From ER Chaos to Fossil Diving: Natalie Pedraja’s Vet Med Journey and Mental Health Advocacy.

Hosts Dr. Chelsea and vet tech Trish welcome licensed vet tech Natalie Pedraja of Virginia, who shares her 17-year path in veterinary medicine, from shadowing as a teen and vet science classes to emergency practice, tech school, and leadership roles. She recounts difficult workplaces, including being terminated for discussing wages, intense GP chaos, patient-care failures and retaliation in academia at WSU, and later conflicts in specialty practice and preclinical research, all contributing to burnout and outpatient mental health treatment supported by FMLA. Natalie describes hobbies that helped her heal, including pottery, foraging, and risky South Carolina river diving for fossils and artifacts, finding megalodon teeth and a mastodon molar. After returning to Virginia and briefly working security, she became an UrgentVet practice manager, improved clinic performance, advocated for staff wages, and built a supportive team culture.

00:00 Show Cold Open

01:27 Scuba Fears and Rivers

04:46 Reef Snorkel Stories

09:20 Early Vet Med Origins

14:23 Tech School and Undergrad

16:20 ER Burnout and Firing

17:25 GP Chaos and Cat Hoarders

24:03 Back to ER and Mentorship

29:17 ICU Culture Shock

31:55 Medical Errors in Academia

34:45 Car Wreck and Burnout

39:16 Securing Gear in Cars

40:38 Favorite Dive Spot

41:53 River Diving Dangers

43:06 Fossil Finds and Big Teeth

46:40 Artifacts and River History

49:49 Pottery and Moving West

52:49 Workplace Conflict and Reporting

55:55 FMLA and Healing Break

58:51 Mall Cop to Practice Manager

01:03:45 Building a Thriving Clinic

01:11:26 Advocacy Wages and Team Care

01:14:56 Wrap Up and Listener Call

Horse Hauling to Florida, Freak Weather, and a Last-Minute Dressage Test Surprise Dr. Chelsea and vet tech Trish share a horse-focused episode shaped by unusual Colorado warmth and concerns about low snowpack and fire season. Chelsea recounts hauling a group of horses 2,700 miles to Florida with minimal issues, then facing extreme cold, wind, frozen water lines, and a living-quarters heater failure during overnight stops, forcing dry camping and improvised sleeping. In Florida, she manages an 8-year-old Thoroughbred’s sudden lameness from a grapefruit-sized shoe boil that became infected, but still competes successfully at Rocking Horse and plans a move-up to Modified. She also describes arriving at a show unaware the dressage tests had changed, quickly memorizing the new test moments before riding. The episode ends with updates on solo trail riding progress, trail and trailer safety planning, and ways to follow and contact the podcast.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

00:47 Colorado Weather Whiplash

02:19 Caravan to Florida

05:08 Horse Motel Survival

07:26 Frozen Mississippi Night

11:37 Back Home and Kids

12:37 Florida Training and Shoe Boil

15:07 Hotspot Data Disaster

16:30 New Dressage Test Panic

24:17 Solo Showing Lessons

27:31 Photos and Fence Cameras

28:47 Palm Trees and Photos

29:09 Meta RayBan Upgrade Talk

31:48 Solo Trail Riding Breakthrough

35:14 Back Cinch and Tack Fit

37:13 Wildlife and Trail Safety

40:21 Rattlesnakes and Summer Risks

42:17 Lane the Forward Horse

47:25 Trailer Safety Course

48:46 Highway Tire Horror Story

52:19 Gooseneck Hitch Lessons

54:43 Wrap Up and Guest Call

Guest: Rachel Harris- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Owner of A Good Feeling Dog Training

Join Dr. Chelsea and Trish as they welcome Rachel Harris, a certified professional positive reinforcement dog trainer with 14 years of experience specializing in reactive and aggressive dog behavior. From her humble beginnings with Sonny, a terrified pit bull who became an agility champion, to wild adventures with her fearless American Staffordshire Terrier Waylon, Rachel shares honest stories about the joys and challenges of working with "spicy" dogs.

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Remember: You're unhinged, but never alone.

Love Triangles and On-Call Chaos with Equine Vet Dr. Holly McMinn Hosts Dr. Chelsea and vet tech Trish welcome equine veterinarian Dr. Holly McMinn from Lebanon Equine in Ohio. Dr. McMinn shares her non-traditional path into veterinary medicine: growing up in California, leaving a training barn, shadowing an equine vet, gaining hands-on skills as an assistant at West Coast Equine, completing her undergrad at Cal Lutheran, and attending Ohio State for vet school. She describes meeting her husband in vet school, joining Lebanon Equine without a formal internship, and working there for six and a half years through a transition to corporate ownership. Dr. McMinn also discusses her farm life with four horses, a miniature mule, and young children. Dr. McMinn tells an on-call emergency story involving a poorly described “down, bleeding” horse (Trevor) at an unfamiliar barn, conflicting accounts of an attack by another horse, unclear ownership and relationships among the people involved, and a public make-out session that led to the barn becoming known as the “love triangle barn.” The case culminates in a planned euthanasia that is later canceled, and the bill not being paid. The group discusses how non-client emergencies can become unsafe, unpredictable, and often unpaid, and Dr. McMinn recounts another after-hours euthanasia call that felt potentially dangerous while walking into a dark pasture. Dr. Chelsea shares her own non-client emergency experience with a severe nail-in-the-foot case complicated by delayed reporting, a girlfriend searching snowbanks for a lost taser, concerns about a possibly stolen trailer, a declined credit card, and a later complaint filed by the horse’s attorney-owner who had felony assault charges on record—reinforcing why they stopped taking non-client emergencies. Dr. McMinn plugs her social media accounts (@HorseDocHolly on Instagram and TikTok), describing a mix of educational and humorous content created late at night. The episode ends with a call for listeners to apply to be guests via unhingedandoncall.com or [email protected], request ratings/reviews on podcast platforms, and subscribe on YouTube.

