Critters and Cultures

Dr. Azalia Boyd welcomes Dr. Navaratnam Partheeban, a distinguished farm animal veterinarian, global scholar, and passionate advocate for racial equity in agriculture and veterinary medicine.

Dr. Partheeban shares his unique upbringing as a first-generation immigrant in the UK, with Sri Lankan and Malaysian roots, raised in Edinburgh. Dr. Partheeban reflects on his journey to merge these two worlds and his desire to empower his own children to embrace their full authenticity.

A central theme of the conversation is Dr. Partheeban's profound connection to farm animal veterinary medicine, particularly his deep respect for cows, which are sacred in Hinduism. This cultural significance, combined with an innate empathy for suffering animals, has been a driving force throughout his career. The episode also sheds light on the racial discrimination Dr. Partheeban faced, including a pivotal incident where a farmer refused his services due to his skin color. The lack of institutional support following this experience led him to temporarily step away from clinical practice and, subsequently, co-found the British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society (BVEDS). He candidly discusses the initial struggles of challenging the system and the critical importance of a collective voice in combating racism within the veterinary sector.

Join us for this compelling discussion on the intersection of animal welfare, cultural identity, and the vital pursuit of racial equity in the veterinary profession.

About Dr. Navaratnam Partheeban

Dr. Navaratnam Partheeban is a distinguished farm animal veterinarian, global scholar, and passionate advocate for racial equity in agriculture and veterinary medicine. A first-generation immigrant to the UK with Sri Lankan and Malaysian heritage, he graduated from the Royal School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh. Dr. Partheeban has worked across clinical practice, academia, and industry, and is the co-founder of the British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society (BVEDS). His work, including a Nuffield Farming Scholarship focusing on race and belonging in agriculture, reflects a deep commitment to improving animal care and fostering human understanding globally.

Connect with Dr. Navaratnam Partheeban

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottishtamilLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/navaratnam-partheeban-527227a3/

Season 2 is proudly sponsored by Maddies Fund! The power of community and compassion in animal welfare.

Go to https://www.maddiesfund.org/

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About Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM

Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM, is a distinguished veterinarian and educator committed to equitable veterinary care and community engagement.

As CEO of Boyd Veterinary Services and Consulting, LLC, she mentors youth aspiring to veterinary careers and supports young minority students.

An international speaker, she addresses improvements in veterinary care and cultural competency, positioning her as a leader in advancing the field for all.

#CrittersAndCultures #VeterinaryMedicine #RacialEquity #CulturalDiversity #FarmAnimalVet #Hinduism #ImmigrantExperience #BVEDS #NuffieldFarmingScholarship #Agriculture #SocialJustice #Empathy #Community #UKVet #USVet

In this episode of "Critters and Cultures," host Dr. Azalia Boyd speaks with Sabrina Marie, an Eastern European Canadian animal welfare leader. They explore the intersection of animal welfare and cultural diversity, emphasizing cultural humility and sustainable partnerships in animal care. Sabrina shares her work with Stray Dog Support, focusing on international outreach and youth equine programs in Cairo, Egypt. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding and respecting diverse perspectives in advocating for empathy and respect in all interactions, particularly in global animal welfare efforts.

Season 2 is proudly sponsored by Maddies Fund! The power of community and compassion in animal welfare.

Go to https://www.maddiesfund.org/

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Link Tree: http://Linktr.ee/azaliaboyd

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrittersandCultures

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Website: https://www.drazaliaboyd.com/

About Sabrina Marie

Sabrina Marie is an Eastern European Canadian animal welfare leader with a rich heritage rooted in Romani descent. With over 15 years in the field, from co-founding Urban Tales Animal Rescue in Ontario to her current role in international outreach with Stray Dog Support, Sabrina centers cultural humility, sustainable partnerships, and empowerment in Egypt. Her work includes training shelter staff, reforming animal welfare norms without imposing a Western savior complex, and leading youth equine programs in Cairo.

Connect with Sabrina Marie:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabrinamaria22/

Connect with her via Stray Dog Support:

Website: https://straydogsupport.com/

YouTube:  ⁨@straydogsupport⁩ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/straydogsupport

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/straydogsupportinc

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@straydogsupport

About Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM

Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM, is a distinguished veterinarian and educator committed to equitable veterinary care and community engagement. A proud alumna of Tuskegee University, she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Poultry Sciences in 2004, recognized with a Presidential Academic Scholarship. As CEO of Boyd Veterinary Services and Consulting, LLC, she mentors youth aspiring to veterinary careers and supports young minority students. Previously, she was the Chief Veterinary Medical Officer for Companion Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), working to bridge access gaps for BIPOC and marginalized communities. Dr. Boyd actively participates in professional associations like the AVMA and GVMA and holds certifications from the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton Online. An international speaker, she addresses improvements in veterinary care and cultural competency, positioning her as a leader in advancing the field for all.

