Barking Mad Podcast

Hosted by BSM Partners

Business Entrepreneurship Kids Family

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 16, 202623 min

Chew on This: Pet Toy Innovation from Interzoo 2026

What makes a great pet toy? It turns out there’s a lot more to the squeakers, stuffing, and strange shapes than meets the eye. In this episode of Barking Mad , we explore how animal behavior, safety, sustainability, health, and even pop culture are influencing the next generation of pet toy design. Recorded at Interzoo 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany, Jordan Tyler sits down with veteran toy designer Sandra Vartanian of Lelo Designs, Victor Carpio of Inventor Cat, and Brandon Lu of PAWTY Toys to explore three very different approaches to innovation. From designing toys that safely satisfy a dog’s natural instinct to destroy to turning feline dental care into play, these conversations reveal how thoughtful design can make play safer, more enriching, and a whole lot more fun. Show Notes: 🐶Check out BarkBox here: https://bark.co/pages/join-barkbox-fext-ff 🎾 And listen to a previous episode where we sit down with Derek Rippe from BARK: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/superzoo-2026-part-i-the-blood-sweat-and-treats-of-dog-toy-design-with-bark 🦴Take a look at what the team at Lelo Designs is cooking up: https://lelodesigns.com/ 🐕Explore more from Outward Hound here: https://outwardhound.com/ 🦷Learn more about Inventor Cat and their unique approach to cat dental hygiene: https://www.inventorcat.co.uk/ 🎉Check out PAWTY Toys’ fun and trendy designs here: https://pawty.com/ Episode Chapters: 00:00 — The Surprising Science Behind Pet Toys 02:13 — How the Pet Toy Industry Got Started 05:39 — Are Dogs Supposed to Destroy Their Toys? 07:07 — Sustainability & the Future of Toy Design 09:41 — Turning Cat Dental Care Into Play 14:57 — When Pet Toys Meet Pop Culture 19:24 — Designing Toys with More Than One Life 22:37 — Thanks for Listening & See You Next Time!

September 9, 202646 min

August Zoomies: Behind the Curtain with BK Pets & SUPERZOO 2026 Trends

Social media has become a go-to source for pet nutrition advice, but how do you know who to trust? In this episode of Zoomies, Jordan Tyler and Dr. Stephanie Clark sit down with Bryce Francois of BK Pets to talk about his journey from following and promoting unsupported pet nutrition beliefs to questioning the evidence behind it and becoming an outspoken advocate for science-backed information. Bryce shares his experience of publicly changing his mind, the personal and financial consequences of challenging his former community, and why pet parents should verify credentials and be open to changing their minds when evidence evolves. Plus, Jordan and Stephanie recap what caught their attention at SUPERZOO, from a growing focus on digestion and functional products to buzzwords like “longevity” and “vitality,” and weigh in on the latest pet food news and recalls from August. It’s a spicy, fast-paced conversation about misinformation, marketing, and what it really means to make informed choices for our pets. Show Notes 🐶 Check Out the BK Pets On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebkpets/?hl=en On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebkpets On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebkpets ⚖️ Learn More About DOJ’s Civil Complaint against Darwin’s Natural Pet Products: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-files-complaint-stop-washington-firm-manufacturing-and-selling-0 🐾 Read About This Month’s Recalls Fromm Family Foods: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fromm-family-foods-voluntarily-recalls-turkey-pate-wet-food-dogs-and-diner-classic-milos-meatloaf Oma’s Pride: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/updated-omas-pride-voluntarily-recalls-one-lot-woof-complete-canine-chicken-recipe-6-lb-bag-because Years: https://www.years.com/pages/care?srsltid=AfmBOorx8UptZjCpMIoZirDrcP-f2nn7e13nRcZsNjBeXhmxe0hQ1yCZ https://www.petfoodindustry.com/safety-quality/pet-food-recalls/news/15833010/years-recalls-fresh-meals-over-dog-eye-illness 🎧 Listen to Past Episodes of Zoomies here: April 2026: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/april-zoomies-headlines-from-the-world-of-pet May 2026: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/may-zoomies-growing-meat-recalls-and-pet-food-goes-to-court June 2026: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/june-zoomies-boy-kibble-recalls-and-one-nasty-fly July 2026: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/july-zoomies-beagle-backlash-pet-food-lawsuits-and-superzoo-bets Episode Chapters 00:00 — Welcome to August Zoomies 01:01 — Where are You Getting Your Pet Nutrition Info? 02:26 — Introducing Bryce Francois of BK Pets 12:05 — Publicly Changing Your Mind 20:20 — Evaluating Pet Food Claims and Credentials 27:02 — Our SUPERZOO Impressions 36:18 — This Month's Pet Food News and Recalls 45:37 — That’s a Wrap! See You Next Month

