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. 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. 4D AGO

    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
  2. 6D AGO

    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
  3. 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
  4. 07/21/2025

    Sean McCormack & The Not-so-Crazy Idea of Urban Beavers

    What happens when a bold idea turns into rewilding success? Vet and conservationist Sean McCormack joins me to share the story of the Ealing Beaver Project: urban nature, community empowerment and the return of one of Britain's most important ecosystem engineer.  2:15 – Breaking Into A Conservation Career Challenges and hurdles Sean faced in his clinical work and breaking into wildlife conservation. 9:33 – The Water Vole Spark: How Ealing’s Beaver Project Began How a small mammal set off a rewilding initiative in West London. 17:03 – Red Tape and Restoration: Launching a Beaver Reintroduction Project The planning, permissions, and bureaucracy in urban wildlife projects. 22:03 – Community & Conservation: How Ealing Welcomed Its Beavers Local support, reactions, and how public engagement shaped the project’s success. 32:03 – Beavers as Nature-Based Solutions to Urban Flooding How beavers overdelivered. 35:15 – Biodiversity Boom: Wildlife Returns to Ealing From a biodiversity "dead zone" to a newly thriving ecosystem. 40:05 – Where Did the Beavers Come From? The origins of the UK’s new beaver populations and their rewilding journey. 43:22 – The Work of the Beaver Trust The national charity helping restore beavers to British landscapes. 46:03 – Meet the Ealing Beaver Family The original family of 5 and their quirks. 48:00 – Population Control & Human Management How beavers regulate themselves—and future horizons for the kits. 52:00 – Why the UK Needs Wild Beavers Sean’s passionate plea for nationwide beaver reintroduction. 55:48 – The Peregrine Falcons of West London More thriving urban wildlife. 1:03:33 – The G.O.A.T: Meeting Sir David Attenborough Sean shares the unforgettable moment of meeting Britain’s natural history legend. All the links where you can find Sean and his multiple endeavours:  https://ealingwildlifegroup.com/ https://theealingbeaverproject.com/ https://drseanmccormack.com/ https://shows.acast.com/seanswildlife https://www.youtube.com/c/EalingWildlifeGroup/videos https://www.instagram.com/thatvetsean https://www.facebook.com/thatvetsean For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

    1h 7m
  5. 05/26/2025

    S3E2- Katie Ford Lifts the Veil on Coaching.

    In this episode, I sit down with Katie Ford, vet, coach, speaker, podcaster and unapologetic truth-teller. With Katie's gentle approach, we lift the veil on what coaching truly offers — beyond the buzzwords and Instagram quotes. With her vet background and deep commitment to compassionate transformation, Katie brings clarity to a space that can often feel vague or overwhelming. Whether you’re contemplating a career shift, craving more meaning, or just wondering what’s next, this conversation is an open door into what coaching can be — supportive, structured, and deeply personal. TIMESTAMPS: - 2'55"- Qualities Katie brings to her coaching - 7'10"- What is coaching, and is it for everyone? - 10'40"- Can you get coached without a clear end goal? - 14'- How to find the right coach? - 16'30"- Does it always deliver results? - 19'05"- Let's talk budget - 21'45" What hardship can you expect during the coaching process? - 25'20"- What does a somatic and trauma-informed coach bring to the table? - 28'30"- What resources can we use daily? - 32'- What are the best soft skills to develop in the vet profession? - 34'45"- Reframing perfectionism - 41'15"- What does the recent popularity of coaching say about the vet profession? RESOURCES: https://www.vetempowered.com/ https://howwefeel.org/ https://self-compassion.org/ For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

    49 min
  6. 04/14/2025

    "Save the Reef": Coral Conservation in Utila with Marine Biologist Laura Olarte

    This first episode marks an exciting new direction for Vet Vibes, where I begin sharing real-world stories from the frontlines of conservation. I speak with Laura Olarte, a passionate Colombian marine biologist, diver, and educator I met in Utila while participating in the GoEco marine conservation programme at Utila Dive Centre (UDC). Laura shares her journey from Colombia to the Caribbean, how she became Head of GoEco, and what it's like to work hands-on with reef restoration and species protection. We dive into the threats facing coral reefs today—including Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease—and discuss how local and global conservation efforts are responding. But more than science, this episode explores connection. Laura speaks beautifully about her deep sense of humanity, her love for the sea, and what it means to dedicate your life to protecting fragile ecosystems. Whether you're a diver, conservationist, or just reef-curious, this is an episode not to miss. Timestamps: 1:55 – Early career: how Laura got started in marine biology 5:25 – A career led by purpose 11:55 – Causes of biodiversity loss 12:40 – Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease explained 14:25 – Coral bleaching events 15:25 – Ocean acidification 16:40 – Pollution threats to reefs 18:55 – Weather events and reef resilience 19:55 – Future predictions for the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef 22:40 – Diving ethics: privilege vs responsibility 26:25 – Being a woman in conservation 28:55 – Women in diving 30:55 – If Laura had a magic wand… For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

    35 min

About

A platform that questions the different challenges currently faced by the veterinary profession. A space to provide perspectives for a new professional culture. 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