Barking Mad

BSM Partners
  • 5.0 (10)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

We’re leaving the fluff at home to bring you no-nonsense commentary, fresh insights, and bold predictions about all things pet care. Whether you’re a pet parent, an industry professional, or a veterinary expert, Barking Mad promises you the conversations you crave from pet experts everywhere. Sponsored by BSM Aperture.

  1. 5D AGO

    The Incredible Philosophy Behind Dr. Pol’s Pet Care Approach

    When the cameras stop rolling, what remains? For the Pol family, the end of “The Incredible Dr. Pol” was a finale, but it was also a beginning. In this episode, hosts Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler sit down with Charles Pol, Dr. Pol’s son and executive producer, and longtime producer Mike Stankevich to explore how the show became the foundation for Docson Brands and the development of Incredi-Pol pet foods. Recorded live from the SUPERZOO 2025 show floor, this candid conversation reveals the philosophy that has always guided Dr. Pol’s work: affordable, accessible, common-sense care for animals and the people who love them. Helpful Links 📺 Explore every season of “The Incredible Dr. Pol” here: https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-659aa216-5a05-4c41-b96b-d4f6ef3e5350 🐶 Learn more about Docson Brands and their portfolio of animal food and care products: https://thedrpol.com/incredi-pol-products/ 📞 Learn more about Dr. Pol’s veterinary triage service, Dr. Pol CARE: https://thedrpol.com/dr-pol-care/?srsltid=AfmBOoprCOgdzz9e9-LLlfV4uQ5v_FCMWUZ_5z8Zh2RkDAKTT5kTIex5 ⚕️ Read more from Mars Veterinary Health’s report, “Tackling the Veterinary Professional Shortage:” https://marsveterinary.com/tackling-the-veterinary-professional-shortage/ 👀 …then, check out the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) clap-back: https://www.avma.org/news/no-dire-shortage-veterinarians-anticipated-coming-years 🐎 More on rural veterinary shortages persisting today: https://www.avma.org/news/usda-announces-plan-address-rural-federal-veterinary-shortages 📈 Get the AVMA’s perspective on rising veterinary costs: https://www.avma.org/blog/avma-shares-insights-rising-veterinary-costs 🔍 Read the “State of the Veterinary Care Industry” from PetSmart Charities & Gallup: https://www.gallup.com/analytics/659123/gallup-petsmart-charities.aspx 🎧 Hear more about the emotional, financial, and systemic challenges facing veterinary professionals today, including unmatched levels of burnout. Show Notes 00:00 – Inside the Episode 01:49 – Meet Charles Pol and Mike Stankevich 03:05 – Behind the Scenes of “The Incredible Dr. Pol” 08:15 – Understanding Dr. Pol’s Ethos 17:17 – Coping with Rising Pet Care Prices 19:36 – Dr. Pol CARE and the State of Veterinary Medicine 27:12 – Rethinking Veterinary Education & Practice 30:06 – An Emergency Vet’s Perspective 37:02 – Balancing Care with Compassion, For Vets and Pets 42:25 – Loving Animals Brings Us Together 44:07 – Today’s Key Takeaways

    47 min

  2. FEB 13

    Love, Lust, and Lunch: Valentine’s Day in the Animal Kingdom

    In this Valentine’s Day special, hosts Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler dive into the wildest, weirdest, and most unexpectedly heartwarming mating rituals in the animal kingdom. From anglerfish that fuse to their partners and octopuses that take “all in” a little too literally to cannibalistic courtships, pebble-gifting penguins, and ride-or-die prairie voles, this episode proves that love in nature runs the full spectrum of swoon-worthy to downright savage. Equal parts biology lesson and comedy hour, it’s a reminder that while romance may look different across species, devotion (and drama) is universal. Stick around for a sweet surprise at the end! Helpful Links 🪳 Learn how you can participate in San Antonio Zoo’s Cry Me A Cockroach Fundraiser: https://sazoo.org/crymeacockroach/ 💡 Read more about the strange mating habits of: 🐟 Anglerfish 🐙 Octopi🙏 Praying mantises🕸️ Nursery web spiders🐡 Pufferfish🐭 Prairie voles🐧 Gentoo penguins 💘 If you’re looking for something to do with your pet this weekend, check out our homemade holiday treat recipes! https://bsmpartners.net/insights/a-holiday-gift-from-bsm-pet-safe-recipes-to-make-spirits-bright/ Show Notes 00:12 – Inside the Episode 01:00 – Cry Me a Cockroach 04:23 – Anglerfish: The Ultimate Stage-Five Clinger 06:31 – Love That Costs an Arm (or a Leg) 08:44 – The Argonaut Octopus: Detachable Devotion 11:01 – Praying Mantises Killer First Dates 13:13 – Gifting with Nursery Web Spiders 15:38 – White-Spotted Puffer Fish Builds Sandcastles for Love 17:32 – Prairie Voles: Monogamy Done Right 19:18 – Pebble Proposals & Loyalty with Gentoo Penguins 24:19 – Key Takeaways 25:07 – An Original Valentine’s Finale

