The Dr. Molly Says Podcast

Dr. Molly Brinkmann
  • 4.8 (50)
  • Pets & Animals

Hey friends! I’m Dr. Molly Brinkmann (@drmollysays), a small animal veterinarian, lifelong animal lover, and your go-to source for all things pet health. Welcome to The Dr. Molly Says Podcast! I’m probably already obsessed with your pet, and I want to help you understand veterinary medicine in a way that’s fun, relatable, and actually makes sense. Each week, I’ll break down important pet care topics, debunk common myths, and give you a behind-the-scenes look at life as a vet. Because let’s be real—life is hard, but dogs help… and so does knowing how to take the best care of them. Grab your coffee (or tea), snuggle your pup (or cat, I guess), and join me every Wednesday at 9 AM EST on all platforms (and YouTube)!

  1. 2d ago

    Cat Only Practices, Why You Shouldn’t Scruff a Cat, & VPA’s

    This week on Dr. Molly Says, I’m joined by veterinarian, feline medicine enthusiast, industry leader, and fellow “we have a lot of opinions about vet med” human… Dr. Jason Epstein. We get into everything from cat-only hospitals, corporate veterinary medicine, the future of feline care, and one of the biggest debates happening in veterinary medicine right now. Dr. Epstein shares his journey through general practice, leadership roles, startups, vaccine clinics, and why he’s now building cat-focused veterinary hospitals, because according to him… cats don’t belong in dog hospitals. (Yes, he said it.) We also get into: Why feline medicine deserves its own approachThe surprising problem with traditional mixed animal hospitalsCorporate vet med, leadership, and what happens when practices collapse overnightAccessibility, affordability, and the realities of modern veterinary careThe future of veterinary technicians and why they deserve WAY more supportThe controversial Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) conversation happening in the U.S.Whether mid-level veterinary providers could help… or create bigger problems PLUS: hot takes, conference friend lore, cat behavior misunderstandings, “spicy cats” vs moody monarchs 👑, and a surprisingly passionate discussion about veterinary education, legislation, and who should actually be writing healthcare policy. LOVE YOU GUYS 💛 Timestamps:00:00:00 Welcome + meet Dr. Jason Epstein00:01:00 Marching band, clarinet discourse & veterinary origin story00:05:00 Early career, GP life & leadership transitions00:06:30 Corporate veterinary medicine + what happened with My Pets Wellness00:08:50 Affordable care, vaccine clinics & community medicine00:10:20 Why Dr. Epstein is building cat-only hospitals00:11:30 HOT TAKE: “Cats don’t belong in dog hospitals”00:13:00 Species-specific veterinary care: future or fantasy?00:15:00 What cats actually experience at the vet (and why it matters)00:20:00 Feline medicine gaps in veterinary education00:30:00 Cat-friendly care, environment & understanding feline behavior00:40:00 “Spicy cats” aren’t spicy… they’re cats00:41:30 The VPA conversation explained (without assuming you’ve been living on vet internet)00:44:00 Colorado, legislation & why this debate got very real, very fast00:50:00 Education pathways, supervision rules & big concerns about implementation00:57:00 Access to care vs quality of care — can both exist?01:00:00 Vet tech utilization, title protection & workforce challenges01:05:00 Where veterinary medicine might be headed next01:07:00 Final thoughts + why this is definitely not the last conversation we’re having about this --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod  https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028 --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Dr. Molly: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays Follow the podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod ---------------------------------------------------------------

