Let's Get Fur-Real

In this conversation with French photographer Sophie Gamand, we discuss her transformative "Pit Bull Flower Power" series, how she overcame her fear of dogs, and her unique perspective on the relationship between dogs and humans.    

On this episode, we speak with Nicole Forsyth, President of RedRover, an organization that helps animals rescued from disasters or neglect, domestic violence victims seeking safety with their pets, and animals with life-threatening illnesses. We discuss the important work they are doing and how they were able to adapt during the COVID-19 crisis to meet the needs of so many.

Wendi McLendon-Covey is an actress and lover of all things feline. On this episode, she talks about her six cats, her podcast, Generation Ripe, and playing the sassy, feathered hair matriarch known as Beverly Goldberg on The Goldbergs. 

This week, we chat with Brian Taylor aka The Dogfather of Harlem. He is the owner of the Harlem Doggie Day Spa and to date he has groomed over 6,000 dogs. On this podcast, we discuss how these trying times have inspired him to create the Pandemic Pup Relief Tour, where he will visit cities across the United States with other Black groomers to offer free grooming services to people in need.

CBD for pets is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. But what are the benefits for cats versus dogs, and where's the best place to get the right stuff? On this episode, we talk with esteemed vet and CBD advocate Dr. Gary Richter, on everything we need to know to benefit our four legged besties.

Is your pet chonky... or obese? Yes, we're taking on a weighty issue this week. To talk about this, we called Dr. Ernie Ward, an internationally recognized veterinarian known for his work in the areas pet obesity and nutrition, life extension and longevity and the founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. On this episode, we discuss what breeds are more likely to pack on the pounds, when it's time to get your pet to the vet, and deciphering when the chonk becomes just too much.

This week Susan talks with best selling writer Francesco Marciuliano, author of the best selling book I Could Pee on This and Other Poems by Cats, about the cats and dogs in his life and work, Charlie Sheen as poetic insPURRation, and his love of satirist Dororthy Parker.   Purchase Francesco Marciuliano's books here Francesco Marciuliano's Instagram:@fmarciuliano Francesco Marciuliano's Facebook: Francesco Marciuliano  To connect with us, click here. Created by Susan Michals, and produced by Avishay Artsy and Roxanna Dunlop. Artwork by Abigail Michals.

Ben Moon, photographer and author, shares his story of Denali, his dog of fourteen years, the strength of their human/animal bond, and overcoming colon cancer with his four-legged best friend by his side.    Purchase Ben Moon's book here Ben Moon's Instagram:@ben_moon Ben Moon's website: benmoon.com Nonprofits Mentioned:  My Way Home Dog Rescue: mywayhomedogrescue.org Pawsitive Change Program: https://www.marleysmutts.org/pawsitivechange/ To connect with us, click HERE. Sponsored by World's Best Cat Litter.  Created by Susan Michals, and produced by Avishay Artsy and Roxanna Dunlop. Artwork by Abigail Michals.  

Four billion people, or half the world's population, are still on stay at home orders. Our pets are beyond excited to have us home 24/7 - or are they? Learn what it means to move through your work day while keeping your pet happy with Dr. J.J. Rawlinson from Annenberg PetSpace, how Steven Ray Morris of My Favorite Murder and The Purrrcast is handling working from home with his cat, and find out about a hilarious new Instagram account chronicling our dogs' new work spaces, Dogs Working from Home. To connect with us, click HERE. Sponsored by World's Best Cat Litter.  Created by Susan Michals, and produced by Avishay Artsy and Roxanna Dunlop. Artwork by Abigail Michals.    

We are at a pivotal moment in our lifetimes, with Covid-19 sweeping across the planet, and we must look at things differently, as each day passes. Our beloved pets might not fully understand what we're going through, but they can feel it, sense it, and smell it. Dr. Marty Becker, known as “America's Vet” and the founder of Fear Free, walks us through how animals can help us cope in times of crisis, and what we can learn from them to better understand them, and ourselves.  To connect with us, click HERE. Sponsored by World's Best Cat Litter.  Created by Susan Michals, and produced by Avishay Artsy and Roxanna Dunlop. Artwork by Abigail Michals.

Do you share your life with a four legged friend? Do you feel happier, and maybe even healthier because of them? I'm Susan Michals, cat and dog owner, and host of Let's Get Fur-Real, a new podcast all about cats, dogs, and their roles in our lives and in our culture. I've spent a good portion of my life as a journalist, and I'm also the founder of the two biggest events in the world celebrating our kitty friends and pop culture, CatCon, and Cat Art Show. You'll hear information like the comfort of animals in times of crisis; debunking pet myths, large and small; and even historical anecdotes about famous pets and their owners. And all along the way, you'll hear amazing stories - sometimes hilarious, and always touching - from passionate animal lovers just like you!