Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Don't Call Me Catty
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is Vet Med Supporting Its People, or Just Talking About It? | Charlotte Fahy, BA MBA ACC | 08 oct. 2026 | 00:39:34 | |
We go to the conference. We attend the mental health session. We come back inspired. Then someone calls in sick, the surgical board fills up, and everything goes back to normal. So what actually changes? Recorded at the CVMA convention in Charlottetown, this episode features Charlotte Fahy, business development manager at Kelowna Veterinary Hospital and co-founder of The Practitioners' Lounge. With a background in corporate hospitality and senior living, Charlotte brings an outside perspective to the way vet med leads, supports its people, and responds to change. We talk about promoting great technicians into management without giving them leadership training, why conference learning needs a plan when you get home, and how much responsibility managers carry for burnout. Charlotte also shares her approach to recruiting kind people, building trust, and talking honestly about money without making the team feel like money is all that matters. Plus, what corporate and independent practices can learn from each other, why thriving should mean you actually want to come to work, and a few chicken-related tangents. Charlotte's parting message for anyone who feels they should be doing more? You're enough. Connect with Charlotte: About Charlotte: Charlotte Fahy is a business leader, certified coach, and veterinary practice consultant with over 20 years of experience in leadership, client experience, and business development. As Hospital Manager at Kelowna Veterinary Hospital and co-founder of The Practitioners' Lounge, Charlotte is passionate about helping veterinary teams build psychologically safe workplaces, strong cultures, and sustainable careers. She brings a practical, people-first perspective to leadership, wellbeing, and the realities of modern veterinary practice. Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Vet Med Has a Judgement Problem | Dr. Ellen Nicklassen, DVM, MACP | 30 sept. 2026 | 00:43:13 | |
Veterinary medicine asks a lot of people clinically. But what about the human skills that determine how we handle mistakes, conflict, vulnerability, and each other? Dr. Ellen Nicklassen is a veterinarian, practice owner, trained counsellor, and founder of The Practitioners Lounge. She joins Leilani and Jillian to talk about the parts of veterinary medicine that don’t always get taught in school. They get into psychological safety, mentorship, anxiety, vulnerability, and what happens when we tie our mistakes to our self-worth. Ellen also challenges a familiar vet med narrative: when a workplace feels toxic, how do we recognize when the environment needs to change, and when we might need to look at our own behaviour, too? The conversation explores what judgement looks like within the profession, how we respond when someone makes a mistake, supporting new graduates, navigating difficult client interactions, compassion fatigue, and the communication and self-awareness skills that can make or break a veterinary workplace. Because mistakes are inevitable. How we respond to them, and to each other, is where culture shows up. About Dr. Ellen Nicklassen Dr. Ellen Nicklassen is a veterinarian, practice owner, and clinical counsellor whose work sits at the intersection of veterinary medicine and mental health. A 2013 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Ellen is the owner of Kelowna Veterinary Hospital in British Columbia and holds a master’s degree in counselling psychology. Connect with Dr. Ellen Nicklassen Learn more about Ellen and the resources available through The Practitioners’ Lounge: The Practitioners’ Lounge Kelowna Veterinary Hospital Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| The Vet Med Ladder Could Start in High School | Tamara Anderson, RVT | 23 sept. 2026 | 00:39:34 | |
What if the next generation of veterinary professionals got to test-drive vet med before they even graduated high school? Tamara Anderson, RVT, BA Sociology, is an instructor in the Veterinary Technical Assistant program at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, where she teaches high school students through dual-credit programming. She joins Leilani and Jillian live from the 2026 CVMA Convention in Charlottetown to talk about her own winding path from failing college courses to emergency and referral medicine, ophthalmology, and eventually education. Tamara breaks down what veterinary dual credit actually looks like, what students are learning, and how early exposure can remove barriers for young people who might never have considered a career in veterinary medicine. They also get into the profession’s workforce shortage, career paths beyond the traditional DVM/RVT route, negotiating your first job, building confidence, and why mentorship can have a much bigger impact on a student than we sometimes realize. Plus: ER pranks and a deeply unfortunate misunderstanding about a forelimb amputation. About Tamara Tamara Anderson, RVT, BA Sociology, is an instructor in the Veterinary Technical Assistant program at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology. With nearly 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Tamara’s career has taken her from general practice into emergency and referral medicine, ophthalmology, and eventually education. Today, she teaches high school students through veterinary dual-credit programming, giving young people the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, earn post-secondary credentials, and explore careers in veterinary medicine before they graduate. Tamara is passionate about breaking down barriers to the profession, helping students build confidence, and showing the next generation that there are many different ways to build a career in vet med. Olds College Veterinary Technical Assistant Certificate Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Vet Med Already Uses Virtual Care. So Why the Pushback? | Dr. Chris Armstrong, DVM | 16 sept. 2026 | 00:44:07 | |
If your veterinary practice has ever answered a phone or an email, Dr. Chris Armstrong has news for you: you’ve probably already practiced some form of virtual care. About Chris: Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| The RVT Glass Ceiling: Pay, Diversity & Finding Your Place in Vet Med | Marina John, RVT | 10 sept. 2026 | 00:56:18 | |
