The Veterinary Culture Lab

Flourish Veterinary Consulting
  • 5.0 (2)
  • SOCIAL SCIENCES

The Veterinary Culture Lab is your science-backed, real-world blueprint for culture renovation in veterinary medicine. Hosted by Andi and Josh, Positive Change Agents from Flourish Veterinary Consulting, each episode blends research on wellbeing and workplace culture with humor, heart, and actionable strategies. Expect practical tips you can apply right away - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth. 

  1. MAR 10

    015: Burnout, Clarified: What’s Really Driving Vet Tech Burnout

    In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh take on one of the most talked-about—and most misunderstood—topics in veterinary medicine: burnout. Rather than adding to the noise, this conversation brings clarity by grounding the discussion in science and centering the experience of veterinary technicians and nurses. Grounded in a 2025 Delphi study led by Angela Chapman and colleagues, this episode examines what experts agree truly contributes to occupational burnout for veterinary technicians—and what organizational strategies can help prevent it. The study moves beyond assumptions to identify systemic drivers and practical, evidence-based solutions clinics can actually use. Through real-world veterinary examples, leadership reflection, and a few well-timed laughs, this episode reframes burnout as a structural signal rather than a personal failure and highlights how leadership, communication, and resilience support shape team wellbeing. You’ll hear: Why burnout is not the same as exhaustionThe workplace conditions that create systemic strain for veterinary techniciansThe most common barriers to addressing burnout in clinicsExpert-backed strategies that help prevent burnoutPractical shifts teams can make to support technician wellbeingWhether you are a technician, a leader, or part of a veterinary team navigating constant pressure, this episode offers clarity, validation, and a science-backed path forward. Resource Links Episode Article: Title: Workplace Strategies to Reduce Burnout in Veterinary Nurses and Technicians: A Delphi Study Authors: Angela Chapman, Pauleen C. Bennett, Vanessa I. Rohlf DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15091257 Flourish Academy - Certificate in Applied Veterinary Resilience World Health Organization Underwater Wonders - Fort Collins, CO Self Determination Theory  (Deci & Ryan) 30 Second Dance Party Button - Shop  Florida Man This Week - Cartwheels  What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet Your Hosts: Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC  Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth.  Timestamps  00:00 Introduction to Burnout in Veterinary Medicine 00:44 Weekend Plans and Personal Stories 04:15 Defining Burnout and Its Misuse 09:38 World Health Organization's Definition of Burnout 12:17 Landmark Study on Burnout in Veterinary Technicians 15:41 Barriers and Enablers in Addressing Burnout 17:48 Solutions to Combat Burnout 19:26 Implementation Challenges and Cultural Importance 20:32 Reflecting on Burnout and Leadership Support 23:36 The Power of Self-Determination Theory 27:52 Practical Steps to Alleviate Burnout 33:50 Resilience and Team Support Strategies 38:19 Florida Man and Final Thoughts

