Advertise on podcast: Veterinary Ramblings

This week on Veterinary Ramblings, Julian Hoad and Mike Brampton are joined by Dr Polly Taylor to discuss veterinary ethics and the limits of modern medicine. Centred on the idea that “just because we can doesn’t mean we should,” the conversation explores difficult treatment decisions, experimental procedures, defensive medicine, and the moral injury vets face in practice. They also reflect on the importance of strong clinical judgement, the pressures on veterinary education, and concerns around the future of Cambridge Vet School. The episode ends with “60 Second CPD,” where Polly shares essential anaesthesia advice, focusing on the basics: airway, breathing, and circulation. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week on Veterinary Ramblings, Julian Hoad and Mike Brampton debate the value of pre-anaesthetic blood tests for young, healthy animals, questioning whether they genuinely improve care or are driven by defensive medicine and rising corporate pressures. They also discuss increasing veterinary costs, the real financial pressures on practices, and how vets can have more honest conversations with clients, with a dash of trademark humour and a whiskey review along the way. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

We’re warming up for the London Vet Show with a mix of conference wisdom and classic chaos. Mike talks super-cuffs and reliable readings, Julian drops a 60-second CPD on making the most of your day and together they dive into exhibit fatigue, greener shows, and the joy of good kit used well. Expect the usual tangents, unexpected insights, and a brand-new take on the famous bread question. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week we’re joined by Arlo Guthrie - publisher, community builder, and unapologetic critical thinker. From cake factories and cockpits to founding VetNurse.co.uk and VetSurgeon.org, Arlo explores how the profession communicates: the fragmentation of social media, AI’s confident mistakes, and practical rules for writing online with clarity and respect. We also dig into pricing, trust, and contextualised care, and how better communication can rebuild confidence in the profession. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week we’re joined by Mark Johnston, former equine anaesthetist, digital innovator, and mental health advocate. From his early years in Newmarket to leading research on anaesthetic risk, Mark talks openly about burnout, reflection, and rediscovering balance beyond the profession. We explore the evolution of Vetstream, his work supporting Ukrainian vets, and why self-awareness is as vital as clinical skill. Along the way, he shares lighter moments on bread-making, open questions, and how connection over conversation can change everything. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week we’re joined by Gunila Pedersen - ECC vet, life coach, and Muay Thai enthusiast who splits her time between Spain, Denmark, and the UK. From belly dancing gigs to night shifts in emergency practice, Gunila talks candidly about chasing variety, hitting burnout, and finding her way back to vet med with stronger boundaries and a clearer head. We dive into what drew her to emergency work, how coaching reframed her career (and life), and a challenging safeguarding case that underlines why protocols and support matter. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week we’re joined by Manon Verijdt - writer, adventurer, and editor of Ubuntu Magazine. From a very Dutch loaf to a very big leap: Manon shares how a sleepless night on a boat off Norway sparked a global conservation magazine and how the spirit of “I am because we are” runs through its pages. We follow her overland across Africa: tracking gorillas, abseiling a towering waterfall, digging out of Zambian mud with strangers-turned-friends, and rescuing a tiny Nigerian street pup, Nim. Manon also explains why Ubuntu tells conservation stories and delivers a brilliant 60-Second CPD on becoming media-ready. A joyful, reflective ride about curiosity, courage, and seizing the tide when it turns. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week we’re joined by Karis Matik, Marketing & Brand Director at Kernow Vet Messaging and dedicated StreetVet volunteer. From French baguettes to Cornwall’s hidden homelessness crisis, Karis shares stories of community, inclusion, and why volunteering has become such a central part of her life. We also dive into her work on making veterinary practices more accessible through inclusive communication and of course, her unforgettable 60-Second CPD. A lively conversation full of heart, humour, and a reminder that sometimes the biggest changes start with the smallest actions. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Ellie Lee joins us to share the remarkable journey of opening Manchester Cat Clinic with her husband just two years ago. From renovating a derelict building into an award-winning practice to learning the hard lessons of long hours and leadership, Ellie talks cats, community, and carving out independence in a corporate-heavy landscape. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Angela Willemsen’s career spans human nursing, the Royal Australian Air Force, veterinary medicine, and a PhD in infection control. She shares how her journey shaped a passion for public health, One Health, and teaching infection prevention in veterinary practice. Along the way, Angela also opens up about moon bear welfare, workplace culture, and why small changes in hygiene can make a big difference for both animals and people. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Neil Forbes joins us again to uncover what really goes on behind the scenes of veterinary hygiene. From hidden pathogens to the culture of “good enough,” he shares why measuring cleanliness matters more than we think. Along the way, he explores culture change, infection control, and even shares a vulture success story. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

What do rare spaniels, sled dogs, and civility at work have in common? In this episode, Sara Jackson shares how an accidental encounter with a Sussex Spaniel grew into a passion for breed advocacy and animal welfare. Along the way, she opens up about the quirks of veterinary life, the challenges of responsible breeding, and why kindness and positive psychology matter more than ever in our profession.  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Niall Connell shares his remarkable journey from an unexpected start in veterinary medicine to a career filled with orthopaedic challenges, leadership roles, and advocacy for accessibility and inclusion. The conversation meanders through Niall’s early days as a vet, his candid reflections on living and working with MS, and the transformative impact of mobility aids. Neil offers practical wisdom on accessibility while also touching on the importance of empathy, positive outlook, and lived experience in both professional and personal life. Along the way, the trio reminisce about music festivals, first concerts, and the quirks of British culture, all while celebrating the resilience and adaptability of the veterinary profession. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

To celebrate Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month, we’re flipping the script - literally. Matt Rendle and Jo Megarity step in as guest hosts, giving Mike and Julian a taste of the guest seat for once. We discuss the vital role of veterinary nurses, their professional evolution, and notable experiences in the field. The discussion highlights the indispensable teamwork between vets and nurses, the evolving educational standards, and crucial issues like imposter syndrome and professional respect. This isn’t just another episode - it’s a proper celebration of the voices that deserve to be heard more often!  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Dr David Williams joins Mike and Julian for an extensive conversation that spans various topics including the power of a bow tie, lifelong learning, and the intersection of faith and veterinary medicine. Dr Williams shares heartwarming anecdotes from his life and career, recounts his near-death experience, and discusses the importance of joy and empathy in veterinary practice. The episode also delves into ophthalmology, highlighting Dr Williams' expertise and passion for teaching. This engaging conversation is filled with humour, wisdom, and a deep love for veterinary science. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★