The Veterinary Culture Lab – Details, episodes & analysis

The Vet Med Circus: Why Collaboration Is the Star of the Show

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Josh and Andi explore one of the most powerful—but often overlooked—drivers of high-functioning veterinary teams: positive communication that fuels real collaboration.

Grounded in a 2024 study on veterinary team communication, they break down 15 specific behaviors that can either build, or break, collaborative veterinary workplaces. These habits go beyond personality or work ethic and show how simple shifts in how we speak, listen, and respond can drive culture renovation.

You do not need a big budget or fancy retreat to improve your veterinary culture—just a few intentional moments of respect, empathy, and action-oriented communication can spark real change.

You’ll hear:

• What true collaboration in veterinary teams looks like—and what it is not
  
  
• Why communication often matters more than work ethic in vet med
  
  
• The 4 core categories of collaborative behaviors (with real-world examples)
  
  
• Why respect in veterinary teams is the top behavior linked to success
  
  
• How to turn empathy and curiosity into culture-building tools
  
  
• Action steps to boost trust, psychological safety, and team morale

Whether you are managing a clinic, working the treatment floor, or leading from the front desk, this episode offers practical tools to support thriving, high-functioning veterinary teams—one conversation at a time.

Resources: 

Episode Article:

Title: Positive Communication Practices for Enhancing Collaboration

Author: Amy E. Mickel

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/23294884241263552

Flourish Academy - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication

• For Leaders 
• For Teams
  

Puppy Songs 

Florida Man This Week - Cars 

What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet

Your Hosts:
Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC 

Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP

At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth. 

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Collaboration in Vet Med

00:40 Casual Chat: Smoothies and Pets

03:45 The Importance of Collaboration in Vet Med

06:20 A Real-Life Example of Effective Collaboration

09:58 Key Communication Practices for Collaboration

13:05 Respect and Empathy in Teamwork

22:05 Practical Steps to Enhance Collaboration

26:45 Florida Man: A Humorous Conclusion

Seen, Valued, Energized: How Micro-Connections Build Thriving Veterinary Teams

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh dive into one of their favorite culture renovation tools: high-quality connections (or as we like to say, micro-connections that pack a punch).

Inspired by the stories of MVP Joey Votto and NBA star Steph Curry, and grounded in the research of organizational psychologist Dr. Jane Dutton, this conversation explores how fleeting, positive moments between team members can change everything—from mood and motivation to retention and resilience.

In a profession where time is short and stress runs high, veterinary teams need more than coffee and courage. They need connection. And the best part? You do not need a retreat or a big budget to make it happen.

You’ll hear:

• What high-quality connections actually are—and why they matter in vet med
• How micro-interactions shift team energy and culture
• Why these connections are essential during stress and chaos
• The 3 science-backed pathways that make a connection “high-quality”
•  Practical ways to create, model, and celebrate these moments at work

Whether you manage a clinic or assist in surgery, this episode shows how a little intentionality can spark a whole lot of wellbeing.

Resource Links 

Episode Articles:

Title: The Power of High-Quality Connections
Author: Jane E. Dutton
Access URL (PDF from Center for Positive Organizations):
https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/HighQualityConnections.pdf

Title: Joey Votto and Steph Curry Found a Secret to Workplace Happiness. You Can, Too.
Author: Rustin Dodd
URL: https://theathletic.com/5480823/2025/05/22/joey-votto-steph-curry-happiness/

(Subscription may be required)

Florida Man This Week - Horse 

What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet

Your Hosts:
Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC 

Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP

At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth. 

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to High Quality Connections

00:40 Casual Conversation and Personal Updates

02:30 Excitement for Today's Topic

02:47 Defining High Quality Connections

03:23 Real-Life Examples of High Quality Connections

04:26 Exploring High Quality Connections in Professional Settings

06:28 Research and Articles on High Quality Connections

07:51 Stories of Joey Vato and Steph Curry

09:46 The Science Behind High Quality Connections

11:34 Personal Stories of High Quality Connections

13:10 The Impact of High Quality Connections in Vet Med

14:48 The Power of Using Names

15:38 High Quality Connections in Fast-Paced Environments

17:38 The Importance of Connection During Stressful Times

20:17 Building a Resilient Culture

21:36 Practical Tips for Creating High Quality Connections

27:49 Celebrating High Quality Connections

28:38 Florida Man Segment

30:39 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Josh and Andi explore the power of communication in shaping how a workplace feels and why that feeling matters more than we think.