    42 min

  2. FEB 24

    014: Commitment Beats Compliance: The Leadership Shift Vet Med Needs

    In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore why some veterinary teams feel energized, supportive, and fully engaged - while others feel stuck just going through the motions. The difference is not talent, workload, or motivation. It is how people support one another at work. Grounded in a large meta-analysis on interpersonal support and self-determination theory, this convo unpacks how meeting core psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness shapes motivation, wellbeing, and performance across teams and leadership relationships. Through real-world veterinary scenarios, leadership reflections, and a few well-earned laughs, this episode examines why compliance-driven cultures fall short—and how commitment grows when people feel trusted, capable, and genuinely supported. You’ll hear: Why the same person can respond very differently in the same situation depending on team cultureHow autonomy, competence, and relatedness influence motivation, wellbeing, and performanceThe difference between managing for compliance and leading for commitmentWhy interpersonal support from both leaders and peers matters more than we thinkPractical leadership moves that strengthen trust, ownership, and engagementWhat this research means for veterinary teams looking to renovate culture from the inside outWhether you are leading a veterinary team, working within one, or trying to understand why energy feels high in some clinics and low in others, this episode offers science-backed insight into how everyday interactions shape commitment, connection, and thriving at work. Resource Links:  Episode Article: Title: Interpersonal Supports for Basic Psychological Needs and Their Relations with Motivation, Wellbeing, and Performance: A Meta-Analysis Authors:Gavin R. Slemp, James G. Field, Richard M. Ryan, Vivien W. Forner, Anja Van den Broeck, and Kelsey J. Lewis DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000459 Flourish Academy - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication Florida Man This Week - Shopping Cart Georgia Aquarium  What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet Your Hosts: Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC  Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth.  Timestamps: 00:00 Building Trust and Commitment in Veterinary Teams 00:42 Casual Conversations and Personal Stories 01:18 Exciting News and Upcoming Events 03:56 Farm Life and Teamwork 05:23 Comparing Veterinary Practices 12:42 The Impact of Team Support on Motivation and Performance 23:24 Commitment Over Compliance 23:45 The Horse Metaphor for Training 24:39 Loosening the Reins in Training 25:33 Clarity Plus Coaching Equals Success 25:48 Supporting Competency Needs 27:30 Personal Story: Overcoming Challenges with Support 30:52 The Power of Peer Support 32:56 Renovating Veterinary Cultures 33:14 Autonomy Support Moves for Leaders 39:11 Competence Support Moves 42:40 Relatedness Support Moves 45:04 Florida Man: A Lighthearted Conclusion 46:48 Closing Remarks

    48 min

  3. FEB 10

    013:The Top 3 Communication Behaviors Behind Every Unicorn Clinic: Why Relational Maintenance Matters

    In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh dig into what really sits behind so-called “unicorn clinics”—and it turns out it is not luck, perks, or fairy dust. It is communication. Grounded in a 2012 study by communication scholars Paul Madlock and Melanie Booth-Butterfield, this conversation explores relational maintenance: the everyday communication behaviors coworkers use to stay connected, supported, and resilient at work. Through real veterinary examples, leadership reflections, and a few well-placed dad jokes, this episode breaks down the science behind thriving teams and highlights the top three communication behaviors most strongly linked to job satisfaction, commitment, and wellbeing. You’ll hear: What people actually mean when they talk about a “unicorn clinic”The seven relational maintenance strategies coworkers use to sustain strong relationshipsThe top three communication behaviors most predictive of thriving teamsWhy positivity, shared effort, and healthy conflict repair matter more than we realizeHow these behaviors meet core human needs for belonging, care, and influenceWhat this research means for veterinary leaders and teams who want to renovate their culture intentionallyWhether you are searching for a unicorn clinic—or hoping to build one from the inside out—this episode offers science-backed insight and practical perspective on how small, everyday communication choices can transform the way veterinary teams work, connect, and thrive. Resource Links:  Episode Article: Title: The influence of relational maintenance strategies among coworkers Authors: Paul Madlock and Melanie Booth-Butterfield DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0021943611425237 Flourish Academy - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication Florida Man This Week - Opossum Oura ring - www.oura.com Portlandia (TV series 2011-2018)  What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet Your Hosts: Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC  Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth.  Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction: Building a Unicorn Clinic 00:54 Personal Anecdotes and Oura Ring Insights 02:33 3D Printing Adventures 06:21 The Magic of Unicorn Clinics 13:45 Relational Maintenance Strategies 23:20 Real-Life Application of Team Strategies 24:34 Transformative Experience with a Surgery Team 27:29 The Role of Leaders in Team Dynamics 39:27 Practical Steps for Conflict Management 45:47 Unusual Florida Man Story 47:10 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement

    48 min

  4. JAN 27

    012: Are You Even Listening?: How High-Quality Listening Transforms Veterinary Team Communication and Culture

