Send me a text sharing your thoughts or questions

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight.

In veterinary medicine, there are often early warning signs that show up long before someone reaches burnout — but many of these signs are so normalized in high-achieving professions that we miss them completely.

In this episode, Dr. Amelia shares four warning signs that often appear well before burnout, including the ones leaders and teams most commonly overlook.

Some of these may surprise you.

You’ll learn how to recognize when someone may be operating in survival mode — whether that looks like the high performer who never slows down, the “low maintenance” perfect employee who always says yes, the cynical teammate who seems negative, or the person who suddenly seems unmotivated or checked out.

Understanding these patterns through a nervous system lens can help veterinary professionals and leaders respond with more compassion, awareness, and effective support — instead of judgment or assumptions.

Because burnout doesn’t start with one hard day.

It happens when survival mode becomes the norm.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The four early warning signs that often show up before burnout
• Why high performers and “easy” employees may actually be at risk
• How stress responses like fight, flight, fawn, and freeze show up in veterinary teams
• Why labeling people as “toxic” can miss what’s really happening
• Simple ways to start responding with compassion, curiosity, and awareness

If you're a veterinary professional, practice leader, or high achiever who wants success that feels sustainable instead of exhausting, this episode will give you a new lens for understanding burnout before it happens.

Resources Mentioned

Learn more about the Aligned Success Reboot (6-month coaching experience for driven professionals who want sustainable success without hustle):
https://www.lifeboost.today/aligned-success-reboot

Take the Unicorn Veterinary Hospital Workplace Satisfaction & Well-Being Survey for your practice:
https://www.lifeboost.today/unicornhospitalsurvey

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who could benefit — especially someone in veterinary medicine.

And if you enjoy the podcast, leaving a review helps more people discover it.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or professional advice. I am a certified health and life coach, not a licensed medical or mental health professional. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your physical or mental health routines. If you are experiencing a crisis, seek help from a qualified professional or contact emergency services.

Connect with me on your favorite social media channel: Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

To learn more about my approach and the programs and free resources available to support you, visit my website: www.lifeboost.today

I love to hear from you. You can always reach me at [email protected].

Send me a text sharing your thoughts or questions

This episode started as a conversation about an elite sport — but it quickly became something much bigger.

Former Team USA bobsledder Will Person shares what happened years after repeated head trauma left him battling confusion, depression, memory loss, and suicidal thoughts — long after his athletic career ended.

His story highlights a critical gap in how we understand mental health: many people struggling with depression, personality changes, or cognitive decline may be living with untreated brain injury — without knowing it.

With the Winter Olympics underway, this conversation offers an important behind-the-scenes look at what high-impact sports demand of the brain — and why athletes are often taught to push through symptoms that appear “minor” at the time.

In veterinary medicine and other caregiving professions, mental health struggles are often framed as emotional or psychological problems alone.

This episode invites a deeper question: What happens when physical brain injury, chronic stress, inflammation, or nervous system overload are part of the picture — but never evaluated?

In this episode, we explore:

• How repeated sub-concussive impacts can affect the brain years later
• Why CTE and brain injuries are often misdiagnosed or overlooked
• The hidden mental health toll of elite sports — and other head trauma that may be dismissed or forgotten
• Why “rest and return to play” is often not enough for concussions
• How hyperbaric oxygen therapy helped restore clarity, energy, and hope — and what this could mean for future brain-based mental health care

If you know someone who has experienced a concussion, head injury, or unexplained mental health changes — especially years later — please share this episode to help raise awareness.

Resources & ways to support Will’s work:

William’s GoFundMe is: https://gofund.me/93ff9c6e  

• To help open a CTE Recovery Center for athletes and military veterans

Links to William’s Social Media: @onemanwithachamber (LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok) 

If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988. Outside the U.S., visit findahelpline.com.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or professional advice. I am a certified health and life coach, not a licensed medical or mental health professional. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your physical or mental health routines. If you are experiencing a crisis, seek help from a qualified professional or contact emergency services.

Connect with me on your favorite social media channel: Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

To learn more about my approach and the programs and free resources available to support you, visit my website: www.lifeboost.today

I love to hear from you. You can always reach me at [email protected].

