The Joy Prescription Technology, Culture, and Compassion | Episode 39

In this episode of The Modern Veterinary Practice Podcast, Jack Peploe welcomes marketing strategist Matt Madden of Heedly to explore how veterinary clinics can shift from chasing volume to attracting the right clients. Matt shares insights from global brands like L’Oréal and Virgin, breaking down why clear messaging, transparent communication, and a strong marketing foundation are essential for practice growth and team wellbeing. From the psychology behind client behaviour to the future of AI in veterinary communication, this conversation gives practical, actionable advice for clinics wanting to grow with intention - not overwhelm.

In this moving episode, Jack Peploe speaks with Alice Hendy, MBE, founder of Ripple Suicide Prevention, about transforming tragedy into global impact. Alice shares the story behind R;pple, a digital tool that interrupts harmful online searches and redirects people toward immediate, compassionate support. Together they explore the role of tech in mental health, the responsibility of digital platforms, and what leaders across veterinary teams can do to build safer, more open cultures. A powerful conversation about empathy, innovation and protecting those who feel most alone.

Veterinary surgeon-turned-executive coach Dr. Libby Kemkaran-Thompson joins host Jack Peploe to unpack the neuroscience behind behaviour, stress and fulfilment at work. We explore why 95% of what we do is driven by the subconscious, how to interrupt fight-or-flight in the consult room and beyond, and why great leadership manages energy as well as output. Libby introduces her “Big Cat Brain” model (Cheetah, Tiger, Lion, Leopard) to help teams communicate, align and thrive. We also tackle common mindset traps - including perfectionism and people-pleasing - and practical habits for building resilient, happy veterinary teams. If you lead a practice or want to enjoy your career more, this is your playbook.

Automation isn’t glamorous - but done right, it frees vet teams to do their best work. In this episode, Jack Peploe talks with Carly Clark, Product Leader at Covetrus, about what really future-proofs a veterinary practice: scalable cloud infrastructure, thoughtful integrations, and people-first workflows. Carly shares where automation delivers immediate wins (reminders, stock control, payment integration) and where AI is already practical - like scribe tools and summarising long patient histories. We also dig into adoption hurdles, in-app education loops, and how “less clicks, more care” should guide product decisions. If you’re weighing cloud vs on-prem, wondering which integrations matter, or trying to separate AI signal from noise, this conversation gives you an actionable roadmap for the next 12–24 months.

How is technology reshaping the way vets connect with clients and their pets? In this episode, Jack Peploe speaks with Jamie Crittall and Charlie Barton, co-founders of Boop Pet Record, about how digital innovation is redefining trust, communication, and pet care delivery. Together they explore what Gen Z’s arrival as the dominant pet-owning generation means for the profession, the importance of responsible data use, and how to ensure technology empowers rather than replaces the vet-client relationship. A must-listen for veterinary professionals looking to navigate the next wave of digital transformation in practice - balancing innovation, compliance, and compassionate care.

In this episode of Modern Veterinary Practice, Jack Peploe is joined by Dr. Paul Manktelow , Chief Vet at Blue Cross, and Dr. Alison Thomas, Head of Veterinary Standards at Blue Cross, to explore what veterinary care looks like when it is designed around purpose, pragmatism, and accessibility rather than profit. Together, they discuss the belief that “more” isn’t always better, and how evidence-based guidelines can give vets the confidence to deliver pragmatic care without compromising welfare. Paul shares insights into the financial realities of the charity sector, from managing rising costs to understanding true service delivery, while Alison reflects on the ethical challenges of balancing owner expectations with patient needs. The conversation also tackles difficult topics such as euthanasia, pricing transparency, and the future of health plans, offering practical lessons for the wider profession. A thought-provoking episode on how values-led care can shape a more sustainable future.

What does “success” in veterinary medicine really look like - and how do we redefine it for a new generation of professionals? In this episode of Modern Veterinary Practice, Jack Peploe is joined by veterinarian-turned-performance coach Adrian Nelson-Pratt for a powerful conversation about identity, burnout, and the role of coaching in shaping more fulfilling careers.Adrian shares why so many vets feel stuck despite seemingly “having it all on paper,” and explores how to break free from the fixed veterinary identity that can hold us back. He also introduces the liberating idea of the 100-year career - reminding us that we have the opportunity to pursue multiple pathways across a lifetime. Most importantly, the discussion highlights how coaching can provide clarity, resilience, and renewed joy in both veterinary work and life beyond the clinic.

What if technology could actually give back time in the exam room instead of taking it away? In this episode of Modern Veterinary Practice, Jack sits down with Dr. Lauren Jones—veterinarian, practice owner, and Director of Veterinary Medicine at Shepherd Software—to explore how tech, culture, and leadership can reduce burnout and help veterinary professionals rediscover joy in their work. From AI transcription to smarter client education, Lauren shares practical ways to make technology work in the background so vets can focus on what matters most: patients, clients, and connection.

In this episode of the Modern Veterinary Practice Podcast, Jack Peploe talks with Liz Barton, Head of Communications at Vet CT, co-founder of WellVet, and founder of Vet Mums. They explore how to create a sustainable future in veterinary medicine, covering systemic wellbeing changes, dismantling “hero culture,” supporting parents in practice, and embracing AI responsibly. Liz shares her journey from clinical vet to communications leader, highlighting practical solutions for workforce retention, mental health, and work-life integration. Whether you’re a vet, nurse, or support team member, this episode offers valuable insights on shaping a profession that’s healthier, more inclusive, and future-ready.

In this episode of Modern Veterinary Practice, host Jack Peploe welcomes Eric Goldman, President of Vetology, for a candid and insightful conversation on the role of artificial intelligence in veterinary care. They explore how AI can support - rather than replace - clinical expertise, especially in radiology and diagnostic workflows.Eric shares why Vetology treats AI as a screening tool, not a diagnostic engine, and explains how thoughtful integration can improve efficiency, reduce unnecessary diagnostic costs, and empower vets to ask better questions. He also addresses common misconceptions, ethical concerns, and the importance of aligning technology with each clinician’s skill level.Whether you're excited about AI or feeling cautious, this episode offers a grounded look at how to adopt technology responsibly - always keeping the patient and the practitioner at the centre.