    In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh dig into one of the simplest—yet most underestimated—forces shaping veterinary culture: the experience of feeling genuinely heard at work. Grounded in a massive meta-analytic review on perceived listening, they unpack how the quality of our listening predicts our workplace wellbeing. The punchline? Listening may be one of the most powerful (and affordable) culture renovation tools in vet med. You don't need another meeting, a new communication policy, or a wellness budget to make this shift. Just a few intentional moments of curiosity, presence, and genuine interest can change how people show up — and how they show themselves in your hospital. You’ll hear: Why veterinary teams listen beautifully in the exam room but struggle to listen to each otherThe science behind perceived listening — and why it predicts performance, adaptability, and wellbeingHow feeling “seen” fuels confidence, motivation, and commitmentThe role of curiosity in high-quality listening (and why it matters more than perfect phrasing)Practical, low-lift ways to build listening into your cultureWhether you lead a hospital, manage a shift, or support your team from the treatment floor, this episode offers practical steps to strengthen trust, reduce friction, and create a workplace where people genuinely feel heard. Resource Links  Episode Article Title: A Meta-analytic Systematic Review and Theory of the Effects of Perceived Listening on Work Outcomes Authors:Kluger, Avraham N. et al. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-023-09897-5 Introduction to Cultivating Positive Team Communication On Demand Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication Flourish Masterclass  Florida Woman This Week - Contest What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet Your Hosts Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC  Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth.  Timestamps  00:00 Intro: The Power of Being Heard 01:01 Office Upgrades and WFH Problems 04:31 The Importance of Listening in Veterinary Medicine 06:07 Imagining a Practice with Genuine Listening 10:07 The Science Behind High-Quality Listening 12:16 The Impact of Listening on Team Performance 14:09 Listening as a Tool  16:41 Personal Reflections on Listening and Validation 19:27 Misunderstandings in Clinical Practice 20:33 A Day in the Life of a Busy Vet Clinic 22:38 Reflecting on the Near Miss 23:28 The Importance of Listening 24:14 Curiosity as a Listening Skill 26:03 Implementing Listening Practices 27:27 Measuring and Training Listening Skills 28:33 Observable Behaviors of Listening 33:05 Systematizing and Rewarding Listening 36:11 Florida Woman's Challenge 38:24 Conclusion and Farewell

    40 min

  5. JAN 13

    011: Care Flows Forward: How Supporting Your Team Elevates Patient Care in Vet Med

    Care Flows Forward: How Supporting Your Team Elevates Patient Care in Vet Med In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore a simple but powerful truth: teams do not feel your intentions — they feel your behaviors. Using a human healthcare study on manager caring and patient experience, they dig into how presence, visibility, and small supportive actions ripple outward to strengthen culture and elevate care. You’ll hear: Why leaders often feel caring but struggle to show it in ways teams can experienceWhat research reveals about the link between leader presence, team wellbeing, and client careHow everyday micro-moves (#goinginwiththem) build trust and connection.The hidden barriers that keep leaders stuck in the office — and how to break through themPractical ways to demonstrate care, shield your team, and close communication loopsWhether you manage a whole hospital or support a busy shift, this episode offers grounded, usable strategies to show up for your team in the moments that matter most. Resource Links:  Episode Article: Title: The Relationship Between Staff Nurses’ Perceptions of Nursing Manager Caring Behaviors and Patient Experience: A Correlational Study Authors:Kotich, Kelly Find it: This article is a PhD dissertation submitted to UMKC in 2020. Unfortunately there is no current DOI. Please contact us with any questions.  Research surrounding 'Leader Rounds'  Florida Man This Week - Excavator Flourish Academy Masterclass - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet Your Hosts: Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC  Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth.  Timestamps  00:00 Introduction: The Secret to Outstanding Patient Care 01:01 Casual Conversation: Taxes and Business Ventures 02:11 The Importance of Demonstrating Care in Leadership 04:03 Research Insights: Manager Behaviors and Patient Experience 04:53 Personal Experiences: Good and Bad Managers 09:26 Study Breakdown: Manager Caring and Visibility 14:09 Challenges in Veterinary Leadership 18:56 The Importance of Visibility in Leadership 19:47 Effective Communication and Supportive Behaviors 20:27 Implementing Culture Renovation Strategies 20:43 Micro Moves: Small Actions with Big Impact 26:11 Leader Rounds and Percentage Checks 28:09 Walk with Me Coaching Moments 31:38 Fast Shield Protocol and Closing the Loop 34:04 Conclusion and Florida Man Story

