Episode Description
When the cameras stop rolling, what remains? For the Pol family, the end of “The Incredible Dr. Pol” was a finale, but it was also a beginning. In this episode, hosts Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler sit down with Charles Pol, Dr. Pol’s son and executive producer, and longtime producer Mike Stankevich to explore how the show became the foundation for Docson Brands and the development of Incredi-Pol pet foods. Recorded live from the SUPERZOO 2025 show floor, this candid conversation reveals the philosophy that has always guided Dr. Pol’s work: affordable, accessible, common-sense care for animals and the people who love them.
Helpful Links
📺 Explore every season of “The Incredible Dr. Pol” here: https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-659aa216-5a05-4c41-b96b-d4f6ef3e5350
🐶 Learn more about Docson Brands and their portfolio of animal food and care products: https://thedrpol.com/incredi-pol-products/
📞 Learn more about Dr. Pol’s veterinary triage service, Dr. Pol CARE: https://thedrpol.com/dr-pol-care/?srsltid=AfmBOoprCOgdzz9e9-LLlfV4uQ5v_FCMWUZ_5z8Zh2RkDAKTT5kTIex5
⚕️ Read more from Mars Veterinary Health’s report, “Tackling the Veterinary Professional Shortage:” https://marsveterinary.com/tackling-the-veterinary-professional-shortage/
👀 …then, check out the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) clap-back: https://www.avma.org/news/no-dire-shortage-veterinarians-anticipated-coming-years
🐎 More on rural veterinary shortages persisting today: https://www.avma.org/news/usda-announces-plan-address-rural-federal-veterinary-shortages
📈 Get the AVMA’s perspective on rising veterinary costs: https://www.avma.org/blog/avma-shares-insights-rising-veterinary-costs
🔍 Read the “State of the Veterinary Care Industry” from PetSmart Charities & Gallup: https://www.gallup.com/analytics/659123/gallup-petsmart-charities.aspx
🎧 Hear more about the emotional, financial, and systemic challenges facing veterinary professionals today, including unmatched levels of burnout.
Show Notes
00:00 – Inside the Episode
01:49 – Meet Charles Pol and Mike Stankevich
03:05 – Behind the Scenes of “The Incredible Dr. Pol”
08:15 – Understanding Dr. Pol’s Ethos
17:17 – Coping with Rising Pet Care Prices
19:36 – Dr. Pol CARE and the State of Veterinary Medicine
27:12 – Rethinking Veterinary Education & Practice
30:06 – An Emergency Vet’s Perspective
37:02 – Balancing Care with Compassion, For Vets and Pets
42:25 – Loving Animals Brings Us Together
44:07 – Today’s Key Takeaways