What happens when you stop accepting “this is just how vet med works”? Marina John, RVT, joins Leilani and Jillian at the CVMA Convention in Charlottetown to talk about building a veterinary career on her own terms. Marina shares her path from 17 hour ER shifts and veterinary martyr culture to GP, acupuncture, locum work, research, management, and eventually technical services at the Atlantic Veterinary College. Along the way, the conversation gets into what meaningful diversity actually looks like in veterinary medicine, why representation matters, how hiring practices can reinforce the status quo, and what workplaces can do to become genuinely more inclusive. They also trade stories about discrimination in job interviews, the wage gap, the value RVTs bring that never shows up neatly on a production report, and the glass ceiling technicians still face when it comes to pay, leadership, ownership, and advancement. And because this is Don’t Call Me Catty, Marina finishes with a ghost pepper hot take: should RVTs be paid as much as veterinarians? It’s a conversation about knowing your value, making room for different voices, and leaving veterinary medicine better than you found it. About Marina Marina is a seasoned RVT with almost 15 years of diverse experience. She embarked on her veterinary journey after an unconventional start. Following a Specialized Honours Bachelor of Science degree from York University, she found her passion, while teaching ESL in Seoul, when she stumbled upon the RVT Diploma Degree at the University of Guelph. Marina has worn multiple hats, serving as the Vice President of the British Columbia Veterinary Technologist Association and instructing the Vet Assistant Program at Vancouver Island University. Her expertise spans large animal sciences, lab animal sciences, companion animal ophthalmology, ER, UC, and referral services. With a Veterinary Acupuncture Certification from the Xie Institute, she played a pivotal role in developing the acupuncture department at a small animal GP. Marina's extensive background includes roles as a swine farrowing tech, Lead Tech, Production Manager, and contributing to a mixed animal practice handling companion animals, exotics, and avian species. Committed to giving back, she volunteered with a local charity providing veterinary care to low-income and unhoused populations. Marina launched her own locum RVT business, embracing a fulfilling career as a traveling veterinary technologist. Most recently she relocated to PEI and is working as an Assistant Manager at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Atlantic Veterinary College - UPEI. Get In Touch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-john-211695282/ Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Pressure Is a Privilege? Building a Vet Practice Your Way | Dr. Jennifer Hurford, DVM, CVA, CTPEP | 02 sept. 2026 | 00:36:19 | |
What does it look like to build a veterinary practice around the life and workplace you actually want? About Dr. Jennifer Dr Jennifer Hurford is a 2013 graduate from the Atlantic Veterinary College. As a small practice owner she has become wildly passionate about providing the best possible care for her patients. She is working towards completing her Masters of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and believes the future of medicine is integrative. Get in Touch: Follow Baldwin and Owen on Instagram @sphynx.boys.at.work Foxboro Veterinary Hospital | info@foxborovet.com Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| F*ck Death: Pet Hospice, Loss & What Comes After | Dr. Emily Hawrysio, DVM, CHPV | 26 août 2026 | 00:39:50 | |
Grief is messy and uncomfortable, and it seems no one really knows how to navigate it. We don’t always want to think about these topics... until suddenly we have to. They’re a brutal reality, and we can all do each other a favour by understanding what loving end-of-life decisions can look like, and how to actually support someone during and after a loss. Dr. Emily Hawrysio, DVM, CHPV, founder of Halo Pet Hospice, joins us to talk about veterinary hospice, at-home euthanasia, pet loss, and knowing when it’s time to let go. She also shares how losing her husband to pancreatic cancer changed her relationship with grief, hospice care, and the work she does with families today. It’s a conversation about death, but really, it’s about what it means to care for someone when you know you can’t take their pain away. About Dr. Emily Dr. Emily Hawrysio is the founder and owner of Halo Pet Hospice, a mobile veterinary practice dedicated exclusively to in-home hospice care, palliative care, and humane euthanasia for pets throughout Northwest Indiana. A graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the Atlantic Veterinary College, Dr. Hawrysio spent seven years in general practice before following her passion for end-of-life care and founding Halo Pet Hospice. In 2021, she earned her certification in hospice and palliative care through the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care. Through Halo Pet Hospice, Dr. Hawrysio is dedicated to bringing compassionate, personalized end-of-life care to as many pets and families as possible, ensuring that every animal's final chapter is filled with comfort, dignity, and love. Halo Pet Hospice Website | 219-200-4808 Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Wait… What If I’m the Toxic One? | Jen Cote, RVT | 19 août 2026 | 00:42:57 | |
