Dogs, Animal TV, and the Stories Behind the Camera with Rick Dowlearn

What really happens behind the scenes of some of television’s most popular animal shows?

On this episode of Dog Works Radio, Robert Forto sits down with television producer and showrunner Rick Dowlearn, whose career has taken him into veterinary clinics, wildlife facilities, remote communities, and animal stories across North America and beyond. Rick has worked on animal-focused productions for Nat Geo Wild, Disney+, Discovery, and Animal Planet, including several seasons connected to Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet. 

Rick shares what a showrunner actually does, how production crews capture real veterinary and animal stories without interfering with the professionals doing the work, and why dogs often create some of the most memorable moments on screen. The conversation also explores wildlife rehabilitation, his experiences filming in Alaska, the Yukon, and Belize, and why storytelling can make information about animals far more memorable.

Robert and Rick also discuss the changing media landscape, from traditional television to YouTube and podcasts, and whether a video podcast is really a podcast at all. Rick introduces his latest project, The Animal Show with Gozer and Rick, inspired in part by his relationship with his French Bulldog, Gozer, and his desire to continue telling the stories of people whose lives revolve around animals. 

If you love dogs, veterinary television, wildlife stories, podcasting, or simply want to know what happens when the cameras start rolling on an animal TV production, this episode offers a fascinating look behind the curtain.