    37 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    010: Ask, Don't Tell: Coaching Skills to Boost Connection in Your Vet Med Culture (PART 2)

    In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh return for Part 2 of their conversation on coaching communication—this time turning insight into action. Building on the science from The Effectiveness of Workplace Coaching: A Meta-Analysis of Contemporary Psychologically Informed Coaching Approaches (2021), this episode explores how curiosity comes to life through Sir John Whitmore’s GROW model - a simple, powerful framework for creating confidence, motivation, and connection on veterinary teams. From goal setting to growth mindset, Andi and Josh break down each step of GROW through a positive psychology lens—showing how just a few intentional questions can shift culture, empower teams, and bring out the best in everyone. You’ll hear: How the GROW model (Goal, Reality, Options, Way Forward) can transform team conversationsWhy connecting goals to personal values sparks motivation and meaningWays to reframe “what’s wrong” into “what’s strong” when exploring workplace realitySimple curiosity-driven questions that open up new possibilitiesHow small coaching moments—just a few minutes long—can reshape your culture from the inside outWhether you’re a leader, technician, or teammate, this episode gives you the tools to put curiosity into action and start creating the kind of culture every veterinary professional deserves to be part of. Resource Links:  Episode Article: Title: The effectiveness of workplace coaching: A meta-analysis of contemporary psychologically informed coaching approaches Authors:Qing Wang, Yiming Lai, Jian Xu, & Almuth McDowall DOI: 10.1108/JWAM-04-2021-0030 Coaching For Performance (6th edition) By Sir John Whitmore GROW Coaching Worksheet - From The Flourishing Center Ted Lasso Official Trailer (Season 1) - we wouldn’t want to give too much away now would we? Ted Lasso - Available on Apple TV  Florida Man This Week - George Foreman Grill What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet Your Hosts: Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC  Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth.  Timestamps  00:00 Introduction to Part Two 00:41 Weekend Stories and Personal Anecdotes 05:56 The Importance of Curiosity in Coaching 11:24 Diving into the Grow Model 17:34 The Power of Future-Oriented Goals 18:21 Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Efficacy 19:35 Curiosity in Goal Setting 20:40 Reality Check: Balancing Barriers and Strengths 23:14 Exploring Options with Curiosity 25:10 The Impact of Asking the Right Questions 29:07 Implementing the GROW Model in Practice 35:04 Practical Tips for Leaders 36:57 Conclusion and Fun Segment

    39 min

  7. 12/16/2025

    009: Ask, Don't Tell: Coaching Skills to Boost Connection in Your Vet Med Culture (PART 1)

    In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore what coaching really means in veterinary medicine—and why curiosity might be the most powerful tool we have to strengthen culture. Grounded in a 2021 meta-analysis of workplace coaching, this conversation unpacks how three evidence-based approaches—GROW, Positive Psychology Coaching, and Cognitive Behavioral Coaching—can help veterinary teams build confidence, connection, and wellbeing. Andi and Josh share why coaching is not advice-giving or mentoring, but a structured, science-backed conversation that helps people clarify goals, see reality more fully, explore new options, and take meaningful steps forward. From donuts and Ted Lasso to the science of empowerment and agency, this episode will leave you rethinking the way you talk with your team—and why “ask, don’t tell” is the secret to renovating workplace culture. You’ll hear: Why coaching is different from advice, therapy, or mentoringWhat the research says about coaching’s impact on performance and wellbeingHow GROW, Positive Psychology Coaching, and Cognitive Behavioral Coaching each support veterinary teamsWhy curiosity is the throughline of effective coaching conversationsSimple ways to practice curiosity—even on busy, chaotic daysWhether you’re leading a team, mentoring a new grad, or simply hoping for more meaningful workplace conversations, this episode offers a hopeful, practical look at how coaching can change the way veterinary teams connect and thrive. Resource Links:  Episode Article: Title: The effectiveness of workplace coaching: A meta-analysis of contemporary psychologically informed coaching approaches Authors:Qing Wang, Yiming Lai, Jian Xu, & Almuth McDowall DOI: 10.1108/JWAM-04-2021-0030 Ted Lasso Official Trailer (Season 1) - we wouldn’t want to give too much away now would we? Ted Lasso - Available on Apple TV  Florida Man This Week - Hot Pink and Naked  What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet Your Hosts: Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC  Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth. Timestamps  00:00 Introduction to Coaching in Veterinary Medicine 00:42 Casual Conversation and Weekend Plans 01:35 Horse Training and Competitions 04:46 Ted Lasso Fandom 07:43 The Essence of Coaching 08:56 The Importance of Coaching in VetMed 12:27 Research on Coaching Effectiveness 14:13 Popular Coaching Models 16:31 Integrating Coaching Models 20:32 Identifying Progress and Strengths 21:11 The Power of Curiosity in Coaching 22:52 Maintaining Curiosity Amidst Chaos 24:03 Practical Tips for Staying Curious 27:33 Curiosity in Veterinary Culture 34:02 Teasing the Next Episode 35:06 Florida Man and Closing Remarks

