For decades, starfish were among the most common and recognizable animals along many coastlines. Then, seemingly overnight, millions began to disappear.

In this episode, Dr. Ian Hewson takes us inside one of the largest wildlife disease events ever documented in the ocean: the Great Starfish Die-Off. We explore the mysterious outbreak known as Sea Star Wasting Disease, what scientists have learned about its causes, and why the loss of these remarkable creatures has ripple effects throughout entire marine ecosystems.

From the biology that allows starfish to regenerate lost limbs to their critical role as keystone predators, Dr. Hewson explains why these animals are far more important than most people realize. We also discuss the challenges of studying disease in the ocean, how environmental changes can influence marine health, and what scientists are still trying to uncover about this ongoing mystery.

The conversation also turns to Dr. Hewson's current work investigating disease outbreaks in sea urchins—another group of marine animals facing significant challenges in ecosystems around the world. By studying these events, researchers hope to better understand how diseases spread through ocean environments and what they can tell us about the future health of our seas.

It's a fascinating look at one of the ocean's greatest mysteries—and a reminder that the health of the ocean often depends on creatures we rarely stop to notice.

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What makes the praying mantis one of the most fascinating predators on Earth? In this episode, Lohit Garikipati joins Mark A. Kyle to explore the strange, beautiful, and sometimes terrifying world of praying mantises. From lightning-fast attacks and incredible camouflage to their almost “alien” appearance and ability to track movement with precision, these insects are among nature’s most efficient hunters.

Lohit shares how mantises evolved into masters of ambush, the surprising intelligence and behaviors they display, and why they continue to captivate scientists, photographers, and insect lovers around the world. The conversation also dives into mantis myths, their unique vision, their role in ecosystems, and what most people completely misunderstand about these remarkable creatures.

Tiny, mysterious, and deadly effective, the praying mantis may be one of the closest things we have to an alien life form right here on Earth.

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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 pet for their lifestyle, personality, living situation, and activity level.

Not every pet 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 pet owners, seniors with limited mobility, and people with large yards all have very different needs — and pets 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 pet’s life. Whether you’re thinking about getting your first pet or looking for the right companion for your current lifestyle, this episode offers practical insight into building healthier, happier, and more successful relationships between pets 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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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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