What happens when you realize you might have been part of the problem? Jen Cote, RVT, joins Leilani and Jillian for a candid conversation about nearly 20 years in vet med. They discuss the lessons that came from changing roles, getting uncomfortable, learning how to communicate, and becoming the kind of leader she wishes she’d had earlier in her career. Jen’s career has taken her from general practice and emergency medicine to sales, operations, communications, program management, and industry leadership. Today, she works with NVA Canada developing programs that support veterinary teams and their clients, while also serving as President and Chair of the Ontario Association Of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT). Along the way, they get into what it means to own your past mistakes, become a better mentor and leader, take career risks, and stay open to opportunities you never expected. They also talk about why RVT careers don’t have to follow one path, and why it matter to get more RVTs into the rooms where decisions are made. Plus: AI scribes, the problem with pizza parties, disgust over dog saliva, and why she wants the Arkells played at her funeral. About Jen Jen is an RVT and veterinary industry leader with nearly two decades of experience spanning clinical practice, leadership, communications, and program management. She currently works with NVA Canada, helping develop programs that support veterinary teams and the clients they serve, and serves as President and Chair of the OAVT. Contact OAVT: jenc@oavt.org NVA Canada: jen.cote@nva.com Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Is Vet Med Confusing Resilience with Endurance? | The Founders of Boop | 12 août 2026 | 01:38:47 | |
What if the problem in veterinary medicine isn’t that we need to be more resilient, but that we’ve gotten really good at enduring things we shouldn’t have to? In this special episode of Don’t Call Me Catty, Leilani and Jillian sit down with boop co-founders Amanda Ensor, DVM, Ashleigh White, and Rachelle Richard to talk about how an idea for veterinary apparel became something much bigger. The conversation gets into the leadership problem in vet med, why wellbeing initiatives can only go so far when the workplace itself isn’t working, the lack of space to process the emotional weight of the profession, and what it actually takes to build teams where people feel supported. They also talk about preparing new grads for the realities of practice without scaring them away, why veterinary professionals need to talk to each other instead of at each other, and boop’s mission to use apparel, community, and a little bit of humour to push the profession forward. Plus: founder friendship, financially feral behaviour, questionable spending advice, rapid-fire questions, and some very spicy hot takes. boop may have started with what you wear on your chest, but the real conversation is about what veterinary medicine should stand for. Support boop About The Founders Amanda Ensor, DVM As a practicing DVM and recognized thought leader, Dr. Amanda's connection to the boop mission is personal: she's lived it. The long shifts, the emotional weight, the gap between how hard vet teams work and how rarely that gets acknowledged. With a background in HR and talent acquisition, Ashleigh has spent years helping hospitals grow their teams, developing a deep appreciation for the people behind the profession—their dedication, resilience, and sense of humour. At boop, she leads product — making sure everything we create reflects the culture of vet med, from the inside jokes to the everyday realities. When she’s not working on boop, you can find her traveling, gardening, or spending time with the animals who inspired it all. Rachelle Richard, MBA With a background in leadership and operations, Rachelle has spent decades building and supporting healthy, high-trust teams across human health and vet med. At boop, she leads operations - the connective tissue between the vision and the reality of running it. Rachelle also founded goodvet.ca - a Canadian veterinary recruitment consultancy built on the principle that who you work with shapes how you experience this profession. Powered by infectious laughter and an unwavering commitment to booping every dog she encounters. Also, she has found a new tech tool and yes, she will tell you all about it. Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| You’re More Capable Than You Think: POCUS, Failure & the Future of Vet Med | Serge Chalhoub DVM, DACVIM (SAIM) | 05 août 2026 | 00:42:28 | |
Season 2 is here, and we’re kicking things off with Dr. Serge Chalhoub: internal medicine specialist, professor at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, co-founder of the Calgary Veterinary POCUS Academy and, apparently, Prince of the Nephrons. Serge’s path through vet med wasn’t exactly linear. After vet school, he thought he’d become a general practice owner. A near-fainting incident during a dog spay, a detour through emergency medicine and a habit of calling ER clients a week later to see how their pets were doing eventually pointed him toward internal medicine, and a career built around teaching. We get into why point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become such a valuable tool in veterinary medicine, why Serge believes RVTs and DVMs alike can learn to use it, and how it could change the way we triage and care for patients. We also talk kidneys (obviously), the ethics of feline kidney transplants, raw diets, AI and innovation in veterinary practice, burnout, boundaries, staffing shortages and what Serge thinks needs to change as the profession moves forward. And near the end, Serge shares something he hopes every veterinary student learns: think critically, challenge your assumptions, and stop being so afraid to fail. Plus: kidney dad jokes, techno, questionable dancing and the official crowning of the King of the Nephrons. Welcome back to Don't Call Me Catty. 🎙️ In this episode: About Dr. Serge Chalhoub Dr. Chalhoub graduated from the DVM program at the Faculté de médecine vétérinaire (FMV) of the Université de Montréal in 2004. Serge followed this with a one-year rotating small animal clinical internship at the same institution. After working for two years as a general practitioner and emergency veterinarian in Montreal, Serge pursued a residency in small animal internal medicine at the Animal Medical Center (AMC) in New York City. Once his residency completed in 2009 he stayed on at the AMC as their first renal/hemodialysis fellow and then as a staff doctor. Dr. Chalhoub has been a faculty member at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) since 2012 and currently holds the rank of Professor (Teaching). He was the recipient of the 2021 and 2013 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s Teacher of the Year Award, the 2015 University of Calgary Team Teacher of the Year Award, the 2017 Carl J. Norden Distinguished Teacher Award, and is a 2024 3M National Teaching Fellowship recipient recognizing Canada’s outstanding teachers. Serge is the coordinator of a community outreach-service learning program (UCVM-CUPS Pet Health Clinic) for disadvantaged Calgarians. He has authored and co-authored numerous scientific articles and book chapters on veterinary point of care ultrasound, renal and urinary medicine, and lectures around the world on these topics. He was a member of the National Issues Committee (NIC) of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) (2016-2024) and also the President of Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) from 2024-2025. Get in Touch Email: serge.chalhoub@ucalgary.ca Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Hot Wings & Hot Takes: Burnout, Business & Big Feelings in Vet Med | 20 juin 2026 | 00:51:35 | |
