Meet The Animal People with Chris Whatling

In this episode of Meet the Animal People, Chris is joined by Heidi Luedecke, Marketing Director at LickiMat — one of the most recognisable and trusted brands in the pet industry.Heidi shares her journey from growing up in Australia and studying art history and marketing, to building a career in the London art world, including time at Tate, before making the leap into the pet industry and joining her family’s business. Chris and Heidi talk about creativity, career pivots, transferable skills, and what it’s really like marketing a global pet brand in a fast-moving industry.The episode also dives into the LickiMat story, how the brand began, what makes its products so effective, and why quality and pet safety matter so much in a market full of brands trying to emulate their success. Heidi gives brilliant insight into the global success of the business, the realities of trade shows, launching new products, and why she’s so excited about the growth of the cat category.It’s a warm, honest and insightful conversation about marketing, innovation, pets, and finding your place in an industry that people rarely want to leave.If you love hearing the stories behind the people and brands shaping the pet world, this episode is well worth a listen.

In this episode of Meet the Animal People, host Chris Whatling speaks with Jade Statt, a veterinary surgeon and founder of Street Vet, a charity providing veterinary care to pets of people experiencing homelessness. Jade shares her journey from a childhood obsession with animals to becoming a vet and eventually starting Street Vet. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by homeless individuals with pets, the misconceptions surrounding homelessness, and the emotional toll of working in this field. Jade emphasises the importance of compassion, community support, and mental health in her work, and encourages listeners to get involved with Street Vet and help make a difference.

In this episode of Meet the Animal People, Chris Whatling sits down with Jo Boughton-White CEO of Dorwest Herbs, a proudly family-run business and one of the longest-standing names in natural pet supplements.Jo shares her journey from a childhood spent surrounded by animals to forging her own academic and professional path, before ultimately returning to the family business with a renewed sense of purpose. She opens up about the realities of running a multi-generational brand in today’s competitive pet industry, the pressure of staying authentic in a fast-paced market, and what it really takes to maintain a strong company culture.Together, Chris and Jo explore everything from the evolution of herbal supplements, to the importance of quality ingredients, customer trust, and the increasing commercialisation of the pet market. Jo also discusses Dorwest’s commitment to social responsibility including the Dorwest Foundation and the company’s work supporting rehabilitation and employment opportunities for ex-offenders.This conversation is full of honesty, heart, and practical takeaways for anyone in the pet industry: from leadership lessons and workplace wellbeing, to product development, marketing, and looking after the animals at the centre of it all.If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, family business dynamics, pet health, or simply want to understand what keeps a legacy brand thriving this is an episode you’ll love.

Episode 15: From The Veterinary Profession to Reality TV – Miles Astaire’s StoryIn this episode of Meet the Animal People, host Chris Whatling sits down with Miles Astaire — a passionate veterinary professional, advocate for diversity, and star of BBC’s The Traitors.From growing up in Birmingham to building a career in veterinary nursing, Miles shares his inspiring journey through the highs and challenges of working in animal care. Together, Chris and Miles explore the realities of representation, identity, and inclusion in the veterinary industry — discussing how personal experiences of racism, stereotypes, and being part of the LGBTQ+ community have shaped Miles’ outlook and emotional intelligence.The conversation dives into the power of mentorship, career progression, and networking, while also touching on what life is really like behind the scenes of reality TV and how visibility in media can spark change in professional spaces.It’s a powerful, honest, and uplifting discussion that celebrates individuality, courage, and the love of animals — with a few laughs (and a bit of Mariah Carey!) along the way.Tune in to hear how Miles is breaking stereotypes and inspiring the next generation of veterinary professionals.

In this episode, Chris Whatling interviews someone he truly admires – Dr Marc Abraham OBE. Marc is not only a highly respected veterinarian but also a passionate animal welfare campaigner, author, and media personality. From his early days dreaming of helping animals to leading the campaign for Lucy’s Law, Marc’s journey is both inspiring and deeply impactful.Chris and Marc explore why communication and empathy are at the heart of great veterinary practice, and how media and social platforms can become powerful tools for advocacy. Marc also opens up about his brand-new film, Dogspiracy, a hard-hitting documentary exposing the dark realities of puppy farming and the fight for better welfare standards.Throughout the conversation, Chris reflects on his admiration for Markcs persistence, creativity, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of pets. Together, they discuss the importance of community, campaigning, and collaboration – from the vibrant energy of Brighton to the broader responsibility we all share in protecting animals.Listeners will come away inspired to take action, no matter how small, and to see how one person’s determination can spark real, lasting change.

