Free Daily Podcast Summary
The Functional Breeding Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by The Functional Dog Collaborative
The Functional Breeding Podcast is about how to breed dogs for function and for health, behavioral and physical. It is brought to you by the Functional Dog Collaborative, a non-profit organization founded to support the ethical breeding of healthy, behaviorally sound dogs. The FDC’s goals include providing educational, social, and technical resources to breeders of both purebred and mixed breed dogs, helping us all learn more about how to breed good companions who are fit for sports or work.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 weeks ago57 min
Breeder Spotlight: Ezri Silverberg Apsara Windsprites and Lurchers
In this Breeder Spotlight, Ezri Silverberg of Apsara Windsprites & Lurchers, joins interim host Jess to talk their Windsprites, lurchers, and the realities of breeding within—and beyond—a small gene pool. They explore intentional outcrossing, genetic diversity, health, temperament, puppy raising and evaluation, and creating accessible pathways for puppy homes. Support the podcast and the work of the Functional Dog Collaborative on Patreon: Functional Breeding Patreon
- Aug 11, 202647 min
Breeder Spotlight: Tara Doherty and Figment Vulpine Spitz
In this Breeder Spotlight, interim host Jess Sedivy Gunderson talks with breeder Tara Doherty of Figment Vulpine Spitz and the Vulpine Spitz Project, and her goal of producing easy-to-live-with companion dogs with strong temperaments, health, and plenty of personality. Tara shares how her service dog experience has shaped her approach to evaluating puppies and breeding dogs, why temperament comes first, and how she balances genetic diversity with thoughtful, purposeful breeding decisions. They also discuss mentorship, the importance of community, and how Tara uses guardian homes as she grows her program. Support the podcast and the work of the Functional Dog Collaborative on Patreon: Functional Breeding Patreon
- Jul 28, 202646 min
Breeder Spotlight: Dr. Laura Sharkey and the Bosun Dog Project
In this Breeder Spotlight, Jess Sedivy Gunderson welcomes back Dr. Laura Sharkey of the Bosun Dog Project. Building on Laura's previous conversation with Perry about what puppies are capable of, this episode explores how her breeding program has evolved—from lessons learned fostering nearly 25 litters before breeding her own dogs to the role of mentorship, transparency, and continual learning in shaping thoughtful breeding decisions. Together, they discuss what it means to raise puppies with intention and why sharing both successes and challenges helps strengthen the broader breeding community. Support the podcast and the work of the Functional Dog Collaborative on Patreon: patreon.com/c/functionalbreeding/membership
- Jul 14, 20261h 29m
REPLAY: Mary Peaslee, MD, MPH: Breeding for Population Health
We're revisiting one of our favorite conversations with Dr. Mary Peaslee, exploring what functional, sustainable breeding looks like in practice. Drawing on the English Shepherd community's approach to genetic diversity, open registries, and functional breed standards, Mary shares thoughtful insights into balancing health, predictability, and collaboration. It's a conversation that continues to challenge us to think beyond individual dogs and toward the long-term future of their breeds. Support the podcast and the work of the Functional Dog Collaborative on Patreon: patreon.com/c/functionalbreeding/membership
- Jun 30, 20261h 11m
Rowena Packer, PhD: Puppy Purchasing Paper
In this episode, interim host Jess Sedivy Gunderson welcomes back Dr. Rowena Packer to discuss new research examining how puppies' earliest experiences—including age at sale, seeing the mother, and sourcing decisions—can impact health outcomes later in life. Together, they explore what the findings mean for breeders, puppy buyers, and the future of canine welfare. If you'd like to support the podcast and the work of the Functional Dog Collaborative, find us on Patreon: Functional Breeding Patreon
- Jun 16, 202635 min
Jane Lindquist Part 2: Weaning and the Microbiome
In part two of this conversation, Jess Sedivy Gunderson continues her discussion with Jane Lindquist, diving into Jane’s newer work around weaning, early nutrition, and the puppy gut microbiome. The episode explores how breeders are beginning to think more deeply about gut health during developmental periods, the role of maternal influence and early diet, and how weaning practices may shape long-term health and resilience. The conversation also emphasizes that there is no single “perfect” approach to raising puppies, and that breeders across feeding philosophies can benefit from understanding the emerging science in this area. Note: This episode focuses on weaning strategies and the puppy microbiome. However, discussion of diet is closely connected to any discussion of the microbiome. The Functional Dog Collaborative does not endorse a single feeding approach; listeners are encouraged to evaluate options based on current evidence, veterinary guidance, and their individual program goals. Support the podcast and the work of the Functional Dog Collaborative on Patreon: Functional Breeding Patreon Decoding the Foodome: https://barabasi.com/media/2024-Menichetti-Decoding.pdf