What happens when two veterinary industry leaders put themselves in the hot seat with actual hot sauce? 🌶️ Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| She Was Told to Say Goodbye… Then THIS Happened | Jen Gibson & Ellyse Bacelic-Grgic, RVT (Felix and Fido) | 22 avr. 2026 | 00:37:41 | |
What if veterinary care didn’t stop at the clinic door? In this episode of Don’t Call Me Catty, we’re joined by Ellyse Bacelic-Grgic (RVT & Founder) and Jen Gibson of Felix and Fido, a platform enabling Registered Veterinary Technologists to provide in-home support following veterinary visits. Built from a personal experience with a critically ill pet, Felix and Fido addresses a common gap in care: the transition from clinic to home. Their model supports:
Importantly, this work complements—not replaces—veterinary oversight. A must-listen for anyone interested in the future of veterinary medicine, patient care, and the evolving role of RVTs. About Ellyse Ellyse Bacelic-Grgic is a Registered Veterinary Technician with 18 years of experience and the founder of Felix and Fido, an at-home nursing care company that connects pet owners with credentialed RVTs for prescribed in-home support. Based in Vancouver, Ellyse has a deep love for animals and a genuine passion for veterinary medicine. She’s dedicated to fear-free, low-stress care and to helping pet families feel confident managing treatment at home. She created Felix and Fido to build a company rooted in flexibility, fairness, and real career growth for veterinary professionals. About Jen Jen Gibson is the Administrative Director and business partner at Felix and Fido, where she leads human resources, team support, and day-to-day operations for the company’s growing network of credentialed RVTs providing prescribed in-home nursing care. With a strong focus on continuing education and sustainable team development, Jen helps build the systems and culture that allow veterinary professionals to thrive—while ensuring pet families receive consistent, compassionate support at home. Inspired by Ellyse Bacelic-Grgic’s contagious enthusiasm for making the veterinary world a better place, Jen is proud to be on the journey of building and growing Felix and Fido alongside her. A married mother of two, she loves spending her free time outdoors with her family, camping and hiking wherever they can. Visit Felix and Fido Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Daniella Cox | What Actually Makes a Vet Hospital Work (Hint: It’s Not Medicine) | 15 avr. 2026 | 00:46:21 | |
What actually makes a veterinary hospital work? It's not all about medicine. In this episode of Don’t Call Me Catty, we sit down with Daniella Cox, Hospital Manager at Boreal Veterinary Centre, to talk about what really drives a successful, high-performing clinic, and why leadership, communication, and culture matter more than most people think. Daniella shares her journey from ER tech assistant to managing a 130+ person team, and what it takes to build an environment where people actually want to come to work. We get into:
If you’ve ever wondered why some clinics thrive while others struggle… this conversation is for you. About Daniella: Daniella has spent over a decade in emergency and specialty veterinary medicine, building her career from the ground up through roles in veterinary support, client care, and referral coordination before stepping into leadership. Alongside her career, she completed a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource and Business Management at MacEwan University. A reflection of her genuine passion for the people side of any organization. HR, for Daniella, is about more than process. It’s about communication, connection, and helping people do their best work. She is driven by building collaborative cultures where teams feel supported, heard, and set up to thrive, even in the most demanding environments. Get in Touch: Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Dr. Greg Andrews, DVM | Buy Stuff, Tell the Truth, and Don’t Be the Cheapest Vet | 08 avr. 2026 | 00:36:27 | |
Jillian sits down with Dr. Greg Andrews: equine veterinarian, industry leader, and founding force behind Mosaic Veterinary Partners, for a candid conversation on what it really takes to build a lasting career in veterinary medicine. With over 37 years in practice, Dr. Andrews shares stories from the early days of equine medicine—working out of a tin shack, relying on hands and intuition before advanced diagnostics—and how those experiences shaped his approach to leadership, mentorship, and business. But this episode goes far beyond clinical practice. We dive into:
Dr. Andrews also shares hard-earned lessons on truth-telling with clients, building confidence early in your career, and creating a life that balances both intellectual and financial growth. Whether you’re a student, associate, or practice owner, this episode is packed with practical insights and a few bold opinions that might just change how you think about your career. About Dr. Greg Andrews Dr. Greg Andrews is an Equine Veterinarian who has practiced in the Calgary area for 37 years and previously held the position of CEO at Canada’s largest equine practice, Moore Equine Veterinary Centre. In 2016, Dr. Andrews and a group of like-minded veterinarians founded Mosaic Veterinary Partners which he led as CEO until late 2022. Dr. Andrews is now involved with the Mosaic team as Executive Chairman and is proud to be ICD.D certified by the Institute of Corporate Directors. Throughout his career, Dr. Andrews has been the President of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, and Western Canadian Association of Equine Practitioners, and has been involved with the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and Equine Canada. He has served on the advisory boards of the University of Calgary’s School of Veterinary Medicine and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Andrews both initiated and chaired Business Infusions Ltd., a leading equine software provider, and served as Board Chairman of CNAD Ltd., a private bioinformatics/genomics company based out of Calgary and Austria. In his spare time, Dr. Andrews loves nothing more than letting nature challenge his body on his bike or skis, and is equally as passionate about challenging his mind through his board and business engagements. Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Dr. Heather Murphy, DVM | Beating Cancer Twice, Motherhood, & Vet Med | 01 avr. 2026 | 00:27:52 | |
