A source close to Joe tells us the interview was recorded before Carole started “Dancing with the Stars,” but it’s clear he’s all for Don Lewis‘ family putting renewed attention on his mysterious disappearance. During the call, part of a new Discovery ID special, Joe says it’s high time Don’s fam finally finds out what really happened to him.

As you know … Carole’s always maintained her innocence in Don’s case, but the Lewis family recently put out a $100,000 reward — and during a commercial aired during ‘DWTS’ they asked, “Do you know if Carole Baskin was involved?”null

As for his case … Joe’s still insisting he was set up, and also offers an explanation for why he put down 5 tigers at his infamous zoo.

“Joe Exotic: Tigers, Lies and Cover-Up” premieres with 2 parts on Sunday at 9 PM ET on Investigation Discovery … and concludes Monday night