In this powerful episode of the Mike Drop Podcast, Mike sits down with Zach Skow, founder of Marley’s Mutts and the Positive Change prison-dog program. What begins with the chaos of evacuating nearly 300 animals during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan unfolds into Zach’s raw story of addiction, survival, and redemption.

From a troubled childhood to end-stage liver failure at 28, Zach was given 90 days to live. Saved by his bond with dogs, he rebuilt his life through sobriety, whole foods, and purpose. His recovery sparked Marley’s Mutts, a movement that rescues animals, transforms prisons, and helped Kern County achieve no-kill status.

Together, Mike and Zach tackle the shelter crisis, breeding pitfalls, and the power of community education. Vulnerable, unflinching, and inspiring, this episode is a testament to second chances and leading with purpose.

If you like this, click subscribe, like and share with a friend.

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Support Zach Skow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachskow/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zach.skow/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-skow-90101437
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachskow

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Chapters
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:53 - Finding Purpose in Suffering
00:04:42 - Struggling with Communication
00:05:36 - Time Travel & American History
00:08:42 - Childhood in Hermosa Beach
00:11:50 - College & Substance Abuse
00:16:10 - Childhood Trauma & Anxiety
00:22:21 - End-Stage Liver Failure Diagnosis
00:27:02 - Finding His Grandfather's Recovery Book
00:31:31 - Rock Bottom with His Dogs
00:36:40 - Holistic Recovery & Healing
00:45:48 - Creating Marley's Mutts Rescue
00:53:53 - Holistic Approach to Animal Rescue
01:10:53 - The Problem with Shelters
01:17:12 - The Role of Genetics in Dogs
01:23:21 - Spay/Neuter & Cultural Issues
01:33:24 - Starting the Prison Dog Program
01:46:00 - Humanity & Energy in Prison
01:57:51 - Prison Reform & Second Chances
02:09:26 - The First Step Act
02:32:19 - Employment in the Pet Industry
02:46:04 - The Kabul Animal Rescue Mission

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