Shows
Vet Mind Works Podcast37. Civility - with Helen Silver-MacMahonWhat exactly is civility? Why does it matter? And how does it impact workplace culture? In this insightful episode, host Petra is joined by Helen Silver MacMahon for a deep dive into this topic. Together, they explore aspects such asWhat civility really meansThe historical and philosophical roots of civil behaviorHow incivility undermines safety and performance in veterinary and legal professionsHow incivility may increase error riskThe important role of leaders in modelling civilityand much more! Helen's most favourite resource on the topic: Podcast episode with Christ Turner (co-founder of...2025-08-0652 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast36. The Power of Connection - with Julie Rosser"Who do I want to be in this moment?"What would happen if we would ask ourselves this question more often? You can find one possible answer to this and other questions in this episode. Host Petra Agthe is joined by Julie Rosser, veterinary leader and CEO of the European Board of Specialisation, in a conversation about personal and professional growth, and about hope, agency and transformation. Julie offers many insights and ideas on the Why and How of deepening our connections with other people. This conversation covers the importance of meaningful relationships fo...2025-07-0247 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast35. The Myth of Difficult People - with Phil WebbConsider this for a moment: What if there were no difficult people? What if it was more about difficult situations, circumstances and behaviours? What if we could all learn to deal to engage more constructively with others in these difficult situations? Our guest Phil Webb encourages us to do just this and he knows what he is talking about from working in a client facing role for most of his career. In the conversation with host Petra Agthe, Phil offers helpful tips and tools that have helped him and his colleagues to deal wit...2025-06-0451 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast34. Clinical Communication - with Helen ØvregaardWhat if communication was the most important clinical skill we have? And what does communication have to do with wellbeing and job satisfaction? How can we learn to improve our communication skills? Find out the answer to these and more questions in our most recent episode on clinical communication! Host Petra Agthe and our guest Helen Øvregaard dive deep into the topic and touch on related themes such as trust, empathy, emotional intelligence, active listening, vulnerability, contextualised care and the power of a full and authentically expressed apology. You can find more...2025-05-0759 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast33. Active Listening - with Mark TurnerIn today's episode host Petra Agthe and guest Mark Turner explore the power of an every day activity: listening. However, as so often, what seems a simple enough thing on the outside is actually a lot more difficult when we try to do it well. And so it turns out that active listening is a skill that requires intention and sometimes a bit of practice. However, the benefits can be huge, because active listening is essential for building trust and psychological safety. But how can we get better at it? Listen in and you can find out m...2025-04-0249 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast32. It's about the people, not the tech.... - with Victoria JohnsonMy guest on this episode is Victoria Johnson. Victoria is the Founder and CEO of VET.CT. After graduating from Bristol Veterinary School, she worked in general practice before specialising in veterinary diagnostic imaging, becoming a European Diploma-holder in 2003. Founded in 2009, VET.CT provides remote specialist expertise in imaging reporting to veterinary teams across the word. Victoria has grown the company into an innovative veterinary teleradiology, specialist consultancy and education company with a global team of more than 280 people, striving to make the veterinary world a better place through its services. VET.CT recently attained B Corp status and is...2025-03-0550 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast31. Purpose, role models and making a differenceIn this episode, Clive Elwood hosts Amanda Boag. They discuss the similarities and the differences between leadership from the emergency room floor to the executive suite, and the importance of a unifying purpose. Amanda shares the important role models and how self-care and the support of others have been essential for her career.Amanda graduated from the University of Cambridge in 1998 and subsequently completed further clinical training at the Royal Veterinary College and the University of Pennsylvania, achieving board certification in both Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care. She remained at the RVC, working a...2025-02-0558 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast30. Vulnerability - with Megan AldersonIn today's episode host Petra Agthe and guest Megan Alderson are taking a deep dive into the fascinating topic of vulnerability. In their conversation they discuss what vulnerability means, how it relates to psychological safety and mental health, its role in leadership, importance of safe spaces, 'reading the room' and how to cultivate vulnerability as a skill. *This episode includes references to mental health conditions and trauma*Resources mentioned in this episode:Online: TED Talk with Brené Brown: The power of vulnerabilityBrené Brown's worksheets on valuesPsych Health an...2025-01-221h 05