August 28, 202637 min

SUPERZOO 2026 Part I: The Blood, Sweat and Treats of Dog Toy Design with BARK

What do birthing cows, treat-dispensing trolls, and character development have in common? They’re all part of the wonderfully weird world of BARK, where making great dog toys requires a surprising mix of creativity, engineering, behavioral science, and best of all, unhinged creativity. Recorded live from the SUPERZOO 2026 show floor, this special episode goes behind the scenes at BARK to explore the creativity, science, and obsession behind some of the brand’s most memorable and joy-inducing products. Show Notes Learn more at https://bark.co/ . Check out BARK’s new Licksters enrichment system: https://bark.co/products/licksters-toy Searching for more? https://bark.co/pages/barkbox-changed-my-life Read more about what went down at SUPERZOO 2026! https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/keywords/429-superzoo (And stay tuned for more episodes from the show floor coming soon!) Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to SUPERZOO 2026 & Meet BARK 01:34 – Bertha the Birthing Cow & BARK’s Weirdest Toys 03:36 – Designing Dog Toys for Two Audiences 07:30 – How BARK Turns Weird Ideas Into Play 10:20 – Licksters, Enrichment & the Future of Dog Toys 14:02 – Where Enrichment and Play Collide 15:28 – Why Dogs Actually Want to Destroy Their Toys 18:01 – The Surprising Science Behind How Dogs Play 22:21 – Inside BARK’s Massive Toy Design Machine 25:35 – Blood, Sweat & Treats: Bringing a New Toy to Life 29:21 – Meet the Weird and Wonderful Characters of BARK 31:50 – Putting Dogs First—and Loving Every Minute of It 32:56 – Pet Parenting Around the World

August 12, 202634 min

July Zoomies: Beagle Backlash, Pet Food Lawsuits & SUPERZOO Bets

The pet world never stays quiet for long. In the July edition of Zoomies, Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler catch up on the headlines making waves across the pet industry, from the ongoing controversy surrounding research beagles and Seattle’s viral raccoon, to a bigger conversation about veterinarians, nutrition education, and where pet parents should turn for specialized nutrition advice. Plus, they break down an unusual Pedigree recall, unpack the latest pet food class action lawsuits and labeling debates, and look ahead to SUPERZOO with a few predictions of their own. From longevity and human-grade claims to stroller-riding pets and colorful creative grooming, tune in for the latest pet industry news, trends, and plenty of fun and fluffy commentary. Show Notes 🦝 Read about Jimothy the Raccoon: https://mashable.com/life/jimothy-raccoon-seattle-internet-reactions 🦮 Could raccoons be headed toward domestication? https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1j8j48e5z2o 💪 Meet the man fighting to legalize pet raccoons: https://www.npr.org/2025/02/25/nx-s1-5302663-e1/kansas-man-wants-the-state-to-legalize-raccoons-as-pets 🥩 Learn more about vets and pet nutrition: https://www.petfoodindustry.com/blogs-columns/adventures-in-pet-food/blog/15830346/vets-and-mds-share-lack-of-nutrition-knowledge https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/personal-professional-development/breaking-the-barriers-to-positive-in-clinic-nutrition-conversations/ ⚠️ Get the scoop on the Pedigree recall: https://www.petage.com/mars-petcare-issues-recall-of-pedigree-dog-food-due-to-potential-fraudulent-distribution-of-product/ ⚖️ Explore the most recent class action lawsuits 🐶 YöPup: https://www.classaction.org/news/ypup-frozen-yogurt-cups-contain-no-yogurt-class-action-lawsuit-says 🛒 Target: https://www.classaction.org/news/target-lawsuit-claims-natural-kindfull-dog-and-cat-foods-contain-synthetic-ingredients-artificial-preservatives Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Barking Mad 01:02 – Beagle Controversy, Boycotts & a Viral Raccoon 05:24 – Do Veterinarians Get Enough Nutrition Training? 11:33 – An Unusual Pet Food Recall 14:16 – Even More Class Action Lawsuits 20:22 – Gearing Up for SUPERZOO 2026 26:06 – Betting on the Biggest Pet Industry Trends 29:11 – SUPERZOO Wild Cards: Animals, Outfits & Show Floor Bets 33:57 – Wrapping Up and What’s to Come

