Vet Vibes

In this third episode, I review and analyse the controversial arguments at the core of the conflict that drove the Marineland situation into an 18-month status quo. I stripped back the corporate greenwashing to look at the clinical reality of captivity (from emotional trauma to debilitating dental pathology), before examining the operational costs, logistics, and future of transitioning cetaceans into sea sanctuariesEpisode TimestampsIntroduction & Background00:20 – Introduction01:15 – Update on the Marineland animals02:00 – Personal research process06:10 – PART 1: WELFARE06:30 – Characteristics of wild orcas10:40 – The dystopian experience of captivity12:50 – Neuroscience of orcas: The paralimbic lobe14:30 – Social groups in captivity16:00 – Conspecific aggression18:55 – Aggressions towards humans21:30 – Life expectancy of captive orcas23:20 – Physical diseases25:37 – Dental disease of killer whales28:25 – Anatomy of orcas’ teeth30:45 – Looking at the vet logs and post-mortems of the Marineland orcas34:50 – Welfare of captive orcas under European standards37:10 – PART 2: CONSERVATION37:55 – What is conservation?38:25 – Captive breeding programmes vs. captive orca population39:10 – Research and its limited application to wild killer whale management41:30 – The argument of public education43:45 – The ethics of captivity44:25 – The ecological impact of keeping cetaceans in tanks47:20 – PART 3: SEA SANCTUARIES48:10 – Welfare considerations when transitioning out of captivity48:30 – The story of KEIKO50:05 – The 2 belugas: Little White and Little Gray52:00 – Reality versus ideology55:00 – Operational costs and funding56:05 – The power and responsibility of public opinionfurther resources:https://vetontheplanet.com/captive-orcas-conservation/https://vetontheplanet.com/captive-orcas-welfare/https://vetontheplanet.com/sea-sanctuaries-for-orcas/For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

In this second episode, Muriel Arnal, director of One Voice France, speaks with both emotion and unwavering determination about the Marineland case. She takes us behind the administrative and legal curtain where the real complexities of this situation lie, from the health challenges of long-term captive animals to the financial incentives that continue to drive institutional decision-making. Timestamps00:30 One Voice's side of the story 03:00 Update on sea sanctuaries 07:00 The administrative delay and its impact on the animals' chances of transition 14:30 Current concerns for Wikie and Keijo and contingency plans to mitigate stress 22:00 Financial incentives and conflicts of interest 24:00 The future of the tank-free movement 27:00 Is there still hope for a new solution? 29:40 The realities of a multidisciplinary approach 36:30 Update on the dolphins at Marineland 40:05 Situation update: June 2026 41:35 Questions debated in episode 3More information and sources below:- story of Wikie and Keijo- sea sanctuaries for orcas- welfare of captive orcasFor more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

This episode has two parts, first an introduction of the complex situation at Marineland Antibes that have led to 18 months of limbos for 2 orcas and 12 dolphins since the park closure in January 2025. The second part is the interview of Martin Boye, at the time director of the EAAM, recorded in June 2025. timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the Marineland series 01:10 Background: the story of Marineland Antibes 10:45 Interview with Martin Boye 12:00 The EAAM and the industry's perspective 15:15 Inside the park: the current situation 17:30 Sea sanctuaries: the project and the hypothetical translocation 20:30 The beluga case study: Little White and Little Grey 24:15 Immune system challenges in sanctuary transitions 25:05 Life expectancy in captivity 30:00 Autopsy reports and chronic dental disease 33:30 The failed transfer to Spain in 2025 39:06 ExitMore information and sources below:- story of Wikie and Keijo- sea sanctuaries for orcas- welfare of captive orcasFor more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

Marineland Antibes closed its doors, leaving 12 dolphins and two orcas, Wikie and Keijo, languishing as France has banned the captivity of cetaceans for entertainment. What was perceived at the time as an ideological victory turned out to be a political mess. This series attempted to examine both sides of this polarised argument and to look at the science and beyond the PR messages of this high-profile case.- episode 1 with Martin Boye, former director of the EAAM.- episode 2 with Muriel Arnal, director of One Voice France- episode 3 with me, Laura Mairesse, looking at the scientific evidenceFor more information about the orcas and the situation that unfolded at the Marineland:www.vetontheplanet.com/Wikie-and-Keijo For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

