Soda City Unleashed

We are going off the leash and heading straight to Tigertown! In this episode of Soda City Unleashed , host Emily sits down with Dr. Brian Butler, the Associate Dean of Clinical Programs at Clemson University’s brand-new Harvey S. Peeler, Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine—the very first vet school in South Carolina history! 🐾🐅 Dr. Butler takes us behind the scenes of what it takes to launch a m...

In this episode of Soda City Unleashed , host Emily White sits down with Molly Hill, a renowned veterinary consultant and Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM). Molly shares her lifelong journey within the veterinary medicine world, from growing up as the daughter of a veterinarian to discovering her own passion for the business side of practice management. We dive deep into the challenges...

What happens when you spend 20 years calling the shots in veterinary practice management, only to realize your true passion is at the front desk? In this episode of Soda City Unleashed , host Emily White sits down with Barb Britton, a veteran of the veterinary industry and a Client Service Representative (CSR) at CVETS in Columbia, South Carolina. Barb shares her incredible journey through two dec...

In this episode of Soda City Unleashed , host Emily White sits down with Alexis Hoffman , the Director of Human Resources at CVETS, to recognize May Mental Health Awareness Month . Veterinary medicine is a high-intensity, emotionally demanding field where burnout and compassion fatigue often go hand-in-hand. Alexis shares her journey from Waffle House management to third-generation HR professional...

We often say pets are family, but does your budget reflect that? In this episode of Soda City Unleashed , host Emily White sits down with Margaret Ellen Pender of Anchor Investment Management to bridge the gap between emotional commitment and financial reality. Margaret Ellen shares her deep roots in the Columbia community and her personal experiences with her beloved Boykin Spaniels to help pet p...

Owning a pet brings immeasurable joy, but is your wallet prepared for the unexpected? In this episode of Soda City Unleashed , Emily White sits down with Cathy James from Care Credit to pull back the curtain on veterinary financing. Whether it's a routine wellness check or a late-night emergency room visit, the "sticker shock" of modern veterinary medicine can be a major barrier to care. Cathy sha...

In this episode of Soda City Unleashed , host Emily White sits down with Dr. Shawn Bierman , owner and lead veterinarian at the historic Five Points Animal Clinic . As the clinic approaches its 100th anniversary in the heart of downtown Columbia, Dr. Bierman shares what it’s like to lead a locally owned practice with deep community roots. Whether you're a first-time pet parent or a lifelong animal...

What really happens behind the sliding glass doors of an emergency animal hospital when the rest of the city is asleep? In this episode of Soda City Unleashed , host Emily White sits down with Raven Angulo , a dedicated veterinary assistant at CVETS and Army veteran who has traded the traditional 9-to-5 for the fast-paced world of overnight emergency medicine. Raven pulls back the curtain on the "...

What does it take to become a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Emergency and Critical Care? Host Emily White sits down with CVETS' own Lauren Johnson to discuss her journey from Hawaii to Columbia, the grueling multi-year certification process, and the "rush" of handling life-saving cases. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on in the ICU after hours, this deep dive into high-stakes pet nur...

What does it truly mean to be a primary care veterinarian? In this episode of Soda City Unleashed , host Emily White sits down with Dr. Cheryl Sine from Shandonwood Animal Clinic. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Sine shares her journey from a pet-free childhood to becoming a leading voice for pet health in Columbia, SC. We dive into the emotional bonds formed through lifelong patient care, t...

You won't believe who dialed into our call! We've snagged a very exclusive interview with the big man himself: Santa Claus! Tune in as we get the inside scoop on what it's really like running the North Pole, how the doctors at CVETS ensure the reindeer are in tip-top shape, keeping Rudolph’s glowing nose shining, and Santa’s wishes for all of the fur babies this holiday season. Most importantly, S...

Come with us inside the incredible world of Danny & Ron's Rescue! We are honored to feature co-founders Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta, who together have found forever homes for nearly 15,000 dogs. Their unique model allows all dogs to live in their home, a great environment for abused animals and former puppy mill dogs. They share the humble beginnings of the rescue, which was founded out of...

