Veterinary Ramblings
by Veterinary Ramblings
Tired of boring, clinical veterinary podcasts? Join Veterinarian Dr Julian Hoad & Anaesthetic Expert Mike Brampton, as they interview inspirational guests each week who are related to the veterinary world. Veterinary Ramblings is like going for a drink with your favourite work colleagues after a long day - we’ll make you laugh, inspire you and perhaps teach you something new!
Episodes
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Veterinary Ramblings: Animal Welfare, Contextualized Care & Pet Lighthouse with Guest Caroline Allen
In this episode of Veterinary Ramblings, hosts Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad sit down with guest Caroline Allen, a veteran veterinarian with nearly two decades of general practice experience and former Chief Veterinary Officer for the RSPCA.1 Together, they dive deep into the evolving landscape…
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Part 1: Inside the Old Manosphere with Chris Ritchie (Part 1) | Veterinary Ramblings Ep 154
What happens when a veterinary publisher, a vet and a vet nurse/podcaster sit down with a beer? Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad welcome Chris Ritchie – editor, publisher and accidental founder of "the old manosphere" – to Veterinary Ramblings. In Part 1 we cover: - Chris taking over Vet Surgeon and...
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FIP, Ethics, & The Truth About Feline Medicine | Dr. Petra Cerna
This week on Veterinary Ramblings, Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad are joined by feline medicine specialist Dr. Petra Cerna, DVM, PhD, to explore the unique clinical, physiological and legal considerations surrounding feline health. The conversation explores the evolution of FIP treatment…
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Puppy Farms, Politics & Protecting Dogs with Dr. Marc Abraham part 2
This week on Veterinary Ramblings, Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad are joined by Dr. Marc Abraham to explore animal welfare, grassroots campaigning, legislation, and the power of education to create meaningful change. The episode dives into Marc’s work as a vet, animal advocate and author, from...
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Puppy Farms, Politics & Protecting Dogs with Dr. Marc Abraham
This week on Veterinary Ramblings, Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad are joined by Dr. Marc Abraham to explore animal welfare, grassroots campaigning, legislation, and the power of education to create meaningful change. The episode dives into Marc’s work as a vet, animal advocate and author, from...
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Bears, Birds & the BSAVA Handover
This week on Veterinary Ramblings, Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad catch up on recent adventures, veterinary milestones, and a few unexpected stories along the way. The episode begins with Mike reflecting on handing over the BSAVA presidency before the conversation heads north to Finland, where the...
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Breeding, Bans, and Brachycephalics with Dan O’Neill & Marisa Heath
This week on Veterinary Ramblings, Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad are joined by Dan O’Neill & Marisa Heath to unpack the controversy surrounding the so-called “67 breeds ban” and the wider conversation around animal welfare legislation. The episode dives into how sensational headlines and “rage...
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Port Etiquette, Public Speaking, and Polar Bears
This week on Veterinary Ramblings, Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad cover everything from formal dinner etiquette to key issues in the veterinary industry. A humorous start, featuring dining traditions, leads into Mike’s upcoming expedition, where he’ll explore history from Vikings to WWII-era...
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Pet Savers, Propeller Planes, and the Perfect Scone
This week on Veterinary Ramblings, Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad are joined by Allie Selby, Fundraising and Income Generation Manager for PetSavers, part of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA). Allie shares her journey in the animal charity sector, including her time with…
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From Tokyo to Tigers: Travel Tales and Vet Stories
This week on Veterinary Ramblings, hosts Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad kick off the episode with Mike’s recent trip to Japan, sharing observations from a culture built on respect, ritual, and remarkable attention to detail. Mike reflects on everything from impeccably organised airport baggage...
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Protecting People, Protecting Animals with Dr Paula Boyden
This week on Veterinary Ramblings, Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad are joined by Dr. Paula Boyden, newly appointed Fellow and leading voice on animal and human welfare. The discussion focuses on the Links Group, a registered charity highlighting the link between animal abuse and domestic abuse, and...