Leilani and Jillian sit down at the 2025 CanWest Veterinary Conference to chat with the incredibly inspiring Dr. Heather Murphy, a Calgary-based veterinarian from Glamorgan Animal Clinic. Dr. Murphy, a 2016 UCVM grad, shares her unconventional and deeply moving 10-year journey through veterinary medicine. At just 23 years old, during her first year of vet school, Heather was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. She opens up about the reality of undergoing surgery and chemo, and even heading straight to class after radiation treatments. Unbelievably, just a few years into her clinical career and three months into her first maternity leave, Heather had to navigate a second, entirely different cancer diagnosis. Heather is the definition of perseverance. In this episode, she discusses how staying task-oriented and focusing on future goals helped her push through when living in the moment was simply too hard. In this episode, we also cover:
Whether you’re a new grad trying to find your footing, an exhausted associate, or a veterinary professional juggling parenthood and practice, Heather’s story of grit, survival, and a healthy dose of stubbornness is exactly what you need to hear today. About Dr. Heather: Born and raised in Calgary, she is a dedicated veterinarian who graduated from the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) in 2016. She completed her internship at the CARE Center from 2016 to 2017 and now practices in Calgary, where she continues to provide compassionate care to her patients. Get In Touch: If you'd like to get in touch with Dr. Murphy for potential mentorship opportunities or other inquiries, please email dontcallmecatty@gmail.com and we will connect you. Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Dr. Jodi Viste, DVM | 150 Baby Gifts, a Practice Sale, and the "Euthanasia Song" | 25 mars 2026 | 00:41:01 | |
This week, we’re talking to Dr. Jodi Viste, and asking her how the heck she has 150 friends. She is a rural mixed-animal vet, mother, ABVMA council member, and a passionate community member. We’re diving into the "extraordinary ordinary" life of a small-town vet, including:
We also pull back the curtain on her 2021 sale to VCA, the guilt of the transition, and how she’s still a fixture in her community four years later. About Dr. Jodi Jodi was a farm girl raised in the city, and it was on the family farm that she developed her love for cattle. This blossomed into a love of mixed animal practice. Jodi built her practice in Strathmore, where she has been for the past 23 years. Jodi is passionate about the role of the veterinarian in the community and finding the “fun” in practice every day. She loves working in a team, fostering community relationships and mentoring our future generation of veterinarians. Above all else, Jodi is blessed to have an amazing and supportive family with her husband Russell and their two kids, Jack and Raelyn (all die-hard flames fans!). Jodi’s dream is to see all veterinarians practice without fear and anxiety and to embrace just how amazing we all are! Connect https://www.animalcarecentre.ca/ Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Liz Blake (Pets Plus Us) | The $40,000 Wake-Up Call From a Pet Insurance Insider | 19 mars 2026 | 00:38:53 | |
We sat down with Liz Blake, Sr. Veterinary Sales Representative at Pets Plus Us, for a conversation that starts light but quickly gets real. Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Shannon Gervais, RVT | Redefining the RVT Career Path | 11 mars 2026 | 00:44:26 | |
This episode is sponsored by Solvet Canada: https://solvet.ca/ We sit down with the one and only Shannon Gervais, RVT, at CanWest in Banff for a conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, networking, and the future of veterinary medicine. About Shannon Shannon Gervais, RVT is a veterinary industry trailblazer, entrepreneur, and innovator with over 25 years of experience in companion animal medicine. She currently serves as the National Companion Animal Business Unit Director at Solvet, where she leads the national strategy for the company’s companion animal division, focusing on veterinary pharmaceuticals, product development, and strategic partnerships across Canada. Shannon is also the Founder and Co-Owner of Nova Vet, a modern veterinary hospital in Calgary, Alberta, designed to deliver curated veterinary care through innovation, technology, and strong collaboration between Registered Veterinary Technologists and veterinarians. Originally trained as an RVT, Shannon has built a career bridging clinical practice, business strategy, and industry partnerships. She is passionate about advancing the veterinary profession through thoughtful innovation, operational excellence, and initiatives that support both veterinary teams and the pets they care for. Connect with Shannon Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Kamryn Shaughnessy-Gervais | Grit, Rodeo, and Regenerative Medicine | 04 mars 2026 | 00:32:30 | |
This episode is sponsored by Solvet Canada. https://solvet.ca/ Recorded live at CanWest 2025 in Banff, we sat down with Kamryn Shaughnessy-Gervais: Inside Sales Rep at AniCell Biotech, animal-health industry “legacy kid,” and competitive barrel racer with serious grit. Learn More/Contact Kamryn: Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Dr. Candace Stuart, DVM | Two Clinics. One Territory. Thousands of Patients: Life as a Yukon Veterinarian | 25 févr. 2026 | 00:27:23 | |
We sit down with Dr. Candace Stuart, a veterinarian practicing in Whitehorse, Yukon, at one of only two veterinary clinics serving the entire territory.
