments between a musher and her dogs, Blair's life is a masterclass in love, resilience, and what it means to keep moving forward. In this conversation, we explore the personalities of her dogs, the brutal beauty of life on the trail, and the profound wisdom that only a pack of sled dogs can teach you. She's a woman with an old soul — and her dogs have much to do with it.

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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-to-carry-what-to-burn/id1896260781

https://www.amazon.com/Dogs-Trail-Year-Blair-Braverman/dp/0063066262

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/magazine/sled-dogs-pack-racing-mushing.html

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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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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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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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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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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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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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