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Ethics at the Edge of Veterinary Medicine with Dr Polly Taylor
This week on Veterinary Ramblings, Julian Hoad and Mike Brampton are joined by Dr Polly Taylor to discuss veterinary ethics and the limits of modern medicine. Centred on the idea that “just because we can doesn’t mean we should,” the conversation explores difficult treatment decisions…
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New Year Episode
This week on Veterinary Ramblings, Julian Hoad and Mike Brampton debate the value of pre-anaesthetic blood tests for young, healthy animals, questioning whether they genuinely improve care or are driven by defensive medicine and rising corporate pressures. They also discuss increasing veterinary...
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London Vet Show Special: Stand J09 and Beyond with Mike & Julian
We’re warming up for the London Vet Show with a mix of conference wisdom and classic chaos. Mike talks super-cuffs and reliable readings, Julian drops a 60-second CPD on making the most of your day and together they dive into exhibit fatigue, greener shows, and the joy of good kit used well.…
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Building Better Veterinary Conversations With Arlo Guthrie
This week we’re joined by Arlo Guthrie - publisher, community builder, and unapologetic critical thinker. From cake factories and cockpits to founding VetNurse.co.uk and VetSurgeon.org, Arlo explores how the profession communicates: the fragmentation of social media, AI’s confident mistakes, and...
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Breaking Bread and Beating Burnout with Mark Johnston
This week we’re joined by Mark Johnston, former equine anaesthetist, digital innovator, and mental health advocate. From his early years in Newmarket to leading research on anaesthetic risk, Mark talks openly about burnout, reflection, and rediscovering balance beyond the profession. We explore…
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Kickboxing, Burnout & Boundaries with Gunila Pedersen
This week we’re joined by Gunila Pedersen - ECC vet, life coach, and Muay Thai enthusiast who splits her time between Spain, Denmark, and the UK. From belly dancing gigs to night shifts in emergency practice, Gunila talks candidly about chasing variety, hitting burnout, and finding her way back…
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Ubuntu on the Road with Manon Verijdt
This week we’re joined by Manon Verijdt - writer, adventurer, and editor of Ubuntu Magazine. From a very Dutch loaf to a very big leap: Manon shares how a sleepless night on a boat off Norway sparked a global conservation magazine and how the spirit of “I am because we are” runs through its…
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Charisma, Communication & Community with Karis Matik
This week we’re joined by Karis Matik, Marketing & Brand Director at Kernow Vet Messaging and dedicated StreetVet volunteer. From French baguettes to Cornwall’s hidden homelessness crisis, Karis shares stories of community, inclusion, and why volunteering has become such a central part of her…
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Starting From Scratch: The Manchester Cat Clinic Story with Ellie Lee
Ellie Lee joins us to share the remarkable journey of opening Manchester Cat Clinic with her husband just two years ago. From renovating a derelict building into an award-winning practice to learning the hard lessons of long hours and leadership, Ellie talks cats, community, and carving out...
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From Bears To Infection Control with Angela Willemsen
Angela Willemsen’s career spans human nursing, the Royal Australian Air Force, veterinary medicine, and a PhD in infection control. She shares how her journey shaped a passion for public health, One Health, and teaching infection prevention in veterinary practice. Along the way, Angela also opens...
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Test or Trouble: Practice Hygiene That Actually Works with Neil Forbes
Neil Forbes joins us again to uncover what really goes on behind the scenes of veterinary hygiene. From hidden pathogens to the culture of “good enough,” he shares why measuring cleanliness matters more than we think. Along the way, he explores culture change, infection control, and even shares a...
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Rare Dogs and Real Civility with Sara Jackson
What do rare spaniels, sled dogs, and civility at work have in common? In this episode, Sara Jackson shares how an accidental encounter with a Sussex Spaniel grew into a passion for breed advocacy and animal welfare. Along the way, she opens up about the quirks of veterinary life, the challenges…
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The Accessoscope: Seeing Veterinary Life Differently With Niall Connell
Niall Connell shares his remarkable journey from an unexpected start in veterinary medicine to a career filled with orthopaedic challenges, leadership roles, and advocacy for accessibility and inclusion. The conversation meanders through Niall’s early days as a vet, his candid reflections on…
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Vet Nurse Takeover with Matthew Rendle & Jo Megarity
To celebrate Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month, we’re flipping the script - literally. Matt Rendle and Jo Megarity step in as guest hosts, giving Mike and Julian a taste of the guest seat for once. We discuss the vital role of veterinary nurses, their professional evolution, and notable...