Dr. Stuart also shares a powerful case that has stayed with her for years: one that highlights not only clinical skill, but the profound impact of collaboration, trust, and perseverance in veterinary teams. About Dr. Candace Stuart: Dr. Candace Stuart grew up under the Northern Lights of Labrador. She knew she wanted to be a veterinarian from watching the first episode of Danger Bay, and from helping with vet checks at the Labrador 400 dog sled race as a high school student. Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Shea Lee, RVT (ABVTA) | Challenging RVT Misconceptions & Advocating for Forgotten Animals | 19 févr. 2026 | 00:24:52 | |
Registered Veterinary Technologists are the backbone of veterinary medicine. But so many people (including pet owners) don’t fully understand what RVTs do, what they’re trained for, or how much they carry. In this episode of Don’t Call Me Catty, we sit down with Shea Lee, RVT, President (Vice-President at the time of recording) of the Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association (ABVTA), to talk about the real work happening behind the scenes. We focus especially on shelter medicine, where patients often arrive with no owner, no history, and no one to advocate for them. We get into:
Plus: we end with Shea’s walk-in song, funeral song, and win song—because of course we do. Learn more about ABVTA: https://www.abvta.com/ About Shea Lee, RVT: Shea Lee graduated from the NAIT VMA program in 2013 and the NAIT AHT program in 2015. Since graduation, she has worked full time in shelter medicine while maintaining a part-time position in small animal practice. Shea is passionate about advocating for homeless and neglected animals and takes a special interest in creating fear free environments for them. When not working one of her various jobs, she spends time fostering for local rescue groups and volunteering on the ABVTA Board of Directors. She and her husband share their home with an Australian Cattle Dog named Riggins, a Domestic Short Hair cat named Dill. Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Ashley Nicholls (Reach Ag) | Sticks, Coyotes, and the Human Side of Agriculture | 13 févr. 2026 | 00:50:48 | |
Leilani and Jillian sit down with Ashley Nicholls of Reach Ag for a wide-ranging conversation that blends leadership, culture, and real-world agriculture experience with plenty of laughs along the way. Ashley shares his journey from Australia to Canada, including stories from Australian cowboy culture and what it was like entering the agriculture industry later in life. Together, they explore the unique challenges that arise when business, family, and tradition intersect: a reality familiar to anyone working alongside farm families and multi-generational operations. The conversation digs into generational differences across Millennial, Gen-Z, and senior team members, how tools like the DiSC personality framework can improve communication, and why prioritizing people and culture isn’t “soft” work; it’s foundational to sustainable ag operations. These themes will resonate deeply with veterinary professionals who navigate complex relationships with producers, staff, and families while balancing care, business pressures, and expectations in the field. And because agriculture doesn’t stop after hours, Ashley also shares a memorable midnight story involving a heifer with a uterine prolapse, coyotes, and a couple of sticks... a moment that perfectly captures the unpredictability, responsibility, and grit that large-animal vets know all too well. This episode is a thoughtful, funny, and relatable look at the human side of agriculture, and why strong communication and culture matter just as much as technical expertise. About Ashley: Originally from a small farming community in New South Wales, Australia, Ashley Nicholls now resides in Foothills County, Alberta. Although not raised in an agricultural family, Ashley had the opportunity to work alongside several mixed farming operations, sparking a deep appreciation for the industry. As the founder of REACH Agriculture Strategies, Ashley is a passionate advocate for Canadian agriculture. He is dedicated to strengthening workplace cultures, improving staff retention and enhancing hiring practices across the sector. Through a progressive approach to leadership and a focus on effective communication, REACH delivers customized programs that help producers not only get boots on the ground but keep them there - ensuring the long-term sustainability of operations and the industry as a whole. In 2026, Ashley was named as a Contemporary Nuffield Scholar, through this project he will be traveling the globe uncovering the unique methods that businesses use to influence the attraction, retention and effectiveness of their employees. REACH Agriculture Strategies: https://reachag.ca/ Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Dr. Phil Buote, DVM | Fear, Facts, and Fairness: How Veterinary Complaints Are Really Handled | 05 févr. 2026 | 00:32:29 | |
Complaints are one of the most anxiety-provoking experiences in veterinary medicine. However, they don’t have to be a mystery, and they don’t have to define you. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Phil Buote, DVM, Deputy Registrar and Complaints Director at the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA), for an open, human conversation about what really happens when a complaint is filed. Phil walks us through the complaints process from start to finish, sharing why most complaints are dismissed, how peer review actually works, and why the regulator’s role is not about punishment, but rather professionalism, fairness, and learning. Drawing on his own years in clinical practice, Phil explains how empathy, clear communication, and perspective guide his approach when calling colleagues on what may be one of the hardest days of their careers. This episode is for veterinarians and veterinary professionals who want clarity instead of fear, facts instead of assumptions, and reassurance that being human in medicine does not mean you’ve failed. If complaints have ever kept you up at night, or you just want to better understand the system that governs our profession, this conversation is worth your time. About Dr. Phil Buote Dr. Phil Buote is the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association Deputy Registrar and Complaints Director. He grew up in rural Prince Edward Island, completed an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Prince Edward Island and graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 1995. Phil completed a rotating internship in large animal medicine and surgery at Washington State University in 1996. Dr. Buote began clinical practice in Alberta as a rural mixed animal practitioner in the Peace River region. He did two years of mainly beef cow-calf practice before moving to Sherwood Park where he joined a practice limited to horses. Three years into equine practice he found himself wanting to return to mixed practice and explore practice ownership. He moved to Cochrane where he eventually purchased the Cochrane Animal Clinic, which he owned and operated from 2002 through 2010. Dr. Buote was a member of the ABVMA Food Animal Committee from 2002 through 2004 when he was elected as a member of Council. Following his term on Council he was appointed to the Complaint Review Committee and took on the role of Chair in 2010. Looking for a change of career, and given his satisfaction with his volunteer work with the ABVMA, he applied for the position of Complaints Director and joined the ABVMA staff in July of 2010, and added the role of Deputy Registrar in 2013. He has been in both roles since then. Phil lives in Parkland county with his wife Carmen and their two boys Ethan and Nolan and cats Simon and Ceasar. He likes to stay active and his spare time is mostly spent outdoors fishing and in the mountains. Get in Touch Dr. Buote Direct Phone: 780-784- 5223 Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Thierry (Jerry) Locati, RVT | Talking to Pet Owners Is His Full-Time Job | 04 févr. 2026 | 00:34:25 | |
