This April Fool’s episode takes a real-time look at the veterinary industry after Q1 2026. The group discusses steady but plateauing financial performance, growing capacity limits due to doctor shortages, and the ongoing challenge of workforce distribution—especially in rural and mixed animal practices. While demand for care remains strong, practices are feeling the strain of staffing gaps, rising costs, and operational inefficiencies. Overall, the tone is cautiously optimistic, with a focus on adapting, improving efficiency, and planning ahead.

A real conversation about suicide, awareness, and why asking the hard questions can save lives.

If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

Listen/watch: unfilteredvetdiscussions.com

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the team explores the idea that everything in life and business is hard—you just have to choose your hard. From leadership and communication to personal growth, they highlight why the most challenging skills often matter most, while also taking a moment to honor Phil and his mother.

In ASSUME, the Unfiltered Vet Discussions panel talks about how assumptions shape communication, teamwork, and client interactions in veterinary medicine. Using funny stories and real examples, they unpack how easy it is to misread people, situations, and intentions—and why clearer communication, vulnerability, and asking questions matter more than jumping to conclusions.

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, Kelly and Phil talk about what it means to navigate heavy seasons in life. From personal challenges and loss to the everyday weight many people carry, they discuss the importance of self-compassion, asking for help, and focusing on what truly matters. The conversation is a reminder that difficult moments are part of the human experience—and giving yourself grace during those times is essential.

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel discusses why “less is not more” when it comes to consolidation in the veterinary industry. They explore the potential impact of major distributor mergers, including how fewer options for supplies and services could affect pricing, inventory management, and independent veterinary practices. The conversation also highlights concerns around data ownership, private equity influence, and the importance of veterinarians staying informed so they can make smarter business decisions and protect the future of independent practices.

In this episode, Kelly, Beth, and Peter dig into what “client experience” really means in veterinary medicine—and why it’s become a major differentiator as pet owners pay closer attention to value, communication, and trust. They frame vet med as a service industry delivering healthcare (not the other way around), emphasizing that clients are part of the team and that leadership sets the tone for consistency. The conversation covers where practices commonly miss the mark (communication, pricing/value explanation, feeling unheard), how to improve through training, auditing, and clear expectations, and why the experience starts before someone walks in the door—your digital presence is now the “front desk.”

In this kickoff episode of the Boss Bitch mini-series under Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the conversation centers on what it really means for women to take the first step—especially in male-dominated industries. The panel shares candid stories about being underestimated, dismissed, or softened into first-name familiarity when male counterparts are afforded titles and authority. Through personal experiences in business ownership, leadership, and public visibility, they unpack how fear of failure, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to be “perfect” can hold women back.

In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the hosts reflect on a simple but powerful truth: what you do matters, even when you can’t see the impact right away. Through personal stories, leadership experiences, and moments from everyday life, they explore the ripple effect of kindness, presence, and intentional connection. The conversation touches on imposter syndrome, burnout, and feeling invisible during hard days—especially in veterinary medicine and leadership roles—while offering practical ways to reframe perspective, recognize small wins, and help others feel seen. At its core, this episode is a reminder that every role, every interaction, and every effort carries meaning—and that reminding others they matter often starts with believing it yourself.

Nearly six years after COVID first disrupted the world, its effects are still shaping veterinary medicine in lasting ways. In this episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the panel explores “long COVID” in the profession—how rapid demand shifts, workforce shortages, rising costs, burnout, and productivity changes continue to impact practices today.

From staffing and retention challenges to mentorship strain on senior doctors, the conversation unpacks why simply hiring more veterinarians isn’t the full solution. The panel discusses efficiency, delegation, workflow redesign, AI scribes, and new practice models as critical tools for moving forward.