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Bowties, Eyes and Surprise with David Williams
Dr David Williams joins Mike and Julian for an extensive conversation that spans various topics including the power of a bow tie, lifelong learning, and the intersection of faith and veterinary medicine. Dr Williams shares heartwarming anecdotes from his life and career, recounts his near-death...
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Mindset and Mastery with Andy Green
In this episode, Mike and Julian are joined by Andy Green – small animal vet, leadership mentor, and Director at the employee-owned Pennard Vets. Andy explores the importance of forming habits, nurturing a growth mindset, and the power of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Learn how he has...
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Highland Wildlife Tales With Rebecca Amos
In this engaging episode of Veterinary Ramblings, Mike and Julian are joined by Rebecca Amos from the Highland Wildlife Park. Rebecca sheds light on her intriguing work involving the reintroduction of wild cats, challenges of conservation projects, and the diverse species she works with…
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Be the Change: Championing Antimicrobial Stewardship With Fergus Allerton
In this episode, Mike and Julian are joined by Fergus Allerton, a leading voice in antimicrobial stewardship within veterinary medicine, to tackle the pressing issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). They kick things off with a light-hearted chat about sore throats and antibiotics before diving...
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Thriving Amidst Chaos with Allison Johanson (LCSW)
In this episode, Julian and Mike introduce Allison Johansson, an expert on managing stress and trauma. The discussion revolves around techniques for dealing with acute and chronic stress, using unconventional but effective methods such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and...
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The Road to Resilience: Balancing Life and Vet Practice with Dave Nicol
In this episode, Dr Dave Nicol joins Julian and Mike to share his journey from veterinary practice owner to author and mentor for aspiring vets. Together, they explore the complexities of leadership within veterinary medicine, the vital role of mentorship, and Dr Nicol's innovative approach to...
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Exploring Nature’s Hidden Worlds with Nicky Fish
In this episode of Veterinary Ramblings, hosts Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad are joined by wildlife conservationist Nicky Fish for an inspiring exploration of bats, biodiversity, and beyond. Nicky shares her deep knowledge of bat conservation, discussing the threats they face from climate change...
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Exploring Genetic Disorders With Clare Rusbridge
Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad welcome renowned veterinary neurologist Clare Rusbridge to discuss her work on Chiari malformation and syringomyelia in toy breed dogs. Clare discusses the challenges of diagnosing and managing these conditions, the genetic and breeding factors involved, and the...
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From Marathons to Microbes With Jackie Brearley
In this episode, Mike and Julian sit down with Jackie Brearley, a trailblazer in the veterinary field as one of Cambridge's first female veterinary students. Jackie shares her inspiring journey, from overcoming a nervous breakdown to finding solace in marathon running—starting at the age of 60.…
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Unionising Vet Nursing with Georgina Parsons
In this episode, Mike and Julian introduce Georgina Parsons, a driving force behind the National Union of Registered Veterinary Nurses (NURVN). The discussion covers Georgina's decade-long career as a veterinary nurse, her passion for the profession, and her role in advocating for nurses' rights...
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Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) With Hannah Capon
Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad are joined by Hannah Capon from Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) to discuss osteoarthritis in dogs. They explore the challenges of managing chronic pain, the importance of communication with pet owners, and share tips for creating a comprehensive treatment plan....
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It's Not Always About You: Understanding Incivility with Helen Silver-MacMahon
In this episode, we explore the importance of civility in the workplace with Helen Silver-MacMahon, a registered veterinary nurse pursuing a PhD in non-technical skills for veterinary nurses. Helen shares insights on managing stress, the power of empathy, and effective communication, including…
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Behind the Scalpel: Conversations with Surgeon Giles Bond-Smith
In this episode, we sit down with renowned consultant HPB and emergency surgeon Giles Bond Smith to gain deep insights into the life of a surgeon in human medicine. We cover a range of topics, from the humorous maxim 'knife before life before wife' to exploring the essentials of surgical site...