Drawing on new research from the University of Michigan, the conversation dives into how intentional leadership communication transformed workplace climate, decreased burnout, and boosted engagement - all during a time of crisis.

With vet med facing its own climate challenges, this study offers a blueprint for change: small communication shifts that create big ripple effects. From high-quality connections to building relational reserves, this episode connects the dots between leadership behavior and team wellbeing.

You’ll hear:

• What “workplace climate” really means—and how it differs from culture
• How leadership communication became a lever for change
• Why positive climate matters more than pay when it comes to retention
• How to build resilience before the next crisis hits
• Practical micro-practices you can use to shape climate on purpose

Whether you lead a team or simply want your clinic to feel more human, this episode offers science-backed insight into what makes veterinary workplaces thrive from the inside out.

Resource Links

Episode Article:

Article Title: Positive Leadership within Breast Imaging: Impact on Burnout, Intent to Leave, and Engagement

Authors: Amy Young, Jennifer J. Gruber, and Nima Aghdassi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacr.2024.01.023

Flourish Academy Masterclasses:

• Certificate in Positive Veterinary Leadership 
• Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication 

Florida Man This Week - Convenience Store 

What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet

Your Hosts:
Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC 

Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP

At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth. 

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: The Impact of Communication at Work

00:43 Team Dynamics and the Importance of Key Members

02:24 Climate and Culture in the Workplace

05:03 Leadership Styles and Their Effects

10:08 Positive Leadership and Workplace Climate Study

15:34 Communication as Leverage in Leadership

19:04 Transparency in Leadership

19:49 The Impact of Workplace Climate

20:50 Effective Leadership Interventions

22:22 Building Relational Reserves

23:34 Intentional Connections in Teams

25:29 Cultural Renovation Strategies

30:03 Transparency and Communication

33:37 Florida Man: Gator Adventure

35:17 Conclusion and Resources

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh unpack the myth that success in veterinary medicine is all about grit and hustle—and offer a compelling alternative backed by research.

Grounded in leadership science and workplace psychology, this episode explores new findings from the Thriving at Work: 2023 Leadership Development Survey and connects them to veterinary teams through the powerful lens of culture renovation. With burnout on the rise and turnover rates high, the conversation challenges long-held assumptions and offers practical, doable shifts to help teams flourish.

You’ll hear:

• Why “just push through” is not a long-term strategy for wellbeing
  
  
• What the science says truly drives thriving in veterinary workplaces
  
  
• How the “20% Rule” can help teams access more meaning without overhauling their jobs
  
  
• Real-life examples of how strengths, recognition, and curiosity fuel engagement

Whether you’re rethinking leadership, rebalancing workloads, or just trying to feel less drained at the end of the day, this episode offers science-backed ideas for making veterinary work more human—and more sustainable.

Resource Links: 

Episode Article(s):

Title: Thriving at work 

Authors: Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership (2023)

***

Title: Beyond the Hustle: Rethinking what it takes to thrive at work

Authors: Elisa van Dam, Susan MacKenty, Brady and Pynn Perry Wooten (2025)

URL: https://www.smartbrief.com/original/beyond-the-hustle-rethinking-what-it-takes-to-thrive-at-work

***
20% Rule resource:
Title: Burnout Rate Is Lower Among Academic Physicians When Time Is Spent on Meaningful Work

Author: Lang, Les

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2009.06.013

***
Florida Man This Week - Reality TV 

What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet

Your Hosts:
Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC 

Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP

At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth. 