July 29, 202641 min

A Pet Parent’s Guide to Greenwashing

Everywhere you look, pet food brands are promising to be eco-friendly , responsibly sourced , or better for the planet . But what do those claims actually mean, and how can pet parents separate meaningful sustainability efforts from clever marketing? Hosts Jordan Tyler and Dr. Stephanie Clark are joined by Allison Reser Hamburger of the Pet Sustainability Coalition and Paul Shapiro, CEO of The Better Meat Co., to unpack why sustainability feels so complicated. Together, they explore the tradeoffs behind ingredient sourcing, packaging, alternative proteins, and more while debunking common misconceptions about sustainability in pet food. Show Notes 🌐 Check out additional resources from: Pet Sustainability Coalition: https://petsustainability.org/ Better Meat Co.: https://www.bmcingredients.com/ 🌱 Learn more about Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): https://ecochain.com/blog/life-cycle-assessment-lca-guide/ 👚👕 Read more about greenwashing in the fashion industry: https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CM-License-to-greenwash-online-reports-layout-final.pdf 🍔 ...and across the food industry: https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Feeding-us-Greenwash-final.pdf 🔍 Did you know you can access pet food ingredient definitions online? Peep Chapter 6 of the AAFCO Official Publication, which carries nutritional standards for dogs and cats in the United States: https://www.aafco.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2025_OP_Chapter_6_enc.pdf ♻️ Tune in to our previous conversations about sustainability in pet care: Breaking the ‘Byproduct’ Bias: Rethinking Rendered Ingredients in Pet Food The Rising Tide of Invasive Species: How Pet Nutrition Could Be a Solution One Man’s Trash Is Another Dog’s Treasure: The Story of Upcycled Pet Food The Beautiful Story of Regenerative Agriculture: Does the Future of Pet Food Start with Soil? Looking for Love: Swiping Right on Sustainable Cat Litter Bug Appétit: From Ick to Innovation on Insect-Based Pet Food Is Recyclable Pet Food Packaging A Lie? Unraveling The Pet Industry’s Plastic Waste Problem Episode Chapters 00:00 – Why Does Sustainability Feels So Complicated? 01:33 – Why We Don't Trust Sustainability Claims 06:06 – Sustainability Is All About Tradeoffs 07:09 – Greenwashing: Fact vs. Marketing 09:05 – Debunking Sustainability Myths in Pet Food 18:01 – The Future of Alternative Proteins 23:04 – Measuring Real Sustainability Progress 26:25 – Why Sustainable Products Often Cost More 33:04 – Remember: It’s About Progress Over Perfection 35:07 – How to Shop Smarter & Ask Better Questions 37:02 – The Future of Sustainable Pet Food 40:40 – Closing Thoughts & Stay Tuned!

July 15, 202634 min

Sharks and Kibble: The Unexpected Connection and What You Can Do About It

Sharks have survived for more than 400 million years, but now, many species are dwindling in numbers. In this episode of Barking Mad , Jordan Tyler sit down with conservation experts from the Shark Trust, AZA SAFE Shark & Ray Program, Aquarium Conservation Partnership, and Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch to set the record straight on one of the ocean’s most misunderstood animals. Jordan explores explore why shark populations are declining, how sustainable fisheries can support both conservation and global food systems, and why seafood traceability has become increasingly important, specifically when it comes to your pet’s bowl. Jordan also dives into ways pet owners can support healthier oceans through informed seafood choices and everyday actions that help protect sharks and rays for generations to come. Show Notes 🔷 Learn more about each of the organizations mentioned in today’s episode: The Shark Trust: https://www.sharktrust.org/ Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) SAFE Shark and Ray: https://www.safesharks.org/ Aquarium Conservation Partnership: https://www.aquariumconservation.org/ Seafood Watch: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/ 🧪 Find out more about shark meat found in pet food: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.836941/full 🪝 Learn more about the partnership between SAFE Shark and Ray, The Shark Trust, ACP, and Seafood Watch to identify more sustainable sources of seafood to feed animals in human care: https://www.aza.org/connect-stories/stories/sustainable-procurement-of-feed-sources 🗳️ Cast your Vote for the Ocean! https://votefortheocean.org/ 🦈 Get involved in Shark and Ray Awareness Month with these resources! Check out The Shark Trust’s “Creature Feature” series, which educates about the incredible shark and ray species we’re working hard to save! https://www.sharktrust.org/Blogs/creature-feature Use resources by Seafood Watch to find sustainable seafood options: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals-the-ocean/how-to-choose-sustainable-seafood/seafood-guides Read more about the Seafood Watch Best Choice Restaurant Program: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/stories/best-choice-restaurant-program Learn more about other organizations that collaborate with Seafood Watch to safeguard our ocean ecosystems and keep fish on the menu: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/collaborations/conservation-partners/map Episode Chapters 00:00 – The Truth About Sharks 08:35 – The Global Shark Conservation Crisis 12:00 – The Problem of Overfishing 16:45 – Is There a Shark in Your Pet Food? 21:25 – Putting Seafood on Watch 28:00 – How You Can Save the Sharks 33:30 – Closing Thoughts & We’ll See You Next Time!