#AnimalWelfare#CulturalDiversity#CulturalHumility#SustainablePartnerships#InternationalOutreach#YouthEquinePrograms#CairoEgypt#StrayDogSupport#VeterinaryCare#EquitableVetCare#BIPOCCommunities#CrittersAndCultures#PodcastEpisode#AnimalRescue#GlobalAnimalWelfare

Get ready for the wildest conversations of your life! Critters and Cultures is back with Season 2, and this season, we're going even bigger. Expect live segments, fresh takes on the human-animal bond, and conversations that will make you laugh, cry, and think differently. From farm animal vets to international outreach in Egypt, social work to celebrity appearances, this season has it all.Season 2 is proudly sponsored by Maddie's Fund, a family foundation that believes in a world where every pet has a loving home and every family has the support they need to stay together. The journey continues this September 2025!Get ready for more Critters and Cultures! This season promises even bigger and better content, shining a light on amazing animals. We're bringing you live segments, fresh perspectives on the human-animal bond, and stories that will make you laugh and cry, just like something you'd see on National Geographic or Nat Geo. Stay tuned for new animal videos!

In this episode of Critters and Cultures, host Dr. Azalia Boyd speaks with Hannah Lentz, a leader in animal welfare and the founder of Spark. They discuss the intersection of animal care and cultural diversity, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and narrative change in animal welfare. Hannah shares her journey in the field, the challenges of adoption processes, and the need for open adoptions that prioritize love and understanding over judgment. The conversation highlights the significance of treating people with dignity and recognizing their role as essential to the well-being of animals.

In this episode of Critters and Cultures, Dr. Azalia Boyd engages with Dr. Yusif Ibrahim, a wildlife veterinarian and conservation leader in Saudi Arabia. They discuss the intersection of animal welfare and cultural diversity, exploring Dr. Ibrahim's journey from childhood connections with animals to his veterinary studies and current work in wildlife rehabilitation. The conversation delves into the emotional aspects of euthanasia, the challenges of capturing and treating wildlife, and the importance of representation in veterinary medicine. Dr. Ibrahim shares insights on the significance of wildlife conservation and the collaborative efforts required to ensure the well-being of animals in their natural habitats.

In this episode of Critters and Cultures, host Dr. Azalia Boyd welcomes Natalia Hanson, a passionate advocate for animal welfare and the Executive Director of Colombianimals. They discuss Natalia's journey from Colombia to Canada, her mission to address pet overpopulation through spay and neuter services, and the importance of combining tourism with volunteerism.

Natalia shares her experiences highlighting the community's involvement and the impact of their work. The conversation emphasizes the significance of cultural understanding in animal welfare and the power of grassroots initiatives.

They continue to discuss the importance of respecting local communities while traveling, the evolving perception of pets as family members, and the need for cultural competence in veterinary care brand animal welfare. They explore the biases that exist within animal care practices and share personal experiences of loss and legacy.

The conversation emphasizes the significance of volunteering with purpose and the impact individuals can have in their communities.

SUBSCRIBE & SHARELink Tree: http://Linktr.ee/azaliaboydYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrittersandCulturesSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/critters-and-culturesWebsite: https://www.drazaliaboyd.com/

About Natalia HansonNatalia Hanson is a Colombian and Canadian citizen who turned her professions as a veterinary assistant and public relations professional into a passion project, her own nonprofit organization, Colombianimals.Colombianimals combines tourism and volunteering for foreigners who want to explore Colombia while helping dogs and cats through surgical sterilization campaigns.

Website: https://colombianimals.org/Volunteer with Us: https://mailchi.mp/4aaa34186f04/colombianimals-interested-volunteersTraining Program: https://colombianimals.org/vet-training/Follow On Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/colombianimalshttps://www.instagram.com/colombianimalss/https://x.com/colombianimalshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/colombianimals/"

About Dr. Azalia Boyd

Azalia Boyd, DVM, is a distinguished veterinarian and educator committed to equitable veterinary care and community engagement. A proud alumna of Tuskegee University, she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Poultry Sciences in 2004, recognized with a Presidential Academic Scholarship. As CEO of Boyd Veterinary Services and Consulting, LLC, she mentors youth aspiring to veterinary careers and supports young minority students. She has worked to bridge access gaps for BIPOC and marginalized communities. Dr. Boyd actively participates in professional associations like the AVMA and GVMA and holds certifications from the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton Online. An international speaker, she addresses improvements in veterinary care and cultural competency, positioning her as a leader in advancing the field for all.#

#crittersandcultures #animalwelfare #culturaldiversity #petadoption #openadoption #animaladoption #culturalawareness #petoverpopulation #animaladvocacy

In this episode of Critters and Cultures, Dr. Azalia Boyd engages with Dr. Emma Jackson and James Rogers to explore the intersection of animal welfare and cultural diversity, particularly within Indigenous communities. They discuss the challenges faced in providing veterinary care, the importance of building trust, and the need for legislative changes to improve access to animal services. The conversation highlights the unique cultural contexts of Indigenous communities and the critical role of advocacy in addressing historical inequities.

