In the world of Veterinary medicine, continuous learning and meaningful connection are key to thriving in an increasingly complex field. Veterinary professionals must not only stay abreast of the latest medical knowledge, but also cultivate leadership, adapt to innovation, and sustain personal well-being in a demanding profession. That’s a tall order—and one reason why The People of Animal Health Podcast has become one of the essential podcasts for Veterinary professionals.
Hosted by Stacy Pursell, founder and CEO of The VET Recruiter, the podcast offers something uniquely valuable to Veterinary professionals: real, in-depth conversations with leaders across all corners of the animal health industry. With its focus on the human stories behind innovation and leadership, this podcast stands out as a source of practical wisdom, inspiration, and connection for veterinarians and Veterinary professionals around the globe.
Thoughtful Conversations with Leaders in Veterinary Medicine
At its core, The People of Animal Health Podcast is built around engaging, unfiltered discussions with influential voices in animal health. These are not surface-level interviews or promotional appearances—they’re authentic conversations that allow guests to reflect on their careers, challenges, passions, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Veterinarians hear directly from peers and leaders who have forged paths in clinical care, industry, academia, public health, and beyond. One of the most notable examples is Dr. Marty Becker, featured in Episode #52, who shares the journey behind his founding of the Fear Free initiative—a movement that has transformed the Veterinary experience for both pets and their owners by focusing on emotional wellness during clinical visits.
Dr. Becker’s story resonates because it’s grounded in compassion, innovation, and a desire to solve a real-world problem. These are the kinds of narratives that don’t just inform—they ignite purpose. For any Veterinary professional looking to make an impact, hearing firsthand how others have done it is both validating and motivating.
A Holistic View of the Veterinary Profession
One of the reasons the podcast is so essential is that it reflects the multidimensional nature of Veterinary work. Episodes cover a wide range of topics, all tied together by a central thread: how people are improving animal health through leadership, creativity, and commitment.
Veterinary professionals don’t just treat patients—they also lead teams, manage businesses, adopt emerging technologies, participate in research, and shape public health outcomes. The podcast captures all these facets through its diverse guest list, which includes veterinarians, entrepreneurs, consultants, educators, and C-suite executives from across the industry.
For example, Dr. Eleanor Green (Episode #50), former dean and now founding dean of Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine, shares her perspective on evolving Veterinary education to meet the needs of the future. Her experience illustrates the intersection between education and innovation—and underscores the need for change to keep pace with what today’s professionals and animal owners require.
Supporting Career Growth and Leadership Development
Veterinary careers are not one-size-fits-all. Some professionals build long-term practices, others transition into leadership or entrepreneurial roles, while some pivot into biotech, regulatory affairs, or consulting. Wherever someone is in their journey, The People of Animal Health Podcast provides guidance through the lived experiences of those who’ve walked similar paths.
Dr. Peter Weinstein’s story in Episode #49 is a perfect example. Starting out as a kennel assistant, he rose to become a hospital owner, author, and industry consultant. In his interview, he shares the highs and lows of practice management and reflects on the personal and professional development that comes with leadership. His practical advice—on everything from staff communication to succession planning—makes the episode an invaluable resource for aspiring practice owners and Veterinary managers alike.
Beyond individual success stories, the podcast frequently touches on themes like mentorship, work-life balance, and personal reinvention—reminding listeners that leadership is a journey of continuous growth, not a fixed destination.
Addressing Mental Health and Emotional Wellness
It’s no secret that Veterinary professionals face high rates of burnout, compassion fatigue, and stress. The emotional toll of animal care, combined with long hours and financial pressures, can create a challenging environment. That’s why The People of Animal Health Podcast prioritizes discussions around mental health, emotional intelligence, and self-care.
In Episode #47, Dr. Julie Cappel—a veterinarian, coach, and leadership mentor—shares her strategies for achieving balance in the face of professional demands. Drawing from her experience as a long-time practice owner and leadership trainer, Dr. Cappel talks about setting boundaries, managing stress, and maintaining a sense of purpose in a demanding career.