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Leadership, Culture, and Success with Cath Bishop
In this episode, Julian and Mike have a fascinating conversation with Cath Bishop, an inspirational speaker, author, and former Olympic rower. They discuss a range of topics including Cath's Olympic journey and her experiences speaking at the Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS)...
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Neurological Discoveries in Veterinary Science With Holger Volk
Join Julian and Mike as they chat with Holger Volk, a prominent neurologist, neurosurgeon, and recipient of several Jim Bee educator excellent in teaching awards, Gerhard-Domagk-Award, Bourgelat Award from BSAVA, the International Canine Health Award from the Kennel Club, and the RCVS…
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The Magic Behind The Mic With Tesseract Media Services
Julian and Mike sit down with Charlie and Alicia, the key figures behind the scenes at Tesseract Media Services, the masterminds behind the production of Veterinary Ramblings. Their conversation spans a range of topics, from lighthearted discussions about their favourite bread to profound…
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Risky Business With Jack Peploe From Veterinary IT Services
In this episode, we're joined by Jack Peploe from Veterinary IT Services to discuss his top tips for IT security and learn more about his fascinating 'high-flying' hobbies outside of work. We learn how Jack got into IT from a young age, helping his school with their IT systems, leading him to…
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Advanced Imaging For All With Craig Tessyman
In this episode, Craig Tessyman, a nurse team leader for the exotics department at Rutland House, joins Julian and Mike to discuss his recent endeavours and developments in the field of veterinary nursing, particularly in exotic animal care. He highlights his team's use of the Adaptix 3D x-ray...
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Jungle Adventure Of A New Grad Vet With Jamil Dowling
In this episode, Jamil Dowling, a veterinary graduate who previously joined the hosts as a student, returns to share his extraordinary journey post-graduation. Starting with his unconventional entrance into vet school, Jamil discusses his recent experiences working in various countries, including...
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A Journey Into Ultrasound With Angie Lloyd-Jones and Julie Burnage from Aspire UCS
In this weeks episode, Julian and Mike are joined by Angie and Jules, two women with a combined experience of 65 years in ultrasound, now focused on enhancing ultrasound skills within the veterinary field. Starting with a light-hearted discussion about their favourite bread, the conversation...
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Episode 109: Flying Giraffes and Aging Horses With Nicola Jarvis (Redwings Horse Sanctuary)
Join Nicola Jarvis, a passionate veterinary surgeon from Red Wings Horse Sanctuary, as she shares her fascinating experiences in this light-hearted chat. Nicola qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 1990 and after working in mixed practice in Norfolk, she became Rossdales’ first ever...
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Episode 108: Change How You Think About Special Need Dogs With Tracey Turnbull
In this episode, we delve into the heartwarming world of dog rescue and advocacy with the incredible Tracey Turnbull. Introduced to us by former guest Louise Buckley, Tracey enlightens us on the latest challenges facing dog charities, focusing on the complexities surrounding Brucella Canis,...
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Episode 107: In the Arctic with Mike Brampton
To celebrate the festive season, Julian Hoad interviews Mike Brampton who provides a compelling account of his life as an Arctic explorer, guide and wildlife photographer. From learning to drive powerboats to navigating the unpredictable waters and ice flows of the Arctic in search of polar…
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Episode 106: Not One More Vet With Shannon Emmons
In this episode, we sit down with Dr Shannon Emmons, a practice owner, Education Committee Co-Chair and a member of the Board of Directors for the veterinary mental health organization, Not One More Vet, Inc. Join us for a down-to-earth conversation about the realities of veterinary life and the...
About this show
Tired of boring, clinical veterinary podcasts? Join Veterinarian Dr Julian Hoad & Anaesthetic Expert Mike Brampton, as they interview inspirational guests each week who are related to the veterinary world. Veterinary Ramblings is like going for a drink with your favourite work colleagues after a long day - we’ll make you laugh, inspire you and perhaps teach you something new!
Hosted by
Veterinary Ramblings