Veterinary Ramblings
Education & Explainer
About
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
- Breeding, Bans, and Brachycephalics with Dan O’Neill & Marisa Heath
In this episode of Veterinary Ramblings, hosts Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad speak with Dan O’Neill and Marisa Heath about animal welfare legislation and the controversy regarding breed bans. They discuss the Innate Health Assessment tool…
- Port Etiquette, Public Speaking, and Polar Bears
Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad discuss formal dining, Brampton's expedition, the CMA investigation into veterinary practices including online pharmacies and costs, and public speaking.
- Pet Savers, Propeller Planes, and the Perfect Scone
Allie Selby, Fundraising Manager for PetSavers (part of BSAVA), joins Veterinary Ramblings hosts Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad to discuss the charity's work in funding companion animal health research and supporting projects. Allie shares…
- From Tokyo to Tigers: Travel Tales and Vet Stories
Veterinary Ramblings episode featuring hosts Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad covers Mike's trip to Japan, including cultural observations, cuisine, and wildlife photography. They also discuss zoo welfare, a tiger anesthesia anecdote, and cha…
- Protecting People, Protecting Animals with Dr Paula Boyden
Dr. Paula Boyden discusses the Links Group charity's work on the link between animal and domestic abuse with hosts Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad. The episode covers recognising non-accidental injury, professional responsibilities, the ARD…
- 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 conve…
- 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 cor…
- 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 fatig…
- 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 fr…
- 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…
- 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 ch…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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 lead…
- 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 preventio…
- 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 exp…
- 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 ope…
- 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 N…
- 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…
- 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 ane…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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-hear…
- 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…
- 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 ro…
- 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 conserva…
- 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 condition…
- 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 findi…
- 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…
- 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 s…
- 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 p…
- 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 bef…
- 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…
- 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 H…
- 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 d…
- 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, he…
- 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 car…
- 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…
- 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 dis…
- 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…
- 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, focu…
- 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 w…
- 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 co…
- Episode 105: Tackling Cancer with Salmonella
Join us as we delve into the world of cancer research with the incredible Doug Thamm. We kick things off by exploring Doug's groundbreaking study on utilizing salmonella to target cancer cells and discuss the evolution of this innovative a…
- Episode 104: Unlearning The Traditional Approach With Periwinkle Kaur
Join us on this episode of "Veterinary Ramblings" as we welcome Periwinkle Kaur, the Director of ESU Medical Solutions. With a unique blend of medical expertise and business acumen, Periwinkle is on a mission to transform both the veterina…
- Episode 103: Human Arrogance And Animal Behaviour With Sarah Heath
In this episode of Veterinary Ramblings, we are thrilled to welcome the distinguished Sarah Heath from Behavioural Referrals Veterinary Practice. As Julian recalls his first encounter with Sarah during her tenure as a lecturer at the RVC,…
- Episode 102: Opening An Orthopaedic Practice With Dr Andy Moores
This week we're delighted to be joined by Dr Andy Moores, an internationally-recognised expert in small animal orthopaedics! Andy has had an interesting journey from almost not getting into veterinary school to being a double-boarded speci…
- Episode 101: From Academia to Antibiotics with Prof. Ian Ramsey
We're delighted to be joined by award-winning writer and former BSAVA President Professor Ian Ramsey. Join us as we delve into the pivotal moments that shaped Ian's career and explore the evolving landscape of veterinary education and prac…
- Episode 100: Improving The Lives Of Animals With Dr Alick Simmons
This week we are joined by Dr Alick Simmons, a distinguished expert with a captivating career in animal welfare. Dr. Simmons takes us on a journey through his fascinating experiences and the motivation behind writing his groundbreaking boo…
- Ep 98: The Magic Of Mushrooms With Dr Rob Silver & Joni Kamlet
In this captivating episode, our hosts Mike and Julian delve into the enchanting world of mushrooms alongside their knowledgeable guests, Dr Rob Silver and Joni Kamlet. Join them as they unravel the remarkable symbiotic relationship mushro…