Send me a text sharing your thoughts or questions

In this episode of the Life Boost with Amelia podcast, Dr. Amelia and Dr. Shona Kowtecky tackle the financial challenges that veterinary teams and pet owners face regarding the cost of veterinary care. They delve into practical exercises and activities aimed at helping veterinary professionals feel more comfortable and less stressed when discussing finances. Key topics include the FEARR framework, which stands for Familiarity, Exposure, Accessibility, Relatability, and Reason, and how it can reduce fear and anxiety around financial conversations. The episode also covers personal money memories, valuable team activities to understand costs better, humanizing financial talks, and strategies for enhancing client communication. This comprehensive discussion is a must-listen for veterinary professionals and pet owners looking to navigate the complexities of veterinary care costs more effectively and with less stress.

01:01 The Cost of Veterinary Care

02:16 Understanding the FEARR Framework

03:18 Exercises to Reduce Financial Stress

05:38 Personal Money Memories

10:31 Team Activities for Financial Clarity

15:37 Humanizing Financial Conversations

19:48 Partnering with Clients for Pet Care

31:09 Proactive Financial Planning for Pet Owners

32:17 Understanding the Dental Experience

32:50 Enhancing Client Communication

33:32 Addressing Subconscious Beliefs

35:00 Shifting Mindsets Around Money

36:19 Balancing Care and Costs

38:24 The Value of Veterinary Services

40:41 Visible vs. Invisible Discounts

42:46 Team Conversations on Pricing

45:57 Empowering Financial Conversations

48:00 Practical Steps for Financial Growth

48:47 Resources for Financial Assistance

53:12 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Ways to connect with Dr. Shona Kowtecky:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.shonakowtecky.com/
• LinkedIn -- www.linkedin.com/in/shona-kowtecky
• Book -- https://www.shonakowtecky.com/bookstore.html 

Blog post: Managing Veterinary Care Costs: A Complete Guide To Payment Options for Pet Owners & Vet Practices

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or professional advice. I am a certified health and life coach, not a licensed medical or mental health professional. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your physical or mental health routines. If you are experiencing a crisis, seek help from a qualified professional or contact emergency services.

Connect with me on your favorite social media channel: Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

To learn more about my approach and the programs and free resources available to support you, visit my website: www.lifeboost.today

I love to hear from you. You can always reach me at [email protected].

Send me a text sharing your thoughts or questions

With Dr. Shona Kowtecky — practical strategies to talk about money without stress.

Join Dr. Amelia and special guest Dr. Shona Kowtecky for an honest, practical conversation about one of the most stressful and avoided topics in veterinary medicine: finances. Whether you’re a veterinary professional or a pet owner, financial stress affects how you think, feel, and make decisions — and yet it’s rarely discussed in a way that feels supportive or clear.

In this episode, we unpack why money conversations feel so uncomfortable, how that impacts both veterinary teams and pet owners, and why building financial confidence is essential for well-being and access to care. Dr. Shona shares her F-E-A-R-R framework, a simple and effective tool to decrease fear around anything (including finances). 

You’ll walk away with practical strategies and mindset shifts you can start using immediately — whether you’re navigating client conversations, managing personal financial stress, or trying to understand the business side of veterinary medicine more clearly.

This is Part 1 of a 2-part series. Next week, we dive deeper into specific tools and exercises you can bring back to your clinic, team, or personal life.

Ways to connect with Dr. Shona Kowtecky:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.shonakowtecky.com/
• LinkedIn -- www.linkedin.com/in/shona-kowtecky
• Book -- https://www.shonakowtecky.com/bookstore.html 

Blog post: Managing Veterinary Care Costs: A Complete Guide To Payment Options for Pet Owners & Vet Practices

Article: Anticipating the downturn: business cycle forecasting for veterinary practice strategy in the United States

Aligned Success Reboot: https://www.lifeboost.today/aligned-success-reboot

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or professional advice. I am a certified health and life coach, not a licensed medical or mental health professional. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your physical or mental health routines. If you are experiencing a crisis, seek help from a qualified professional or contact emergency services.

