Meet The Animal People with Chris Whatling

Chris Whatling
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Meet the Animal People is all about celebrating the incredible individuals who work in animal related industries. The podcast is designed to inspire, educate, and entertain as we dive into the stories behind the careers, passions, and journeys of the people who make a difference to the lives of animals through their work!

  1. Episode 17: Jade Statt

    FEB 3

    Episode 17: Jade Statt

    In this episode of Meet the Animal People, host Chris Whatling speaks with Jade Statt, a veterinary surgeon and founder of Street Vet, a charity providing veterinary care to pets of people experiencing homelessness. Jade shares her journey from a childhood obsession with animals to becoming a vet and eventually starting Street Vet. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by homeless individuals with pets, the misconceptions surrounding homelessness, and the emotional toll of working in this field. Jade emphasises the importance of compassion, community support, and mental health in her work, and encourages listeners to get involved with Street Vet and help make a difference.

    56 min
  2. Episode 16: Jo Boughton-White

    11/26/2025

    Episode 16: Jo Boughton-White

    In this episode of Meet the Animal People, Chris Whatling sits down with Jo Boughton-White CEO of Dorwest Herbs, a proudly family-run business and one of the longest-standing names in natural pet supplements. Jo shares her journey from a childhood spent surrounded by animals to forging her own academic and professional path, before ultimately returning to the family business with a renewed sense of purpose. She opens up about the realities of running a multi-generational brand in today’s competitive pet industry, the pressure of staying authentic in a fast-paced market, and what it really takes to maintain a strong company culture. Together, Chris and Jo explore everything from the evolution of herbal supplements, to the importance of quality ingredients, customer trust, and the increasing commercialisation of the pet market. Jo also discusses Dorwest’s commitment to social responsibility including the Dorwest Foundation and the company’s work supporting rehabilitation and employment opportunities for ex-offenders. This conversation is full of honesty, heart, and practical takeaways for anyone in the pet industry: from leadership lessons and workplace wellbeing, to product development, marketing, and looking after the animals at the centre of it all. If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, family business dynamics, pet health, or simply want to understand what keeps a legacy brand thriving this is an episode you’ll love.

    1h 9m
  3. Episode 15: Miles Asteri

    10/16/2025

    Episode 15: Miles Asteri

    Episode 15: From The Veterinary Profession to Reality TV – Miles Astaire’s Story In this episode of Meet the Animal People, host Chris Whatling sits down with Miles Astaire — a passionate veterinary professional, advocate for diversity, and star of BBC’s The Traitors. From growing up in Birmingham to building a career in veterinary nursing, Miles shares his inspiring journey through the highs and challenges of working in animal care. Together, Chris and Miles explore the realities of representation, identity, and inclusion in the veterinary industry — discussing how personal experiences of racism, stereotypes, and being part of the LGBTQ+ community have shaped Miles’ outlook and emotional intelligence. The conversation dives into the power of mentorship, career progression, and networking, while also touching on what life is really like behind the scenes of reality TV and how visibility in media can spark change in professional spaces. It’s a powerful, honest, and uplifting discussion that celebrates individuality, courage, and the love of animals — with a few laughs (and a bit of Mariah Carey!) along the way. Tune in to hear how Miles is breaking stereotypes and inspiring the next generation of veterinary professionals.

    59 min
  4. Episode 14: Dr Marc Abraham OBE

    09/01/2025

    Episode 14: Dr Marc Abraham OBE

    In this episode, Chris Whatling interviews someone he truly admires – Dr Marc Abraham OBE. Marc is not only a highly respected veterinarian but also a passionate animal welfare campaigner, author, and media personality. From his early days dreaming of helping animals to leading the campaign for Lucy’s Law, Marc’s journey is both inspiring and deeply impactful. Chris and Marc explore why communication and empathy are at the heart of great veterinary practice, and how media and social platforms can become powerful tools for advocacy. Marc also opens up about his brand-new film, Dogspiracy, a hard-hitting documentary exposing the dark realities of puppy farming and the fight for better welfare standards. Throughout the conversation, Chris reflects on his admiration for Markcs persistence, creativity, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of pets. Together, they discuss the importance of community, campaigning, and collaboration – from the vibrant energy of Brighton to the broader responsibility we all share in protecting animals. Listeners will come away inspired to take action, no matter how small, and to see how one person’s determination can spark real, lasting change.