0:00 Welcome to Unhinged & On-Call (Meet the Hosts)

00:24 Introducing Dr. Holly McMinn from Lebanon Equine

00:51 From Malibu Barn Drama to Shadowing an Equine Vet

02:36 Learning the Ropes: West Coast Equine + Undergrad Years

04:05 Vet School Leap: Ohio State, New Life, and Landing in Ohio

05:24 Lebanon Equine Today: Corporate Transition & Practice Growth

07:43 Farm Life & Mom Mode: Horses in the Backyard, Kids in the Trenches

10:26 Story Time Setup: The On-Call ‘Love Triangle’ Emergency Begins

11:28 Down Horse Chaos: Missing History, Mystery Barn Owners, and Rising Drama

15:22 The Plot Thickens: Brunch Boots, Bucket-Washing ‘Bill,’ and a Makeout Mid-Discharge

18:00 Who Owns Trevor? The Vet Call That Raises More Questions

18:46 Euthanasia Scheduled… Then the Twist: “That’s Not Deb’s Husband”

20:02 Love Triangle Barn Fallout: Awkward PDA, No Answers, No Payment

21:22 Why We Stopped Taking Non‑Client Emergencies

22:00 After‑Hours Down Horse: Walking Into a Crime Podcast Scenario

24:08 Self‑Defense Talk: “I Have Enough Drugs to Drop You”

24:58 Nail-in-the-Foot Nightmare: Taser, Missing Hay, and a Maybe-Stolen Trailer

27:46 Collections & Felony Charges: The Bill That Backfired

29:46 Wrap-Up: Pink Cowboy Boots, Social Media Plug, and Final Goodbyes

32:33 Podcast Outro: Guest Submissions, Ratings, and YouTube Subscribe

Vet Med Adventures with Arantxa Lasa: From Argentina to Anesthesia. In this episode of 'Unhinged and On-Call,' Dr. Chelsea and Trish are joined by Arantxa, an LVT and recent VTS in anesthesia from the University of Tennessee. The hosts discuss her incredible international experiences in veterinary medicine, from spay-neuter trips in Mexico to working at the Belize Zoo and volunteer work in Argentina. They dive deep into the unique challenges faced in resource-limited settings and the significance of hands-on medical skills. Arantxa also shares her heart-pounding experience with a bucking bull and the professional journey that led her to specialize in anesthesia. This episode is a rollercoaster of inspiring stories and professional insights, perfect for anyone curious about the global impact of veterinary care.

00:00 Introduction to Unhinged and on-Call

00:25 International Veterinary Adventures

00:55 Guest Introduction: Arantxa Lasa

04:38 Arantxa's Journey into Veterinary Medicine

06:35 Achieving VTS in Anesthesia

07:31 Life and Work in Tennessee

10:50 Memorable Veterinary Experiences Abroad

17:09 Exploring VetMed Adventures

17:54 Journey to Belize

19:00 Unique Experiences in Belize

22:44 Anesthesia Challenges and Stories

22:58 Bucking Bull Anesthesia

30:10 Podcast Wrap-Up and Call to Action

Veterinary Adventures & Everyday Mishaps In this episode of Unhinged and On-Call, Dr. Chelsea and Trish, a vet tech, share wild stories from the world of veterinary medicine, adventures at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, and personal anecdotes about fish tanks, rodeo outings, and even backing into a neighbor's car. They touch on the challenges of fish ownership, the intricacies of dental issues post-braces, and the latest involvement in veterinary 3D printing technology. With elements of humor, real-life veterinary challenges, and parenting humor, this episode is a delightful mix of relatable chaos and professional insight.

00:00 Introduction to Unhinged and On-Call

00:24 Wake Up Call and Full House Nostalgia

00:50 Stock Show Adventures

03:06 Rodeo Fun and Family Time

08:00 Embarrassing Car Stories

15:35 Driving Mishaps and Lessons Learned

20:23 Preparing for the Journey

20:54 Driving Logistics and Challenges

21:36 Packing and Preparations

22:48 Living Arrangements and Mailbox Woes

23:38 The Fish Saga

33:48 Dental Dilemmas and 3D Printing

39:24 Closing Thoughts and Listener Engagement

Unhinged and On Call: Stephen Niño Cital's Veterinary Journey In this episode of Unhinged and On Call, hosts Dr. Chelsea and Trish welcome a special guest, Stephen Niño Cital, a highly credentialed veterinary technician specializing in anesthesia, pain management, and cannabinoid medicine. Stephen shares his impressive career trajectory, from his multiple certifications to his work at Stanford University and Remedy Veterinary Specialists. The discussion touches on Stephen's passion for continuous learning, his groundbreaking approach to pain management, and the importance of technician utilization and respect in veterinary practices. Listeners will gain insights into the evolving field of veterinary medicine and the significance of fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture.