Connect with me on your favorite social media channel: Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

To learn more about my approach and the programs and free resources available to support you, visit my website: www.lifeboost.today

I love to hear from you. You can always reach me at [email protected].

Send me a text sharing your thoughts or questions

Healing isn’t about control — it’s about trust. In this episode, Dr. Amelia shares the lessons her concussion recovery taught her about releasing resistance and the need to control, embracing discomfort, and finding peace in uncertainty.

In This Episode

• The surprising lessons from slowing down when life forces you to
• How resistance and control keep your body stuck in survival mode
• Why allowing discomfort is essential for nervous system regulation
• The power of “compassionate resilience” — trusting yourself through uncertainty
• How to begin shifting from control to trust (and why this changes everything)

Mentioned in This Episode

• The Aligned Success Reboot (ASR): A 6-month mind-body coaching experience for high achievers ready to replace hustle with sustainable success. Learn more or join the waitlist → https://www.lifeboost.today/aligned-success-reboot
• Earlier Concussion Chronicles Episodes: Start from the beginning to hear how this journey unfolded.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or professional advice. I am a certified health and life coach, not a licensed medical or mental health professional. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your physical or mental health routines. If you are experiencing a crisis, seek help from a qualified professional or contact emergency services.

Connect with me on your favorite social media channel: Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

To learn more about my approach and the programs and free resources available to support you, visit my website: www.lifeboost.today

I love to hear from you. You can always reach me at [email protected].

Send me a text sharing your thoughts or questions

In this Concussion Chronicles episode, Dr. Amelia revisits a past concussion and the lessons it revealed about unseen struggles, caregiving, and empathy. She explores how viewing behavior through a nervous system lens offers a universal language for understanding ourselves and others—even when we don’t know the full story. Discover how compassion, curiosity, and connection become powerful tools for healing and leadership in life and veterinary medicine.

Resources mentioned:

• Beat The Burnout: www.lifeboost.today/beatburnout
• Aligned Success Reboot: https://www.lifeboost.today/aligned-success-reboot

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or professional advice. I am a certified health and life coach, not a licensed medical or mental health professional. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your physical or mental health routines. If you are experiencing a crisis, seek help from a qualified professional or contact emergency services.

Connect with me on your favorite social media channel: Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

To learn more about my approach and the programs and free resources available to support you, visit my website: www.lifeboost.today

I love to hear from you. You can always reach me at [email protected].

Send me a text sharing your thoughts or questions

In this episode of the Concussion Chronicles, Dr, Amelia, integrative health & life coach and recovered burned out veterinarian, shares one of the most powerful mindset shifts that helped her during concussion recovery: choosing main character energy instead of slipping into victim mode. 

You’ll hear how a simple reframe can completely change the way you experience your reality, and you'll be introduced to a simple coaching tool that helps you to see how your thoughts, feelings, actions, and results are all connected. 

This is an invitation to notice the way you’re narrating your own life so you can start choosing thoughts that align with the reality you want to be creating.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or professional advice. I am a certified health and life coach, not a licensed medical or mental health professional. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your physical or mental health routines. If you are experiencing a crisis, seek help from a qualified professional or contact emergency services.

Connect with me on your favorite social media channel: Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

To learn more about my approach and the programs and free resources available to support you, visit my website: www.lifeboost.today

I love to hear from you. You can always reach me at [email protected].

Send me a text sharing your thoughts or questions

In this episode of 'Life Boost with Amelia,' host Dr. Amelia, an integrative health and life coach and veterinarian, shares her personal concussion recovery journey.

 Through candid reflections and reading her social media posts from that time, Amelia outlines six crucial strategies she used to cope with the challenging recovery process. 

She underscores the importance of addressing both good and uncomfortable emotions, reframing setbacks as learning experiences, and seeking gratitude and curiosity even in difficult times. 

