The Vet’Ed Podcast

In this episode of the Vetted Podcast, Steven Hermann interviews Karyn Buxman, a neurohumorist and expert in applied humor. They discuss the importance of humor in healthcare, particularly in the veterinary field, and how it can be used as a strategic tool to reduce stress, improve communication, and build resilience. Karyn shares insights from her research on the brain's response to humor and off...

In this episode of the Vet'Ed Podcast, Steven Hermann sits down with Kelly Cronin, a veteran of the veterinary space with 33 years of experience. Kelly shares her career journey, starting as a volunteer and advancing through roles like multi-site manager and VP of Operations, before her current position supporting practices with virtual veterinary assistance at Teem. They discuss the value of vete...

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen McLaughry, the owner of Vetbadger, to discuss his journey from a software engineer to a leader in veterinary technology. Stephen shares how his wife, a private practice veterinarian, faced frustrations with outdated software. This inspired him to create Vetbadger, a comprehensive practice management system designed to solve a core problem: communication. D...

Join host Steven Hermann as he sits down with the legendary Dr. Jim Schuessler for an insightful conversation about the transformative power of communication in veterinary medicine. Dr. Schuessler shares incredible stories, from the life-changing advice that shaped his career ("I try to carry myself each and every day so that my kids want to be veterinarians" ) to the practical strategies that bui...

In this candid and laugh-filled episode, we welcome Rhys Giannarelli, founder of Innovative Vet Management Solutions and co-owner of two practices in Vancouver. Rhys brings an Aussie-Canadian lens to the challenges of leadership, culture, and sustainable clinic ownership in veterinary medicine. Rhys says it plain: people aren’t quitting the job—they’re quitting you. And that leadership gap is the...

Ever catch yourself saying, “If only this had gone differently…”?  In this Mindset Edition of The Vet’Ed Podcast, Steven Hermann shares a personal story (shoutout to Quentin and Tulsa Tough!) that transformed excuses into powerful learning. Whether you're navigating a chaotic vet practice or trying to move from blame to breakthrough, this episode is your 7-minute mental reset. 🚴‍♂️ From crashes t...

What if you could screen your dog for cancer—before any symptoms appear? In this episode of the VetEd Podcast, Steven Hermann and Kale Flaspohler welcome Dr. Tom Butera and Daniel Shears from Volition Veterinary to discuss a groundbreaking innovation: Nu. Q® , an affordable, blood-based screening test designed to detect cancer early in dogs. Volition’s revolutionary approach to cancer diagnostics...

In this episode, Steven Hermann and Kale Flaspohler sit down with Melissa Tompkins—practice management consultant, speaker, and founder of South Coast Veterinary Management Solutions. From her unexpected start in the veterinary field (thanks to a cat named Crash) to managing multiple hospitals and launching leadership groups across Southern California, Melissa shares her journey and passion for he...

Welcome to a special Mindset Edition of the Vet’Ed Podcast! In this bite-sized episode, Steven Hermann dives into the often-overlooked leadership skill of reacting well . Drawing from both Harvard Business Review and real-world leadership moments, Steven redefines what it means to lead—not by controlling, but by responsibly reacting with empathy, purpose, and perseverance. 🧠 Key Takeaways: Leader...

Welcome to Episode 31 of The Vet’Ed Podcast, hosted by Steven Hermann and Kale Flaspohler. In this episode, Steven and Kale sit down with Dr. Cliff Miller, founder of Green Hills Veterinary Clinic in Moberly, Missouri. From starting his practice with just one patient (his own dog!) to now leading a four-doctor team, Dr. Miller shares his journey of intentional growth, small-town community impact,...

Welcome to a special Mindset Edition of the Vet’Ed Podcast. In this bite-sized episode, Steven Hermann reflects on leadership—not as a title, but as a practice rooted in mindset, trust, and accountability. He shares personal leadership lessons from three key experiences: working in a family grocery store, serving on a school board, and building the ProPartners Team. 🧠 Key Takeaways: Leadership is...

Welcome to Episode 30 of The Vet’Ed Podcast hosted by Steven Hermann and Kale Flaspohler.  In this episode, Steven and Kale are joined by Alex Wright, the Practice Manager at Ellisville Veterinary Hospital. With a journey that started at age 17 and evolved into leadership by 24, Alex shares her real-world experiences managing a busy, growing clinic — all while staying rooted in compassion, culture...