    27 min

  3. FEB 4

    Brushing Up: Why Pet Dental Health Matters More Than You Think

    This National Pet Dental Health Month, we’re sinking our teeth into one of the most overlooked areas of pet wellness: oral health. Hosts Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler are joined by a veterinary dentist and several pet dental health innovators to explore why dental disease goes far beyond doggy breath, breaking down how plaque, tartar, and inflammation can impact the heart, kidneys, and overall health of pets. Learn why toothbrushing is the gold standard, what dental chews and additives can realistically achieve, and how pet parents can build effective routines without aiming for perfection. From myth-busting to practical tips, this episode offers a clear, science-backed look at how small daily habits can protect pets for the long haul. Helpful Links 🦷 Check out this list of pet dental health products that carry the VOHC Seal: https://vohc.org/accepted-products/ ⚕️ Learn more about pet dental health from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pet-dental-care 🪥 Find even more resources on pet dentistry from Dr. Amy “Toothy” Thomson: https://www.toothythomson.ca/ 💡 Open wide for supporting insights from our veterinary experts, Dr. Bradley Quest and Dr. Katy Miller: Beyond Bad Breath: Why Oral Hygiene Is Vital for PetsBeyond Brushing: How Microbiome Science is Reshaping Oral Care for Dogs and Cats 🔬 Read more about clinical studies from Yummy Combs (Pet’s Best Life) and WHIMZEES (Wellness Pet Company): Yummy Combs 🐝 https://petsbestlife.com/abstract-evaluation-of-efficacy-of-reduction-of-calculus-plaque-gingivitis-and-malodor-of-a-daily-honeycomb-shaped-dental-chew-in-dogs/ WHIMZEES 🦔 https://www.dvh.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/WHIMZEES_VOHC.pdf Show Notes 00:00 – Inside the Episode 03:35 – A Whole-Body Health Issue 06:26 – Why Pet Dental Health Matters 10:30 – The Gold Standard: Toothbrushing 15:23 – Beyond Brushing: The Scoop on Dental Chews 26:02 – Don’t Put All Your Plaque in One Basket 29:05 – The VOHC Seal 33:42 – Pet Dental Health Myth-Busting 39:00 – Today’s Key Takeaways 40:23 – This Month’s Challenge!

    42 min

  4. JAN 21

    Luxury, Love, and the Economic Bubbles of Pet Care

    In this episode of Barking Mad, hosts Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler sit down with consumer strategy expert Michael Johnson to unpack the rise of luxury pet products and the humanization of pets through the lens of economics, guilt, and lifestyle signaling. From diamond-studded collars to ultra-premium pet foods, this conversation challenges the assumption that higher prices always equal better care, explores how affordable options are increasingly stigmatized, and asks a critical question facing the industry today: what happens when “doing right by your pet” starts to feel financially out of reach? Helpful Links 💎 Check out Posh Puppy's Jeune Tulipe diamond dog collar: https://www.poshpuppyboutique.com/collections/collars/products/la-jeune-tulipe-diamond-dog-pet-collar-exclusive-to-posh-puppy-boutique 💰 And these other luxurious products for dogs: https://www.lordsandlabradors.co.uk/blogs/journal/the-world-s-most-expensive-luxury-gifts-for-pets?srsltid=AfmBOoroy7at5EVFBfQRYwNMb-bDZpkefEIjZczvozKf8UeNcHSQZ8DB 🤔 Is the humanization of pets truly in their best interest? Michael Johnson asks and answers the hard questions in this article: https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/18800-pets-or-people-the-impact-of-humanizing-pets 📰 Read more about "Petflation: How soaring pet food prices are straining households" (CBS News): https://www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news/petflation-how-soaring-pet-food-prices-are-straining-households/ Show Notes 00:00 – Inside the Episode 01:30 – Now Entering: The Lap of Luxury 03:30 – Judgement, Jealousy, and Perspective 10:30 – Don’t Burst My Economic Bubble! 15:30 – Humanization, Guilt, and Pets as People 18:30 – Premiumization vs Accessibility 22:30 – Can Quality Pet Nutrition Also Be Affordable? 31:30 – Parallels to (Human) Parenting 39:30 – Are We Pricing People Out of Pet Ownership 43:30 – Today’s Key Takeaways