In this episode, Chris sits down with Rory Hanna, co‑founder of PAWD, to uncover how a childhood love of dogs evolved into a groundbreaking venture in liquid supplements for pet health.Rory shares the personal challenges that inspired PAWD, the science behind their liquid supplement innovation, and how he and his business partner balance their complementary strengths to grow the business. The conversation explores the supportive nature of the pet industry, the importance of education for pet owners, and the role of community building in shaping healthier, happier dogs.Listeners will gain insights into:How Rory’s childhood passion for dogs shaped his journey.Why liquid supplements offer better absorption and efficacy.The importance of trust and honesty in business partnerships.Plans for expanding into international markets.How community, culture, and collaboration fuel entrepreneurial success.If you’re interested in pet health, entrepreneurship, or the future of dog supplements, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom.

In this inspiring episode of Meet The Animal People, Chris Whatling sits down with Dr. Guy Sandelowsky MBA — veterinarian, entrepreneur, and founder of Omni, a groundbreaking pet food brand designed to tackle pet allergies and sensitivities.From growing up in Switzerland to navigating the challenges of vet school and clinical practice, Guy shares his journey of turning a passion for animal health into an innovative business. He opens up about the motivation behind Omni, the importance of educating pet owners on nutrition, and the eye-opening experience of pitching on Dragon’s Den.The conversation also dives into personal resilience, LGBTQ+ visibility in the veterinary field, and Guy’s vision for shaping the future of pet nutrition.What you’ll learn in this episode:How Guy’s early experiences shaped his career as a veterinarian.The rising concerns of pet obesity and allergies and how Omni is tackling them.What really happens behind the scenes on Dragon’s Den.Why authenticity and embracing your identity matter in professional life.The future of plant-based pet nutrition and Guy’s mission to reach millions of pets worldwide.If you’re passionate about pets, innovation, and personal growth, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this deeply moving and inspiring episode of Meet the Animal People, Chris Whatling sits down with vet, coach, entrepreneur, and all-round brilliant human, Dr Katie Ford. From her childhood in a working-class town in Huddersfield to becoming a celebrated voice on imposter syndrome and emotional wellbeing in the veterinary profession, Katie shares her personal and professional journey with honesty, warmth, and insight.Chris and Katie explore everything from the impact of childhood experiences, alcohol, and early responsibilities, to navigating burnout and rediscovering your true self. Katie speaks candidly about overcoming imposter syndrome, the emotional toll of veterinary practice, and how she’s helping others through her coaching platform, Vet Empowered.Whether you work in animal health, pet care, or just want to hear two people being real about life, identity, and purpose this episode is for you. Full of vulnerable moments, practical tools, and uplifting messages, it’s a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck, striving for balance, or simply needing a reminder that they’re not alone.

Dan Makin – Pride, Purpose & the Power of RepresentationIn this Pride Month special episode of Meet the Animal People, Chris Whatling speaks with Dan Makin, a small animal vet with over 22 years of experience and a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the veterinary profession.Dan opens up about his journey from being a bullied child to becoming a respected veterinary professional, reflecting on how those early experiences shaped both his identity and his career. He shares the emotional challenges of school and vet school, and the powerful impact of finally finding a sense of community and acceptance within the profession.In this heartfelt conversation, Dan and Chris explore the importance of creating safe, inclusive interview environments, the pressures LGBTQ+ candidates often face during job applications, and the ongoing need for meaningful support in the workplace. They discuss the evolution of diversity and inclusion in veterinary medicine, the role of BVLGBT+ in driving progress, and why representation truly matters.They also reflect on the deeply personal connections people have with animals — and how those moments of trust and care have shaped Dan's purpose and passion over the years.This is a powerful and uplifting listen for Pride Month — and a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go.

In this episode of Meet the Animal People, Chris is joined by the brilliantly charismatic Stuart Simons—a professional dog groomer, salon owner, actor, TV Consultant and co-founder of The Groomer Spotlight.Stuart opens up about his journey from acting to grooming, the overlap between creativity and animal care, and why he's so passionate about raising professional standards in the pet grooming industry. From working with celebrity pets to becoming a consultant on BBC’s Pooch Perfect, Stuart’s story is full of inspiration, humour, and heart.Expect candid conversation around coming out, building businesses, industry frustrations, and why a experienced, calm, confident groomer is worth their weight in gold.It’s honest, insightful, and one of our most colourful episodes yet.