- May 28, 202636 min
Jane Lindquist Part 1: Puppy Culture Revisit
In this two-part conversation, Jess Sedivy Gunderson sits down with Jane Lindquist to revisit and expand on one of the Functional Breeding Podcast’s most downloaded episodes. Together, they explore what has evolved in puppy raising over the past several years, including socialization, resilience, developmental periods, breeder observation skills, and how the pandemic shaped conversations around raising puppies. Jess and Jane also discuss what has stayed the same, what has shifted, and why thoughtful puppy raising continues to require flexibility, curiosity, and adaptation as new science emerges. Part 2 of the conversation drops a few weeks later and will focus on Jane’s newer work around weaning and the puppy microbiome. Support the podcast and the work of the Functional Dog Collaborative on Patreon: Functional Breeding Patreon
- May 8, 20261h 9m
REPLAY: Dr. Jane Ladlow and BOAS
In this episode from our archive, we revisit an important conversation between Perry and Dr. Jane Ladlow, VetMB, DipECVS, MRCVS, on brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), functional health, and the future of brachycephalic breeds. Their discussion explores the real-world welfare impacts of extreme conformation, the challenges of balancing breed type with health, and what meaningful change could look like moving forward. Though this episode originally aired in 2024, the conversation remains deeply relevant for breeders, owners, veterinarians, and anyone interested in functional health and ethical dog breeding. If you're like to support the podcast and the work of the Functional Dog Collaborative please visit our Patreon: Functional Breeding Patreon
Get The Functional Breeding Podcast summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
Pure Dog Talk
Discusses purebred dogs, dog sports, breeding, and training with experts and enthusiasts.
Hunt-Find-Alert: K9 Search and Rescue Community
Examines K-9 search and rescue operations, working dogs, and their roles in emergency response and detection missions.
Red Pill Your Healthcast
Two healthcare providers discuss overlooked health issues and empower listeners to make informed decisions for their families.
The Fur Real Podcast with Mark A Kyle
Explores the bond between humans and animals through stories of rescue, veterinary advances, and pet technology.
BILFPOD
Conversations with business leaders and influencers explore their personal and professional lives through recurring themed segments.
The Origins Foundation Podcast
Discusses wildlife conservation, hunting ethics, and controversial issues in sustainable use through candid interviews.
The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka
Gary Brecka explores health, longevity, and human performance through conversations with experts in science, fitness, and wellness.
DarkHorse Podcast
Biologists Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying apply evolutionary theory to analyze culture, science, and societal challenges.
FOSS and Crafts
A podcast exploring free software, free culture, and collaborative making.
Thinking Health Podcast
Explores health and wellness through expert interviews, focusing on low-carb science and practical strategies for improving well-being.
Grassfed Life
Covers small-scale farming, grass-fed livestock, and farm-based entrepreneurship with seasonal insights and practical guidance.
The Animal Communication Podcast
Hear animals share insights on behavior, health, and spirituality through conversations with experienced animal communicators.
About The Functional Breeding Podcast
The Functional Breeding Podcast is about how to breed dogs for function and for health, behavioral and physical. It is brought to you by the Functional Dog Collaborative, a non-profit organization founded to support the ethical breeding of healthy, behaviorally sound dogs. The FDC’s goals include providing educational, social, and technical resources to breeders of both purebred and mixed breed dogs, helping us all learn more about how to breed good companions who are fit for sports or work.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from The Functional Breeding Podcast in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's The Functional Breeding Podcast daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of The Functional Breeding Podcast as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the The Functional Breeding Podcast podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official The Functional Breeding Podcast product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by The Functional Dog Collaborative.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does The Functional Breeding Podcast release new episodes?
The Functional Breeding Podcast publishes monthly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does The Functional Breeding Podcast cover?
The Functional Breeding Podcast covers topics including Leisure, Science, Hobbies, Life Sciences. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting The Functional Breeding Podcast summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.