The Veterinary Insider Podcast

The Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association

The podcast for veterinarians who own their medicine, their profession, and their success. The Veterinary Insider podcast is powered by the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association and hosted by co-founder and immediate past president, Dr. Bonnie Bragdon. The IVPA is the only association exclusively dedicated to keeping veterinary practice ownership a sustainable lifestyle and career option. Member benefits include discounts on products and services which drive practice profit, as well as opportunities to change the course of the veterinary profession.

  1. 10/06/2025

    Navigating Changing Veterinary Medicine with Julia Tanner and Dana Minacapelli of Pawsitive Guidance

    On this episode of The Veterinary Insider Podcast, host Dr. Christie Cornelius sits down with two powerhouse practice managers and veterinary advocates: Julia Tanner and Dana Minacapelli, co-founders of Pawsitive Guidance LLC. Their mission? To make operational support, leadership development, and strategic consulting more accessible for independent veterinary practices that often feel overwhelmed or underserved. Julia and Dana share how their journey began—what started as a simple interim management solution for struggling hospitals evolved into a robust consulting model that addresses everything from hiring and pricing to culture-building and burnout recovery. They unpack the biggest challenges facing today's practice owners: post-COVID client shifts, technological disruption, leadership exhaustion, and the growing gap in accessible education and mentorship for independent clinics. From improving communication styles to designing legacy-driven cultures, Julia and Dana reveal the practical ways they help practices realign and thrive. If you're a veterinarian or practice leader looking for clarity, support, and systems that bring joy and stability back into your clinic, this episode is a must-listen. Learn how mindset-first consulting and flexible solutions can future-proof your operations, uplift your team, and help you build the legacy you always envisioned. 🔗 Watch or listen to the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v3dufhhWFmM🌐 Learn more about Pawsitive Guidance: www.pawsitiveguidancellc.com🔗 Visit the IVPA at iveterinarians.org #VeterinaryMedicine #PracticeManagement #LeadershipDevelopment #VetMed #ClinicCulture #VeterinaryPodcast #PawsitiveGuidance #VeterinaryInsider #ChristieCornelius #IndependentVet #BurnoutPrevention #Communication #PracticeConsulting #AIinVetMed #LegacyLeadership 00:00 Fostering Communication and Alignment 04:38 Identifying Industry Needs and Challenges 10:58 Navigating Post-Pandemic Transitions 18:02 Empowering Teams Through Communication 26:42 Leadership Development and Growth 32:01 The Role of AI in Veterinary Practices 39:34 Advice for Overwhelmed Practice Owners

    40 min
  2. 08/04/2025

    Introduction to Lifetime Care with Peter Weinstein

    Join us on the newest episode of The Veterinary Insider Podcast, hosted by Christie Cornelius, as we welcome the esteemed Dr. Peter Weinstein—veterinary leader, author, and founder of Veterinary Ownership Advocates and Simple Solutions for Vets. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Weinstein discusses the vital importance of building lifelong relationships with pet owners through transparent communication about costs, proactive conversations, and financial solutions like Care Credit. Discover how practices can foster trust, improve patient outcomes, and create a more accessible, compassionate client experience from puppyhood to end-of-life care. Throughout this episode, Dr. Weinstein shares practical strategies for veterinary teams to address the common misconception that pet ownership costs are underestimated, emphasizing the value of a pet owner’s manual and early financial planning. He highlights the critical role of team training in handling difficult conversations about finances and how integrating solutions such as flexible payment options can lead to better compliance and long-term client retention. Plus, learn about the trends shaping pet owner expectations in today's economic climate and how to prepare your practice to meet these evolving needs. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most influential voices in veterinary leadership. Whether you're a practice owner, associate, or support staff, Dr. Weinstein offers actionable advice on enhancing trust, communication, and financial transparency to ensure your clients feel confident and cared for at every stage of their pet’s life. Watch the full episode on YouTube here https://youtu.be/eGQyBjHBlqQ , listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and connect with Dr. Weinstein on LinkedIn for more expert insights. #VeterinaryLeadership #ClientCommunication #VetBusiness #LifetimeCare #PetFinance #CareCredit 00:00 Understanding Lifetime Pet Care 03:02 Financial Responsibilities of Pet Ownership 05:55 Communicating Costs and Financial Policies 08:49 Creating a User's Manual for Pet Owners 12:08 Bridging the Gap Between Care and Costs 14:59 Integrating Care Credit into Veterinary Practices 17:46 Normalizing Financial Conversations in Veterinary Care 21:05 Building Trust and Relationships with Clients 24:02 Future Trends in Veterinary Financial Solutions 26:52 Missed Opportunities in Veterinary Practices

