Have Yourself a Barking Mad Holiday!
The holidays bring plenty of joy—and just as much delightful chaos—especially when pets are involved. In this Barking Mad holiday special, Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler unwrap the surprising science, folklore, and fun behind the animals that shape our seasonal traditions.
From the “flying” reindeer whose eyes actually change color with the seasons, to Arctic foxes that swap their coats for winter survival, to the hippo that once became a real Christmas gift, this conversation blends real biology with the wonderfully weird world of holiday legends. The hosts even tackle the infamous Icelandic Yule Cat—a giant folklore feline who punishes children who aren’t grateful for their gifts—before exploring why our real-life cats remain determined to climb Christmas trees and bat ornaments at 3 a.m. Through cozy storytelling and quick science deep dives, this festive episode reminds listeners that animals make the holidays richer, sillier, and a whole lot more meaningful.
What You’ll Learn 🔍
- Why reindeer “fly,” migrate thousands of miles, and change eye color in winter
- How Arctic foxes, bears, and double-coated dogs naturally “winterize”
- The strange true story behind the song I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas
- What the Icelandic Yule Cat teaches about gratitude (and holiday sweaters)
- Why cats are irresistibly drawn to Christmas trees—and what pet parents can do
If you love animal facts, holiday lore, and the warm glow of end-of-year coziness, this episode is your invitation to settle in, snuggle up, and celebrate the season Barking Mad-style.
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About the Author
Jordan Tyler is the Director of Media at BSM Partners and co-host of the Barking Mad podcast. She has more than seven years of experience reporting on trends, best practices and developments in the North American pet nutrition industry. Jordan resides in Bentonville, Arkansas, with her husband and their three furry family members.
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