The VetMed Weekly Huddle

In this refreshing episode of Keys to Harmony, Harmony Butler invites you to step outside-literally-and learn from one of life’s greatest teachers: nature. From waves that remind us to ride life’s highs and lows, to mountains that model resilience, to gardens that teach patient growth, Harmony explores how the natural world slows our pace, clears our mind, and rekindles connection. Even a simple w...

In a high-stress, emotionally charged veterinary environment, it’s easy to reach for big words to explain hard moments. Leather Brice, CVBL unpacks why “gaslighting” is often misused in clinics and how that mislabeling can inflame conflict, erode trust, and block real solutions. She distinguishes true gaslighting—systematic psychological abuse—from far more common drivers in vet med: defensive com...

n this deeply resonant episode of Keys to Harmony , Harmony Butler addresses the heavy weight of disappointment and the "slow fade" of hope that often leaves us stuck in survival mode. If you’ve found yourself just going through the motions, Harmony offers a powerful reframe: your dreams aren't dead; they are simply dormant. Drawing on her background in science and veterinary medicine, she explain...

In this bite-sized episode of Bits by Leather, Leather Brice, CVBL draws on team sports to coach a crucial workplace skill: shake it off. In fast-paced Vet Med, there’s no bench to swap in when mistakes happen—so learning to reset quickly matters. Leather shows how self-critique spirals into more errors, why accepting coaching with openness (“Got it—next time I’ll…”) builds confidence, and how a n...

In this episode of Keys to Harmony, Harmony Butler reframes leadership and goal-setting through a timeless metaphor: before you hand out tools and task lists, raise in people a longing for the “endless sea.” Harmony explores why motivation anchored to vision outlasts compliance driven by deadlines, how our different life experiences shape the paths we take to the same destination, and why microman...

In this bite-sized episode of Bits by Leather, Leather Brice, CVBL tackles a common team trap: focusing on how others behave instead of how we show up. Leather makes the case for ownership-why you can’t control teammates, but you can control your mindset, your words, and your willingness to practice direct, honest communication. She breaks down the difference between the stories we tell ourselves...

In this warm-weather edition of Keys to Harmony, Harmony Butler, CVBL, CCFP invites you to rediscover the magic of summer through the songs that shape our memories. From windows-down drives and neighborhood cookouts to quiet sunsets and early-morning house music, Harmony explores how melodies can transport us to the past, steady our breath in the present, and connect us more deeply to the people a...

While veterinary professionals are naturally inclined to be caregivers and fixers, failing to set boundaries can lead to emotional exhaustion and resentment. The conversation explores how enabling keeps people stuck in unhealthy patterns while true helping encourages independence and responsibility. Listeners will gain insights into why self destruction should not be confused with dedication and h...

This episode of Bits By Leather, she takes a deep dive into the triggers and consequences of micromanagement. The discussion explores how constant monitoring can be perceived as a lack of trust, even when the leader intends to ensure consistency. Listeners will learn the vital difference between constructive feedback and micromanagement, as well as strategies for leading through expectations and o...

In this episode of Keys to Harmony, we explores the root causes of defensiveness and provides practical tools for fostering emotionally healthy communication. While defensiveness often feels like a personal attack, it is usually a protective response triggered by fear or stress. This is especially prevalent in high pressure fields like veterinary medicine. Harmony outlines how to shift from self p...

In this candid Bits by Leather episode, Leather shares a vulnerable realization. For years, she used “standard of care” when she really meant something different: consistent client communication and team-driven processes that improve patient outcomes. She clarifies the difference between medical standards of care (the veterinarian’s domain) and the operational standards that help everyone, includi...

Harmony Butler explores how downtime, rest, and stillness can strengthen performance in high-demand settings, including veterinary medicine. Instead of treating slow moments as a threat to value or productivity, this episode reframes unstructured time as an essential tool for clarity, creativity, and sustainable impact. Listeners learn how to replace reactive habits like doom scrolling and busywor...

When workplace tension turns into triangulation, “she’s ignoring me,” “he’s unfair”, leaders often feel pressured to jump in and fix it. In this episode of Bits by Leather, Leather Brice, CVBL, explains why stepping into the middle can actually escalate conflict—and how to build a culture of direct, solution‑seeking communication instead. You’ll learn practical ways to redirect team members back t...