We sit down with Jerry Locati, an RVT whose full-time job is talking to pet owners when they’re worried, overwhelmed, and unsure what to do next. Jerry shares his path into veterinary medicine, what led him to become an RVT, and who he is outside of the profession (including his life as a bass guitarist while off the clock). We talk about his role at Animal HealthLink, where he’s often the voice on the phone when a pet owner is facing a potential crisis and needs calm, experienced guidance. The conversation explores what it’s really like to specialize in communication as a clinical skill, while supporting pet owners across a wide variety of cases, many far outside his own geographic region. Jerry reflects on the rewards of being an RVT, the cases that stick with him long after the call ends, and why he’s become known for his steady, reassuring presence in high-stress moments. We also pull back the curtain on how Animal HealthLink calls typically unfold: what happens behind the scenes, how decisions are made, and what most people never get to see about this kind of work. This episode is about the power of calm, the weight of responsibility, and what it means to care for animals by caring for the people who love them, one conversation at a time. About Jerry Thierry graduated the Olds College AHT program with honours in 1997. He began his career at The Calgary North Emergency Hospital in the summer of 1997 in the emergency department. In 2002 Thierry started in the Internal Medicine department until September of 2008. In 2008 Thierry played an instrumental role in helping to setup the first Antech Laboratory Stat Lab in western Canada located in the Care centre building in Calgary Alberta. Thierry worked at Antech Laboratories as a lab tech and supervisor until his departure in the fall of 2015, when he moved to Vancouver Island. Since then he has worked in practice at local ER's and primary care veterinary clinics on the south Island. He began working for AHL as a triage operator in September of 2023. Thierry has a dog, Lola and a cat, Stella. Thierry's special interests are lab work, internal medicine and triage. Learn More about Animal HealthLink: ahl.vet Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Dr. Jeannet Kessels | The Facebook Post That Sparked a Global Climate Movement in Vet Med | 21 janv. 2026 | 00:35:57 | |
In this episode of Don’t Call Me Catty, we sit down with Dr. Jeannet Kessels, DVM, founder of Vets For Climate Action, to trace how one moment of concern turned into a worldwide effort to unite veterinary voices for the planet. From the frontlines of climate-driven animal welfare crises to conversations with veterinary organizations across continents, Dr. Kessels shares what it takes to build momentum in a profession rooted in science, trust, and community connection. We talk about why veterinarians may be some of the most powerful and credible messengers in the climate conversation, how grassroots advocacy becomes global leadership, and what the emerging World Veterinary Environmental Alliance could mean for the future of animal health, public trust, and building the guardrails to ensure we’re not just responding to climate-driven crises, but helping prevent them. This is a conversation about courage, credibility, and what happens when care for patients expands into care for the world they live in. Tune in for a grounded, honest look at how veterinary medicine is stepping into a much bigger role and why it matters now more than ever. About Dr. Jeannet: Dr Jeannet Kessels established her tiny veterinary practice when her children were small, which grew into the multi-site Greater Springfield Vets, known for its strong culture and values. Her motto ‘Excellence with Heart’ is reflected across both life and work. As a creative entrepreneur, she is driven by kindness and surrounding herself with brilliant minds. Since Jeannet was 5 years old, the world has lost over 70% of its wildlife. It is time for our profession to powerfully and cohesively respond! Jeannet is single-minded in advocating for animals in the triple planetary crisis. She founded Vets for Climate Action Australia (VfCA), which has now scaled to the innovative and profoundly important World Veterinary Environmental Alliance (WVEA). With a focus on climate, sustainability, and biodiversity, the alliance strengthens and leverages the positive work of like-minded vets and veterinary organisations all around the world. Jeannet models environmental philanthropy, applying practical steps towards sustainability and emissions reduction across her own veterinary hospitals. Get Involved: World Veterinary Environmental Alliance WVEA is growing fast; almost every veterinary sustainability and climate organisation globally is now a member, alongside the World Veterinary Association, Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, and numerous national associations. Join here: https://worldvetalliance.org/join/ (UPDATED since time of recording) Email: hello@worldvetalliance.org WVEA is pronounced "Wee-Veee-A" Vets for Climate Action (Australia) Veterinary Sustainability Alliance (Canada and USA) https://www.veterinarysustainabilityalliance.org/ Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Dr. Savannah Howse-Smith, DVM | She Was a TV Vet. Now What? | 14 janv. 2026 | 00:48:02 | |
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Savannah Howse-Smith: Métis veterinarian, former star of Dr. Savannah: Wild Rose Vet, and Lead Veterinarian with the Canadian Animal Task Force. We discuss her journey from mixed animal practice to small animal care, how she found herself on television, and why community-centred care matters in Indigenous communities across Canada. Join us for stories from the clinic, insights into effective allyship to Indigenous communities, and how Dr. Savannah continues to make an impact beyond the camera. Alberta Helping Animals Society: https://www.ahas.ca/ Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Dr. Heather James | Grit, Growth, and Doing Things Differently | POP-UP | 04 | 07 janv. 2026 | 00:51:15 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Heather James, DVM for a candid conversation about finding your calling, surviving the messy middle, giving back through mentorship, and noticing the impact of your work. Heather shares her non-linear path to vet med, from an early background in art, to quitting programs that weren’t the right fit, to selling Girl Guide cookies at 2 a.m. outside a bar because opportunity doesn’t always show up during business hours. We talk about grit in its many forms: working rural mixed animal practice with relentless on-call schedules, sleeping in an SUV while doing summer research, leading a rescue operation for an 1800 pound Clydesdale, and carrying the weight of six-figure