Unfiltered Vet Discussions

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, Beth Mehaffey of Pennridge Animal Hospital shares how her team created a grief support program for clients facing pet loss. With decades of combined experience in veterinary care, they discuss the profound emotional impact of losing a pet, often felt more deeply than losing a family member. The program aims to provide continuous support for both clients and veterinary staff, addressing the daily reality of grief in practice. From working with geriatric patients to guiding families through their most difficult moments, the conversation highlights the importance of recognizing the unique human–animal bond and integrating emotional care into veterinary services.

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel explores the changing culture of reading across generations. From the average American spending only 19 minutes a day with books to the rise of audiobooks and digital reading, the conversation highlights both personal habits and broader societal shifts. The panel shares their own reading journeys, from juggling multiple books at once to losing time for reading during busy family years. They discuss the impact of technology on attention, the “leaders are readers” philosophy, and the importance of fostering early reading with children. The episode also spotlights veterinary-focused book clubs and professional reading recommendations, encouraging listeners to rediscover the value of books in personal and professional growth.

In this episode, Peter and the panel break down takeaways from the 2025 ABMA convention, where fresh energy from young professionals met 57 hours of sessions focused on veterinary business strategy. Together, they explore how economic unpredictability is impacting client spending and forcing practices to evolve beyond one-size-fits-all care. The panel discusses the need for revitalized marketing approaches, the rise of urgent care models, and the importance of using demographic insights to tailor service offerings. They also call out critical operational gaps—like the 50% of receptionists who don’t ask for appointments—and share how daily cash-based staff incentives and stronger digital systems can improve client conversion and education. From pre-visit emails to improved websites for better recruiting, the episode emphasizes one central theme: adapting with strategy is key to staying competitive in today’s veterinary landscape.

In this episode, Peter welcomes back Marnette Falley, former editor of Veterinary Economics, who returns to the veterinary space after a six-year sabbatical. Marnette shares insights from her work as a leadership coach and facilitator, emphasizing the power of inquiry over advice, and the difference between coaching and mentoring. She discusses her shift in leadership philosophy, the importance of play in professional environments, and how creativity and co-creation foster deeper engagement. Through coaching, she encourages a move away from directive management styles toward more collaborative, empowering approaches. Her journey highlights how meaningful change often comes from fresh perspective—even if the core challenges remain familiar.

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, titled "How Do I Want to Live Today?", hosts Kelly, Jenni, and Peter dive into the idea of discovering and defining one’s personal purpose. Jenni shares her experience from a leadership course that prompted her to reflect deeply on why she continues working in veterinary practice management, ultimately realizing her purpose is to serve and empower others. Peter reflects on how his purpose evolved from professional service to a broader mission of helping others through education and philanthropy. Kelly introduces her personal framework of intentionally choosing how to live each day, based on internal balance and mindful choices. Together, they emphasize the importance—and challenge—of carving out time for self-reflection in a profession that often prioritizes external demands.

In this episode, Peter is joined by Dr. Andrew Findlaytor to explore the changing landscape of relief veterinary medicine. From his first hands-on experience in a bulldog C-section to co-founding the Roux platform, Dr. Findlaytor shares how flexibility, specialization, and tech are shaping the future of vet careers. They discuss the post-pandemic boom in relief work, the rise of credentialed techs, and how AI and consulting roles are opening new doors across the industry.

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, Kelly, Peter, and Phil tackle the complex topic of change in veterinary medicine—from crisis-driven pivots to proactive innovation. They explore why the vet industry resists change, the psychological and neurological barriers involved, and what it takes to build teams that embrace transformation. From curbside care to AI and neurodiversity, the hosts highlight real-world shifts and strategies for creating resilient, forward-thinking veterinary teams. Whether you're navigating leadership, burnout, or your next big decision, this episode offers a grounded and thought-provoking guide for growth.

In this episode, Peter is joined by Dr. Sam Bowden, veterinarian and founder of Accelerate Practice Academy. Together, they explore how Dr. Bowden transformed struggling practices into thriving, high-profit businesses. With no formal business training out of veterinary school, Dr. Bowden shares how mentorship, mindset, and strategic planning helped him overcome financial setbacks and build lasting success. From Australian work-life balance to five core profit levers, this conversation offers practical, global insights for practice owners ready to lead smarter, not harder.

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel dives into recent travels and dream destinations, reflecting on bucket list experiences and the importance of making memories through exploration. From castles in Scotland to concerts in Manchester and even reflections on Antarctica, the discussion highlights how travel shapes perspective and rejuvenates the veterinary spirit. The conversation also explores the value of creating a bucket list, encouraging young veterinarians to pursue ownership, and building legacy hospitals. It’s a motivating reminder to embrace adventure—personally and professionally.