    1h 9m

  2. May 20

    How To Help Your Dog or Cat Lose Weight with Dr. Molly Brinkman

    This week on Dr. Molly Says… it’s just us!!! New season, new podcast setup, new vet clinic building (!!)… and an uncomfortable conversation we probably need to have about pet obesity. Because… statistically? A LOT of our dogs and cats are overweight. And before you get defensive — hear me out. This isn’t about aesthetics. We’re talking about real health consequences, chronic disease, arthritis, diabetes, mobility loss, and yes… shorter lifespans. We’re breaking down how veterinarians actually evaluate weight (hello body condition score), why so many pets gain weight without owners realizing it, and some hot takes about treats, free feeding, “active lifestyles,” and why your dog maybe doesn’t need a snack every time they pee. We also get into: How to tell if your dog or cat is actually overweightWhy body condition score matters more than the number on the scaleThe surprising diseases linked to obesity in dogs and catsWhy labs, beagles, and indoor cats can be especially prone to weight gainFree feeding vs meal feeding (yes… we’re doing this debate)Why treat calories count WAY more than you thinkHow spay/neuter changes metabolismThe real math behind feeding recommendationsWeight loss strategies that actually work in real life PLUS: we discuss Solo cup measurements pretending to be “one cup,” chunky cat culture, why your veterinarian is not trying to offend you, and my slightly controversial opinion about potty treats. LOVE YOU GUYS 💛 Timestamps:00:00:00 Welcome back! Season 2, podcast updates & the new clinic build00:02:45 Why pet obesity is uncomfortable to talk about00:04:00 Hot take: your dog doesn’t need a potty treat forever00:05:00 The shocking number of overweight pets in the U.S.00:06:00 Why weight matters beyond “looking chunky”00:07:00 Body Condition Score explained (4–5/9 is the goal)00:09:00 How to actually tell if your pet is overweight00:13:00 Diseases linked to obesity in cats00:15:00 Arthritis, mobility & obesity in dogs00:17:00 How pets become overweight in the first place00:18:00 Labs, beagles & genetics of appetite00:19:00 Why your pet probably isn’t as “active” as you think00:20:00 Feeding guides vs actual calorie calculations00:21:00 Free feeding vs meal feeding debate00:23:00 Treat calories add up FAST00:26:00 Spay/neuter, hormones & metabolism changes00:28:00 Helping pets lose weight realistically00:30:00 Measuring food correctly (the Solo cup problem 💀)00:32:00 Treat rules, exercise & muscle mass00:34:00 When weight loss isn’t working: thyroid & medical causes00:35:00 Multi-pet household struggles00:36:00 Exercise ideas for indoor cats00:38:00 Why vets keep bringing up weight (even when owners hate hearing it)00:39:00 Fresh food, calorie density & marketing myths00:42:00 Weight loss diets, supplements & final thoughts00:43:00 Outro --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod  https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028 --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Dr. Molly: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays Follow the podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod

    44 min

  3. May 13

    Inside Emergency Vet Medicine with a Veterinary Nurse with Ashley Farmer

    This week on Dr. Molly Says (and on round 2 of my world tour LOL), we’re coming to you LIVE from Vegas with veterinary nurse and chaos coordinator extraordinaire, Ashley Farmer (aka @ashleythevetnurse 💛). Ashley and I are diving into the world of veterinary technicians, emergency medicine, and what actually happens behind the scenes at your vet clinic… because trust me, it’s a LOT more than people realize. We talk about how Ashley went from dreaming of working with animals to feeding sharks at the Pittsburgh Zoo, becoming a licensed veterinary technician, working emergency medicine, and eventually helping run hospital operations at VEG (Veterinary Emergency Group). We also get into: What veterinary technicians/nurses actually do all day (spoiler: basically everything)The difference between vet techs, assistants, and veterinary nursesWhy the “vet nurse vs vet tech” debate is way more complicated than people thinkHow emergency vet hospitals really work behind the scenesWhy open-concept ERs are changing veterinary medicineThe relationship between pet owners, vets, and veterinary nurses during emergenciesWhy efficiency and teamwork matter so much in emergency medicineThe emotional reality of caring for hospitalized petsHow veterinary assistants can grow into long-term careers in vet med PLUS: Ashley shares her hottest takes in veterinary medicine (including owners helping restrain pets 👀), we discuss the absolute chaos of emergency rooms, favorite and least favorite dog breeds in the ER, and why veterinary nurses are truly the backbone of every hospital. And of course… we end with important conversations about Pomeranians, doodles, Great Danes pooping everywhere, and what dog breed Ashley would be if she had to choose. LOVE YOU GUYS 💛 Timestamps:00:00:00 Welcome from Vegas + why we’re recording from a hotel room00:01:00 Ashley’s journey into veterinary medicine00:03:00 Working at the Pittsburgh Zoo + feeding sharks00:05:00 What it takes to become a licensed veterinary technician00:07:00 Vet tech vs veterinary nurse explained00:11:00 Why people don’t realize how advanced vet med really is00:12:00 Inside VEG emergency hospitals + open-concept ERs00:17:00 Why collaboration between ERs and general practice matters00:19:00 Dr. Molly’s new “open-ish” hospital concept00:20:00 Hot take: should owners help restrain pets?00:22:00 What veterinary nurses actually do during ER shifts00:26:00 Surgery techs, inpatient care & emergency teamwork00:28:00 Why Ashley moved into operations & leadership00:30:00 Veterinary technician specialists (VTS) explained00:34:00 The complicated relationship between vet assistants & licensed techs00:38:00 Advice for assistants considering tech school00:39:00 Favorite pets, breeds & ER patients00:42:00 Emergency cases Ashley actually loves treating00:44:00 The adrenaline of emergency medicine00:45:00 Meet Ashley’s pets: Miss Kitty Meow Meow & Linda00:46:00 Outro --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod  https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028 --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Dr. Molly: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays Follow the podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod

    47 min

  4. May 6

    When to See a Vet Specialist (+ Why Your Pet Isn’t Getting Better) | with Dr. Nicole Fein

    This week on Dr. Molly Says, we’re coming to you LIVE(ish) from a very not-fancy hotel room in Orlando… I’m joined by my friend and internal medicine specialist, Dr. Nicole Fein, and we’re diving into everything from what internists actually do to the reality of specialty vet care (plus a few unhinged tangents… obviously). We break down how someone becomes a board-certified veterinary internist (spoiler: years of chaos + 16-hour exams), the types of cases they see all the time (yes… so much poop), and a hot take you might not expect: more diagnostics ≠ better medicine. We also get into: When it’s actually time to see a specialistThe relationship between pet owners, general practitioner veterinarians, and specialists (it’s a throuple, not a love triangle)Why some cases should be referred sooner (and what can go wrong when they’re not)The real cost conversations that need to happen in vet medWhy internal medicine is basically the “everything that doesn’t make sense” specialty PLUS: Dr. Nicole explains her viral “baby talking patients” videos (yes, including “mouth meat” 💀), we discuss cuteness aggression, and share what really happens behind the scenes at the vet. And of course… we end with Global Pet Expo chaos: piglet parades (aka Frenchies in wagons), influencer pets, and why veterinarians are just trying their best out here. LOVE YOU GUYS 💛 Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome + recording from a hotel bed00:02:00 What is Global Pet Expo?00:03:00 Meet Dr. Nicole Fine (internal medicine specialist)00:07:00 How you become a veterinary internist (aka years of torture)00:14:55 What cases internal medicine actually sees00:18:30 Favorite cases (Addison’s, immune disease & emergencies)00:21:00 What a typical day looks like (and why it’s so communication-heavy)00:23:00 When should you ask for a specialist referral?00:26:00 GP vs specialist dynamics (the “throuple” conversation)00:33:50 Cases that should be referred sooner00:37:00 Cost conversations & setting expectations00:39:00 Making specialty care more accessible00:42:30 Trends in cases + city vs rural vet med00:46:00 IVDD, surgery vs medical management00:49:00 Viral baby talk videos explained (yes… really)00:55:00 Global Pet Expo chaos (piglet parade, influencer pets)00:59:00 Outro --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@drmollysayspod  https://open.spotify.com/show/7xmKqrXGPJXpsbDbtCMgfe?si=17148ddc74604cb1  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-molly-says-podcast/id1800302028 --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Dr. Molly: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysays Follow the podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drmollysayspod/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@drmollysayspod ---------------------------------------------------------------

    59 min
  5. EP39 - Christmas Tea Break (Q&A)

    12/24/2025

    EP39 - Christmas Tea Break (Q&A)

    Text me your question or inquiry here! Hey friends! This week on the pod, I'm answering YOUR questions... prescription food for allergies, treatment for lipid deposits, tick fever management in dogs, and so much more. Do you have a question or inquiry for me? Send me a text from the link above, ask me on any social media platform, or email drmollysayspod@gmail.com! Episodes of The Dr. Molly Says Podcast are on all podcast services along with video form on YouTube! Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/5d574928 TikTok: https://tinyurl.com/2p9kjd9d YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/mr3jradc TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 03:35 Prescription Food for Allergies 11:00 Treatment for Lipid Deposits 14:07 Tick Fever Management in Dogs 18:42 How to Know if a Supplement is Working Properly 24:13 When Will My Puppy Be Fully Grown 26:37 Tips for Finding a Holistic Vet 31:04 Outro