student debt while finding creative ways to move forward. But this episode isn’t about glorifying struggle. It’s about what comes beyond survival mode: learning how to make empowering financial decisions despite fear, knowing when to reward yourself, investing in the right people, and realizing that burnout isn’t a badge of honour. Heather speaks openly about leadership, mentorship, and why a mentor’s success should always be measured by the success of their mentees. We also explore the deeply human side of veterinary medicine, the intimacy of caring for animals who are family members, the trust placed in vets during some of life’s hardest decisions, and the emotional weight that stays with you long after the appointment ends. This conversation is powerful, practical, and refreshingly honest. It’s a reminder that you’re allowed to do things differently, take up space, and build a career (and life) that actually works for you. About Dr. Heather: Heather James, DVM, is a co-owner of Ospika Animal Hospital, a DVM- and RVT-owned small animal practice in Prince George, BC. A 2007 graduate of the WCVM, Dr. James also has a background in contract research, shelter medicine, and mixed animal practice, as well as working as a general practice and emergency locum. She has a strong passion for teaching and trauma-aware mentorship, which grew during her leadership roles as medical director and area medical director at multiple hospitals prior to ownership. A perpetual student at heart, Dr. James loves trying new technology, hearing new perspectives, and is most proud of her certifications in the Human Animal Bond, Trauma of Money, and Master Gardener. She shares her home life on Vancouver Island with her “Tiger Collie” (read “mutt”) called Rhubarb and her husband, who is also an entrepreneur. Ospika Animal Hospital: https://ospikavet.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-james-dvm/ Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Syd Vaughan | Why “Just Breathing” Might Be the Most Underrated Tool in Vet Med | POP-UP | 03 | 31 déc. 2025 | 00:36:28 | |
We're thrilled to introduce you to Syd Vaughan, Registered Massage Therapist, breathwork coach, and founder of 3 Well by Syd. Syd Vaughan Syd Vaughan is a Registered Massage Therapist, Breathwork Facilitator, Dynamic Speaker, and the Visionary Founder of 3 Well by Syd. With over a decade of experience, Syd masterfully bridges the science of the body with the art of self-discovery creating profound, lasting change in the lives of her clients. Syd launched her personal training business at just 20 years old. Since then, she has built a multidimensional career rooted in helping individuals reconnect with themselves physically, emotionally, and energetically. Syd empowers people to radically transform their relationship with their bodies, beliefs, and breath. With technical expertise she helps clients cultivate self-love, break through limitations, and build sustainable lifestyles. Her unique skill set guides clients to take deliberate, transformative steps to evolve all elements of mind, body, and breath. From one on one training, facilitating transformational retreats, or captivating audiences from the stage, Syd brings a powerful grounded presence. Her signature approach helps individuals reconnect to themselves, unlocking deep, lasting transformation. Website: www.3wellbysyd.com Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Dr. Gerard O’Leary | Pivots, People, and Pet Tech | POP-UP | 02 | 22 sept. 2025 | 00:32:43 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Gerard O'Leary, the CEO and founder of NxVet. Gerard discusses his unconventional journey from engineering to veterinary medicine, including his work with the European Space Agency and on smartphone technology before moving to medical devices. He elaborates on his commitment to humanizing the veterinary field and breaking down barriers. Gerard provides an in-depth look at NxVet's innovative stethoscope attachment, which combines AI technology for scribing and vital sign measurements. The conversation highlights the importance of persistence, the support from key individuals such as his wife and colleagues, and the challenges faced in entrepreneurship. The episode ends with Gerard’s vision for the future of NxVet and how interested parties can get involved. About Gerard: Dr. Gerard O’Leary has led the technology and business development behind NXVET since co-founding NerveX in 2021. He’s passionate about demonstrating the benefits of NXVET in veterinary clinics and thrives when developing new technologies with the engineering team at the NerveX lab. He received his B.Eng. degree from the University of Galway, and his M.A.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Toronto. Gerard has held engineering positions at Analog Devices, the European Space Agency, and ARM. He is the recipient of the RBC Prize for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the IEEE Predoctoral Achievement Award. His Ph.D. research was in neuroelectronics, and ranged from in-vitro devices for fundamental neuroscience to developing integrated circuits and systems with integrated machine learning accelerators for implantable neural interfaces. Since graduating, Gerard has broadened his research to bioelectronic sensing for solving in-clinic and at-home healthcare challenges. As Chief Executive Officer at NerveX, his goal is to build a sustainable company that supports a world-leading engineering and clinical deployment team. So far, so great! For more on NxVet: https://nx.vet/ Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||
| Dr. Jonathan Leicht | The Ick Factor: Vet Hiring Faux Paws | POP-UP | 01 | 11 août 2025 | 00:27:26 | |
In the inaugural episode of 'Don't Call Me Catty,' co-hosts Jillian and Leilani introduce their mission of offering a no-nonsense look into the veterinary industry. The special guest, Jonathan Leicht, CEO of Mosaic Vet Partners, shares career insights, including hiring practices, mentorship, and handling workplace challenges. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining team culture and being adaptable in a fast-evolving field. Jonathan also opens up about personal stories, including memorable family experiences and the impact of firing a high-performing but toxic team member. This episode highlights the human side of veterinary medicine, aiming to foster better understanding and empathy within the community. About Jonathan: Dr. Jonathan Leicht received his BSc. in Agriculture, Animal Sciences with distinction from the University of Saskatchewan before completing his DVM degree at WCVM in 2009. Over the past 10 + years, Jonathan has worked in clinical practice as well as in a wide range of progressive leadership positions including veterinary sales and operations in general practice, emergency as well as specialty settings. In 2021, Jonathan joined as a partner with Mosaic Veterinary Partners, becoming its CEO in October 2022. Jonathan is passionate about helping guide and grow veterinary businesses, as well as helping team members to achieve greater success in their own careers. When he’s not working, you will find him outside with his wife and two kids skating, skiing, and exploring the world together. For more on Mosaic: https://mosaicvet.com/ About Leilani About Jillian Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Visit Steady Gait Planning For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com | |||