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Rethinking Work Culture

00:57 Casual Catch-Up: Horse Troubles and Farm Life

03:35 A Day in the Life: Unexpected Calls and Mixed Emotions

05:01 Personal Stories: The Hustle Culture

10:07 Research Insights: Thriving at Work

13:40 Enablers of Thriving: Good Management and Communication

15:50 Building a Transparent and Strengths-Focused Team

17:04 The 20% Rule for Thriving at Work

19:57 Applying the 20% Rule to Cultural Renovation

21:53 Conducting an Energy Audit for Your Team

24:09 The Power of Curiosity in Leadership

28:28 Florida Man: A Humorous Interlude

30:01 Wrapping Up and Encouraging Engagement

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Josh and Andi explore a surprising twist on workplace drama—one that could actually improve veterinary wellbeing. Spoiler: it is not the gossip-filled kind of drama, but the science-backed DRAMMA model, a powerful framework built on six core psychological needs that support human flourishing at work.

Grounded in recovery science and positive psychology, this conversation unpacks how detachment, relaxation, autonomy, mastery, meaning, and affiliation can transform your team’s culture from overwhelmed and burnt out to energized and engaged.

You’ll hear:

• Why the DRAMMA model offers a practical path to better wellbeing at work
• How small changes—like five-minute mental breaks—can reduce stress and improve team dynamics
•  What “mastery” looks like in a veterinary setting (spoiler: it involves #RollieAF veins)
• A real-world example of how brushing a horse’s tail became a built-in moment of detachment 

Whether you're leading culture renovation or just trying to recharge between shifts, this episode delivers science-backed strategies to help your veterinary team thrive—one need at a time.

Resource Links:

Episode Article

Title: Need Satisfaction and Optimal Functioning at Leisure and Work: A Longitudinal Validation Study of the DRAMMA Model

Authors: Miika Kujanpää, Christine Syrek, Dirk Lehr, Ulla Kinnunen, Jo Annika Reins, Jessica de Bloom (2020) 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-020-00247-3

Mihály Csíkszentmihályi on Flow
Florida Man This Week - Boat Fiasco

What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet

Your Hosts:
Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC 

Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP

At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth. 

 Episode Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Workplace Drama
 00:48 – A Strange Celery Stalker
 01:48 – Defining Drama in Vet Med
 02:19 – Exploring Psychological Needs
 03:55 – Loving the Job at Flourish
 06:21 – The DRAMMA Model Explained
 09:20 – Applying the DRAMMA Model to Vet Med
 10:07 – Detachment and Relaxation
 10:44 – Personal Detachment Strategies
 16:15 – Mastery and Skill Development
 17:07 – Understanding Flow States
 17:49 – Applying Flow States in Veterinary Practice
 18:07 – The Importance of Mentorship
 18:36 – Stretch Skills in Veterinary Practice
 22:03 – Autonomy and Control in the Workplace
 23:31 – Meaning and Affiliation at Work
 24:34 – Implementing Culture Renovation
 25:03 – Micro Breaks and Human Connection
 28:55 – Ask Me Anything Sessions
 32:43 – Florida Man Story
 34:21 – Conclusion and Farewell

North of Neutral: why positive psychology matters in vet med

In this first episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, hosts Andi and Josh go deep on the science that underpins everything they do at Flourish: positive psychology.

What is positive psychology—really? And what isn’t it? Spoiler: it is not toxic positivity, it is not ignoring suffering, and it is definitely not “just think happy thoughts.” Grounded in the work of Dr. Martin Seligman, this conversation unpacks how the science of human flourishing can help veterinary professionals move beyond burnout, beyond “meh,” and into more meaningful, sustainable wellbeing.

You’ll hear:

• A real-life story that perfectly illustrates Corey Keyes’ concept of languishing
  
  
• Why positive psychology in veterinary medicine is more than “good vibes”
  
  
• A breakdown of the common myths—like “isn’t this just positive thinking?”
  
  
• The surprising power of language: why swapping “but” for “and” matters
  
  
• A laugh-out-loud Florida Man story involving a blowtorch and some questionable decision-making

Whether you’re leading a veterinary team or just trying to make it through the week with purpose, this episode offers science-backed insights and practical takeaways for thriving in vet med—without ignoring the hard stuff.