Step into the incredible world of service animal training with Allie Duncan , Lead Instructor at Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services (PAALS) . These aren't just highly trained pets—they are life-changing medical partners. Allie breaks down the two-year journey that transforms a promising puppy into a certified assistant dog, ready to empower individuals across the community. To learn more about...

This week, we were honored to host a very special guest from the Columbia Police Department (CPD) K-9 Unit: Lance Corporal Rares Ungureanu and his K9 partner, a three-and-a-half-year-old German Shepherd named Hutch. Their conversation offered a rare glimpse into the intense training, deep bond, and critical work that Columbia’s police dogs perform every day.

If you thought veterinary medicine was just about check-ups and vaccines, prepare to be amazed. Dr. Dunphy is a certified powerhouse in veterinary rehabilitation and integrated medicine, dedicated to helping pets live their happiest, healthiest lives, even when facing significant challenges. Soda City Unleashed is brought to you by CVETS, learn more at cvets.net .

The roar of the crowd, the sound of Sandstorm pulsing through the stadium speakers, and the sight of Sir Big Spur on the sidelines — it's a tradition that gets every Gamecock fan's heart pumping. But what happens when the stadium lights turn off? We went behind the scenes with the official handlers, Van and Beth Clark, on their farm to learn what it's like to care for a live mascot. In this episod...

At Williams-Brice Stadium, there's a different kind of athlete on the field, one with four paws, a wagging tail, and a nose for justice. In our first episode of "Off the Leash," we met with Sgt. Mark Tevepaugh and his K9 partner, Poppy, from the University of South Carolina Police Department (USC PD) to learn about their crucial role in keeping the community safe. Sgt. Tevepaugh's journey to the K...

When your pet needs medical care, the veterinarian often gets the credit. However, the truth is, a dedicated team of professionals works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure your pet's health and safety during their stay at the emergency vet . These unsung heroes are veterinary technicians, and their journey to licensure is one of passion, perseverance, and dedication. On this episode of "Soda C...

Pets are more than just animals; they're cherished members of our families. We want to give them the best possible life, but what happens when unexpected accidents or illnesses strike? For many pet owners, a vet's bill for a sudden surgery can be a devastating financial blow. This is where pet insurance comes in. On a recent episode of "Soda City Unleashed," we sat down with Derek Tyson from Trupa...

Ever wonder how someone ends up in their dream career? Join us on Soda City Unleashed as we chat with Christian Carey, CETS' very own Training Coordinator! Christian shares his surprising path from studying chemical engineering and interning at a nuclear plant to finding his passion in veterinary medicine. Discover what it takes to train top-tier vet techs and assistants in a fast-paced emergency...

This episode of Soda City Unleashed features Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, who offers an in-depth look into the invaluable work of the Sheriff's Department K-9 Unit. Sheriff Lott, with 50 years in law enforcement, emphasizes that these highly trained canines are not just dogs but "deputy sheriffs," providing essential services that humans cannot, from recovering bodies and detecting electroni...

In this episode of Soda City Unleashed, Emily White chats with Nikki Collins, a registered veterinary nurse from England and the team lead in the neurology department at CVETS. Nikki shares her unique journey from the UK to the US, detailing how she became a veterinary nurse and eventually a neurology specialist. She offers an insightful look into a typical day for a vet tech in a busy specialty h...

Get ready for a whirlwind tour through the high-stakes world of veterinary critical care with Dr. Elizabeth Gregory! Join us as she shares essential tips for pet owners, from recognizing emergencies and understanding common toxins to the absolute game-changer that is pet insurance. Dr. Gregory pulls back the curtain on what it takes to be a criticalist, revealing the dedication and resilience need...

On this episode of Soda City Unleashed, Dr. Patti Lawler, a veterinary neurologist, shares vital advice for pet owners, emphasizing year-round flea and tick prevention , among other tips. She delves into the rewarding work of treating seizures and spinal issues , recounting success stories like saving a dog from a prolonged seizure. Dr. Lawler debunks misconceptions about veterinary neurology, hig...

Join host Emily White and board-certified veterinary internist Dr. Alex Gallagher as they unravel the complexities of pet health. Dr. Gallagher shares his unique path into veterinary medicine, emphasizing the importance of pet owner awareness, critical evaluation of online information, and trust in veterinary professionals. He delves into common conditions like chronic GI issues and urinary tract...