Are you joining vet med for the puppies, or are you ready for the "unhinged" reality?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn and Julia for a bittersweet and insightful episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party as they sit down with our very own "Golden Goose," Delaney Knipps. As she prepares to transition from her role as Admissions Coordinator at OCVAS to a career in athletic mental performance, Delaney pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to be the first point of contact for aspiring vet techs.

From "luring" students into the field to dealing with the emotional fallout of behavioral euthanasia, this episode explores the messy, beautiful, and often chaotic gap between expectation and reality in veterinary medicine.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– The "Unhinged" Factor: Why the best vet techs usually have a touch of chaos in them.

– Admissions Truth-Telling: How Delaney balances marketing the school with giving students a "naked truth" reality check.

– Cognitive Dissonance in Vet Med: A mini science break on why the gap between expectation and reality causes early career burnout.

– The Ex-Girlfriend Chronicles: A wild (and cautionary) tale of how a lack of pet owner responsibility can lead to tragedy.

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Veterinary technicians & assistants

– Animal lovers & pet owners

– Veterinary students & recent graduates

– Vet med professionals seeking humor & community

– Aspiring career changers looking for a realistic view of the industry

🎬 Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Meet our "Golden Goose," Delaney Knipps

06:05 – The Admissions Filter: Identifying "Puppy & Kitten" syndrome

13:18 – Alternative Routes: Explaining the OCVAS pathway to licensure

18:10 – Small World: Growing up down the street from Dr. G

23:04 – Practical Chaos: Using QR codes and navigating "administrative" questions

28:40 – The "Ex-Girlfriend" Chronicles: Cautionary tales of pet negligence

35:41 – VMD vs. DMV: Why Penn State is the outlier in vet degrees

41:14 – Mini Science Break: Cognitive Dissonance in early vet careers

45:12 – The Future of Vet Med: Resilience vs. Work-Life Balance

53:56 – Closing Thoughts: Changing the culture we’ve built

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you learned something new!

– Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay – and that's totally okay.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

– OC Veterinary Assistant School (OCVAS): ocvas.com

– Educational Psychology & Athletic Mental Performance Consulting

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Season 2 Ep. 11

#VetTechLife #VetTechNerdParty #OCVAS

Is it burnout, or are you actually suffering from moral injury?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn and Julia as they welcome back the "big guy," Dr. Gershon Alaluf (Dr. G), for a deep dive into the psychological toll of modern veterinary medicine. Fresh off a massive research project involving over 3,200 surveys, Dr. G pulls back the curtain on his findings regarding emotional labor and the corporate "numbers game."

From the "Sunday Scaries" to the heartbreaking reality of veterinary suicide, this episode explores why the "gold standard" of care often clashes with the cold reality of Excel spreadsheets.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– Moral Injury Defined: Why doing something against your oath is different from just being "tired."

– The Client Factor: Why emotional labor scales are driven almost entirely by client interactions, not the medicine.

– Cortisol & the Brain: How chronic stress creates irreversible changes similar to CTE in athletes.

– The Corporate Critique: A raw look at how KPIs and ACT numbers are driving talented professionals out of the industry.

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Veterinary technicians & assistants

– Animal lovers & pet owners

– Veterinary students & recent graduates

– Vet med professionals seeking humor & community

– Practice managers & owners interested in team culture

🎬 Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Mental health disclaimer and the "Big Guy" returns

07:11 – Defining Moral Injury: The soldier’s trauma in the vet clinic

14:22 – Luxury Items: Why pet ownership in a recession is a "moral injury" catalyst

21:50 – The Dark Side: Suicide prevention and the "Allostatic Load" on the brain

30:29 – Sustainability: Is the profession losing its best people?

34:42 – The "Dr. G Is Me" Saga: Email nightmares and joint-account tangents

43:23 – Vegas vs. Orlando: A breakdown of VMX, WVC, and corporate "Trump Towers"

46:50 – The Practice Manager Encounter: Finding closure after a corporate firing

51:28 – The Hill We Die On: Retractable leashes, shelter chances, and cat intubation

59:02 – Final Words: Corporate "Excel" culture and the impact on families

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you learned something new!

– Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay – and that's totally okay.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

– 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988lifeline.org

– QPR Training: qprinstitute.com

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Season 2 Ep. 10

#VetTechLife #MoralInjury #VetMed #VetTechNerdParty #DrG

What really happens when a thriving private veterinary hospital gets bought out by a corporation? Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia, and Erin for the explosive Season 2 premiere of Vet Tech Nerd Party. In this brutally honest episode, the crew finally spills the tea on their clinic’s corporate buyout — the shocking mismanagement, emotional fallout, and lessons every vet pro should hear.

Packed with laughs, jaw-dropping stories, and heartfelt reflections, this episode is a must-listen for vet techs, animal lovers, and anyone navigating the changing world of veterinary medicine.

🎧 What you’ll discover:

– The inside story of a real-life corporate takeover in vet med

– How decades-long family clinics are vanishing overnight

– Why leadership failures destroy staff morale and client trust

– The emotional toll on teams when hospitals lose their identity

🐾 Who will love this episode: – Veterinary technicians & assistants

– Animal lovers & pet owners – Veterinary students & recent graduates

– Vet med professionals seeking humor & community

– Anyone curious about the future of private veterinary practice

🎬 Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro + Season 2 kickoff

01:00 – Catching up after summer break & Beerfest stories

02:10 – The truth about our hospital’s corporate buyout

06:00 – How a pillar of the community fell apart

10:00 – What happened when ownership changed hands

17:00 – Staff walkouts & clients noticing the shift

25:00 – Controlled drugs and chaos behind the scenes

35:00 – Losing trust and watching a legacy fade

47:00 – The final days and closing the doors for good

59:00 – Corporate vet takeovers by the numbers

1:09:00 – Looking ahead to Part 2 (corporate vs private)

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you learned something new!

– Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We’re not okay – and that’s totally okay.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios 📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Season 2 Ep. 1

#VetTech #VeterinaryPodcast #VetTechNerdParty

Is the day after a holiday the real emergency season?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia, and Erin for a festive, chaotic, and surprisingly real holiday episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party—ugly sweaters, clinic holiday schedules, post-holiday ER stories, and the behind-the-scenes realities vet teams face this time of year.