Resource Links:

Episode Article:

Title: Positive psychology: FAQs.
Authors: Seligman, M. E. P., & Pawelski, J. O. (2003).
DOI: https://www.jstor.org/stable/1449825

The Upside of your Darkside - Todd Kashdan and Robert Biswas-Diener

Florida Man This Week - ATM Blowtorch

What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet

Your Hosts:
Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC 

Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP

At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth. 

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Positive Psychology

00:49 Weekend Stories and Dad Jokes

03:57 Discussing Languishing and Personal Experiences

11:36 The Science of Positive Psychology

16:11 Common Questions About Positive Psychology

17:05 Reflecting on Positive Psychology FAQs

17:46 The Misconception of 'Happyology'

18:49 The Role of Discomfort in a Meaningful Life

20:30 Balancing Positive and Negative Emotions

22:42 The Value of Pessimistic Thinking

24:30 Practical Applications in Veterinary Medicine

31:03 Leadership and Positive Psychology

32:55 Florida Man: A Humorous Conclusion

Care Flows Forward: How Supporting Your Team Elevates Patient Care in Vet Med
In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore a simple but powerful truth: teams do not feel your intentions — they feel your behaviors. Using a human healthcare study on manager caring and patient experience, they dig into how presence, visibility, and small supportive actions ripple outward to strengthen culture and elevate care.

You’ll hear:

• Why leaders often feel caring but struggle to show it in ways teams can experience
• What research reveals about the link between leader presence, team wellbeing, and client care
• How everyday micro-moves (#goinginwiththem) build trust and connection.
• The hidden barriers that keep leaders stuck in the office — and how to break through them
• Practical ways to demonstrate care, shield your team, and close communication loops

Whether you manage a whole hospital or support a busy shift, this episode offers grounded, usable strategies to show up for your team in the moments that matter most.

Resource Links: 

Episode Article:

Title: The Relationship Between Staff Nurses’ Perceptions of Nursing Manager Caring Behaviors and Patient Experience: A Correlational Study
Authors:Kotich, Kelly

Find it: This article is a PhD dissertation submitted to UMKC in 2020. Unfortunately there is no current DOI. Please contact us with any questions. 

Research surrounding 'Leader Rounds' 

Florida Man This Week - Excavator

Flourish Academy Masterclass - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication

What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet

Your Hosts:
Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC 

Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP

At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth. 

Timestamps 

00:00 Introduction: The Secret to Outstanding Patient Care

01:01 Casual Conversation: Taxes and Business Ventures

02:11 The Importance of Demonstrating Care in Leadership

04:03 Research Insights: Manager Behaviors and Patient Experience

04:53 Personal Experiences: Good and Bad Managers

09:26 Study Breakdown: Manager Caring and Visibility

14:09 Challenges in Veterinary Leadership

18:56 The Importance of Visibility in Leadership

19:47 Effective Communication and Supportive Behaviors

20:27 Implementing Culture Renovation Strategies

20:43 Micro Moves: Small Actions with Big Impact

26:11 Leader Rounds and Percentage Checks

28:09 Walk with Me Coaching Moments

31:38 Fast Shield Protocol and Closing the Loop

34:04 Conclusion and Florida Man Story

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh return for Part 2 of their conversation on coaching communication—this time turning insight into action.

Building on the science from The Effectiveness of Workplace Coaching: A Meta-Analysis of Contemporary Psychologically Informed Coaching Approaches (2021), this episode explores how curiosity comes to life through Sir John Whitmore’s GROW model - a simple, powerful framework for creating confidence, motivation, and connection on veterinary teams.

From goal setting to growth mindset, Andi and Josh break down each step of GROW through a positive psychology lens—showing how just a few intentional questions can shift culture, empower teams, and bring out the best in everyone.

You’ll hear:

• How the GROW model (Goal, Reality, Options, Way Forward) can transform team conversations
• Why connecting goals to personal values sparks motivation and meaning
• Ways to reframe “what’s wrong” into “what’s strong” when exploring workplace reality
• Simple curiosity-driven questions that open up new possibilities
• How small coaching moments—just a few minutes long—can reshape your culture from the inside out

Whether you’re a leader, technician, or teammate, this episode gives you the tools to put curiosity into action and start creating the kind of culture every veterinary professional deserves to be part of.

