In this conversation with Sacha Dench, I gained a deeper understanding of how winning a freediving world championship shaped her bold, media-savvy approach to conservation. Sacha is unstoppable — no challenge, no condition, no physical demand is too much. She pushes limits in the sky, on land, and underwater. But beyond her daring is a woman who leads with compassion, breaks convention, and brings people together. This was a rich, humbling exchange I’ll always cherish — full of insight, resilience, and quiet strength.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 – Introducing Sacha Dench – Conservationist and Expedition Leader

2:45 – From Marine Biology to Flight – How Becoming a Freediving World Champion Amplified her a Voice

5:30 – Overcoming Turbulence Phobia Through Flying

10:00 – The Genesis of “Flight of the Swans” Expedition

14:00 – The Power of Storytelling in Environmental Conservation

18:00 – How Sacha Engages Diverse Audiences with Her Mission

25:00 – Flying Around the UK to Raise Climate Change Awareness

30:00 – Collective Action Over Politics in Conservation Efforts

33:00 – Introducing the New “Sea to Summit” Expedition

35:00 – Why Multidisciplinary Teams Matter in Environmental Work

38:00 – Conservation Challenges Facing Bewick’s Swans

42:00 – Threats to Ospreys and What’s Being Done

47:00 – 9 Years On: Outcomes of the Swan Expedition

49:00 – Understanding Powerline Hazards from a Swan’s Perspective

53:30 – Where Sacha Finds Optimism in Her Conservation Work

56:00 – What’s Next: The “Flight of the Vulture” Expedition

1:02:00 – How to Support Sacha Dench’s Projects and Campaigns

For more information about Conservation Without Borders:

-Website: https://www.conservation-without-borders.org/

Sea to Summit webpage: https://www.conservation-without-borders.org/expeditions/sea-to-summit

Fundraising link: https://www.conservation-without-borders.org/make-a-donation

Flight of the Vultures: https://www.conservation-without-borders.org/flight-of-the-vulture

Vulture fundraising link: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-save-worlds-most-threatened-animals

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/conservation.without.borders

Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/conservation_without_borders/

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

What happens when a bold idea turns into rewilding success? Vet and conservationist Sean McCormack joins me to share the story of the Ealing Beaver Project: urban nature, community empowerment and the return of one of Britain's most important ecosystem engineer. 

2:15 – Breaking Into A Conservation Career

Challenges and hurdles Sean faced in his clinical work and breaking into wildlife conservation.

9:33 – The Water Vole Spark: How Ealing’s Beaver Project Began

How a small mammal set off a rewilding initiative in West London.

17:03 – Red Tape and Restoration: Launching a Beaver Reintroduction Project

The planning, permissions, and bureaucracy in urban wildlife projects.

22:03 – Community & Conservation: How Ealing Welcomed Its Beavers

Local support, reactions, and how public engagement shaped the project’s success.

32:03 – Beavers as Nature-Based Solutions to Urban Flooding

How beavers overdelivered.

35:15 – Biodiversity Boom: Wildlife Returns to Ealing

From a biodiversity "dead zone" to a newly thriving ecosystem.

40:05 – Where Did the Beavers Come From?

The origins of the UK’s new beaver populations and their rewilding journey.

43:22 – The Work of the Beaver Trust

The national charity helping restore beavers to British landscapes.

46:03 – Meet the Ealing Beaver Family

The original family of 5 and their quirks.

48:00 – Population Control & Human Management

How beavers regulate themselves—and future horizons for the kits.

52:00 – Why the UK Needs Wild Beavers

Sean’s passionate plea for nationwide beaver reintroduction.

55:48 – The Peregrine Falcons of West London

More thriving urban wildlife.

1:03:33 – The G.O.A.T: Meeting Sir David Attenborough

Sean shares the unforgettable moment of meeting Britain’s natural history legend.

All the links where you can find Sean and his multiple endeavours: 

https://ealingwildlifegroup.com/
https://theealingbeaverproject.com/
https://drseanmccormack.com/
https://shows.acast.com/seanswildlife
https://www.youtube.com/c/EalingWildlifeGroup/videos
https://www.instagram.com/thatvetsean
https://www.facebook.com/thatvetsean

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

In this episode, I sit down with Katie Ford, vet, coach, speaker, podcaster and unapologetic truth-teller. With Katie's gentle approach, we lift the veil on what coaching truly offers — beyond the buzzwords and Instagram quotes. With her vet background and deep commitment to compassionate transformation, Katie brings clarity to a space that can often feel vague or overwhelming. Whether you’re contemplating a career shift, craving more meaning, or just wondering what’s next, this conversation is an open door into what coaching can be — supportive, structured, and deeply personal.

TIMESTAMPS:

- 2'55"- Qualities Katie brings to her coaching

- 7'10"- What is coaching, and is it for everyone?

- 10'40"- Can you get coached without a clear end goal?

- 14'- How to find the right coach?

- 16'30"- Does it always deliver results?

- 19'05"- Let's talk budget

- 21'45" What hardship can you expect during the coaching process?

- 25'20"- What does a somatic and trauma-informed coach bring to the table?

- 28'30"- What resources can we use daily?