    42 min
  3. 07/28/2025

    Navigating Veterinary Leadership with Rhys Giannarelli

    Tune in to The Veterinary Insider Podcast hosted by Christie Cornelius for an insightful conversation with Rhys Giannarelli, co-founder of Founders.vet and founder of Innovative Veterinary Management Solutions. In this episode, Rhys shares his unique journey from hospitality in Australia to veterinary practice owner in Vancouver, highlighting the challenges of competing in a dense market and the importance of leadership, trust, and strategic delegation. Discover practical tips on building resilient teams, implementing effective incentives, and creating systems that allow your practice to operate seamlessly without your constant oversight. Watch the full episode on YouTube here https://youtu.be/-HUijF0rmBg and gain invaluable insights to elevate your veterinary business today! In this episode, Rhys delves into key leadership traits shaping the future of veterinary medicine, emphasizing the need for asking questions, fostering collaboration, and embracing rapid change. He discusses innovative approaches to staff incentives, retention strategies, and the importance of developing a business that can succeed independently of its owner. Whether you're looking to improve your practice culture, streamline operations, or grow as a leader, Rhys’s advice offers actionable strategies rooted in real-world experience. Don’t miss this hour of expert insights—available now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, and learn more about Rhys and his resources at ivmsolutions.org and founders.vet. Join us for this engaging episode packed with practical leadership techniques, tools for effective delegation, and tips on creating sustainable systems for your veterinary practice. Rhys’s perspective on normalizing production, setting clear parameters, and leveraging bonuses for motivation will inspire you to rethink how you lead and grow your team. #VeterinaryLeadership #VetBusiness #PracticeManagement #FoundersVet #Vet Success and stay connected for more expert advice to thrive in today’s ever-changing veterinary landscape. 00:00 Introduction to Veterinary Leadership 02:37 Reese's Journey into Veterinary Medicine 06:30 Founding Innovative Veterinary Management Solutions 09:49 Transitioning from Operator to Business Owner 17:21 Modern Leadership Techniques in Veterinary Practice 24:23 Hiring for Core Values and Team Culture 26:55 Delegation and Reducing Burnout 32:10 Incentives, Bonuses, and Retention Strategies 37:57 Budgeting Essentials for Practice Owners41:16 Nurturing Future Veterinary Leaders

    49 min
  4. 04/29/2025

    Empathy and Leadership in Veterinary Succession with Peter Weinstein

    What does it take to lead, own, and influence the future of veterinary medicine? In this powerful episode of The Veterinary Insider Podcast, host Dr. Christie Cornelius welcomes Dr. Peter Weinstein—veterinarian, educator, author, and founder of Veterinary Ownership Advocates (VOA). With over 40 years in the industry, Dr. Weinstein shares his journey from new graduate to visionary leader, and how economic shifts, leadership lessons, and a changing profession shaped his purpose. From the evolution of practice ownership to the realities of post-pandemic veterinary business, Dr. Weinstein offers tactical wisdom for the next generation of entrepreneurs. He discusses the importance of transparent leadership, succession planning, and why empathy is an essential skill in practice management today. You’ll also hear about his work with VOA, its unique micro-MBA program, and why collaboration—not competition—is the future of veterinary medicine. Watch the full episode of The Veterinary Insider Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ybAnRla0P8A #VeterinaryLeadership #IndependentVets #VetMedBusiness #IVPA #VOA #PracticeOwnership #EmpathyInLeadership #VetPodcast #VeterinaryEntrepreneurship #FutureOfVetMed 00:00 The Importance of Colleague Support in Veterinary Medicine 00:45 A Journey Through Veterinary Medicine: 1980s to Pandemic 07:54 Navigating Change: Lessons from the Pandemic 14:10 Fostering the Next Generation of Veterinary Entrepreneurs 18:05 Veterinary Ownership Advocacy: Bridging the Gap 23:59 Collaboration Among Veterinary Organizations 30:10 Succession Planning in Veterinary Practices 36:01 The Role of Mentorship in Veterinary Careers 41:47 Balancing Life and Veterinary Advocacy

    53 min

About

The podcast for veterinarians who own their medicine, their profession, and their success. The Veterinary Insider podcast is powered by the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association and hosted by co-founder and immediate past president, Dr. Bonnie Bragdon. The IVPA is the only association exclusively dedicated to keeping veterinary practice ownership a sustainable lifestyle and career option. Member benefits include discounts on products and services which drive practice profit, as well as opportunities to change the course of the veterinary profession.