July 3, 202623 min

June Zoomies: Boy Kibble, Recalls, and One Nasty Fly

Summer is in full swing, and so are pet food recalls, lawsuits, and warm-weather safety concerns. In this month's edition of Zoomies, Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler round up the latest headlines that every pet parent should know. From the internet's latest obsession with "boy kibble" to expanding pet food recalls and the growing concern surrounding the New World Screwworm, this episode blends industry insight and practical advice with plenty of laughs along the way. Our hosts also share important reminders about fireworks safety, parasite prevention, and why staying informed about recalls can help protect your pets. Helpful Links 🚫 Learn more about the Ridglan Farms shutdown: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/16/wisconsin-beagle-research-facility-shut-down 💪 Find out what “boy kibble” is all about: https://fortune.com/2026/03/01/what-is-boy-kibble-tiktok-trend-beef-rice-rfk-jr/ 💬 Get the scoop on some of our previous DCM discussions: BSM Partners’ research: https://bsmpartners.net/research/dcm Our DCM episode: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/the-billion-dollar-deception-of-dcm-inside-ketonaturals-class-action-lawsuit 📋 Get more info on the latest recalls: GO Raw LLC: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/go-raw-llc-expands-voluntary-recall-include-one-lot-steves-real-food-freeze-dried-chicken-recipe-due Revival Animal Health: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/revival-animal-health-llc-voluntarily-recalls-canine-and-gm-milk-replacers-due-low-or-elevated Vitamin D article from one of our experts: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/too-much-too-little-too-late-why-pet-food-recalls-continue-for-vitamin-d/ 🪰 Read more about the New World Screwworm here: AP News: https://apnews.com/article/screwworm-flesh-eating-parasite-cattle-texas-a7459200cef00d658d877755ad761f41 USDA response: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm Thought leadership from our veterinary expert: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/a-fly-of-a-different-color/ 🔊 Take a listen to our episode on noise phobia: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/keep-calm-a-pet-parents-guide-to-managing-noise-phobias-in-dogs 🎧 Tune in to past episodes of Zoomies here: May 2026: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/may-zoomies-growing-meat-recalls-and-pet-food-goes-to-court April 2026: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/april-zoomies-headlines-from-the-world-of-pet Show Notes 00:00 – Introducing the Barking Mad Facebook page! 01:13 – Animal Welfare Protestors Shut Down Ridglan Farms 02:11 – Amazon Pet Day Sales 05:13 – We’re Feeding Men Kibble Now? 11:03 – More DCM Drama 14:22 – Recent Pet Food Recalls 18:03 – Watch Out for the New World Screwworm 21:39 – Preparing Your Pets for Fireworks Season 22:41 – Final Thoughts & See You Next Time!