In this powerful episode of Meet the Animal People, Chris Whatling is joined by Lashonda Jafard – founder of Elevate, formerly the Black Pet Business Network – to discuss her inspiring personal journey and the trailblazing work she’s doing to make the pet industry more inclusive and representative.Lashonda shares how her childhood love for animals turned into a lifelong mission. From building Orlando’s only Black-owned grooming salon to founding an international community for underrepresented pet professionals, her story is a testament to resilience, purpose, and leadership.Together, Chris and Lashonda explore the challenges faced by Black professionals and others who are often excluded from mainstream pet industry spaces, the need for real allyship, and the incredible impact of creating community. As the founder of The Animal People Recruitment Company, Chris is equally passionate about improving diversity and inclusion across the pet and animal health sectors – making this conversation both meaningful and deeply aligned with his mission.Whether you're part of the industry, aspiring to break into it, or simply interested in hearing how change is being driven from the inside out – this episode is full of insight, heart, and hope.🎧 Tune in now to hear from one of the industry’s most important voices. 🔗 Learn more about Lashonda via Linkedin 👉🏼 linkedin.com/in/lashondageffrard

In this episode of Meet the Animal People, host Chris engages with Ebony Escalona, an accomplished equine vet and entrepreneur. They discuss Ebony's unique journey from a challenging childhood in Venezuela to becoming a voice for animals and a leader in the veterinary community. The conversation explores her early aspirations, the challenges she faced in veterinary school, and her eventual pivot towards diversifying her career. Ebony shares her insights on the importance of emotional intelligence, the founding of VSGD (Vets Stay, Go or Diversify), and the need for veterinary professionals to embrace their multifaceted identities beyond their job titles. In this conversation, Ebony Escalona discusses the importance of navigating career pivots, building meaningful relationships in recruitment, managing stress and burnout, and her charitable endeavours. She emphasises the need for patience during career transitions and the significance of understanding one's values and goals. The discussion also touches on conservation efforts, particularly regarding pangolins, and insights into the evolving pet industry.

In this episode of Meet The Animal People, Chris sits down with Layla Flaherty, founder of Urban Paws, the UK’s leading animal talent agency. From growing up with beloved pets to making her mark in modelling and reality TV, Layla shares how her love for animals inspired a bold career shift into entrepreneurship.Layla opens up about the origins of Urban Paws, the highs and lows of running a business in the pet industry, and the importance of balancing commercial success with animal welfare. We explore the challenges of managing expectations in animal training, the power of mentorship, and the resilience required to break new ground in a niche industry.This inspiring conversation touches on emerging trends in the pet world, tackles common misconceptions, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to turn passion into purpose. Layla also gives us a glimpse into the future of Urban Paws, including plans to launch a new range of pet products and expand the agency’s global reach.

Hello everyone, and welcome back to another episode of Meet The Animal People!I’m genuinely excited to introduce this guest – Sean McCormack. Sean is a veterinary surgeon, but he’s also made a huge impact across the wider pet industry. He’s an author, a TV presenter, a passionate animal welfare advocate, and a wildlife conservationist with a serious love for nature and photography.One of his proudest achievements? He played a key role in helping to reintroduce beavers to West London – yes, beavers in London! You can learn more about that incredible work at theealingbeaverproject.com.In this episode, we cover everything from his career journey and conservation projects to the shared experience of growing up gay and navigating that identity within both the veterinary world and the wider pet and animal health industry. It’s honest, inspiring, and full of important conversations that don’t get talked about enough.So grab a cuppa, take a walk, or settle in – I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did recording it.

Hello everyone, and welcome back to Meet The Animal People. Today we’re chatting to honorary Brummie Rachel Frost, Events & Community Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Dogs Home. Rachel tells us about her early days as working in an estate agents, and how she transitioned into the world of dog rescue. Grab a cuppa, and I hope you enjoy!

Welcome back to Meet The Animal People! Today, we’re speaking with Carolanne Cicero, Bella and Duke’s In House Veterinary Advisor. Carolanne explains when her love of animals first started, gives us an introduction to the world of raw-feeding, and very passionately explains how much she loves Dolly Parton (well who doesn’t?) Hope you enjoy!

Welcome to the very first guest episode of Meet The Animal People!In this episode, I chat with the brilliant Paul Manktelow – a leading vet, TV personality, and host of The Consult Room. You might recognize Paul from his TV work on Crufts, where he’s shared his expert insights with millions of animal lovers.Paul takes us through his lifelong passion for animals, the unexpected journey into television, and even a stint working in Ibiza along the way!So, grab a cuppa, get comfy, and enjoy the conversation!”

Hi everyone, and welcome to ‘Meet The Animal People’ Podcast!I’m your host, Chris Whatling, and in this podcast series, I’m going to be chatting with some of the most inspiring, animal-loving people in the business. I’ll be finding out all about their unique journeys into the pet and animal health sectors and getting them to share some of their best experiences, advice and insights. If you’re as mad about pets as I am, I think you might like it!  So grab a cuppa, sit back with your pet and enjoy!