These types of episodes normalize the conversation around mental wellness and offer tools for resilience—whether it’s through journaling, coaching, mindfulness, or developing stronger team support systems. For many veterinarians, the podcast serves as a reminder that taking care of oneself is not only acceptable—it’s vital.
Embracing Innovation in Veterinary Care
From telemedicine and AI-powered diagnostics to regenerative therapies and wearable tech, Veterinary medicine is undergoing a technological revolution. Keeping up with these changes is a challenge—and that’s where the podcast plays a critical role.
Guests like Dr. Henry Yoo (Episode #48) explore how innovations like artificial intelligence are not just science fiction—they’re being implemented in hospitals today to optimize scheduling, improve outcomes, and better serve both clients and patients. By explaining how these technologies work in real practice settings, the podcast helps bridge the gap between curiosity and implementation.
Innovation is also a recurring theme in episodes featuring startup founders, product developers, and industry consultants who are working at the cutting edge of animal health. These guests share both their big ideas and the practical steps they’ve taken to bring them to life—offering listeners a rare glimpse into the inner workings of progress in the field.
Highlighting Veterinary Entrepreneurship
For Veterinary professionals with an entrepreneurial spirit, the podcast offers something truly invaluable: real-world stories of building businesses in the animal health space. These range from startup founders and consultants to hospital owners and service providers who are rethinking how care is delivered and supported.
In Episode #53, Ryan Leech shares his experience helping startups raise more than $100 million in funding, followed by his journey in launching his own consulting firm. His story is both practical and inspiring, full of actionable advice on what it takes to succeed in business within the Veterinary world.
By featuring guests who have built and scaled their own companies, the podcast demystifies the process of entrepreneurship. It also encourages veterinarians to think creatively about how their skills and knowledge can be applied in new, business-driven ways that still prioritize animal well-being.
Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Practice
The Veterinary profession has long faced the challenge of aligning academic preparation with real-world demands. The People of Animal Health Podcast addresses this by featuring guests who have worked in both academic and clinical settings, offering insight into how education can better prepare future professionals for the realities of modern Veterinary work.
Dr. Andy Maccabe (Episode #46), who now leads Veterinary education globally at Mars Veterinary Health, shares his perspective on developing talent across 3,000 clinics. His episode reveals how cross-disciplinary thinking and collaboration are essential to preparing veterinarians who can lead, innovate, and adapt.
Episodes like these help bridge the divide between classroom learning and clinical or corporate practice, facilitating dialogue that leads to better outcomes for patients, professionals, and the profession at large.
Accessible Learning for Busy Professionals
One of the most practical reasons the podcast is so essential for Veterinary professionals is its format. Episodes are available on major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the show’s own website—making it easy to fit learning into a hectic schedule.
With most episodes running between 30 and 60 minutes, they’re ideal for listening during commutes, lunch breaks, or while doing administrative tasks. The conversational tone, combined with Stacy Pursell’s thoughtful interviewing style, ensures that even complex topics are approachable and engaging.
Veterinarians are lifelong learners by nature, but they’re also some of the busiest professionals out there. The podcast’s flexible format makes it possible to stay current without needing to carve out extra time or attend in-person seminars.
Building a Stronger Veterinary Community
Perhaps most importantly, The People of Animal Health Podcast builds a sense of connection and community within the profession. By sharing personal stories, career journeys, and lessons learned, the podcast reminds its audience that they are part of something bigger—a diverse and passionate group of professionals working toward a shared goal: improving the lives of animals and the people who care for them.
In an industry that can sometimes feel isolating, especially for solo practitioners or those in rural areas, the podcast serves as a virtual gathering space—a place where ideas are exchanged, encouragement is given, and growth is celebrated.
In a profession that demands compassion, adaptability, and lifelong learning, The People of Animal Health Podcast has earned its place as one of the essential resources for Veterinary professionals. With its diverse range of topics, expert guests, and commitment to storytelling that empowers and educates, the podcast offers far more than just entertainment—it’s a vital tool for growth, connection, and innovation.
Whether you’re a veterinarian, technician, student, entrepreneur, or executive, this podcast provides the insight, support, and inspiration needed to navigate your journey in animal health with confidence and clarity.
Subscribe to The People of Animal Health Podcast today!