Vet Mind Works Podcast29. Schwartz rounds, coaching and creativity (*mentions of suicide*)Amy Martin is a registered veterinary nurse with over 20 years’ experience in clinical veterinary practice including 17 years in leadership. She has a keen interest in the mental health and welfare of the veterinary team becoming recently published on the subject. Amy is a Schwartz Rounds facilitator and mentor for The Point of Care Foundation, which has led her to an interest in compassion and team dynamics. Amy currently works as a Practice Director in a busy multi-site first opinion and referral group. Alongside this Amy coaches’ individuals and teams and is currently undertaking a Masters in People and Organisation Deve...2025-01-0854 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast28. Antibiotics, Rabies and seizing opportunitiesIan Battersby became a RCVS and European Specialist in Small animal medicine in 2005 and subsequent worked within a large referral centre (Davies Veterinary Specialists UK) in which he held a number of positions including head of service and director. Alongside his clinical work, Ian participates in projects in which the companion animal sector can contribute to One Health. Of note, in 2012 he conceptualised and developed the BSAVA " Are you PROTECTING Antibiotics scheme " for which he received the BSAVA Melton Award and was awarded the RCVS Fellowship. Ian has served for 10 years as Chairman of the Trustees for the Charity Mi...2024-12-1149 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast27. Brexit, COVID and tortoises - with Daniella Dos Santos and Clive ElwoodIn this episode, host Clive Elwood is joined by Daniella Dos Santos. Together, they explore Daniella’s journey into, and experience of, veterinary leadership through a tumultuous period for the world. They discuss the importance of seizing opportunities, holding to principles and developing self-understanding, as well as acknowledging the toll taken on leaders during times of crisis. And tortoises come into it too!Daniella graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2012, having previously obtained a degree in molecular genetics due to a slightly longer than usual route to vet school. She practiced across the South-East of England in...2024-11-1346 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast26. Inclusion and Diversity - with Georgina SharmanAs we continue with our themes around interpersonal relationships at work, host Petra Agthe and our guest Georgina Sharman are exploring the topic of Inclusion and Diversity in this episode, which is an important component of building truly psychologically safe workplaces. 00:55 Welcome to the episode01:52. Introducing Georgina Sharman02:38 More about our partners VIN Europe03:25 Welcoming Georgina04:50 What does Inclusion and Diversity mean?07:26 Which advantages do inclusion and diversity bring?11:13 The challenges of 'fitting in'15:27 About intersectionality15:57 More on the benefits of inclusion and diversity26:43 What can we do to create a m...2024-10-021h 03
Vet Mind Works Podcast25. Compassion - with Katherine Wakelin and Megan DavisJoin us diving into the topic of interpersonal relationships! We are starting the series off with an episode on compassion. Join host Petra Agthe and guests Katherine Wakelin and Megan Davis who take a deeper dive into this often misunderstood and undervalued skill. The discussion includes:00:00:54 Introduction to episode00:02:02 Introducing Katherine and Megan00:04:37 More from our partners VinEurope00:05:23 Welcoming Katherine and Megan00:06:25 What is compassion?00:13:39 Why is compassion important for our wellbeing?00:26:30 Compassion and emotional processing00:32:02 How can we cultivate compassion and activate the soothing system?00:42:15 Overcoming challenges with compa...2024-09-041h 16
The Vet GraduateEp. 3 Dr Petra Agthe - The impact of internal pressure on a vet's wellbeing.Dr Petra Agthe discusses her role as a diagnostic imager in the veterinary profession, her passion for mindfulness, and the challenges of work-life balance. She shares insights on self-compassion, stress management, and the impact of internal pressure on veterinarians.