- 32'- What are the best soft skills to develop in the vet profession?

- 34'45"- Reframing perfectionism

- 41'15"- What does the recent popularity of coaching say about the vet profession?

RESOURCES:

https://www.vetempowered.com/

https://howwefeel.org/

https://self-compassion.org/

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

This first episode marks an exciting new direction for Vet Vibes, where I begin sharing real-world stories from the frontlines of conservation.

I speak with Laura Olarte, a passionate Colombian marine biologist, diver, and educator I met in Utila while participating in the GoEco marine conservation programme at Utila Dive Centre (UDC).

Laura shares her journey from Colombia to the Caribbean, how she became Head of GoEco, and what it's like to work hands-on with reef restoration and species protection. We dive into the threats facing coral reefs today—including Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease—and discuss how local and global conservation efforts are responding.

But more than science, this episode explores connection. Laura speaks beautifully about her deep sense of humanity, her love for the sea, and what it means to dedicate your life to protecting fragile ecosystems.

Whether you're a diver, conservationist, or just reef-curious, this is an episode not to miss.

Timestamps:

1:55 – Early career: how Laura got started in marine biology

5:25 – A career led by purpose

11:55 – Causes of biodiversity loss

12:40 – Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease explained

14:25 – Coral bleaching events

15:25 – Ocean acidification

16:40 – Pollution threats to reefs

18:55 – Weather events and reef resilience

19:55 – Future predictions for the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef

22:40 – Diving ethics: privilege vs responsibility

26:25 – Being a woman in conservation

28:55 – Women in diving

30:55 – If Laura had a magic wand…

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

The podcast is taking a longer break than anticipated.
Find out the latest news and follow the IG page for more insights on my reflective journey with a detour in Sri Lanka...

https://www.instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

In today’s episode, I’m joined by James Glass, a Vetlife trustee, who shares deep insights into the vital work Vetlife does alongside his personal experiences within the veterinary profession. Our conversation explores Vetlife’s core missions and organisation.

In the second half, we challenge the stigma around mental health. James and I discuss suicide within the profession in a practical, scientific, yet compassionate way, sharing valuable information that could help those in need or even save lives. We handle this with care, but I encourage anyone who may find this challenging to listen with discretion. Remember, support is always available, and I have included helpful links below.

Resources:

Vetlife:

 - information and help available https://www.vetlife.org.uk/how-we-can-help/

 - volunteering opportunities https://www.vetlife.org.uk/get-involved/

- support through financial giving or donations https://www.vetlife.org.uk/donate/

Mental Health First Aid 

 RCVS-MMI-MHFATraining

https://mhfaengland.org/individuals/adult/

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide:

https://uksobs.com/

Timestamps:

3'14" – Vetlife’s history and core missions

7'20" – The Helpline: how it works

12'40" – Health support services

17'35" – Financial support available

27'20" – 2024 campaign on Neurodiversity

30'50" – Why the Helpline’s popularity is increasing

35'20" – The “S” word: why open conversation matters

44'20" – Approaching someone you’re concerned about

48'50" – Factors contributing to higher suicide rates

59'20" – Suicide prevention and mental health awareness training

1:04:10" – Providing support after an attempt or during bereavement

1:07:40" – Volunteers, ambassadors, and fundraising efforts

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

In this episode, Anna Schumann shares her unique career journey, transitioning from a specialised veterinary nurse to a passionate wildlife conservationist. We explore her diverse experience, from emergency care and practice management to volunteering in global conservation projects. Anna now works with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, helping to protect elephants and their habitats. Tune in for an inspiring look at the many opportunities within the veterinary profession and the vital role of conservation.

To know more and support the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, follow the link.

TImestamps:

3'37" — Curiosity, transferable skills, and maintaining a positive attitude

4'37" — The pull and purpose of clinical veterinary work

8'45" — Flashback: how the veterinary profession has evolved—progress and challenges

19'45" — The realities and struggles of clinical practice

21'00" — Anna’s current role at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and conservation projects

27'00" — Addressing human-elephant conflict

29'00" — Bees and innovative approaches to coexistence

32'00" — A deep passion for volunteer conservation work

36'00" — Reflecting on a career with no regrets

39'45" — Building connections and foundations to a portfolio career

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

In this episode, I’m joined by Lacey Pitcher, a true multi-talented professional in the veterinary world. She’s a proud registered veterinary nurse with a strong passion for advocacy and community-building.

Tune in to learn more about her work, her unique perspective, and how small changes can bring us all closer together.

1.30" Lacey's community and passion projects
10' Could empathy and compassion be lacking in our profession?
15.20" Lacey's top 3 of current mental health challenges
24.30" Practical ways to approach neurodiversity
30.30" Language series: spotlight on RVNs
41.15" Reflecting on "Progress"
47' What "good" looks like


* You can find Lacey here:  https://www.instagram.com/rvnspeaks/?hl=en

* And more resources on neurodiversity here: https://www.vetlife.org.uk/neurodiversity/

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

In this week's episode, we talk with renowned RVN Lacey Pitcher about various aspects of the veterinary profession, including mental health and the visibility of veterinary nurses. Tune in Friday from 7am for insights from her work, reflections and community projects.

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==