In this graduation-season reflection, Harmony Butler, CVBL, CCFP, honors new veterinary graduates, mentors, technicians, professors, and invites all of us to revisit the joy that first called us into veterinary medicine. Beyond diplomas and match results lies the deeper work of becoming: staying connected to empathy, curiosity, humility, and hope. Harmony shares a heartfelt reminder to protect the...

In this heartfelt episode of Keys To Harmony , Harmony Butler, CVBL, CCFP, draws a powerful parallel between music and life’s transitions. Just as musicians know when to change keys to elevate a song or support a unique voice, we too must recognize when it’s time to shift our mental “mold” as we move through life’s seasons. Harmony explores the lingering effects of survival mode, how it can quietl...

When your “Rock Steady” teammate is sidelined, how do you keep momentum? In this episode of Bits by Leather, we ride along with a horse-to-Vet-Med analogy on resilience and resourcefulness. Learn how to pivot when your A-players are out, spot untapped potential across your team, and use targeted coaching to turn temporary gaps into long-term strength. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t just abo...

In this insightful episode of Keys to Harmony, Harmony Butler, CVBL, CCFP, dives deep into the hidden costs of people pleasing and the importance of setting healthy boundaries. Harmony unpacks the difference between genuine kindness and self-abandonment, exploring how socially rewarded traits like being helpful, flexible, or loyal can sometimes mask unhealthy beliefs and lead to burnout. Through r...

In this candid episode of Bits By Leather, Leather Brice reveals the hard truth about team buy-in: it all starts with leadership. If leaders aren’t genuinely committed to the changes and values they promote, the rest of the team won’t follow. Leather shares real talk on why half-hearted leadership leads to disengaged teams, and what it takes to create authentic buy-in from the top down. Whether yo...

Are you a workaholic, perfectionist, or overachiever who finds yourself stuck in a cycle of procrastination and last-minute hustle? In this episode of Keys to Harmony, Harmony Butler dives deep into the hidden reasons behind procrastination and the myth that working harder is always the answer. Harmony shares personal insights and practical grounding exercises to help you break free from the produ...

In this episode, Leather Brice dives deep into the art of handling nerves before important conversations, especially those involving conflict. Leather shares personal insights and actionable steps to help you set yourself up for success, from reframing your inner monologue to practicing with trusted colleagues. Discover why vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and how embracing imperfectio...

When “my mental health” becomes the final word in a tough one-on-one, leaders can leave without clarity, accountability, or a plan. In this episode, Harmony Butler reframes mental health in the workplace—not as a measure of comfort, but as a reflection of capacity and adjustment. Drawing on the formal definition of mental health (including adequate adjustment and the ability to meet the demands of...

In this episode of Bits by Leather, Leather Brice dives into the art of preparing for meaningful conversations—whether it’s giving feedback, confronting a challenge, or simply communicating more effectively. Drawing parallels between horse training and human interaction, Leather shares why mindset and practice are essential for building confidence and success in any dialogue. She offers practical...

In this nostalgic and inspiring episode of Keys to Harmony, Harmony Butler draws lessons from the classic film Sister Act 2 to reveal how hidden talents can transform teams and organizations. Harmony recounts the iconic classroom moment when overlooked students unleash their musical gifts, and connects it to the workplace, where skills often remain masked by appearances, lack of guidance, or toxic...

In this episode of Bits By Leather , Leather Brice, CVBL, tackles one of the biggest hurdles leaders face: the fear of having direct conversations. Are you avoiding holding your team accountable because you're afraid they'll get mad, cry, or even quit? Leather explains why assuming the worst is just a "story you're telling yourself" and how shifting your mindset can transform a dreaded conflict in...

Telling a team member to "leave their emotions at the door" is like telling a musician not to feel, it kills the very connection required to perform. In this episode of The VetMed Weekly Huddle, Keys To Harmony , Harmony Butler, CVBL, CCFP, challenges the outdated business mindset that professionalism requires suppressing emotion. Harmony explores why emotions in the workplace shouldn't be ignored...