Dr. Petra Agthe:
- Instagram: vetmindworks_podcast
- Podcast: https://vetmindworks.buzzsprout.com
- Facebook: Vet Mind Works Podcast
- LinkedIn: Petra Agthe
The Vet Graduate:
- www.thevetgraduate.com
- Instagram: thevetgraduate
- LinkedIn: thevetgraduate
- Facebook: thevetgraduate2024-08-1534 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast24. Reframing - with Debbie RobinsonIn this episode, we are taking 'mind work' literally! Host Petra Agthe and her guest Debbie Robinson are exploring the topic of reframing, a technique with which we can intentionally try to think differently about an event, a situation or a person. This can help us to give us to separate thoughts that are helpful from those which are not, and also make us feel differently about the situation we are facing. This can give us a greater sense of control and empowerment in our lives.Timestamps00:55 Welcome to the episode02:32 Introducing Debbie2024-08-071h 01
Vet Mind Works Podcast23. Self-motivation - with Lorien WatererHave you ever wondered why people are behaving in different ways? And did you know that this can influence how we learn and grow? What motivates us to do something or stop doing it? In how far is it associated with our sense of control or confidence?This episode offers answers to these and more questions relating to self-motivation. In conversation with host Petra Agthe, our guest Lorien Waterer offers her insights and perspective on the topic. As you will hear, their discussion touches on many previous podcast episodes, which you may want listen back to. 2024-07-031h 01
Vet Mind Works Podcast22. Work-Life Balance - with Sarah SchofieldPoor Work-Life Balance is often quoted as a reason for job dissatisfaction and intention to leave in the veterinary profession, so what better reason to dive a bit deeper into this subject! Host Petra Agthe and our guest Sarah Schofield discuss many different aspects including: Whether Work-Life Balance is a helpful term in the first place, and alternative termsCommon reasons why our life may be out of kilterWays to overcome unhelpful mindsets and other barriers in order to gain a more healthy Work-Life BalanceHow to find more joy in our livesHow to put theory into actionL...2024-06-0559 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast21. Petra pondersThe Vet Mind Works Podcast is back! In this slightly different episode without a guest, Petra explains what was behind the pause in the schedule and reflects on some topics which have been going through her mind in the last few months. Even though this episode is somewhat experimental as it was unscripted we hope that it will be of some interest, as it relates to some previous episodes and also provides some information about the future plans for the podcast. Time stamps for topics covered in this episode include: 00:56 Introduction to this episode2024-05-0247 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast20. Coping Strategies - with Rachel BowronWe all know that veterinary work (and life in general for that matter!) can be stressful. So how can we make sure that we navigate the ups and downs the best way we can? Join host Petra, who has invited Rachel Bowron to explore a whole array of tools in the coping toolbox together, and explain how they applied some of these tools in their own lives. Timestamps: 00:56 Introduction to episode02:07 Introduction to Rachel02:59 About our partners VIN Europe03:46 Welcoming Rachel04:35 What are coping strategies?07:50 About healthy and unhealthy coping strategies2024-02-0756 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast19. Self-compassion for Imposter SyndromeIn this episode, host Petra Agthe and guest Katie Ford are looking at a previously covered topic from a specific perspective: The skill of self-compassion and how this can help us to navigate imposterism or imposter feelings (more commonly known as imposter syndrome, which is why we stuck to it in the title). In the conversation, Katie shares her own experiences and helpful insights. We are also touching on some previous themes such as shame, identity, courage and confidence, so it may be worth to listen back to these as well! Time stamps: 00:57 Introduction...2024-01-1759 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast18. Self-Regulation - with Crina DraguWelcome to another juicy episode! This time, host Petra is exploring the topic of self-regulation with Crina Dragu, who works as a veterinary dentist and has had a very diverse life experience. This is a deep conversation about how to master the challenges of life in general and of veterinary work in particular using the skill of finding 'calmness in uncomfortable situations'. Full contents of this episode include:00:57 Introduction to episode02:20 Introducing Crina04:27 About our partners VIN Europe05:13 Welcoming Crina05:54 About self-regulation and its importance13:12 Self-regulation as a transferrable skill to g...2024-01-031h 01
Vet Mind Works Podcast17. About Courage - with Scott KilpatrickCourage is something often associated with great bravery and heroism, but what if it was actually about something more subtle and quiet? What if it was a life skill for every day? In this episode, host Petra had the great pleasure to talk to veterinary specialist, CPD provider and fellow podcaster Scott Kilpatrick, who brings a lot of wisdom and lived experience to the topic of courage. Scott explains how courage features for him every day, even though it may not necessarily feel courageous in the process - and what courage has to do with dancing giraffes!...2023-12-061h 04
Vet Mind Works Podcast16. About being good enough - with Clive Elwood and Ruth SerlinThis is a deep dive into the topic of being good enough! Host Petra Agthe is exploring the topic with guests Clive Elwood and Ruth Serlin, who have many insights to share.Timestamps:00:00:56 Introduction to episode00:03:49 About our partner VIN Europe00:04:34 Welcoming Clive and Ruth00:05:08 What does 'good enough' mean?00:21:04 How Clive and Ruth have found their 'good enough' space00:29:55 About identity, striving for perfection and 'the Gold Standard' 00:34:34 The discomfort of imperfection, and comfort of relationships00:40:26 Cultivating a sense of good enoughness00:47:51 Pitfalls and difficulties of being...2023-11-011h 13
Vet Mind Works Podcast15. All about Shame - with Professor Luna DolezalToday's episode is all about a delicate subject and deeply unpleasant emotion, namely shame. Shame can be a powerful driver of behaviours and attitudes in human medicine, impacting clinical practice, medical education, experiences relating to medical errors, wellbeing of healthcare workers and more. In this deeply insightful episode, host Petra Agthe and shame researcher Professor Luna Dolezal are exploring the topic of shame, its potential relevance in human and veterinary medicine, as well as mentioning strategies which may help to reduce frequency and/or intensity of shame experiences. Timestamps:00:57 Introduction to episode02:50 Introduction to Luna...2023-10-0444 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast14. Self-compassion - with Ali LambieThis is an episode about a very special skill, which may sound soft but has been shown to make us anything but soft or weak. Self-compassion has been shown to help us adopt a growth mindset, reduce feelings of shame, be more motivated, experience greater happiness and life satisfaction, better relationships, greater physical and mental health (including reduced burnout and compassion fatigue) as well as the ability to cope better with stressful life events including failure (academic or otherwise) and trauma. Host and long-term self-compassion practitioner Petra Agthe is diving deep into the topic with our guest the Mindful...2023-09-0654 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast13. Food and Nutrition - with Ela LawWelcome to our anniversary episode! We are so excited that the Vet Mind Works Podcast has been going for a full year. This episode is also very special, because it touches on many topics that we have already covered, and it relates to some other subjects yet to explore! Host Petra Agthe and our guest nutritionist and intuitive eating counsellor Ela Law we are discussing all around the topic of food and nutrition, and how we can best support our brains and bodies best in our busy lives. Timestamps:00:56 Introduction to episode and Ela Law02:10 Abo...2023-08-0248 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast12. Mindful Awareness - with Dr Carter LebaresHow can we stay human when we work in a challenging profession? And how can mindful awareness (= noticing our present moment experiences with curiosity and acceptance) help us in this process? How can we become better in emotion regulation and what has situation awareness (aka de-centring or reframing) to do with it? Join us for a deep dive into the answers to these and other questions in this week's episode. Our guest Dr Carter Lebares, MD FACS is a pioneer in the research of surgeon wellbeing in human health care and she has many facts and insights to offer...2023-07-0548 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast11. Confidence - with Rachael PaulThis is our first Vet Mind Works podcast episode with host Alison Collings! Alison is joined by Rachael Paul, owner of Simply Veterinary, a headhunting and coaching firm dedicated solely to the veterinary industry. Rachael specializes in helping veterinary leaders become inspirational by raising their self-awareness to a whole new level. Rachel talks about how we can cultivate confidence.In this episode, we discuss:Developing trust in oneselfTechniques to cultivate confidenceWhat to do when you are feeling overwhelmed by self-doubtRachel shares ways in which she has pushed herself out of her comfort zoneThe first key step...2023-06-0736 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast10. Job Diversification - with Andrew CiccoliniHow can we prevent getting tired of our jobs and losing the sparkle? Our wonderful guest Andrew Ciccolini works for two non-for profit organisations including the Galaxy Vets Foundation, and has a few tips to share. This conversation with host Petra Agthe covers a large range of aspects including:00:58 Introduction to episode and why Andrew is a very special guest02:57 Introducing our new partner VIN03:53 Introducing Andrew Ciccolini05:42 The ways in which job diversification worked for Andrew09:49 How to make diversification a fulfilling opportunity and not a stressful experience 12:05 How diversification can h...2023-05-0340 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast9. Hobbies - with Alasdair Hotston MooreAlthough today's episode is perhaps a little more lighthearted, it is still important and relates back our most recent episode with Ebony Escalona on Identity (https://vetmindworks.buzzsprout.com/2020620/12307186) and also illustrates how our activities outside work can not only benefit our mental wellbeing and physical health, but how they actually support our carriers and work satisfaction.This easy-going episode with guest Alasdair Hotston Moore and host Petra Agthe includes: 01:02 We have news to share!02:04 Introduction to the episode and introducing Alasdair 05:48 How hobbies are related to our identify and how they can hel...2023-04-0544 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast8. Identity - with Ebony EscalonaDo you also introduce yourself to others with your job title, such as 'Hello, my name is XX and I am a vet/vet nurse/...'? Well, you may think again after this episode! Having a sense of identity can be really important to us. It gives us an idea of who we are and where we belong. However, sometimes identity can also trip us up and we can identify so much with our jobs that there is little else left. Our guest Ebony Escalona founder of the veterinary community Vets: Stay, Go or Diversify is very f...2023-03-0143 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast7. Physiological Needs - with Dan TipneyLet’s face it: we are often better at looking after others than we are looking after ourselves. But why is it so difficult to put our own proverbial oxygen mask on even when it comes to our basic physiological needs, and why is it so important that we do? These are just some of the questions that we are exploring in the conversation between Dan Tipney and host Petra Agthe. Dan Tipney is an expert in human factors with experience in a variety of professions including sports, aviation, human healthcare and veterinary medicine, and he is a returning gu...2023-02-0149 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast6. Values - with Liv OginskaValues - what could be a better topic at the start of a new year!? Values can serve as an 'inner compass' helping us to make sure that our life has direction, depth and meaning. Join the conversation between host Petra Agthe and our guest Liv Oginska, who explore some important questions and facts around this topic, including: 0:57 Introduction to this episode and introducing Liv3:30 What are values and why are they important?9:14 How our values get shaped12:21 General vs situational values18:28 How working with values can sometimes bring up difficult emotions2023-01-0451 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast5. Self-awareness - with Clive ElwoodThe psychologist Carl Jung once said that “until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate”. In this episode we are taking a deeper dive and explore why knowing ourselves can be so powerful and how we may achieve a greater degree of self-awareness, so that we can be more in charge of our lives. Our guest Clive Elwood is a specialist in small animal internal medicine as well as an executive coach and author of the book Leadership in Veterinary Medicine, and he has lots of insights, knowledge and e...2022-12-0741 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast4. Performance and Wellbeing- with Dan TipneyAre you interested in how to deliver the best care for our patients and applying our clinical skills to the best of our ability? And would you like to know what our wellbeing has to do with it? Then you may want to listen to this conversation between host Petra Agthe and our guest Dan Tipney, who is an expert in human factors with experience in a variety of professions including sports, aviation, human healthcare and veterinary medicine. In this episode, Dan shares lots of interesting information all around the topic of delivering safe patient care - and about...2022-11-0248 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast3. Time - with Karla BorlandAre you also struggling to find enough time to do all the things you need and want to do? You are certainly in good company as this is a phenomenon affecting most of us. And while there is no way to increase this finite resource, there are a few things that we can do to help us feel a little more in control. Our guest Karla Borland is a busy veterinary anaesthetist and competitive long-distance runner who has tried out a few things herself and is sharing her insights and experiences with host Petra Agthe. Main...2022-10-0536 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast2. Energy - with Marie HolowaychukJoin host Petra and our guest Marie Holowaychuk (Emergency and Critical Care Specialist, yoga and mindfulness teacher and coach) for an insightful discussion all around the topic of energy.0:56 Introduction to episode and about Marie6:00 Importance of energy regulation 8:07 About energy management and change10:42 Interconnection of energy management with awareness, time management and boundary setting12:56 Why the term 'balance' can sometimes be unhelpful14:56 Importance of boundary setting17:25 Marie personal challenges with ene...2022-09-0741 min
Vet Mind Works Podcast1. Attention - with Steph SorrellWelcome to our very first episode with a guest! We are starting our podcast with a mini-series on the personal resources, which are essential for performance and wellbeing: attention, energy and time. We firmly belief that learning to manage these resources well is key to a sustainable and enjoyable work life- but of course this is not always easy and so we are inviting guests who can share their own insights and experiences around resource management. Our first guest is Steph Sorrell, European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine and RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine. Steph h...2022-08-0333 minVet Mind Works PodcastPrologueIn this episode you can find out more about the podcast and its founders. Contents include: Brief summary of purpose of the show, its schedule and planned contents for future episodes.Monica, Alison and Petra introduce themselves and discuss:Their professional and personal challenges to date, and the resulting insights and learning points Their main motivation for starting the podcastWhich contents and topics are particularly important to themWho they would like the podcast to be for and what will be so special about this showHow To Support Us:...2022-07-2433 min