Packed with laughs, relatable moments, and hard-earned perspective, this one’s for vet techs, animal lovers, and everyone who’s ever said “they were fine yesterday…”

🎧 What you'll discover:

– How clinics actually split holiday shifts (and why it gets messy)

– The real “holiday surge”: pancreatitis, foreign bodies, chocolate toxicity, and more

– Why the day after the holiday is often worse than the holiday itself

– The emotional side of the season: euthanasia, finances, and compassion fatigue

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Veterinary technicians & assistants

– Animal lovers & pet owners

– Veterinary students & recent graduates

– Vet med professionals seeking humor & community

– Anyone surviving holiday chaos with pets at home

🎬 Timestamps:

00:00 – Ugly sweaters, holiday drinks, and “Christmasified” intros

04:45 – Holiday clinic scheduling: sign-ups, trades, and fairness drama

10:15 – The real surge: why the days after holidays hit hardest

15:40 – Post-holiday cases: ornaments, tinsel, and foreign bodies

21:10 – Pancreatitis season: prime rib, grease trays, and trash raids

27:10 – Out-of-town emergencies + why holiday clients can be extra stressed

33:40 – The heavy reality: euthanasia spikes, waiting for family, and money pressure

40:15 – Holiday hazards: chocolate toxicity, tree water, lights, and mouth burns

46:30 – Pets as gifts: what not to do + worst “starter pets” for kids

52:10 – Mini science break: why pets act insane during the holidays + guest chaos stories

58:55 – Festivus wrap-up, final story, and goodbye to the year

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you learned something new!

– Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay – and that's totally okay.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Season 1, Ep. 19

#VetTech #VetMedHumor #VetTechNerdParty

What happens when Vet Tech Nerd Party teams up with Ready Vet Go?

Join hosts & RVTs Mallory Dickinson, Julia Hamilton, and Jenn Graney for a Season 2 kickoff collab that dives deep into mentorship, burnout, and the unique partnership between veterinarians and RVTs.

With Ready Vet Go’s founder Dr. Dani Rabwin, DVM, this episode blends humor, honesty, and expert insights on how mentorship can transform veterinary medicine.

Whether you’re a vet tech, student, or seasoned vet, this collab brings laughs, truths, and encouragement to everyone in the field.

🎧 What you'll discover:

• How Ready Vet Go is changing mentorship for new vets nationwide
• The real impact of burnout (and how to survive it)
• Why techs are essential mentors to veterinarians, too
• Laughter, cocktails, and the messy but beautiful side of VetMed

🐾 Who will love this episode:

• Veterinary technicians & assistants
• Veterinary students & recent graduates
• Veterinarians seeking mentorship and team support
• Animal lovers & pet owners curious about vet life
• Vet Med pros who need humor and community

🎬 Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Welcome back to VTNP Season 2 🎉
• 00:16 – VTNP x Ready Vet Go collab kicks off
• 03:20 – Bloody Mary garnishes gone wild (beef jerky straw?!)
• 06:00 – Mentorship that flows both ways: vets & techs
• 10:30 – Burnout in vet med: the hard truths
• 18:00 – New grads entering real-world clinics
• 25:00 – Learning from mistakes & sharing them openly
• 33:40 – Why RVTs are vital to mentorship in clinics
• 46:00 – Rekindling joy when instructors lose the spark
• 56:00 – Science break: mentorship literally rewires the brain
• 1:00:30 – Wrap-up & future field trip collab plans

🔔 Stay Connected:

• Like this video if you laughed or learned something new!
• Drop your questions or clinic stories in the comments.
• Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We’re not okay — and that’s totally okay.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Ready Vet Go: https://www.readyvetgo.com
• AAEVT: https://www.aaevt.org

🎧 Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Season 1 Ep. 18

#VetTech #VeterinaryPodcast #VetTechNerdParty

Glitter spritzers & real talk. Join host Mallory Dickinson, RVT with cohosts Erin Jackson, RVT, Julia Hamilton, RVT, and Jenn Graney, RVT for a special Vet Tech Appreciation Week episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party. We unpack the controversy around Tech Week, what real appreciation looks like (beyond pizza), and swap the moments that turned us from baby techs into leaders. We also dive into anesthesia essentials (warming, monitoring, recovery) and why restraint done right changes everything 💪🐾.

What you’ll discover:

– Why Tech Week gets pushback—and how to reframe it without diluting the RVT role 🎯

– “Raises vs. cupcakes”: what meaningful appreciation looks like (staffing 👥, time ⏱️, tools 🧰, pay 💵)

– Burnout drivers & utilization: why many techs leave in the first five years and how to fix it 🔥➡️🌱

– Anesthesia must-knows: hypothermia risk 🥶

– Monitoring priorities 📈

– Patient vitals vs. machine 🐶⚖️🖥️

– Case talk: ADR cats 🚫🐈

– Blocked toms 🚫🐈

– Triage instincts 🚑

– What great restraint really does 🦴

– Mentorship & imposter syndrome: going from “I need an adult” to being the adult 🙋‍♀️➡️🧑‍🏫

– Relief vs. GP vs. specialty: where techs thrive and how protocols translate 🏥🔄

Who will love this episode:

– Vet techs (students to seasoned) 🧑‍🎓🧑‍⚕️

– Veterinary assistants and RVT educators 📚

– DVMs & practice leaders aiming to utilize techs at top of license 🩺📋

– Shelter teams seeking practical anesthesia & workflow wins 🧪⚙️

– GP teams seeking practical anesthesia & workflow wins 🧪⚙️

– Specialty teams seeking practical anesthesia & workflow wins 🧪⚙️

– Animal lovers curious about the real work behind great veterinary care 🐕🐈❤️

Stay Connected:

– 👍 Like this video if you learned something new!

– 💬 Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.

– 🔔 Subscribe & hit the bell to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We’re not okay—and that’s totally okay 🧠💙.

Resources Mentioned:

– NAVTA burnout/utilization reports 📄

– Warming & recovery best practices from your clinic SOPs 🧣📝

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms 🎧

Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios 📸

Contact: mallory@pacificlensstudios.com 📬

ep. 17

#vettech #veterinarytechnician #rvt #cvta

Two RVTs told me, “Don’t get into this field.” Here’s why I didn’t listen.

Join host Mallory Dickinson, RVT and cohosts Erin Jackson, RVT, Julia Hamilton, RVT, and Jenn Graney, RVT for a raw and relatable conversation with special guest Sarah—a vet tech student navigating the early stages of her career.

From jaded mentors to dream externships , corporate vs. private culture, and the financial realities of pet ownership, this episode blends humor , honesty , and heart.

Packed with laughs 🤣, real-life stories 📖, and professional insight 🩺, this episode is perfect for vet techs, animal lovers 🐾, and anyone curious about what it really takes to thrive in veterinary medicine.