Resource Links: 

Episode Article:

Title: The effectiveness of workplace coaching: A meta-analysis of contemporary psychologically informed coaching approaches
Authors:Qing Wang, Yiming Lai, Jian Xu, & Almuth McDowall

DOI: 10.1108/JWAM-04-2021-0030

Coaching For Performance (6th edition) By Sir John Whitmore

GROW Coaching Worksheet - From The Flourishing Center

Ted Lasso Official Trailer (Season 1) - we wouldn’t want to give too much away now would we?
Ted Lasso - Available on Apple TV 

Florida Man This Week - George Foreman Grill

What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet

Your Hosts:
Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC 

Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP

At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth. 

Timestamps 

00:00 Introduction to Part Two

00:41 Weekend Stories and Personal Anecdotes

05:56 The Importance of Curiosity in Coaching

11:24 Diving into the Grow Model

17:34 The Power of Future-Oriented Goals

18:21 Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Efficacy

19:35 Curiosity in Goal Setting

20:40 Reality Check: Balancing Barriers and Strengths

23:14 Exploring Options with Curiosity

25:10 The Impact of Asking the Right Questions

29:07 Implementing the GROW Model in Practice

35:04 Practical Tips for Leaders

36:57 Conclusion and Fun Segment

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore what coaching really means in veterinary medicine—and why curiosity might be the most powerful tool we have to strengthen culture.

Grounded in a 2021 meta-analysis of workplace coaching, this conversation unpacks how three evidence-based approaches—GROW, Positive Psychology Coaching, and Cognitive Behavioral Coaching—can help veterinary teams build confidence, connection, and wellbeing. Andi and Josh share why coaching is not advice-giving or mentoring, but a structured, science-backed conversation that helps people clarify goals, see reality more fully, explore new options, and take meaningful steps forward.

From donuts and Ted Lasso to the science of empowerment and agency, this episode will leave you rethinking the way you talk with your team—and why “ask, don’t tell” is the secret to renovating workplace culture.

You’ll hear:

• Why coaching is different from advice, therapy, or mentoring
• What the research says about coaching’s impact on performance and wellbeing
• How GROW, Positive Psychology Coaching, and Cognitive Behavioral Coaching each support veterinary teams
• Why curiosity is the throughline of effective coaching conversations
• Simple ways to practice curiosity—even on busy, chaotic days

Whether you’re leading a team, mentoring a new grad, or simply hoping for more meaningful workplace conversations, this episode offers a hopeful, practical look at how coaching can change the way veterinary teams connect and thrive.

Resource Links: 

Episode Article:

Title: The effectiveness of workplace coaching: A meta-analysis of contemporary psychologically informed coaching approaches
Authors:Qing Wang, Yiming Lai, Jian Xu, & Almuth McDowall

DOI: 10.1108/JWAM-04-2021-0030

Ted Lasso Official Trailer (Season 1) - we wouldn’t want to give too much away now would we?
Ted Lasso - Available on Apple TV 

Florida Man This Week - Hot Pink and Naked 

What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet

Your Hosts:
Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC 

Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP

At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth.

Timestamps 

00:00 Introduction to Coaching in Veterinary Medicine

00:42 Casual Conversation and Weekend Plans

01:35 Horse Training and Competitions

04:46 Ted Lasso Fandom

07:43 The Essence of Coaching

08:56 The Importance of Coaching in VetMed

12:27 Research on Coaching Effectiveness

14:13 Popular Coaching Models

16:31 Integrating Coaching Models

20:32 Identifying Progress and Strengths

21:11 The Power of Curiosity in Coaching

22:52 Maintaining Curiosity Amidst Chaos

24:03 Practical Tips for Staying Curious

27:33 Curiosity in Veterinary Culture

34:02 Teasing the Next Episode

35:06 Florida Man and Closing Remarks