To help others foster a positive mindset, Amelia offers a nine-minute morning affirmations meditation, available here: https://www.lifeboost.today/morningaffirmations

00:00 Introduction to Life Boost with Amelia

01:01 Amelia's Concussion Recovery Journey

03:30 Coping Strategies for Difficult Times

05:09 Embracing Challenges and Finding Strength

06:57 Daily Choices for a Positive Mindset

10:11 A Gift of Meditation and Affirmations

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or professional advice. I am a certified health and life coach, not a licensed medical or mental health professional. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your physical or mental health routines. If you are experiencing a crisis, seek help from a qualified professional or contact emergency services.

Connect with me on your favorite social media channel: Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

To learn more about my approach and the programs and free resources available to support you, visit my website: www.lifeboost.today

I love to hear from you. You can always reach me at [email protected].

Send me a text sharing your thoughts or questions

In this episode of 'Life Boost with Amelia,' host Dr. Amelia, an integrative health and life coach, shares her personal journey of recovering from a concussion and how she coped with over five weeks of physical inactivity. Despite being someone who loves staying active, Amelia discusses the unique challenges she faced and the surprising results of this forced break. Discover how she navigated the emotional and physical aspects of her recovery, the strategies she used to minimize strength loss, and the powerful lessons on the importance of gentle movements and honoring your body's need for rest and nourishment.

00:00 Introduction to Life Boost with Amelia

01:02 Concussion Story: The Journey Begins

03:06 Lessons from Concussion Recovery

04:12 Overcoming Old Patterns and Fears

06:01 Adapting to New Physical Limitations

10:19 The Power of Small Movements

14:52 Consistency and Listening to Your Body

18:49 Reflections and Final Thoughts

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or professional advice. I am a certified health and life coach, not a licensed medical or mental health professional. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your physical or mental health routines. If you are experiencing a crisis, seek help from a qualified professional or contact emergency services.

Connect with me on your favorite social media channel: Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

To learn more about my approach and the programs and free resources available to support you, visit my website: www.lifeboost.today

I love to hear from you. You can always reach me at [email protected].

Send me a text sharing your thoughts or questions

In this episode of the Life Boost with Amelia podcast, Dr. Amelia Knight Pinkston and Dr. Sonja Olson have a candid conversation about the current challenges in veterinary medicine, tailored for veterinary professionals and pet parents who are curious about the factors contributing to these issues. 

They explore topics such as burnout, rising costs, decreased trust among pet owners, and lack of diversity, discussing steps that can be taken individually and as a profession to address them. Dr. Olson shares insights on trust, communication, and the importance of personal and professional wellbeing. This episode offers valuable resources and practical tips for creating a more sustainable and supportive environment in vet med and highlights the network of professionals working behind the scenes to create positive change.

00:00 Introduction to Life Boost with Amelia

01:02 Challenges in Veterinary Medicine

04:16 Introducing Dr. Sonja Olson

05:56 Sonja's Professional Journey

10:05 The Evolution of Veterinary Medicine

23:55 The Importance of Clinical Empathy

32:18 Efficiency and Wellbeing in Vet Med

35:32 Exciting Developments in Veterinary Care

36:46 Building a Supportive Team Culture

37:43 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

38:30 Leveraging Resources for Growth

39:35 Embracing Change and Setting Boundaries

41:34 The Power of Teamwork and Seeking Help

43:50 Creating a Healthy Work Environment

51:59 Fostering Diversity and Inclusion

58:13 Trust and Self-Awareness

01:03:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Ways to connect with Sonja:

• www.Sonjaolsondvm.com
• www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-a-olson-dvm /
• [email protected]
• Book: Creating Well-being and Building Resilience in the Veterinary Profession: A Call to Life  

Life Boost with Amelia resource:

• (Free) Beat The Burnout (RACE- and VHMA-approved for 4 hours of CE): http://www.lifeboost.today/beatburnout
• Evolving list of "unicorn allies"

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or professional advice. I am a certified health and life coach, not a licensed medical or mental health professional. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your physical or mental health routines. If you are experiencing a crisis, seek help from a qualified professional or contact emergency services.

Connect with me on your favorite social media channel: Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

To learn more about my approach and the programs and free resources available to support you, visit my website: www.lifeboost.today

I love to hear from you. You can always reach me at [email protected].