🎧 What You’ll Discover:

• 🐾 What happens when your mentors warn you not to join the field
• 🏢➡️🏡 How corporate and private practices differ in culture & client care
• 💸 The financial realities of owning pets—even for veterinary pros
• 🤝 Why mentorship can make or break your start in vet med
• 🕰️ The golden age of vet med—and whether it can return
• 💪 How resilience and curiosity can keep your career growing

👥 Who Will Love This Episode:

• 🎓 Vet tech students & recent grads
• 👩‍⚕️ Early-career RVTs and veterinary assistants
• 🔄 Anyone exploring a career change into vet med
• 🐕🐈 Animal lovers curious about the behind-the-scenes reality
• 📚 Educators, mentors, and clinic managers

💬 Stay Connected:

• 👍 Like this video if you learned something new!
• 💬 Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments
• 🔔 Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode

Welcome to the Nerd Party. 🤓 We’re not okay — and that’s totally okay.

📍 Available on: Spotify 🎧 | Apple Podcasts 🍏 | All Major Platforms

📲 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📧 Contact: mallory@pacificlensstudios.com

Ep. 16

#VetTechNerdParty #PacificLens #VetTechLife #VetTechStudent #VetTechCareer #VeterinaryPodcast #VeterinaryMedicine #VetTech #VetTechnician #VetMedLife #VetMedProblems #VetMed #VetTechHumor #VetTechStories #VetLife #VeterinaryAssistant #VetTechSchool #VetTechCommunity #AnimalCare #PetCare #AnimalHealth #VeterinaryCareers #VetMedSupport #VetMedReality

How do we fix burnout in vet med—without losing the soul of the profession?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia, and Erin with special guest Dr. G (retired DVM, MBA, DBA candidate) for a lively deep-dive into culture, mentorship, emotional labor, mid-level debates, and why job descriptions matter more than you think.

Packed with hard truths, humor, and clinic stories (including gear-fail confessions), this one’s for every vet pro who still loves the work.

🎧 What you’ll discover:

• Why culture beats spreadsheets (and clients can smell fake smiles)
• Mentorship that sticks: trust, training, and letting techs lead
• Shared mental models: the science behind fewer errors & less stress
• Mid-level practitioner debate + the RVT hours shake-up
• Vet school expansion, corporate influence, and “follow the money”
• Real talk on work–life balance, job descriptions, and sustainability
• Spay/neuter chat: 120-lb dogs, lap vs. open, and shelter realities

🐾 Who will love this episode:

• Veterinary technicians & assistants
• Animal lovers & pet owners
• Veterinary students & recent graduates
• Vet med pros craving community, candor, and a laugh

🎬 Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Cold open chaos & intro to Ep. 15
• 00:41 – Meet Dr. G: career arc, retirement, MBA/DBA and the why behind attrition
• 06:15 – Culture over spreadsheets: mentorship, trust, and emotional labor 101
• 12:40 – Origin stories: how the team met G and empowering techs to lead
• 19:55 – Equipment oops with grace: ultrasound smoke, chargers and learning culture
• 26:20 – Mini Science Break: shared mental models = fewer errors, less stress
• 32:45 – Mid-Level Practitioner debate and RVT hours cut proposal (2,000 vs 4,400)
• 42:30 – Vet schools, AVMA and corporate influence—plus why job descriptions matter
• 1:00:40 – Spay/neuter talk: 120-lb dogs, lap vs open, shelter realities
• 1:15:30 – Shirts, CO story, Mexico house, final toast and outro

🔔 Stay Connected:

• Like this video if you picked up something useful.
• Drop questions or your clinic stories in the comments.
• Subscribe & hit the bell so you don’t miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We’re not okay — and that’s totally okay.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. G’s DVM Survey → https://vetmedit.com/dvm-survey
• VetMedHQ

🎧 Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Ep. 15

#VeterinaryMentorship #VetMedDebate #VetTechNerdParty

What happens when a clinic mascot becomes a little too chill?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia, and Erin for a wild, laugh-out-loud episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party as they swap unforgettable stories from the treatment floor — including the infamous Drug Pug.

From bizarre pet names and unpredictable patients to behind-the-scenes hilarity, this episode captures the chaotic, heartwarming, and downright weird side of vet med life.

Packed with relatable moments and hard-earned wisdom, it’s a must-listen for anyone in the animal care world.

🎧 What you'll discover:

• The unforgettable tale of Drug Pug
• Weirdest client requests and pet names
• How to survive the chaos of back-to-back emergencies
• Why laughter might be the best medicine in vet med
• Balancing patient care with mental health in high-stress shifts

🐾 Who will love this episode:

• Veterinary technicians & assistants
• Animal lovers & pet owners
• Veterinary students & recent graduates
• Vet med professionals seeking humor & community
• Anyone who’s ever worked in animal care or wants a peek behind the scenes

🎬 Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Welcome to Vet Tech Nerd Party & meet the Drug Pug
• 02:10 – The backstory of the clinic’s most relaxed patient
• 06:42 – Funniest (and strangest) pet names heard in the clinic
• 12:55 – Managing chaos when emergencies stack up
• 17:40 – When laughter saved the day in stressful moments
• 22:03 – Balancing client expectations with patient needs
• 26:17 – Quick-fire treatment floor stories
• 31:15 – Times when animals outsmarted the staff
• 37:42 – Camaraderie and support in the vet tech community
• 42:56 – Closing thoughts on finding joy in the chaos

🔔 Stay Connected:

• Like this video if you learned something new!
• Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.
• Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay — and that's totally okay.

🎧 Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Ep. 14

#VetMedHumor #FunnyVetStories #VetTechNerdParty

Ever had a sea lion bite, a cat claw your forehead, or a shark phobia straight out of vet school nightmares? You're in good company.

Join host Mallory Dickinson RVT and cohosts Erin Jackson RVT, Julia Hamilton RVT, and Jenn Graney RVT for a wildly entertaining episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party.

From bite scars to rabies rants to Shark Week therapy sessions—this one hits hard and heals with humor.

Packed with unfiltered stories, professional wisdom, and absurd trivia (how much does an elephant seal weigh?), this episode is for anyone who's been bit, bruised, or belly-laughed through the wild world of vet med.