00:00 Introduction to Unhinged and On Call

00:28 Meet Our Special Guest: Stephen Niño Cital

01:00 Stephen's Impressive Credentials and Career

01:41 The Importance of Pain Management in Veterinary Medicine

04:09 Stephen's Journey and Passion for Veterinary Medicine

06:27 Balancing Career and Personal Life

09:49 International Reach and Cannabis Consultations

11:01 Stephen's Favorite Aspects of His Career

17:38 Balancing Sacrifices and Growth

17:58 Journey to Partnership

20:31 Building a Practice on Shared Values

22:28 Technician Utilization and Respect

26:55 Challenging Hierarchies in Veterinary Medicine

32:07 The Importance of Communication and Culture

36:16 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

37:15 Podcast Outro and Listener Engagement

Discussion links:

NOMV group 

Remedy Vets San Francisco 

Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds Group 

Pioneering Veterinary Surgery and Wild Adventures with Dr. Dean Hendrickson In this episode of 'Unhinged and on Call,' veterinary professionals Dr. Chelsea and Trish are joined by Dr. Dean Hendrickson, a professor of surgery at CSU and a trailblazer in minimally invasive veterinary procedures. Dr. Hendrickson shares his groundbreaking work in equine surgery, innovative teaching methods, and thrilling stories from his veterinary missions in Africa. The episode highlights his contributions to veterinary medicine, the importance of evolving surgical training, and the incredible experiences he’s had working with diverse animal species. Tune in for a blend of insightful medical discussions and captivating tales from the field.

00:00 Introduction to Unhinged and on Call

00:25 Meet Dr. Dean Hendrickson: Pioneer in Veterinary Surgery

02:13 The Evolution of Minimally Invasive Procedures

06:27 Adventures in Africa: Close Encounters with Wildlife

07:30 The Thrill and Challenges of Field Surgery

17:37 Personal Reflections and Career Highlights

19:33 Reflecting on a 31-Year Career

20:00 Opportunities in Veterinary Medicine

20:32 Advice for Veterinary Students

21:25 Career Path and Personal Growth

23:39 The Importance of Finding the Right Fit

27:13 Developing a New Curriculum

30:56 Simulation and Surgical Skills

34:07 Mentorship and Continuing Education

36:32 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

37:17 Podcast Outro and Call to Action

Unhinged and on Call: Holiday Madness and Theme Park Adventures In this holiday special episode of 'Unhinged and on Call,' Dr. Chelsea and Trish catch up on the chaotic holiday season. From Dr. Chelsea's high-performance anxiety starting in October to hilarious and heartwarming stories about family traditions and festivities, the duo shares their experiences. They delve into last-minute theme park trips, including Harry Potter world and roller coaster mishaps. They also discuss fulfilling their kids' unique Christmas wishes, from zero-turn lawnmowers to a school of goldfish. Along the way, they share tips for holiday preparations and managing the hectic pace of December. Tune in for laughs, relatable parenting struggles, and a glimpse into the wild world of veterinary professionals.

00:00 Introduction to Unhinged and on Call

00:24 Holiday Season Catch-Up

02:13 Holiday Travel Adventures

03:27 Theme Park Experiences

07:09 Motion Sickness and Veterinary Medicine

12:49 Unexpected Gift Mishaps

13:03 Planning Future Trips

13:40 Christmas Shopping and Wrapping

15:16 The Santa Request

16:23 The Lawn Mower Incident

18:45 The Goldfish Adventure

23:22 Elf on the Shelf Struggles

24:55 Holiday Wishes and Podcast Outro

Unhinged and On-Call: Outrageous Vet Stories from AAEP In this episode of Unhinged and On-Call, Dr. Chelsea and vet tech Trish share four rapid-fire stories straight from the National Equine Practitioners Convention (AAEP) in Denver. The episode features hilarious and shocking tales, including a persistent client hitting on a vet, a midnight emergency surgery, a vet student’s nightmare trip to Hawaii, and attempts to combat plumber’s crack in clinics. The episode promises laughs, real stories, and a brief escape into the chaotic world of veterinary medicine. Sponsored by VetCS, providers of veterinarian-developed CBD and wellness products for pets and horses.

00:00 Introduction to Unhinged and on Call

00:24 Rapid Fire Stories from the Convention

00:54 Sponsor Shoutout: VetCS

01:27 Client Shows Too Much Skin

03:55 Midnight Emergency Surgery

05:33 Hawaiian Vet Adventure Gone Wrong

06:55 Dealing with the Crack Problem

08:13 Conclusion and Community Support