Dr. Andy Roark sits down with Anthony Pierlioni, VP of the Turtle Room and Manager of Training & Facilitation at VCA, to talk about his book, Veterinary Leadership Through Fresh Eyes. This heartfelt, candid conversation offers fresh insight into veterinary leadership from someone who took the long road to management, bringing empathy, emotional intelligence, and a social worker’s mindset into the veterinary world. Whether you’re new to veterinary practice management or mentoring the next generation of leaders, this episode delivers powerful reminders about how to lead with heart and hold accountability with compassion. Let's get into this episode!

Don’t Navigate Vet Med Alone

Running a practice or leading a team shouldn’t feel isolating. The Uncharted Veterinary Community brings together forward-thinking veterinary professionals for real talk, expert learning, and endless support. From live events to practical training, this is your space to grow and connect. Dive in here: learn.unchartedvet.com

Join us for the Team Leads Summit

The Uncharted Team Leads Summit is a one-day virtual event designed to empower veterinary team leads with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Through interactive workshops and real-time collaboration with peers, your leads will gain practical tools they can use immediately to support your team and strengthen your practice. Whether they oversee the front desk, the tech team, or daily operations, this summit will help them grow as leaders and drive your practice forward.

Upcoming events: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

Guest Bio: I have published 5 books - one on veterinary leadership and the other four on turtles. In addition to being a veterinary leader and former practice manager, I am a turtle conservationist. My focus in life is people, helping to support them in vet med and to help bridge gaps in species conservation. Even as animal people, it has to be about people of we hope to be successful at all.

Is your boss the reason morale is low and turnover is high? In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, hosts Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss unpack a heartbreaking mailbag letter from a veterinary practice manager stuck in a toxic situation. The letter details an emotionally draining reality: a practice owner whose yelling, micromanagement, and disparaging gossip have left the team completely demoralized. If you’re facing a similar dynamic with a practice bully, you’re not alone. Stephanie and Andy offer practical guidance and powerful mindset shifts to help veterinary leaders navigate workplace toxicity, especially when the bad behavior comes from the top.

Don’t Go It Alone in Vet Med

Feeling like you're carrying the weight of the practice on your shoulders? You’re not the only one. The Uncharted Veterinary Community is your place to connect with smart, supportive veterinary professionals who get it. From hands-on learning to honest conversations, we’re all about helping you grow your skills—and your sanity. Ready to stop doing this solo? Start here: learn.unchartedvet.com

Team Leads, This One’s for You

Your team leads keep the wheels turning—and they deserve tools and training that meet them where they are. The Uncharted Team Leads Summit is a one-day virtual experience built just for leads in vet med. We’re talking actionable workshops, live connection with peers, and leadership tools they can start using right away. Whether they run the front desk, manage techs, or juggle all the things behind the scenes, this summit helps them level up and lead with confidence. Get the details: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

Upcoming events: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

In this episode Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss respond to a mailbag letter about a sensitive workplace issue: management silencing employees. What happens when team members are told not to express emotions, especially when they’re feeling overwhelmed by clients or coworkers? With heart, humor, and unflinching honesty, Andy and Stephanie dive into the philosophical, emotional, and tactical layers of this challenge. From espresso mishaps to kung-fu chiropractor visits (yes, really), they set the stage for a deep conversation on venting, psychological safety, and leadership’s role in workplace culture. Let’s get into this episode!



In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark sits down with Roy Jain, Chief Operating Officer of Blue River Pet Care, to explore how veterinary practice operations can be scaled across 210 hospitals without losing what makes each clinic special. If you're a veterinary practice owner who's ever thought about selling your clinic, or simply scaling your operations more effectively, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical takeaways. Tune in as Roy Jain breaks down the operational strategies they use to honor legacy, build trust, and drive growth. Let’s get into this episode!

This episode is brought to you ad-free thanks to Blue River Pet Care!

Upcoming events: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Maria Pirita unpack a tricky, heartfelt mailbag letter from a practice manager stuck between supporting her aspiring technicians and honoring the clinic’s limitations. The episode offers practical leadership strategies to communicate a “no” with empathy, inspire continued growth, and thoughtfully advocate for veterinary technician school support—even when funding isn’t possible right now. If you’ve ever felt caught between advocating for your team’s development and managing budget constraints, this episode hits home. And if you’re a veterinary leader wondering how to retain ambitious talent while navigating tough conversations, this one’s a must-listen. Let's get into this episode!

Don’t Navigate Vet Med Alone

Running a practice or leading a team shouldn’t feel isolating. The Uncharted Veterinary Community brings together forward-thinking veterinary professionals for real talk, expert learning, and endless support. From live events to practical training, this is your space to grow and connect. Dive in here: learn.unchartedvet.com

Master the Many Hats of Leadership

Being a medical director means balancing medicine, mentorship, and management—and you shouldn’t have to figure it out alone. The Uncharted Medical Director Summit is your one-stop virtual event for expert-led learning, practical tools, and real connection with fellow veterinary leaders. Grow your skills, build your network, and say “yes we can!” with confidence. Register now: unchartedvet.com/events/medical-director-summit

Upcoming events: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

What do you do when your veterinary technician schedule falls apart only weeks into opening your dream clinic? In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss dive into a real mailbag question from a new practice owner facing an all-too-relatable scenario: a small team, a clear plan, and suddenly—schedule drama. This episode unpacks the leadership insights, mindset strategies, and practical steps to resolve a technician schedule conflict with confidence, fairness, and compassion. Let's get into this episode!