🔍 What you'll discover:

• 🩸 Horrifying and hilarious bite stories: sea lions, cats, German Shepherds
• 🐱 Why cat bites are sneakier (and more dangerous!) than dog bites
• 🏥 Shelter medicine chaos & ethical dilemmas with aggressive animals
• 💉 Rabies vaccine 101 — when, why, and who needs it
• 🐘 Why elephant seals (8,800 lbs!) are not to be messed with
• 🦈 Shark Week therapy + irrational sea creature fears
• 🧪 Anal glands vs. ketamine — the vet tech showdown

👥 Who will love this episode:

• 🐾 Vet techs who’ve been bit, bruised, or baffled
• 🆘 Shelter medicine warriors and rescue heroes
• 🎓 Vet med students and pre-vet hopefuls
• 🎥 Shark Week junkies & Jaws super fans
• 🤪 Anyone who loves dark humor & unfiltered vet life chaos

💬 Stay Connected:

• 👍 Like this video if you learned something new!
• 💬 Drop your questions or share clinic stories in the comments.
• 🔔 Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We’re not okay — and that’s totally okay. 🎉

🎧 Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms

📱 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📧 Contact: mallory@pacificlensstudios.com

ep. 13

#VetTechNerdParty #VetTechLife #VetMed #VetTechHumor #VetTechStories #AnimalBites #SharkWeek #SeaLions #ElephantSeals #RabiesAwareness #ShelterMedicine #VetMedChaos #DarkHumor #VetTechCommunity #JawsFanClub #VeterinaryField #VetTechStruggles #PetRescue #AnimalRescue #PodcastLife #PacificLens

Ever boxed down a cat and regretted it? You're not alone.

Join host Mallory Dickinson RVT and cohosts Erin Jackson RVT, Julia Hamilton RVT, Jenn Graney RVT, plus special guest Karen, for a raw, hilarious, and unfiltered second episode on all things feline.

From scruffing debates and sedation tips to shelter chaos and the ethics of euthanasia, this is the cat convo you didn’t know you needed.

Packed with laughs, venting, and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for vet techs, animal advocates, and anyone who's ever been hissed at by a polydactyl with a death wish.

🐾 What you’ll discover:

• The dark truth behind induction boxes and cat stress
• Fear-free medicine: where it works and where it flops
• Tales from the shelter trenches with a few feline miracles
• Empathy burnout and student breakdowns
• Vet tech hacks for fractious cats (hint: towels are better than cat bags)
• Hospital cat heroes and hilarious field stories

👥 Who will love this episode:

• Veterinary technicians and assistants
• Students navigating clinical rotations
• Shelter and rescue workers
• Pet owners curious about feline behavior
• Anyone who’s ever cried over a cat

🐾 Stay Connected:

• Like this video if you’ve ever pulled blood on a cat in a backpack!
• Share your feline chaos stories in the comments.
• Subscribe & tap the bell to never miss a Nerd Party night.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We’re not okay — and that’s totally okay.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Bluebell Foundation for Cats
• Gabapentin, Trazodone, Pregabalin (Bonqat)
• Fear-Free Emergency Protocols
• ThunderShirt-style cat wraps

🎧 Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms

📲 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📩 Contact: mallory@pacificlensstudios.com

ep. 12

#CatMedicine #FearFree #VetTechLife #ShelterMedicine #BoxDown #CatStories #VetMedRealTalk #HospitalCats #VeterinaryEthics #VetTechHumor #AnimalRescue #PolydactylCat #EuthanasiaDebate #BluebellFoundation #FelineBehavior #MeowMeowJuice #GabapentinForCats #VetTechNerdParty #PacificLens

Ever wonder why your cat insists on showing you their backside?

In this hilarious and uncensored episode of the Vet Tech Nerd Party podcast, we explore the strange, wild, and chaotic world of cat behavior, veterinary medicine, and what it really means to live with these lovable mini predators.

Perfect for cat lovers, veterinary technicians, and anyone intrigued by the quirky antics of our feline friends!

🎧 What you'll discover:

• The science behind cats acting like miniature tigers
• Why veterinary technicians experience more injuries from cats than other animals
• The hilarious debate: Are cat owners really more neurotic than dog owners?
• Coyotes, cat CPR, and decoding the mysterious "Jesus butt" phenomenon
• Real, uncensored vet tech stories about clinic life, emotional burnout, and coping with humor
• Cat care tips, fun facts, dark humor, and relatable moments fueled by wine and friendship

🐱 Who will love this episode:

• Veterinary professionals looking for relatable stories and community
• Cat owners seeking entertaining insights into cat behavior and health
• Animal lovers craving authentic behind-the-scenes vet med humor

😹 Join the fun:

• Drop your wildest cat story in the comments!
• Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay connected with our quirky vet community.
• Ready to laugh until you cry (or plan a funeral)? You're in the right place!

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay — and that's totally okay.

🎧 Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: mallory@paciiclensstudios.com

ep. 11

#VetTechNerdParty #VetTechLife #CatFacts #FunnyCats #CatBehavior #VeterinaryHumor #CatPodcast #VetTechHumor #AnimalLovers #CatOwners #VetLife #CatsOfInstagram #CatCareTips #VeterinaryMedicine #PetHealth #QuirkyCats #PacificLens

What career paths exist for RVTs outside the clinic? Is pet insurance a smart pivot for vet techs ready for something different?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia & special guest Phil Snow, RVT for a hilarious, engaging episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party as they unpack real-life burnout, the pivot into pet insurance, teaching as a way to give back, and the wild behind-the-scenes story of how a locked-door school shutdown helped spark OC Veterinary Assistant School.

Packed with laughs, relatable insights, and professional wisdom, this episode is perfect for vet techs, animal lovers, and veterinary professionals alike.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– VTNE vs California exam reality + why testing strategy matters long-term

– Burnout even in “great clinics”: emotional drain, hypervigilance, and the silent drive home

– Pet insurance as a pivot: what claim work/training is actually like (and why techs love it)

– How teaching started immediately after licensure — and how it shaped Phil’s career path

– The Heritage shutdown story, the 90/10 rule, and how they got students through anyway

– Building OC Veterinary Assistant School + accidental SEO win + expanding into Lake Forest

– Phil’s best advice for techs: perseverance, durability, and not quitting over one bad moment

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Veterinary technicians & assistants

– Animal lovers & pet owners

– Veterinary students & recent graduates

– Vet med professionals seeking humor & community

– Techs considering leaving clinics but wanting to stay in vet med (insurance, teaching, training)

– Anyone curious how vet tech programs and licensing pathways actually work behind the scenes

🎬 Timestamps:

00:00 – Part 2 kickoff + VTNE vs California exam talk (and why some techs had to re-test)

06:30 – “Unicorn clinic” reality check: management pressure + burnout still happens

13:30 – Hypervigilance at home + emotional exhaustion (silent drive home vibes)

20:30 – Bernie stories: foreign bodies, “bad dogs,” and clinic culture memory lane

27:00 – Pivot to pet insurance: VPI/Nationwide, trainer life, and why some techs thrive there 33:30 – Teaching right after licensure + interview/CPR presentation story

39:30 – Heritage campus shutdown: locked doors, 90/10 rule, and finishing students anyway

46:00 – Launching OC Veterinary Assistant School + naming/SEO luck + expansion to Lake Forest

51:30 – Closing advice: perseverance, staying flexible, and the crew’s sendoff

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you learned something new!

– Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay – and that's totally okay.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Season 2 Ep. 9

#VetTechNerdParty #PetInsurance #VTNP #VetTech #RVT

Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes when vet techs deal with wild clients and emotional burnout?

In this hilarious and uncensored episode of the Vet Tech Nerd Party podcast, we're shaking up the Client Consent Cooler (aka Client Gabapentin cocktail) and sharing outrageous, true veterinary client stories.

From pets in freezers to creative ways to dodge client calls, join us for raw insights, dark humor, and relatable moments from the chaos of veterinary medicine.

Perfect for vet techs, veterinary professionals, and anyone intrigued by the quirky and intense world of vet med!

🎧 What you'll discover:

• The unbelievable client who froze her pet during the day and slept with it at night
• The infamous Client Consent Cooler — our gabapentin-inspired cocktail to ease client interactions
• Creative ways vet techs avoid difficult client conversations (yes, even faking surgery!)
• Insights on emotional burnout, gallows humor, and coping mechanisms in veterinary clinics
• Real, raw vet tech stories about pet grief, stress management, and why we still love our chaotic jobs

🐾 Who will love this episode:

• Veterinary technicians looking for relatable stories and community
• Veterinary professionals needing a good laugh and validation
• Animal lovers curious about behind-the-scenes vet life and humor

🍸 Join the party:

• Drop your craziest client story in the comments!
• Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay connected with our quirky vet community.
• Grab your drink, buckle up, and navigate the chaotic yet rewarding world of veterinary medicine with us!

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay — and that's totally okay.

🎧 Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: mallory@pacificlensstudios.com

ep.10

#VetTechNerdParty #VetTechLife #VeterinaryStories #FunnyVetStories #VetTechHumor #VeterinaryHumor #ClientGabapentin #PetCareStories #VetBurnout #AnimalLovers #VetLife #CrazyClientStories #VeterinaryMedicine #PetHealth #GallowsHumor #VetCommunity #PacificLensStudios

Join host Mallory Dickinson for an engaging and hilarious episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party featuring special guest Dr. Chelsea Fishenfeld, DVM!

Dive into the evolving role of veterinary technicians, wild behind-the-scenes clinic stories, and expert tips for boosting your veterinary career. From ambulatory adventures to crucial communication skills, this episode has it all—wrapped in laughs, relatable insights, and professional wisdom.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– How the role of veterinary technicians is evolving in 2025

– Hilarious and relatable behind-the-scenes clinic stories

– Dr. Fishenfeld’s top insights on patient care and client communication

– Essential career-boosting tips for aspiring and seasoned vet techs

– Must-know advice for certifications, continuing education, and niche specialties

– Rapid-Fire Rounds: Dr. Fishenfeld’s favorite surgical instruments (and one she can’t live without!)

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Veterinary technicians seeking real-world advice and community

– Veterinary professionals who appreciate humor and candid discussions

– Animal lovers curious about authentic veterinary medicine stories

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you learned something new!

– Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay—and that's totally okay.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

– Dr. Fishenfeld’s Recommended CE Courses: www.vettechce.org

– Mallory’s Clinic Management Guide: www.clinic101.com

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: mallory@pacificlensstudios.com

ep. 9

#VetTech #VeterinaryTechnician #VeterinaryHumor

Ever wondered why vet techs stay passionate despite challenges?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and your favorite nerdy vet techs for an emotional and inspiring episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party. From unforgettable emergency cases to quiet, heartfelt moments with animals, explore powerful stories and career-defining lessons that reveal the true heart of veterinary medicine. Packed with relatable insights, meaningful experiences, and a dose of humor, this episode will remind you why you fell in love with vet med in the first place.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– Meaningful experiences that define vet tech careers

– Impactful cases that keep vet techs motivated

– Lessons learned from real clinic moments

– Strategies for combating burnout

– The power of teamwork and compassion in vet med

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Veterinary technicians (LVT, RVT, CVT)

– Vet tech students seeking authentic career insights

– Animal lovers curious about real veterinary stories

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you learned something new!

– Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay—and that's totally okay.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: mallory@pacificlensstudios.com

ep. 8

#VetTech #VeterinaryMedicine #VetTechLife

Ready for stories that'll warm your heart and lift your spirits?

Join host Mallory Dickinson for a hilarious, engaging episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party. We're diving deep into unforgettable animal rescue stories—from wildlife triumphs to lovable pet adoptions. Packed with laughs, relatable insights, and professional wisdom, this episode is perfect for vet techs, animal lovers, and veterinary professionals alike.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– Incredible wildlife rescue operations and their heartwarming outcomes

– Hilarious anecdotes about adopting pets that changed our lives

– Behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs in animal rescue

– Why rescue animals truly make the best companions

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Veterinary technicians & veterinary assistants

– Pet adopters & animal rescue supporters

– Wildlife conservation enthusiasts

– Anyone who enjoys feel-good animal stories

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you learned something new!

– Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay—and that's totally okay.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: mallory@pacificlensstudios.com

ep. 7

#AnimalRescue #WildlifeRescue #PetAdoption

Ever set an animal patient on fire?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and friends for a hilarious, engaging episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party. Dive deep into wild vet clinic mishaps, anesthesia scares, and heartfelt conversations about mental health in vet med. Packed with laughs, relatable insights, and professional wisdom, this episode is perfect for vet techs, animal lovers, and veterinary professionals alike.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– Wild vet clinic cases gone wrong (and lessons learned!)

– How anesthesia mishaps led to unforgettable moments

– Insightful conversations about mental health struggles and coping strategies

– The importance of support and checking in with colleagues

– Humorous stories to lighten the veterinary realities

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Vet techs and veterinary assistants

– Veterinary professionals navigating clinic challenges

– Animal lovers curious about behind-the-scenes vet life

– Anyone needing a laugh combined with meaningful insights

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you learned something new!

– Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay—and that's totally okay.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

– Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: mallory@pacificlensstudios.com

ep. 6

#VetTech #VetMedLife #VeterinaryMedicine

What do a Christmas ornament, needles, and a thong have in common?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and the Vet Tech Nerd Party crew for a hilarious, engaging episode packed with wild foreign body stories, jaw-dropping surgery moments, and relatable vet tech chaos. Packed with laughs, relatable insights, and professional wisdom, this episode is perfect for vet techs, animal lovers, and veterinary professionals alike.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– The craziest foreign bodies ever removed, from needles to beach towels

– Life-saving moments and wild surgical experiences

– Hilarious "caught cheating" stories revealed by pets

– The science behind why pets eat strange objects

– Tips on preventing foreign body emergencies

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Vet techs and veterinary professionals

– Animal lovers seeking humorous vet stories

– Vet students and veterinary assistants

– Anyone fascinated by veterinary medicine

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you learned something new!

– Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay—and that's totally okay.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

– Rixology Drink Recipes

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: mallory@pacificlensstudios.com

ep. 5

#ForeignBodyFrenzy #VetTechLife #AnimalER

Viewer discretion advised—maybe skip lunch for this one!

Join host Mallory Dickinson and the Nerd Party crew as they dive into the most disgusting, cringe-worthy, and utterly hilarious stories from their vet tech careers. From exploding abscesses to projectile poop, this episode has it all. Packed with laughs, relatable insights, and professional wisdom, it's perfect for vet techs, animal lovers, and veterinary professionals alike.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– The infamous Pyo Punch cocktail and why every infection deserves its drink

– Smells you'll never forget: Parvo, pyometras, necrotic tumors, skunks, sea lions, and maggots

– Elephant seal encounters that could ruin your social life

– Dogs vomiting lasagna (and why Olive Garden orders spike after)

– Necropsy knives as cake cutters—why not?

– Maggot horror stories and the skunk head that turned to soup

– Tips for handling smells that haunt your dreams

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Veterinary technicians

– Vet tech students

– Veterinary professionals with strong stomachs

– Pet owners who appreciate dark vet humor

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you learned something new!

– Drop your questions or share your gross clinic stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay—and that's totally okay.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

– Check out our drink recipes on Rixology

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: mallory@pacificlensstudios.com

ep. 4

#VetTechNerdParty #VetTechLife #VetTechStories

Ever had a client hand you a coffee can full of poop during lunch?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and her RVT crew for a hilarious, engaging episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party. This week, they're diving deep into the chaos, comedy, and emotional labor involved when handling absurd client interactions.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– Unforgettable "would you rather" vet-client horror stories

– How vet techs juggle being therapists, counselors, and poop inspectors

– The truth about why vet med is tougher (and kinder) than human medicine

– Coping strategies for burnout and boundary-setting with clients

– Behind-the-scenes laughs, tears, and TMI moments only vet techs understand

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Vet techs and veterinary professionals needing a good laugh

– Animal lovers curious about vet clinic chaos

– Anyone who's battled "Dr. Google" or nightmare pet owners

– Vet med students seeking real-world insights

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you learned something new!

– Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay—and that's totally okay.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: mallory@pacificlensstudios.com

ep. 3

#VetTechLife #VetMedUnfiltered #VeterinaryPodcast

Ever found testicles in your bra at work?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and the Vet Tech Nerd Party crew for an uproarious journey into the real chaos of daily veterinary technician life. From early-morning equine emergencies to late-night specialty surgeries, get ready for an episode packed with outrageous stories, relatable laughs, and heartfelt moments only vet techs truly understand.

🎧 What you'll discover:

🐴 Crazy equine ambulatory adventures with Jenn

🔬 Behind-the-scenes insights into specialty surgeries with Erin

🏥 The gritty truth about shelter medicine with Julia

🐶 GP clinic chaos and hilarious moments with Mallory

🦈 Shark stories (just trust us on this one!)

🔥 Honest talk on burnout, breakdowns, and breakthroughs

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Veterinary Technicians & Veterinary Assistants

– Animal lovers & Pet parents

– Vet Tech Students & Veterinary Professionals

– Anyone who's laughed and cried simultaneously at work

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you laughed or related!

– Comment with your weirdest vet med story!

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon for more episodes.

Welcome to the Nerd Party — we're not okay, and that's totally okay!

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: mallory@pacificlensstudios.com

ep. 2

#VetTechLife #VeterinaryPodcast #AnimalCare

Scrubs on. Gloves off. Sh*t’s about to get real.

Join host Mallory Dickinson and four seasoned RVTs for a hilarious, engaging episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party. Experience unfiltered stories from anal glands to angry Chihuahuas, and burnout to besties. Packed with laughs, relatable insights, and professional wisdom, this episode is perfect for vet techs, animal lovers, and veterinary professionals alike.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– Unfiltered, hilarious vet tech stories

– How seasoned vet techs handle clinic chaos

– The realities of veterinary burnout and camaraderie

– Insights into handling wild veterinary moments

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVT, LVT, CVT)

– Veterinary students and professionals

– Animal lovers who enjoy behind-the-scenes vet stories

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you learned something new!

– Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay—and that's totally okay.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: mallory@pacificlensstudios.com

ep. 1

#VetTechLife #VetMedUnfiltered #WomenInVetMed

Ever wonder how someone goes from the Navy… to kennel… to RVT… to running a school?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia & special guest Phil Snow, RVT for a hilarious, story-packed episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party that dives into Phil’s origin story in vet med, the “put in your time” reality of hospital life, and the ongoing debate around alternate route licensing vs traditional programs.

From traumatic first cases and after-hours foreign bodies to classic clinic pranks and hard opinions on mid-level practitioners, this one balances laughs with real professional perspective — perfect for techs who want community and the honest behind-the-scenes of how this career actually works.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– Phil’s entry into vet med: how one volunteer attempt turned into a career

– The case that hooked him early (and why first “wow” moments matter)

– Kennel-to-treatment growth: earning trust, putting in reps, and leveling up

– Alternate route vs traditional schooling: who it serves, when it works, and why it’s still expanding

– The mid-level practitioner debate: what could help, what could backfire, and what’s missing

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Veterinary technicians & assistants (new and seasoned)

– Vet tech students choosing a pathway to licensure

– Clinic teams who lived the “after-hours surgery” era

– Vet med pros who love the culture, the chaos, and the dark humor coping mechanisms

– Anyone curious about how licensing standards vary state-to-state

🎬 Timestamps:

00:00 – “Deposition” intro chaos + why Phil’s in the hot seat

04:45 – Navy exit, Laguna move, and the kennel job that changed everything

12:30 – Grinding in kennel + earning trust in treatment

16:50 – C-sections, foreign bodies, and GP culture at Canyon

21:40 – Why Phil chose the RVT path despite pay realities

26:30 – Hospital-paid schooling + loyalty + golden era of licensing

31:15 – Alternate route vs degree route: who each path really serves

36:50 – Mid-level practitioner debate: threat or opportunity?