    58 min

  5. 08/12/2025

    Episode 13: Rory Hanna

    In this episode, Chris sits down with Rory Hanna, co‑founder of PAWD, to uncover how a childhood love of dogs evolved into a groundbreaking venture in liquid supplements for pet health. Rory shares the personal challenges that inspired PAWD, the science behind their liquid supplement innovation, and how he and his business partner balance their complementary strengths to grow the business. The conversation explores the supportive nature of the pet industry, the importance of education for pet owners, and the role of community building in shaping healthier, happier dogs. Listeners will gain insights into: How Rory’s childhood passion for dogs shaped his journey.Why liquid supplements offer better absorption and efficacy.The importance of trust and honesty in business partnerships.Plans for expanding into international markets.How community, culture, and collaboration fuel entrepreneurial success.If you’re interested in pet health, entrepreneurship, or the future of dog supplements, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom.

    39 min
  6. Episode 12: Dr Guy Sandelowsky MBA

    07/29/2025

    Episode 12: Dr Guy Sandelowsky MBA

    In this inspiring episode of Meet The Animal People, Chris Whatling sits down with Dr. Guy Sandelowsky MBA — veterinarian, entrepreneur, and founder of Omni, a groundbreaking pet food brand designed to tackle pet allergies and sensitivities. From growing up in Switzerland to navigating the challenges of vet school and clinical practice, Guy shares his journey of turning a passion for animal health into an innovative business. He opens up about the motivation behind Omni, the importance of educating pet owners on nutrition, and the eye-opening experience of pitching on Dragon’s Den. The conversation also dives into personal resilience, LGBTQ+ visibility in the veterinary field, and Guy’s vision for shaping the future of pet nutrition. What you’ll learn in this episode: How Guy’s early experiences shaped his career as a veterinarian.The rising concerns of pet obesity and allergies and how Omni is tackling them.What really happens behind the scenes on Dragon’s Den.Why authenticity and embracing your identity matter in professional life.The future of plant-based pet nutrition and Guy’s mission to reach millions of pets worldwide.If you’re passionate about pets, innovation, and personal growth, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

    52 min
  7. Episode 11: Katie Ford

    07/15/2025

    Episode 11: Katie Ford

    In this deeply moving and inspiring episode of Meet the Animal People, Chris Whatling sits down with vet, coach, entrepreneur, and all-round brilliant human, Dr Katie Ford. From her childhood in a working-class town in Huddersfield to becoming a celebrated voice on imposter syndrome and emotional wellbeing in the veterinary profession, Katie shares her personal and professional journey with honesty, warmth, and insight. Chris and Katie explore everything from the impact of childhood experiences, alcohol, and early responsibilities, to navigating burnout and rediscovering your true self. Katie speaks candidly about overcoming imposter syndrome, the emotional toll of veterinary practice, and how she’s helping others through her coaching platform, Vet Empowered. Whether you work in animal health, pet care, or just want to hear two people being real about life, identity, and purpose this episode is for you. Full of vulnerable moments, practical tools, and uplifting messages, it’s a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck, striving for balance, or simply needing a reminder that they’re not alone.

    58 min

  8. 06/18/2025

    Episode 10: Dan Makin

    Dan Makin – Pride, Purpose & the Power of Representation In this Pride Month special episode of Meet the Animal People, Chris Whatling speaks with Dan Makin, a small animal vet with over 22 years of experience and a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the veterinary profession. Dan opens up about his journey from being a bullied child to becoming a respected veterinary professional, reflecting on how those early experiences shaped both his identity and his career. He shares the emotional challenges of school and vet school, and the powerful impact of finally finding a sense of community and acceptance within the profession. In this heartfelt conversation, Dan and Chris explore the importance of creating safe, inclusive interview environments, the pressures LGBTQ+ candidates often face during job applications, and the ongoing need for meaningful support in the workplace. They discuss the evolution of diversity and inclusion in veterinary medicine, the role of BVLGBT+ in driving progress, and why representation truly matters. They also reflect on the deeply personal connections people have with animals — and how those moments of trust and care have shaped Dan's purpose and passion over the years. This is a powerful and uplifting listen for Pride Month — and a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go.

    52 min
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Meet the Animal People is all about celebrating the incredible individuals who work in animal related industries. The podcast is designed to inspire, educate, and entertain as we dive into the stories behind the careers, passions, and journeys of the people who make a difference to the lives of animals through their work!

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