    49 min

  5. JAN 7

    Paws for Reflection: Lessons from 2025 and What We’re Unleashing Next

    As we forge full speed ahead into 2026, the Barking Mad team takes a moment to reflect on the conversations that shaped 2025 and what they revealed about pets, pet ownership, and the industry at large. From standout episodes and unexpected lessons to topics that challenged assumptions and sparked deeper curiosity, this mini episode looks back on what resonated most with listeners and why it mattered. Then, hosts Jordan Tyler and Dr. Stephanie Clark look ahead to 2026, sharing what’s next for the podcast, how the show is evolving, and where they plan to take future conversations. Expect thoughtful takeaways, a few honest laughs, and a clear-eyed look at what’s coming in hot! Helpful Links Check out our top five episodes from 2025! 🎟️ Beyond the Brands: Your Backstage Pass to SUPERZOO 2025 🔮 The Billion-Dollar Deception of DCM: Inside KetoNatural’s Class Action Lawsuit 🪰 Bug Appétit: From Ick to Innovation on Insect-Based Pet Food 💕 Looking for Love: Swiping Right on Sustainable Cat Litter ♻️ Is Recyclable Pet Food Packaging A Lie? Unraveling The Pet Industry’s Plastic Waste Problem Subscribe to Barking Mad on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, or wherever you listen to podcasts. 🎧 And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to keep up with our hot takes, spicy soundbites, and no-nonsense commentary on all things pet care! 🎙️👏 Show Notes 00:00 – Inside the Episode 02:35 – Revisiting Our Top Episodes of 2025 17:00 – Jordan and Dr. Steph’s Favorite Fun Facts 21:36 – We’re Open to Suggestions! 26:30 – Get Ready for Rufus 32:36 – What Else to Expect in 2026 33:30 – Key Takeaways and Stay Tuned! 34:18 – Very Serious Bloopers

    37 min

  6. 12/24/2025

    Have Yourself a Barking Mad Holiday!

    The holidays are here, and Barking Mad is leaning all the way into the cozy chaos. In this special seasonal episode, we explore the weird, wonderful, and unexpectedly fascinating ways animals show up in holiday traditions around the world, from reindeer with surprisingly complex biology to the ominous legend of Iceland’s Yule Cat, and plenty of pet-parent realities in between. Join us as we unpack curious animal facts, folklore, and festive science, and share more than a few laughs about what the holidays really look like when pets are involved. Wishing you and yours a very Barking Mad holiday! Helpful Links 👁️ Learn more about the magical color-changing eyes of reindeer: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/colour-in-collection-reindeer-eye.html 🦛 Hear more about Gayla Peevey’s hippo-fueled success here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REd9wHlF_oQ 🐱 Read more about the Icelandic Yule Cat, or Jólakötturinn: https://www.npr.org/2023/12/23/1221454825/youve-heard-of-santa-maybe-even-krampus-but-what-about-the-child-eating-yule-cat 👹 Learn more about Krampus, “the original bad Santa:” https://www.history.com/articles/krampus-christmas-legend-origin 🐶 Read more about dogs’ double coats and how, ironically, they help keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/double-coated-dog-breeds/ 🎁 Check out BSM Partners’ Holiday Pet Gift Guide! https://bsmpartners.net/insights/the-bsm-partners-holiday-pet-gift-guide-innovations-insights-and-must-haves/ Show Notes 00:00 – Inside the Episode 00:14 – Holiday Greetings from Jordan & Dr. Steph 01:18 – Cozy Fires, Family Traditions, and Pet Gift Rituals 05:42 – Reindeer Are Cool! 08:53 – Color-Changing Eyes and the Science Behind Rudolph’s Nose 13:11 – Winter Survival Strategies Across the Animal Kingdom 15:51 – Double-Coated Dogs: Warm in Winter, Cool in Summer 20:31 – The 12 Days of Christmas: Why Birds? 27:29 – A Hippopotamus? For Christmas?! 33:50 – Beware the Icelandic Yule Cat 37:50 – Cats & Christmas Trees: A Holiday Classic 42:50 – “Hygge” and The Science Behind Coziness 48:50 – Wrapping Up a Very Barking Mad Holiday