    32 min
  6. EP38 - The Truth About Veterinary Dentistry w/ Dr. Amy Thomson

    12/17/2025

    EP38 - The Truth About Veterinary Dentistry w/ Dr. Amy Thomson

    Text me your question or inquiry here! Hey friends! This week on the pod, we’re digging into one of the most important — and often overlooked — areas of veterinary medicine: dentistry. From why dental care still makes so many vets hesitant, to what actually happens during a COHAT, to everyday things like brushing, chews, and dental wipes, we’re breaking it all down in clear, practical, real-world language. We’re joined by Dr. Thomson, who shares insights from her residency, mobile practice experience, and years in veterinary dentistry. Do you have a question or inquiry for me? Send me a text from the link above, ask me on any social media platform, or email drmollysayspod@gmail.com! Episodes of The Dr. Molly Says Podcast are on all podcast services along with video form on YouTube! Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/5d574928 TikTok: https://tinyurl.com/2p9kjd9d YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/mr3jradc TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 01:20 Dr. Thomson 04:25 Hot Take 04:53 Dr. Thomson’s Residency 09:30 Why Vets Are Hesitant Of Dentistry 11:53 Dr. Thomson’s Current Practice 14:18 Mobile Practice 20:10 Why Veterinary Dentists Are Needed For 23:10 Endodontics in Pets 25:55 Fourth Premolar Tooth 29:02 What Are Good Things for Dogs to Chew On 32:18 Brushing Your Pets’ Teeth 42:09 Using Dental Wipes 43:49 COHAT Basics 52:06 When Should COHAT Start 58:05 COHAT in Cats 1:01:55 Dentistry and Orthopedics 1:03:46 Rapid Fire Questions 1:11:27 Dr. Thomson’s Biggest Advice 1:15:53 Outro

    1h 17m
  7. EP37 - A Deep Dive into EHV-1 and Parvovirus In Pets

    12/10/2025

    EP37 - A Deep Dive into EHV-1 and Parvovirus In Pets

    Text me your question or inquiry here! Hey friends! This week on the pod, we're diving deeper into everything you need to know surrounding EHV-1 and Parvovirus in pets; outbreaks, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and so much more! Do you have a question or inquiry for me? Send me a text from the link above, ask me on any social media platform, or email drmollysayspod@gmail.com! Episodes of The Dr. Molly Says Podcast are on all podcast services along with video form on YouTube! Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/5d574928 TikTok: https://tinyurl.com/2p9kjd9d YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/mr3jradc TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 01:50 Equine Herpesvirus Basics 04:00 How Does EHV-1 Affect A Horse 05:55 Clinical Signs of EHV-1 07:16 How Transmission Happens 09:03 How Equine Hospitals Operate 11:22 Prevention Options for EHV-1 12:00 How Horse Shows Contribute To The Spread 14:04 The Current Outbreak Situation 16:03 Parvovirus Basics 18:45 How Parvovirus Spreads Within the Body 19:50 Impact of Parvovirus on the Body 20:23 What Dogs That Have Parvo Look Like 21:50 Treatment Options 23:43 Survival Rates 24:30 A Huge Update in Parvo Treatment 27:05 Parvo Outrbreaks 32:23 Importance of Vaccination 33:47 Outro

    34 min
  8. EP36 - What Every Pet Parent Needs To Know About Labrador Retrievers

    12/05/2025

    EP36 - What Every Pet Parent Needs To Know About Labrador Retrievers

    Text me your question or inquiry here! Hey friends! This week on the pod, we're discussing everything and anything you need to know about Labrador Retrievers; their history, obesity, common diseases, breed coloring, and more! Do you have a question or inquiry for me? Send me a text from the link above, ask me on any social media platform, or email drmollysayspod@gmail.com! Episodes of The Dr. Molly Says Podcast are on all podcast services along with video form on YouTube! Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/5d574928 TikTok: https://tinyurl.com/2p9kjd9d YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/mr3jradc TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 01:50 Hot Take: Rabies Vaccines 07:23 How MRNA Vaccines Work 10:40 Some Other Vaccine Must-Knows 14:20 Dr. Molly’s Labrador Retrievers 17:42 Labrador Retriever History 18:28 Labrador Retriever Basics 19:53 Cooper’s Personality 21:27 Crate Training 22:30 The Science Behind Food-Driven Behavior 24:40 Obesity in Labs 25:52 Common Diseases 27:57 Importance of Exercise 28:40 Breed Colors 31:08 Buying Labs from a Breeder 34:50 Other Things To Keep In Mind 37:51 Outro

    38 min
See All (43)

4.8
out of 5
50 Ratings

About

Hey friends! I’m Dr. Molly Brinkmann (@drmollysays), a small animal veterinarian, lifelong animal lover, and your go-to source for all things pet health. Welcome to The Dr. Molly Says Podcast! I’m probably already obsessed with your pet, and I want to help you understand veterinary medicine in a way that’s fun, relatable, and actually makes sense. Each week, I’ll break down important pet care topics, debunk common myths, and give you a behind-the-scenes look at life as a vet. Because let’s be real—life is hard, but dogs help… and so does knowing how to take the best care of them. Grab your coffee (or tea), snuggle your pup (or cat, I guess), and join me every Wednesday at 9 AM EST on all platforms (and YouTube)!

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Molly Brinkmann
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Molly Brinkmann
  • Show Website
    The Dr. Molly Says Podcast

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