Vet Vibes

Laura Mairesse

A platform that questions the different challenges currently faced by the veterinary profession. A space to provide perspectives for a new professional culture. And a few special episodes about wildlife conservation. Disclaimer: Guests and host speak on their behalf. The conversations represent personal opinions and are not necessarily a reflection of the general opinion of the profession

  1. 5d ago

    Marineland episode 3 : Personal analysis with Laura Mairesse

    In this third episode, I review and analyse the controversial arguments at the core of the conflict that drove the Marineland situation into an 18-month status quo. I stripped back the corporate greenwashing to look at the clinical reality of captivity (from emotional trauma to debilitating dental pathology), before examining the operational costs, logistics, and future of transitioning cetaceans into sea sanctuaries Episode Timestamps Introduction & Background 00:20 – Introduction01:15 – Update on the Marineland animals02:00 – Personal research process06:10 – PART 1: WELFARE06:30 – Characteristics of wild orcas10:40 – The dystopian experience of captivity12:50 – Neuroscience of orcas: The paralimbic lobe14:30 – Social groups in captivity16:00 – Conspecific aggression18:55 – Aggressions towards humans21:30 – Life expectancy of captive orcas23:20 – Physical diseases25:37 – Dental disease of killer whales28:25 – Anatomy of orcas’ teeth30:45 – Looking at the vet logs and post-mortems of the Marineland orcas34:50 – Welfare of captive orcas under European standards37:10 – PART 2: CONSERVATION37:55 – What is conservation?38:25 – Captive breeding programmes vs. captive orca population39:10 – Research and its limited application to wild killer whale management41:30 – The argument of public education43:45 – The ethics of captivity44:25 – The ecological impact of keeping cetaceans in tanks47:20 – PART 3: SEA SANCTUARIES48:10 – Welfare considerations when transitioning out of captivity48:30 – The story of KEIKO50:05 – The 2 belugas: Little White and Little Gray52:00 – Reality versus ideology55:00 – Operational costs and funding56:05 – The power and responsibility of public opinionfurther resources: https://vetontheplanet.com/captive-orcas-conservation/ https://vetontheplanet.com/captive-orcas-welfare/ https://vetontheplanet.com/sea-sanctuaries-for-orcas/ For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

    59 min
  2. 12/31/2025

    Navaratnam Partheeban: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity

    This conversation has lived quietly in my archives for some time, and returning to it recently reminded me why I started this podcast in the first place: to create space for honest, thoughtful dialogue that stays with you long after the recording ends. My guest for this final episode is Theeb. What you’re about to hear is not only one of the conversations I’m most proud of, but also one that holds deep personal meaning for me. It’s a reflection on experience, perspective, and the quieter truths that shape how we see the world and one another. As this marks the closing chapter of the podcast for the foreseeable future, I’m especially grateful that this is the conversation we end on. Thank you for listening, for being here, and for being part of this journey Timestamps * 1'00 My personal story * 3'05" Guest introduction * 5'20" Theeb's story and his why * 8'55"  Recognition vs Success * 10'25"Diversity doesn't exist on its own * 16'25" Why is Diversity important * 19'55" Microaggressions: what they are and their impact * 24'20" Interactions reduce biases * 27'25" Focus on mental health in minorities * 32'25" How to bring those conversations in practice: leadership and psychological safety * 37'25" Theeb's work with the new generations *41'25" Representation doesn't cancel systemic discrimination * 44'55" Equality isn't equity * 46'55" Privileges, victimhood and allyship * 48'35" Adapting the vet profession to a now feminised workforce * 53'55" The contrast of the Swedish model * 55'35" Different ways to improve access and rrepresentation for minorities * 1.02'25" Summary for concrete and actionable steps Link: https://navaratnampartheeban.substack.com/ For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

    1h 6m
  3. 12/29/2025

    Justine Shotton on Wildlife Welfare

    In this episode, we’re joined by veterinarian and wildlife welfare specialist Justine Shotton for a wide-ranging conversation about what it really means to protect animals in the modern world. Speaking on behalf of the RSPCA, Justine explores the evolving field of wildlife welfare, and how it intersects with traditional animal welfare, conservation, and human activity. We discuss the ethical and practical challenges of protecting wild animals, the growing concerns around animal welfare in sport and recreation, and the critical role veterinarians play at the interface between animals, the public, and policy. From responding to injured wildlife to shaping public understanding and welfare standards, this episode highlights how veterinary professionals are increasingly becoming advocates, educators, and frontline guardians for both domestic and wild animals. useful links: Vet/Vet nurse only link: wildlife toolkit site: https://science.rspca.org.uk/vets  RSPCA's wildlife advice pages for the public: https://www.rspca.org.uk/reportaconcern?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18503619493&gbraid=0AAAAADvvO2sOW8v0G8ARm0lXXYDH6Diq2&gclid=Cj0KCQjw64jDBhDXARIsABkk8J5d8oSkwE5rX2PaIVjZcXlEJpBISFnY4WQhCPFudvlv0HpU5a--EGUaAiKbEALw_wcB  and  https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife and  https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/injured For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

    1h 7m
  4. 08/05/2025

    Beyond Limits & Without Borders: Conservation with Sacha Dench

    In this conversation with Sacha Dench, I gained a deeper understanding of how winning a freediving world championship shaped her bold, media-savvy approach to conservation. Sacha is unstoppable — no challenge, no condition, no physical demand is too much. She pushes limits in the sky, on land, and underwater. But beyond her daring is a woman who leads with compassion, breaks convention, and brings people together. This was a rich, humbling exchange I’ll always cherish — full of insight, resilience, and quiet strength. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Introducing Sacha Dench – Conservationist and Expedition Leader 2:45 – From Marine Biology to Flight – How Becoming a Freediving World Champion Amplified her a Voice 5:30 – Overcoming Turbulence Phobia Through Flying 10:00 – The Genesis of “Flight of the Swans” Expedition 14:00 – The Power of Storytelling in Environmental Conservation 18:00 – How Sacha Engages Diverse Audiences with Her Mission 25:00 – Flying Around the UK to Raise Climate Change Awareness 30:00 – Collective Action Over Politics in Conservation Efforts 33:00 – Introducing the New “Sea to Summit” Expedition 35:00 – Why Multidisciplinary Teams Matter in Environmental Work 38:00 – Conservation Challenges Facing Bewick’s Swans 42:00 – Threats to Ospreys and What’s Being Done 47:00 – 9 Years On: Outcomes of the Swan Expedition 49:00 – Understanding Powerline Hazards from a Swan’s Perspective 53:30 – Where Sacha Finds Optimism in Her Conservation Work 56:00 – What’s Next: The “Flight of the Vulture” Expedition 1:02:00 – How to Support Sacha Dench’s Projects and Campaigns For more information about Conservation Without Borders: -Website: https://www.conservation-without-borders.org/ Sea to Summit webpage: https://www.conservation-without-borders.org/expeditions/sea-to-summit Fundraising link: https://www.conservation-without-borders.org/make-a-donation Flight of the Vultures: https://www.conservation-without-borders.org/flight-of-the-vulture Vulture fundraising link: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-save-worlds-most-threatened-animals Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/conservation.without.borders Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/conservation_without_borders/ For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

    1h 5m

About

A platform that questions the different challenges currently faced by the veterinary profession. A space to provide perspectives for a new professional culture. And a few special episodes about wildlife conservation. Disclaimer: Guests and host speak on their behalf. The conversations represent personal opinions and are not necessarily a reflection of the general opinion of the profession