June 24, 202641 min

Turning Frustration into Innovation, and Other Founder Stories from Interzoo 2026

In this special episode of Barking Mad —recorded live at Interzoo 2026, the world’s largest pet industry trade show, and sponsored by Kallman Worldwide, Inc.—we sidestep the booths and bags to explore the founding stories, philosophies, and trends shaping the future of pet care. From personalized nutrition and shelf-stable fresh food to pet longevity research, veterinary telehealth, and entirely new product categories, this episode highlights the entrepreneurs challenging conventional thinking across the global pet industry. Helpful Links 🎧 Missed our first episode from Interzoo 2026? Check it out here to get the scoop on the European pet care landscape! 💡 Learn more about the brands featured in this episode: Rolls Rocky Marleybones HappyBond Dr. Sam and Pivio King's Choice Kika Group Show Notes 00:00 – Welcome Back to Interzoo 2026! 01:18 – Meet Angela Lanotte and her Family-Owned Italian Dog Treat Brand 08:31 – Meet The Founders Behind Marleybones 15:21 – Introducing Anja Skodda and the Science of Pet Longevity 21:49 – The Origin Story Behind Dr. Sam, One of Europe's First Online Veterinary Platforms 26:16 – The World's First Dog Juice? Hear the King's Choice Story 32:32 - Kika Group: A family business built on passion and expertise 40:15 - Final Reflections: What Connects Today's Pet Innovators? 40:42 – Stay Tuned for More from Interzoo 2026!

June 17, 202631 min

The 'European Pet Market' Doesn't Exist, and Other Lessons from Interzoo 2026

Think the European pet market is one big, unified thing? Think again. Recorded live from Interzoo 2026, the world's largest pet industry event, this episode of Barking Mad explores the cultural, economic, and behavioral differences shaping pet ownership around the globe. Join Jordan Tyler as she sits down with pet industry leaders from Europe and beyond to discuss everything from pet humanization and retail trends to sustainability and emerging markets. The result is a fascinating look at how local realities (not just global assumptions!) are shaping the future of pet care. Episode sponsored by Kallman Worldwide, Inc. Helpful Links 📰 Explore insights about Europe’s pet care markets from BSM Partners’ expert team: Paws auf Deutschland: Insights into the German Pet Market How EU and US Perspectives Diverge on ‘Organic’ Claims From Generation to Generation: Why Family Businesses Keep Italy Thriving For pet professionals tuning in ➡️ International Regulatory Divergence: Exports at Risk 🎧 Learn more about independent pet retail and challenges the channel is facing in the United States: https://bsmpartners.net/barking-mad-podcast/candid-conversations-from-the-superzoo-show-floor-celebrating-neighborhood-pet-store-day 🐕 Read more about Interzoo 2026 and future events here: https://www.interzoo.com/en 🇺🇸 Learn more about Kallman Worldwide, Inc.: https://www.kallman.com/tag/kallman-worldwide/ Show Notes 00:00 – Welcome to Interzoo 2026: The World's Largest Pet Trade Show 02:02 – Stepping Inside the USA Pavilion 04:03 – How Big Is Interzoo, Really? 06:18 – Where the Dog Sleeps: Measuring Pet Humanization 11:17 – Eastern Europe, the Baltics & Rising Pet Industry Powerhouses 13:56 – Lithuania's Pet Retail Landscape and the Return of Personal Relationships 19:08 – Emerging Markets, Sustainability & The Future of Global Pet Food 26:11 – Premium Pet Parenting and the Rise of Lifestyle Brands 28:06 – Building a Pet Food Business During Wartime 30:07 – What Interzoo Taught Us About the Global Pet Industry 30:54 – Key Takeaways & Stay Tuned!

June 3, 202631 min

May Zoomies: Growing Meat, Recalls, and Pet Food Goes to Court

From the show floor at Interzoo 2026 to the latest developments in pet food safety and regulation, this episode explores breaking news and notable headlines happening across the pet care industry. Hosts Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler discuss Barking Mad 's international debut in Nuremberg, emerging innovations in pet nutrition, recent pet food recalls, and the growing number of lawsuits against pet food companies. Helpful Links 🌍 Learn more about Interzoo, the world’s largest pet industry trade show , and stay tuned for upcoming episodes from the show floor! ✅ It’s official! You can now follow us on LinkedIn here! 🧫 Read more about Coolty Meat , the latest complete-and-balanced cultivated meat product launched for dogs. ⚖️ Find additional details about this year’s class action lawsuits against pet nutrition brands here: https://www.classaction.org/news/category/pets Show Notes 00:00 – Barking Mad Goes to Interzoo 2026! 01:44 – 34 Interviews, 12+ Hours of Content 06:08 – Cultivated Meat Arrives in Pet Food 14:43 – Raw Pet Food Recalls to Know About 24:02 – The Scoop on Pet Food Lawsuits in 2026 31:39 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next