    51 min

  7. 12/10/2025

    Candid Conversations from the SUPERZOO Show Floor: Cutting Through the Noise with Disruptor Clayton Payne

    Live from the SUPERZOO 2025 show floor, we sit down with Clayton Payne, the unapologetic disruptor behind one of the world’s most downloaded pet industry podcasts, Pet Business Disruptors. Join us as we unravel what real innovation looks like in today’s pet care landscape, explore why staying close to everyday pet owners matters more than any trend report, and share how pet owners can spot products that genuinely solve problems for you and your pets. Whether you’re overwhelmed by labels, confused by claims, or simply want to make smarter choices for your pets, this episode delivers clarity, personality, and a refreshing dose of real talk. Helpful Links Tune in to the Pet Business Disruptors podcast here! 🎧 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pet-business-disruptors/id1759599442 Hear more candid conversations from the SUPERZOO 2025 show floor: 🎟️ Beyond the Brands: Your Backstage Pass to SUPERZOO 2025🐶 Candid Conversations from the SUPERZOO Show Floor: Real Talk with Daniel Schulof🏬 Candid Conversations from the SUPERZOO Show Floor: Celebrating Neighborhood Pet Store Day!💡 Small Brands, Big Impact: Emerging Brands & Innovations from SUPERZOO 2025📸 Corgis Gone Viral: Meet Dash & Lili, the Internet’s Favorite Dog Duo Show Notes 00:00 – Inside the Episode 01:12 – Introducing Clayton Payne and Pet Business Disruptors 05:30 – How and Why Small Brands Pivot Faster Than Industry Giants 09:07 – A Brief History of Pet Food Trends 11:54 – The Influence of Social Media on Innovation 16:47 – Why Brands Lose Consumers via Claim Overload 21:37 – United Kingdom vs United States on Pet Industry Innovation 24:02 – Meet Clayton’s Five (Yes, Five!) Dogs 25:33 – Today’s Key Takeaways

    27 min

  8. 11/26/2025

    Out of the Doghouse: The Truth About Pet Food’s Most-Hated Ingredients

    You might worry when you see ingredients like salt, cellulose, gums, or artificial flavors on a pet food label, but most of these so-called villains are actually essential for food safety, nutrition, taste, and preservation. In this episode, we sit down with food scientist Dr. Abbey Thiel to unpack how these ingredients work, why they’ve been unfairly vilified, and why we should reconsider our stance against them. From the truth behind “sawdust in kibble” to the science of palatants, we break down the myths that fuel fear-based marketing. You’ll learn what matters, what doesn’t, and how to read ingredient lists with confidence. Helpful Links 🔗 Check out Abbey Thiel’s YouTube channel, her candy science coloring book for kids, and connect with her on LinkedIn here. 🪲 Learn more about the bugs hiding in our everyday food items! https://bsmpartners.net/insights/creepy-crawly-cuisine-when-banning-synthetics-comes-with-tradeoffs/ 🎧 Hear more from Pete Stirling of Skout’s Honor and other toxicity experts about common household items that could cause trouble for your pets: 🕯️ Scented Suspects: Pet Safety in a Fragrant World⚠️ The Dirty Truth: Pet Safety Hazards Hiding in Your Homes and Gardens🍫 Your Dog Ate What?! A Pet Parent’s Guide to Hidden Hazards in the Kitchen and Medicine Cabinet Show Notes 00:24 – Inside the Episode 01:13 – How Human Food Trends Shape Fears About Pet Food 05:05 – Cellulose Explained 11:20 – Salt’s Real Jobs: Health, Preservation, and Safety 19:51 – Palatants, Flavors, and Why Pets Need Them 23:38 – Natural vs. Artificial: The Environmental and Safety Trade-Off 29:10 – The Truth About Gums and Thickeners 37:21 – How Fear-Based Marketing Fuels Ingredient Myths 46:46 – Today’s Key Takeaways

    48 min
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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

We’re leaving the fluff at home to bring you no-nonsense commentary, fresh insights, and bold predictions about all things pet care. Whether you’re a pet parent, an industry professional, or a veterinary expert, Barking Mad promises you the conversations you crave from pet experts everywhere. Sponsored by BSM Aperture.

Information

  • Creator
    BSM Partners
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    77
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 BSM Partners
  • Show Website
    Barking Mad