Ready to Find Your People?

If you’re craving connection, leadership growth, and real-world strategies to build a thriving veterinary practice, the Uncharted Veterinary Community is where you belong. Get access to exclusive workshops, expert courses, and the most supportive vet med community around. Learn more and join us today: learn.unchartedvet.com

Master Conflict Resolution and Build Stronger Teams

Let’s be real—conflict is inevitable in a busy veterinary practice. Whether it’s front-vs-back team tension, communication breakdowns, or difficult conversations, disagreements can disrupt the workplace. But with the right tools, they can also become opportunities for growth. The Conflict Resolution Certificate program is designed for managers and staff alike, equipping your team with practical skills to handle tough conversations with confidence, improve communication, and foster collaboration. This program helps transform workplace friction into progress, creating a healthier, more productive practice culture. Uncharted members get exclusive access! Ready to turn tension into teamwork? Learn more and enroll here: https://www.vetfolio.com/learning-paths/conflict-management-essentials-for-veterinary-teams

Upcoming events: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

Veterinary leaders often find themselves stuck in a frustrating loop: despite good staffing, experienced employees, and decent workflows, the team simply isn’t moving. Everything feels like it requires a push—someone to give orders, manage every detail, and constantly follow up. The root concern? A lack of training initiative. In this episode of The Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, hosts Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss dive deep into a mailbag letter from a manager asking the million-dollar question: “Can initiative be trained into people?” Their answer: Yes—but only with the right mindset, culture, and leadership strategies in place. Let’s get into this episode!

Looking for Real Connection in Vet Med? Whether you're leading a team or growing into leadership, the Uncharted Veterinary Community is the place to connect, learn, and thrive. Inside, you’ll find powerful workshops, on-demand courses, and a like-minded community that actually gets what you're navigating. Ready to grow with us? Check it out: learn.unchartedvet.com

Don’t Navigate Vet Med Alone

Running a practice or leading a team shouldn’t feel isolating. The Uncharted Veterinary Community brings together forward-thinking veterinary professionals for real talk, expert learning, and endless support. From live events to practical training, this is your space to grow and connect. Dive in here: learn.unchartedvet.com

Upcoming events: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

In this crossover episode of the Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast and Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark sits down with Dr. Kate Boatright to unpack the confidence crisis many new veterinarians face—and how a spectrum of care mindset can shift the game entirely. With Dr. Boatright speaking at the upcoming Uncharted Medical Director Summit, this conversation is a must-hear for anyone leading, mentoring, or coaching veterinary teams. Whether you're a seasoned medical director, a rising leader, or someone passionate about mentoring the next generation, this episode will give you practical insight and inspiration. Let's get into this episode!

Master the Many Hats of Leadership

Being a medical director means balancing medicine, mentorship, and management—and you shouldn’t have to figure it out alone. The Uncharted Medical Director Summit is your one-stop virtual event for expert-led learning, practical tools, and real connection with fellow veterinary leaders. Grow your skills, build your network, and say “yes we can!” with confidence. Register now: unchartedvet.com/events/medical-director-summit

Upcoming events: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

Coaching through insecurity is one of the most challenging aspects of veterinary leadership. When a team member struggles with confidence, frustration, or toxic workplace baggage, it can feel impossible to guide them toward growth without creating conflict. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss answer a listener’s mailbag question: How do you mentor or coach someone through severe insecurity? The answer isn’t simple—because insecurity is rarely the root of the problem. Sometimes, coaching an employee requires balancing compassion with firm expectations. Buckle up, Buttercup! We’re heading to Camp Tough Love to break this down. Let's get into this...

Step into Leadership at the Uncharted Medical Director Summit!

Ready to take charge and inspire your team? The Uncharted Medical Director Summit is a 1-day virtual event designed exclusively for veterinary medical directors who want to lead with confidence, drive change, and strengthen their practice. Spots are limited—don’t miss this chance to invest in your leadership and your practice’s success! Save your seat now: Uncharted Medical Director Summit

From Conflict to Collaboration: Master Tough Conversations!

Disagreements are inevitable—but they don’t have to disrupt your practice. The Conflict Resolution Certificate is designed to equip veterinary managers and staff with the skills to handle tough conversations with confidence and clarity. Exclusively for Uncharted Members, this course helps you foster trust, collaboration, and growth in your clinic. Take the next step in leadership—enroll now: Conflict Management Essentials

Upcoming events: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

All Links: linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag

Some clients require extra attention, but where do you draw the line? In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss dive into a real-life dilemma from a veterinarian facing pushback for prioritizing a demanding client. Should veterinarians go the extra mile for clients they’ve built strong relationships with? Or does this undermine team trust and set unrealistic expectations? Let’s get into this episode!

Lead with Confidence at the Uncharted Medical Director Summit!

A 1-day virtual event designed for veterinary medical directors ready to elevate their leadership game. Connect with peers, engage in interactive workshops, and discover strategies to lead your team to success. Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your professional growth and enhance your practice's performance. Limited spots available!

Register now: Uncharted Medical Director Summit

Turn Conflict into Collaboration!

Disagreements happen in every veterinary practice—but they don’t have to derail your team. The Conflict Resolution Certificate equips managers and staff with practical tools to navigate tough conversations, improve communication, and foster teamwork. Transform workplace friction into growth and create a stronger, more productive practice culture. Exclusive for Uncharted Members!

Ready to lead with confidence? Enroll now: Conflict Management Essentials

Upcoming events: unchartedvet.com/upcoming-events/

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag