Barking Mad Podcast

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:

1. Beyond Bad Breath: Why Oral Hygiene Is Vital for Pets
2. Beyond 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):

1. 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/
2. 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!

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

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

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

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

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

One toss of the toy changed everything for Adriane and Mike Wang and their “firstborn son.” In this heartwarming episode, you’ll meet the couple behind the internet’s favorite Corgi duo: Dash & Lili. Recorded live from the floor of SUPERZOO 2025, this episode takes you behind the camera to reveal their real story behind their virality online, why the Wangs are so selective about brand partnerships, and what they’ve learned about truth in pet food marketing. From grading poop (yes, really) to spotlighting shelters in need, this conversation is a celebration of authenticity, compassion, and the bond we share with our beloved animal companions.

Helpful Links

#️⃣ Follow Dash & Lili on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

🎧 Tune in to our other episodes from the SUPERZOO 2025 show floor:

• 🎟️ Beyond the Brands: Your Backstage Pass to SUPERZOO 2025
• 💡 Small Brands, Big Impact: Emerging Brands & Innovations from 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!

Show Notes

00:20 – Inside the Episode

01:11 – Meet Adriane and Mike Wang, Pet-Parents of Dash & Lili

04:05 – Getting Dash

06:05 – The Viral Moment That Started It All

07:32 – Adding to the Family

12:17 – Choosing Partnerships with Purpose

13:43 – The Truth About Pet Food Marketing

14:55 – Spotlighting Shelters in Need

18:49 – Real-Life Lesson from Pet Parenthood

23:17 – The Truth Is in the… Poop?

24:35 – Today’s Key Takeaways

Every Halloween, black cats, bats, and spiders take center stage as symbols of all things spooky—but how did these animals earn their eerie reputations, and which creatures deserve a little more Halloween spotlight? In this Barking Mad Halloween special, hosts Jordan Tyler and Dr. Stephanie Clark are joined by David Perez and Kait Wright to unravel the myths, folklore, and surprising facts behind nature’s creepiest (and most misunderstood) species. From toads with hallucinogenic toxins to beetles that bury the dead, discover how science, superstition, and pop culture turned these seemingly ordinary animals into Halloween legends.

Helpful Links

🎃 Learn more about:

• Why are Bats, Owls, Toads, and Crows Associated with Halloween? (National Wildlife Federation)
• Why Black Cats Are Associated With Halloween and Bad Luck (History)
• The Sydney funnel-web spider (The Australian Museum)
• Daddy long-legs—an Opiliones, not a spider! (The University of California-Riverside)
• Truth & Myth: Crows & Ravens in The Game of Thrones (AvesNoir)
• Huginn and Muninn: The Backstory of Odin's Ravens (Birds of Valhalla)
• Horned Lizards, AKA Horned Toads (University of Texas at Austin)
• Animals that are sanguivores (Animalia)
• Death’s-head hawkmoth (Butterfly Conservation)
• The American burying beetle (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)
• Ticks (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Tardigrades (LiveScience by Future US)

🦇 Find the full blog post, “Nine animals begging for more Halloween representation.”

Show Notes

00:20 – Inside the Episode

02:27 – Spooky Cinema: Animals in Horror

04:43 – Halloween’s Most Iconic Animals

05:47 – The Black Cat’s Curse and Comeback

07:26 – Toads, Witches, and Ancient Symbolism

09:32 – Debunking Spider Myths

15:02 – Bats, Vampires, and the Birth of Dracula

16:32 – Draculin and Other Bloody Facts

17:15 – Ravens, Crows, and Ominous Intelligence

20:00 – Owls: From Omens of Death to Symbols of Wisdom

22:41 – Halloween’s Most Underrated Creeps

23:15 – Centipedes: The Nightmare Pest You Shouldn’t Kill

24:46 – The Death’s-Head Hawkmoth Has a Screaming Sweet Tooth

26:45 – The Burying Beetle: A True Gothic Homemaker

28:24 – Ticks: Nature’s True Vampires

32:03 – Creepy Reptiles and Lizard Legends

36:44 – Tardigrades: Cute or Creepy?

41:18 – Today’s Key Takeaways—and Happy Halloween!

From chocolate and xylitol to ibuprofen and antidepressants, some of the most dangerous toxins for pets are hiding in plain sight—our kitchens and medicine cabinets. In this episode, hosts Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler wrap up their three-part toxicities series with insights from Dr. Katy Miller, DVM, Dr. Tina Wismer of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, and Dr. Renee Schmid of Pet Poison Helpline. Join us as we uncover the everyday foods, supplements, and medications that can turn deadly for pets and share practical prevention tips every pet parent should know. 

Helpful Links

🎧 Check out our other two episodes about:

• Fragrance-related pet toxicities: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/scented-suspects-pet-safety-in-a-fragrant-world
• Risky cleaning products, houseplants, and lawn and garden care items for pets: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/the-dirty-truth-pet-safety-hazards-hiding-in-your-homes-and-gardens

🌐 Learn more about:

• ASPCA Pet Poison Control: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control
• Pet Poison Helpline: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/

☎️ ASPCA Pet Poison Control Phone Number: (888) 426-4435

☎️ Pet Poison Helpline Phone Number: (855) 764-7661

☣️ The Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2024: https://www.aspca.org/news/official-top-10-toxins-2024 

Show Notes

00:20 – Inside the Episode

02:52 – Introducing Today’s Experts

03:32 – Common Food Toxicities in Pets

05:33 – Marijuana, Rodenticides, and Vitamin D3

10:20 – Xylitol: The Sugar-Free Killer

12:29 – Where Xylitol Hides

13:52 – The Surprising Dangers of Onions and Garlic

16:42 – More Hidden Food Threats

22:27 – From Pantry to Pharmacy

26:54 – When Antidepressants Attract Cats

29:25 – Flavored Veterinary Medications: Too Tasty for Their Own Good?

30:29 – Lethal Prescriptions and Topicals

31:23 – Medication Safety 101

33:56 – Today’s Key Takeaways

You’ve scrubbed the counters, mopped the floors, watered the plants, and stepped back to admire your hard work. But beneath that picture-perfect glow lurks a lineup of silent offenders: cleaners, fertilizers, and even houseplants that could turn your pet’s safe haven into a danger zone. In this second installment of Barking Mad’s Toxicity Trilogy, we investigate the hidden hazards in our homes, from corrosive cleaning products to deadly lilies and lawn care items. Featuring insights from animal toxicology experts, join us as we investigate how to keep our homes clean, our lawns green, and our pets healthy.

Helpful Links

🎧 Check out our first episode about fragrance-related pet toxicities: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/scented-suspects-pet-safety-in-a-fragrant-world

🌐 Learn more about:

• ASPCA Pet Poison Control: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control
• Pet Poison Helpline: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
• Skout’s Honor: https://www.skoutshonor.com/

ASPCA Pet Poison Control Phone Number: (888) 426-4435

Pet Poison Helpline Phone Number: (855) 764-7661

🪴 Read more about household plants that are toxic to pets: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

☣️ The Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2024: https://www.aspca.org/news/official-top-10-toxins-2024

📋 Find a searchable list of poisonous household products from the ASPCA here, and a comprehensive pet poison list from Pet Poison Helpline here.

Show Notes

00:20 – Inside the Episode

02:26 – Introducing Today’s Experts

03:28 – Household Cleaning Products: The Hidden Offenders

07:31 – Beware of Cationic Detergents Around Cats!

08:22 – Alcohols, VOCs, and Safer Formulations

13:22 – A Warning for Bird Owners

14:22 – Houseplants: Beautiful but Deadly

20:20 – Beyond Lilies: More Plants to Avoid

22:01 – Outdoor Risks: Lawn and Garden Care Suspects

26:23 – Herbicides and Ice Melts: What’s Actually Safe?

28:57 – Flea & Tick Products: Made to Kill, but Safe for Pets?

36:30 – The Industry’s Role in Developing Safe Pet Products

37:01 – Today’s Key Takeaways