    38 min

  8. 12/02/2025

    008: Making Work Matter: 6 Leadership Moves That Spark Purpose in Vet Med

    In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh dive into groundbreaking new research from their friend Dr. Zach Mercurio—research that pinpoints exactly how leaders can help veterinary teams experience more meaningful work. Grounded in a 2024 study on purposeful leadership, this conversation uncovers six specific, learnable leadership practices that boost energy, reduce burnout, and increase job satisfaction—even in high-stress environments like veterinary medicine. Andi and Josh break down the difference between Big-P Purpose (your lofty mission) and little-p purpose (those small, meaningful moments that remind you why your work matters). They also explore how anyone—not just titled leaders—can activate purpose, foster connection, and help build veterinary cultures where people feel like they truly matter. You’ll hear: • Why meaningful work is essential for veterinary team wellbeing and retention  • What the research says about the link between leadership behaviors and job satisfaction  • Six powerful practices that help veterinary leaders lead with purpose  • How to deliver praise in a way that fuels purpose, not just productivity  • A real-life story about a hard moment that became worth it—because of meaning  • How to make impact visible using tools like laddering, “because” praise, and mattering moments Whether you're a practice manager, technician, associate DVM, or just someone who cares about veterinary culture, this episode offers real-world ways to turn everyday tasks into moments that matter. Resource Links:  Episode Article: Title: Mapping and Measuring Leadership Practices Intended to Foster Meaningful Work Authors: Zach Mercurio, Tamara L. Miles, Wesley G. Adams, Jeremy D. W. Clifton DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41542-023-00161-z Check out Zach Mercurio and his two fantastic books: The Invisible LeaderThe Power of Mattering  Rebecca Rose Florida Woman This Week - Fake Manager  What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet Your Hosts: Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC  Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth.  Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction: Making Work Meaningful 00:42 Casual Conversation: Sunny Days and Glasses 01:04 A Real-Life Story: Embracing Aging 03:04 Purposeful Leadership: Meeting Zach Mercurio 04:45 Big P vs. Little p Purpose 13:20 Research Insights: Leadership and Meaningful Work 23:00 The Importance of Impact Stories 24:20 Trust and Support in the Workplace 25:25 Humorous Anecdote: The Colorado Trip 26:26 Gathering and Sharing Impact Stories 28:06 Growth Equals Glue: Recognizing Potential 30:57 Purpose-First Hiring 32:08 Connection Combats Compassion Fatigue 33:09 Actionable Steps for Cultural Renovation 36:25 The Power of Praise and Recognition 39:48 Florida Woman: A Humorous Interlude 41:28 Conclusion and Call to Action

    43 min
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out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Veterinary Culture Lab is your science-backed, real-world blueprint for culture renovation in veterinary medicine. Hosted by Andi and Josh, Positive Change Agents from Flourish Veterinary Consulting, each episode blends research on wellbeing and workplace culture with humor, heart, and actionable strategies. Expect practical tips you can apply right away - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth. 

Information

  • Creator
    Flourish Veterinary Consulting
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Flourish Veterinary Consulting
  • Show Website
    The Veterinary Culture Lab

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