In this episode of The Vet’Ed Podcast — Mindset Edition , Steven Hermann dives into one of the biggest challenges for independent veterinary practices: pricing —and why it’s all in your head. Pricing isn’t just about covering costs; it’s about positioning, value, and mindset . Steven shares lessons from his background in the grocery industry, where competition is fierce, and pricing strategy is cr...

Episode 29: Mindset, Leadership, and Reinventing Veterinary Well-being with Dr. Jennifer Edwards In this episode of The Vet’ed Podcast , hosts Steven Hermann and Kale Flaspohler sit down with Dr. Jennifer Edwards — veterinarian, practice owner, mindset leadership coach, and Chair of the Wellness Committee for the New Hampshire Veterinary Medical Association — to dive into her powerful journey of t...

In this episode of The Vet’Ed Podcast — Mindset Edition , Steven Hermann explores why client experience might just be more important than medicine itself — and how shifting your focus can transform your practice. Steven breaks down the three key elements of a standout client experience: First impressions: From the parking lot to the front desk, what clients see, smell, and feel sets the tone — lon...

Episode 28: Leadership, Advocacy, and the Future of Veterinary Medicine with Dr. Jessica Stroupe In this episode of The Vet’ed Podcast, hosts Steven Hermann and Kale Flaspohler sit down with Dr. Jessica Stroupe — owner of Howard County Veterinary Service and AVMA delegate for Missouri — to discuss her journey as a practice owner, leader, and advocate for the veterinary profession. Dr. Stroupe dive...

In this episode of The Vet’ed Podcast , Steven Hermann dives into the concept of the fixed mindset—how it holds us back, why we default to it, and how shifting toward a growth mindset can unlock new opportunities. Drawing from his experience at the recent VetPartners meeting, Steven unpacks key takeaways about fostering meaningful connections, avoiding the illusion of a “unique approach,” and embr...

Episode 27: Are You Really Profitable? Understanding Your Financial Statements In this episode of The Vet’ed Podcast, hosts Steven Hermann and Kale Flaspohler dive into a critical question for veterinary practice owners—are you truly profitable? They explore common financial misconceptions and the ways financial statements can be misleading if not properly analyzed. From rent calculations to owner...

In this episode of The Vet’ed Podcast, Steven Hermann explores the intersection of current events and growth mindset with a focus on the veterinary business world. He discusses how staying informed can lead to improved adaptability, critical thinking, and empathy, all while avoiding information overload. Steven highlights the importance of being proactive, curating your news intake, and how events...

Episode 26: A Journey Through Veterinary Medicine with Dr. Peter Weinstein In this episode of The Vet’ed Podcast , hosts Steven Hermann and Kale Flaspohler sit down with Dr. Peter Weinstein to explore his journey into veterinary medicine, from childhood inspirations to becoming a leader in the profession. Dr. Weinstein shares how an early fascination with animals, science, and the works of James H...

In this episode of The Vet’ed Podcast , host Steven Hermann explores the leadership mindset and how veterinarians can lead without fear. Drawing from his recent talk at the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association Convention, he emphasizes that leadership starts with self-management. Referencing James Clear’s Atomic Habits , Hermann discusses how expectations and fear often hold professionals back,...

In this episode of The Vet’ed Podcast , hosts Steven Hermann and Kale Flaspohler sit down with Dr. Scott Frey of Cooper County Animal Hospital to discuss the journey of transitioning out of practice ownership. Dr. Frey shares his perspective on trust, stewardship, and the importance of ensuring that the practice serves its owner—not the other way around. He reflects on passing the torch to Dr. Reu...

In this special mini-episode of The vet’ed podcast , host Steven Hermann sets the tone for 2025 with an inspiring discussion about mindset. What does mindset mean, and why is it crucial for success—both in the veterinary industry and in life? Steven explores the definitions of mindset, reflects on its evolution, and shares personal stories about overcoming challenges and finding purpose. This epis...

In this thought-provoking episode of The Vet’ed Podcast , hosts Steven Hermann and Kale Flaspohler are joined by Dr. Anthony Chadwick, founder of The Webinar Vet, to explore the transformative power of technology and AI in the veterinary industry. Together, they discuss how digital tools and AI can enhance efficiency, improve client communication, and combat burnout in veterinary practices. Dr. Ch...

In this episode of The Vet’ed Podcast , Steven and Kale sit down with Kyler Saffo, a small veterinary clinic owner and second-generation leader of a family practice. Kyler shares her inspiring journey of stepping into ownership, balancing the challenges of running a growing clinic, and honoring the legacy her father built. She discusses the importance of fostering trust within her team, adapting t...