In this episode, the panel examines how acknowledging both personal and professional milestones can enhance veterinary team culture. From career growth stories to everyday achievements, such as work anniversaries, they highlight how consistent appreciation fuels morale and retention. The discussion also dives into how leadership plays a vital role in supporting team well-being through intentional, meaningful gestures, proving that small wins can lead to a big impact.

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel explores how workplace culture shapes everything from patient outcomes to team dynamics. The conversation covers the importance of defining values, building psychological safety, and taking intentional actions to create a positive and productive environment. With insights on balancing business metrics with team well-being, the panel highlights how small, consistent gestures from leadership can have a lasting impact on trust, engagement, and clinic success.

The panel discusses essential marketing strategies for veterinary hospitals, focusing on how to effectively engage both new and existing clients. They emphasize maintaining a strong online presence through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Google Ads, while also highlighting the importance of community involvement through local events and parades. The conversation explores the value of authenticity in marketing, responding to reviews, and optimizing a Google Business Profile for visibility. The panel wraps up by underscoring the importance of a dedicated marketing team to ensure consistent and impactful outreach.

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel dives into the power of hope as a leadership trait. They explore how embracing character strengths like humor and optimism—through tools like Dr. Phil Richmond’s coaching—can help veterinary professionals face imposter syndrome, client challenges, and self-doubt. From NBA inspiration to personal reflections, the conversation highlights how leading with hope and positivity fuels resilience and strengthens team dynamics.

In this episode of *Unfiltered Vet Discussions*, the panel explores the essential role of veterinary practice managers and how their leadership impacts every aspect of a clinic. From handling everything from HVAC issues to client care, practice managers juggle a wide range of responsibilities that keep operations running smoothly. The conversation highlights the value of certified managers, the importance of delegation versus doing it all, and the need for clear job descriptions, trust, and mutual respect across the team. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that empowering practice managers is key to improving practice efficiency, staff satisfaction, and overall clinic success.

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel explores how employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) surveys can provide valuable insights into team engagement and workplace culture. They share how anonymous feedback reveals both strengths and areas for growth—like communication and accountability—and how outside perspectives can help translate survey results into real improvements. The conversation emphasizes the importance of proactive leadership and continuous feedback in building a supportive, high-performing veterinary team.

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel explores the mindset shift from "one day" to "day one" when it comes to personal and professional growth—especially in veterinary marketing. Host Kelly initiates a conversation with Jenni, Beth, and David about the common hesitation veterinary professionals feel when asked to step in front of the camera. They discuss how today’s video-driven culture, especially among younger generations, makes short-form content a vital marketing tool. The group unpacks why many vets shy away from being on camera, the role of confidence, and how embracing the “day one” mentality can empower practices to better connect with clients and their community.

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel explores how veterinary professionals can navigate today’s ever-changing world by taking decisive action and fostering internal stability. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clear goal-setting, team involvement, and proactive marketing—even amid uncertainty. Panelists discuss how small, incremental improvements and community engagement efforts can drive lasting impact. From aligning staff around shared values to creating a collaborative, communicative culture, the episode underscores that strong leadership and consistency are essential for building resilience, both within the clinic and the broader community.

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the team dives into the realities of veterinary entrepreneurship with a firsthand account of building a practice from the ground up. They explore the journey of starting and growing a veterinary business, the challenges of leadership, and the balance between passion and practicality. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability, honesty, and work-life balance in sustaining a successful career. They also discuss the rewards of giving back, including running a dog rescue, and the value of taking risks to embrace new opportunities in veterinary medicine.

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the team explores strategies for managing veterinary teams during economic uncertainty. They discuss how supporting employees and maintaining strong client retention are key to weathering a slowing economy. Insights include leveraging personal referrals, improving operational efficiency, and using AI tools for business planning. The conversation highlights the importance of proactive planning and a 12-month marketing strategy to ensure profitability and stability in challenging times. Tune in for expert tips on managing change and fostering long-term success!

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the team explores how personal values influence both your legacy and online reputation. One panelist reflects on a recent funeral, discussing how conversations about someone's life and legacy can inspire us to think about the impact we leave behind. The team connects this to Google reviews, emphasizing how client feedback shapes the reputation of a veterinary practice. They discuss strategies for encouraging positive reviews, handling negative ones, and aligning daily actions with your core values to ensure your practice’s reputation authentically reflects the care you provide. Tune in for an insightful conversation on building trust and success through client reviews!