This conversation has lived quietly in my archives for some time, and returning to it recently reminded me why I started this podcast in the first place: to create space for honest, thoughtful dialogue that stays with you long after the recording ends.My guest for this final episode is Theeb. What you’re about to hear is not only one of the conversations I’m most proud of, but also one that holds deep personal meaning for me. It’s a reflection on experience, perspective, and the quieter truths that shape how we see the world and one another.As this marks the closing chapter of the podcast for the foreseeable future, I’m especially grateful that this is the conversation we end on.Thank you for listening, for being here, and for being part of this journeyTimestamps* 1'00 My personal story* 3'05" Guest introduction* 5'20" Theeb's story and his why* 8'55"  Recognition vs Success* 10'25"Diversity doesn't exist on its own* 16'25" Why is Diversity important* 19'55" Microaggressions: what they are and their impact* 24'20" Interactions reduce biases* 27'25" Focus on mental health in minorities* 32'25" How to bring those conversations in practice: leadership and psychological safety* 37'25" Theeb's work with the new generations*41'25" Representation doesn't cancel systemic discrimination* 44'55" Equality isn't equity* 46'55" Privileges, victimhood and allyship* 48'35" Adapting the vet profession to a now feminised workforce* 53'55" The contrast of the Swedish model* 55'35" Different ways to improve access and rrepresentation for minorities* 1.02'25" Summary for concrete and actionable stepsLink:https://navaratnampartheeban.substack.com/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, we’re joined by veterinarian and wildlife welfare specialist Justine Shotton for a wide-ranging conversation about what it really means to protect animals in the modern world.Speaking on behalf of the RSPCA, Justine explores the evolving field of wildlife welfare, and how it intersects with traditional animal welfare, conservation, and human activity. We discuss the ethical and practical challenges of protecting wild animals, the growing concerns around animal welfare in sport and recreation, and the critical role veterinarians play at the interface between animals, the public, and policy.From responding to injured wildlife to shaping public understanding and welfare standards, this episode highlights how veterinary professionals are increasingly becoming advocates, educators, and frontline guardians for both domestic and wild animals.useful links:Vet/Vet nurse only link: wildlife toolkit site: https://science.rspca.org.uk/vets RSPCA's wildlife advice pages for the public:https://www.rspca.org.uk/reportaconcern?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18503619493&gbraid=0AAAAADvvO2sOW8v0G8ARm0lXXYDH6Diq2&gclid=Cj0KCQjw64jDBhDXARIsABkk8J5d8oSkwE5rX2PaIVjZcXlEJpBISFnY4WQhCPFudvlv0HpU5a--EGUaAiKbEALw_wcB and https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlifeand https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/injuredFor 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==

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 Leader2:45 – From Marine Biology to Flight – How Becoming a Freediving World Champion Amplified her a Voice5:30 – Overcoming Turbulence Phobia Through Flying10:00 – The Genesis of “Flight of the Swans” Expedition14:00 – The Power of Storytelling in Environmental Conservation18:00 – How Sacha Engages Diverse Audiences with Her Mission25:00 – Flying Around the UK to Raise Climate Change Awareness30:00 – Collective Action Over Politics in Conservation Efforts33:00 – Introducing the New “Sea to Summit” Expedition35:00 – Why Multidisciplinary Teams Matter in Environmental Work38:00 – Conservation Challenges Facing Bewick’s Swans42:00 – Threats to Ospreys and What’s Being Done47:00 – 9 Years On: Outcomes of the Swan Expedition49:00 – Understanding Powerline Hazards from a Swan’s Perspective53:30 – Where Sacha Finds Optimism in Her Conservation Work56:00 – What’s Next: The “Flight of the Vulture” Expedition1:02:00 – How to Support Sacha Dench’s Projects and CampaignsFor 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-summitFundraising link: https://www.conservation-without-borders.org/make-a-donationFlight of the Vultures: https://www.conservation-without-borders.org/flight-of-the-vultureVulture fundraising link: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-save-worlds-most-threatened-animalsFacebook link: https://www.facebook.com/conservation.without.bordersInstagram 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 CareerChallenges and hurdles Sean faced in his clinical work and breaking into wildlife conservation.9:33 – The Water Vole Spark: How Ealing’s Beaver Project BeganHow a small mammal set off a rewilding initiative in West London.17:03 – Red Tape and Restoration: Launching a Beaver Reintroduction ProjectThe planning, permissions, and bureaucracy in urban wildlife projects.22:03 – Community & Conservation: How Ealing Welcomed Its BeaversLocal support, reactions, and how public engagement shaped the project’s success.32:03 – Beavers as Nature-Based Solutions to Urban FloodingHow beavers overdelivered.35:15 – Biodiversity Boom: Wildlife Returns to EalingFrom 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 TrustThe national charity helping restore beavers to British landscapes.46:03 – Meet the Ealing Beaver FamilyThe original family of 5 and their quirks.48:00 – Population Control & Human ManagementHow beavers regulate themselves—and future horizons for the kits.52:00 – Why the UK Needs Wild BeaversSean’s passionate plea for nationwide beaver reintroduction.55:48 – The Peregrine Falcons of West LondonMore thriving urban wildlife.1:03:33 – The G.O.A.T: Meeting Sir David AttenboroughSean 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/seanswildlifehttps://www.youtube.com/c/EalingWildlifeGroup/videoshttps://www.instagram.com/thatvetseanhttps://www.facebook.com/thatvetseanFor 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==