In this episode of Critters in Cultures, host Dr. Azalia Boyd engages with Victor Manuel, founder of Tarzan Movement, to explore the intersection of animal welfare, cultural diversity, and human movement. They discuss the importance of empathy, the journey of self-discovery through movement, and the significance of play in reconnecting with our primal instincts. Victor shares his experiences growing up in Cuba, the challenges of adapting to life in Barcelona, and how he facilitates natural movement in his classes. The conversation emphasizes the need to overcome social stigmas and encourages listeners to embrace joy and playfulness in their lives.

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About Victor Manuel and Tarzan Movement

With Tarzan Movement, Victor’s philosophy is to bring back this connection we lost with each other, to nature and with ourselves. Victor creates a safe space for attention, for freshness, a safe space to create a community where people can explore how to embody different animals and their movements, explore their own relationship with trees and their ears.

Website: https://tarzanmovement.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Tarzan_Movement

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarzan_movement/

About Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM

Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM, is a distinguished veterinarian and educator committed to equitable veterinary care and community engagement. A proud alumna of Tuskegee University, she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Poultry Sciences in 2004, recognized with a Presidential Academic Scholarship. As CEO of Boyd Veterinary Services and Consulting, LLC, she mentors youth aspiring to veterinary careers and supports young minority students. Previously, she was the Chief Veterinary Medical Officer for Companion Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), working to bridge access gaps for BIPOC and marginalized communities. Dr. Boyd actively participates in professional associations like the AVMA and GVMA and holds certifications from the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton Online. An international speaker, she addresses improvements in veterinary care and cultural competency, positioning her as a leader in advancing the field for all.

#animallover #animalwelfare #culturaldiversity #empathy, #movement #TarzanMovement #primalinstincts #tarzan

What if your pet could tell you exactly what they need — would you listen

In this episode of Critters and Cultures, Dr. Azalia Boyd speaks with Dr. Galina Burshton, a Canadian veterinarian with a rich cultural background and a unique perspective on animal welfare. They discuss Galina's journey from Russia to Canada, her move to Costa Rica, and the cultural differences she has encountered in her veterinary practice. The conversation explores themes of hospitality, community building, and the ethical dilemmas faced in veterinary medicine, particularly regarding euthanasia and cultural beliefs. Galina shares her experiences of adapting to a new environment, the importance of connection, and her new venture, Pura Vida Veterinary Wellness, which aims to promote well-being for both animals and humans.

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About Dr. Galina Bershteyn

Dr. Galina Bershteyn earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2009 from the Ontario Veterinary College in Canada after an 11-year career as a Registered Veterinary Technician. She then attended the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) in Florida to become a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) and Certified Veterinary Food Therapist (CVFT) in 2012, while working toward her Herbal Practitioner certification. She also holds the AVMA Certificate of Wellness and completed the Train-the-Trainer program, serving as an AVMA Veterinary Wellbeing Educator and facilitator.

Since the 1990s, Dr. Galina has gained extensive experience in veterinary medicine, starting as a technician and later as a locum/relief veterinarian in companion animal, equine, emergency, and exotic practices across Canada, the US, and the UK. She eventually opened a holistic integrative practice in London, Ontario, focusing on acupuncture, food therapy, aromatherapy, and preventive medicine. Her diverse experience gives her a unique, practical approach to holistic principles and wellbeing in veterinary care.

An avid scuba diver and PADI Scuba Instructor with Iguana Divers and Mantas of Costa Rica, she is also a singer/songwriter, artist, and spiritual traveler. Now living in Costa Rica with her husband, 3 dogs, and 2 cats, she continues to practice acupuncture, food therapy, and natural medicine with domestic animals and wildlife at Wildsun Wildlife Rescue. In collaboration with the rescue, she offers RACE-approved continuing education wellbeing retreats for veterinary professionals, as well as workshops and presentations for veterinary externs and interns through puravidavetwellness.com.

Go to puravidavetwellness.com for more information

Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/puravidavetwellness/

Follow on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/galina-bershteyn-dvm-cva-cvft-avma-wellbeing-educator-76a52852/

About Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM

Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM, is a distinguished veterinarian and educator committed to equitable veterinary care and community engagement. A proud alumna of Tuskegee University, she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Poultry Sciences in 2004, recognized with a Presidential Academic Scholarship. As CEO of Boyd Veterinary Services and Consulting, LLC, she mentors youth aspiring to veterinary careers and supports young minority students. Previously, she was the Chief Veterinary Medical Officer for Companion Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), working to bridge access gaps for BIPOC and marginalized communities. Dr. Boyd actively participates in professional associations like the AVMA and GVMA and holds certifications from the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton Online. An international speaker, she addresses improvements in veterinary care and cultural competency, positioning her as a leader in advancing the field for all.