42:30 – VTS, liability, and whether vet med should mirror human medicine

47:00 – Licensing loopholes, state differences, and California standards

51:20 – Part two preview: insurance, school ownership, AI, and business

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you learned something new!

– Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay – and that's totally okay.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Season 2 Ep. 8

#VetTech #RVT #VetMed #VetTechNerdParty

Is noticing breed patterns “being breedist”… or is it just good medicine?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia, and Erin for a hilarious, engaging episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party as they unpack breed stereotypes, genetic realities, and the fine line between smart pattern recognition and lazy diagnosis.

From Frenchies and doodles to Dobermans and Greyhounds, the crew shares clinic stories, hot takes, and practical reminders that help techs anticipate needs without boxing patients in.

Packed with laughs, relatable insights, and professional wisdom, this episode is perfect for vet techs, animal lovers, and veterinary professionals alike.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– When breed pattern recognition helps (and when it turns into bias)

– The “genes load the gun, environment pulls the trigger” framework in real-life cases

– Common breed-linked conditions techs should anticipate (IVDD, BOAS, DCM, wobblers, bloat, and more)

– Why “zebra hunting” can wreck your diagnostics—and how to stay sharp without getting lazy

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Veterinary technicians & assistants

– Animal lovers & pet owners

– Veterinary students & recent graduates

– Vet med professionals seeking humor & community

– Shelter/low-cost clinic teams dealing with high-stress patients and real-world constraints

🎬 Timestamps:

00:00 – Neuter timing chaos + episode setup

07:00 – Breed patterns: bias vs good medicine + “breedist” confessions

14:00 – Frenchies/bulldogs: ethics, rescues, and frustration with “cute” breeding

21:00 – Doodles/designer trends + responsible breeding vs irresponsible demand

28:00 – Genetics vs environment: IVDD/BOAS/HCM/DCM + “genes load the gun”

35:00 – Owner choices, mismatched lifestyles, and why environment changes outcomes

42:00 – Breed awareness in practice: handling, anesthesia prep, and anticipating needs

49:00 – Offended owners/breeders: “my breeder said…” vs your clinical reality

56:00 – Lazy diagnosis vs smart rule-outs: zebras, horses, and real examples

1:03:30 – Favorites to work on/own + greyhound prey drive story + closing takeaway

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you learned something new!

– Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay – and that's totally okay.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Season 2 Ep. 7

#VetTech #VetMed #VetTechLife #VetMedHumor #VeterinaryMedicine #VetTechNerdParty

Learning in vet med isn’t just about CE credits: it’s about access, power, burnout, and who actually gets to grow.

In this episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party, host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia, and Erin settle into a long, honest conversation about what education really looks like for veterinary professionals once real life, money, leadership, and systems get involved.

What starts with stories about conferences, CE budgets, and swag culture quickly expands into something bigger: how techs navigate uneven support, relief work, employer priorities, innovation overload, and the emotional crash that comes when inspiration meets clinic reality. Along the way, the group unpacks learning psychology, skepticism around new products, and why continuing education can become either busywork or one of the few forms of leverage vet techs truly own.

Funny, candid, occasionally unhinged, and deeply relatable, this episode reflects how growth in vet med is rarely linear, fair, or simple, but still worth fighting for.

What you’ll hear explored:

• Why learning in vet med feels energizing and exhausting
• How budgets, leadership, and job structure shape who gets access to growth
• The difference between education that checks boxes and education that changes practice
• Navigating innovation, new products, and healthy skepticism without losing curiosity

Who will resonate with this episode:

• Veterinary technicians & assistants
• Vet med professionals navigating burnout or career transitions
• Veterinary students thinking ahead about longevity
• Relief and contract techs managing growth without built-in support
• Anyone who’s ever come back inspired and hit a wall

Timestamps:

00:00 - Cold open, drinks, and why learning in vet med gets complicated

07:18 - Paying for CE: value, swag, sponsorships, and reality

15:06 - Budget gaps, employer support, and uneven access to growth

25:02 - Online learning, free CE, and making education work without money

34:08 - Why conferences feel so good (group learning & dopamine)

39:52 - The emotional crash: inspiration meets clinic reality

46:11 - Innovation, new products, and professional skepticism

53:14 - Future medicine on the horizon: injectables, nutrition, long-term care

58:40 - Final takeaway: education as leverage, protection, and power

Stay Connected:

• Like this video if it resonated with you
• Share your learning wins or frustrations in the comments
• Subscribe and hit the bell to stay with the Nerd Party Welcome to the Nerd Party. We’re not okay and that’s totally okay.

Resources Mentioned:

• VetGirl (online CE): vetgirlontherun.com
• SCVMA Veterinary Team Member education access: scvma.org/continuing-education

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms

Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Season 2, Episode 6

#VetTech #VetMed #VetTechLife #VetMedBurnout #VetCommunity #VetTechNerdParty #PacificLensStudios

What’s it really like trying to break into zoo, exotic, and wildlife medicine—and why does it burn out even the most passionate techs?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia, and Erin with special guest Jenny Weldy, RVT for a hilarious, story-packed episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party.

From growing up in a wildlife vet household (yes… animals in the bathroom) to the brutal reality of competitive exotics jobs, gatekept knowledge, and leadership burnout, Jenny brings real-world wisdom—and big-cat chaos—to the nerd table.

Packed with laughs, relatable vet med truths, and hard-earned professional insight, this episode is perfect for vet techs, animal lovers, and veterinary professionals alike.

🎧 What you’ll discover:

– What it’s like growing up with a zoo/wildlife veterinarian parent (and how early “field exposure” starts)

– The real path into zoo/exotics/wildlife: grunt work, volunteering, and strategic specialty pivots

– Why “gatekeeping knowledge” is dangerous for patients, teams, and hospital sustainability

– Burnout, toxicity, and why upper management often breaks great techs

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Veterinary technicians & assistants

– Animal lovers & pet owners

– Veterinary students & recent graduates

– Vet med professionals seeking humor & community

– Techs curious about zoo, exotic, wildlife, or specialty medicine careers

🎬 Timestamps:

00:00 – Jaguar scream cold open + “we’re not okay” energy

03:00 – Meet Jenny Weldy, RVT: zoo/wildlife background + why this niche is so small

10:39 – Inside the exotic hospital setup + “VTNP on the road” idea

18:20 – How to break into zoo/wildlife: grunt work, volunteering, and patience

23:10 – Burnout + toxicity in niche vet med (and why change is slow)

26:18 – Gatekeeping knowledge vs. strong hospitals (what actually protects patients)

31:43 – Vet school training gaps + why so much gets referred out

47:01 – Big-cat stories: jaguars, primates, and the cheetah anesthesia incident

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you learned something new!

– Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay – and that's totally okay.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

– VIN (Veterinary Information Network): vin.com

– Ranger Zack Show: youtube.com/@therangerzakshow

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Season 2, Ep. 5

#VetTech #VetMed #Exotics #ZooMedicine #WildlifeRehab #VetTechNerdParty #PacificLensStudios

Ever had a clinic moment where you thought, “Wait… is this actually legal in California?”

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia, and Erin for a hilarious, real-talk breakdown of California RVT scope of practice—what’s clearly allowed, what’s commonly misunderstood, and what can put patients (and licenses) at risk.

From direct vs indirect supervision to emergency exceptions, anesthesia induction/monitoring, and dental extractions, this episode is packed with laughs, relatable chaos, and serious professional wisdom—because “we’ve always done it this way” doesn’t protect anybody.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– Direct vs indirect supervision (what it actually means and why clinics mix it up)

– What legally qualifies as an emergency (and what “emergency” does not cover)

– Anesthesia induction + monitoring: what’s allowed vs what happens in real clinics

– Dental extractions + the flap/sectioning gray zone (and why boundaries matter)

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Veterinary technicians & assistants

– Animal lovers & pet owners

– Veterinary students & recent graduates

– Vet med professionals seeking humor & community

– Anyone working in California vet med trying to stay sharp, safe, and within scope

🎬 Timestamps:

00:00 – Cold open chaos + why this episode even exists (scope confusion starts early)

06:45 – Direct vs indirect supervision explained (what California actually means)

14:30 – Emergency exceptions: what qualifies, what’s allowed, and when authority ends

23:10 – Anesthesia induction reality: legality vs clinic shortcuts

32:20 – Clinic culture problems: training gaps, normalization of bad practices

41:40 – Anesthesia monitoring: alarms, troubleshooting, and patient-first thinking

50:10 – Dental extractions, flaps, and scope gray zones that burn licenses

58:45 – Final takeaways: scope = patient advocacy + PU straw surgery sendoff

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you learned something new!

– Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay – and that's totally okay.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

– California RVT supervision levels (direct vs indirect)

– California emergency exception criteria

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Season 2, Ep. 4

#RVT #CaliforniaRVT #VetTechNerdParty

Do you ever wonder why you doubt yourself even when you're clearly crushing it?

Join host Mallory Dickinson with Jenn, Julia, and Erin for a hilarious, honest, deeply relatable dive into imposter syndrome in vet med. From perfectionism and people-pleasing to skill doubt and comparison traps, this episode breaks down the mental battles techs face daily — with humor, vulnerability, and zero sugar-coating.

Packed with real stories, emotional truth, and light-bulb moments, this one hits home for anyone who's ever thought, “Should I even be here?”

🎧 What you'll discover:

– The 5 types of imposter syndrome every vet tech encounters

– Why perfectionism & overpreparing fuel burnout

– Skill doubt, confidence crashes & the “super-tech myth”

– How environment, culture & mentorship shape self-trust

– Practical, encouraging ways to reframe your inner critic

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Veterinary technicians & assistants

– Animal lovers & pet owners

– Veterinary students & recent graduates

– Vet med professionals seeking humor & community

– Anyone battling imposter syndrome or burnout

🎬 Timestamps:

00:00 – Being brave: confidence as an action, not a feeling

00:42 – Welcome back: drinks, chaos & today’s topic — imposter syndrome

04:02 – The 5 types: perfectionist, expert, soloist, superhero, natural genius

10:17 – Burnout patterns: overworking, overdoing & unrealistic expectations

13:09 – Skill doubt, second-guessing & the anxiety–competence loop

17:20 – Comparison traps: “super techs,” memory wizards & muscle-memory skills

24:03 – Clinical gaps, specialty jumps & when your brain lies to you

31:08 – Growth vs. discomfort & learning to thrive in the gray

40:02 – Why culture matters: training, mentorship & psychological safety

53:11 – Fighting imposter syndrome: reframing, receipts, small wins & community

1:13:56 – Final thoughts: you're not a fraud — you're a badass vet professional

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you learned something new!

– Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay – and that's totally okay.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Season 2, Ep. 3

#VetTech #VetLife #VetTechNerdParty

Why do some vet techs thrive in corporate while others run straight back to private practice?

In Part 2 of this conversation, host Mallory Dickinson joins Jenn, Julia, and Erin to continue unpacking the real differences between corporate and private veterinary medicine. Building on the stories, frustrations, and laughs from Part 1, this episode dives deeper into leadership breakdowns, employee treatment, burnout triggers, and the surprising culture shifts that happen when ownership changes hands.

Packed with chaos, candid storytelling, clinical insight, and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is the perfect follow-up for anyone navigating the realities of working in today’s vet med world.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– How corporate vs. private leadership actually impacts team morale

– Why mentorship, structure, and trust matter more than written protocols

– The relationship between burnout, underutilization, and pay ceilings

– How “family-style” private practices differ from corporate HR systems

– What new grads should look for when choosing their first clinic

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Veterinary technicians & assistants

– Animal lovers & pet owners

– Veterinary students & recent graduates

– Vet med professionals seeking humor & community

– Anyone deciding between corporate and private practice

🎬 Timestamps:

00:00 – Cold open chaos: “Are you not entertained?” & spritzers

05:15 – Corporate pros: benefits, CE, equipment & real HR vs. private gray areas

10:02 – Protocols, “recipes,” and when critical thinking actually matters

17:04 – Private practice realities: owner illness, family stress & spillover into staff

24:03 – Title protection debates, OTJ “techs,” and scope-of-practice fights

29:01 – RVT exams, alternate route war stories & imposter syndrome

42:09 – Pay, burnout, multiple jobs & why techs stay too long in bad situations

52:57 – ESOP and employee-owned models: profit sharing, shares & a better path forward

1:10:38 – Corporate vs. private for newbies: how to choose your first clinic

1:13:44 – Final thoughts, bathroom-cry confessions & closing cheers

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you learned something new!

– Drop your questions or share your clinic stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

Welcome to the Nerd Party. We're not okay – and that's totally okay.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Season 2, Episode 2

#VetTech #VetLife #VetTechNerdParty