In this episode of the Vetted Podcast, Steven Hermann interviews Karyn Buxman, a neurohumorist and expert in applied humor. They discuss the importance of humor in healthcare, particularly in the veterinary field, and how it can be used as a strategic tool to reduce stress, improve communication, and build resilience. Karyn shares insights from her research on the brain's response to humor and offers practical applications for incorporating humor into daily life. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care and the power of thoughts in shaping our experiences.
Takeaways
Humor is a whole brain process that can influence health.
The gap between expectations and reality can lead to stress.
Humor can help wring out emotional saturation.
Practicing humor can improve resilience and empathy.
Creating a humor-friendly environment enhances well-being.
Humor is not just about laughter; it's about connection.
We often underestimate the power of our thoughts.
Intentionality in humor can lead to positive outcomes.
Stacking the deck with humor increases its presence in life.
Self-care is essential for helping others effectively.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Humor and the Brain
02:56 Understanding Neurohumor
05:54 The Power of Humor in Healthcare
08:40 Compassion Fatigue and Resilience
11:54 Closing the Gap: Expectations vs. Reality
14:45 Tools for Managing Stress with Humor
17:40 The Importance of Reframing
20:44 Building Relationships through Humor
23:47 Using Humor in Difficult Situations
26:28 The Healing Power of Humor
28:46 Stacking the Deck for Joy
32:19 Neuroplasticity and Humor's Impact
34:25 Building Connections Through Laughter
39:19 Practical Steps to Cultivate Humor
44:24 Empowerment Through Positive Thinking
humor, neurohumor, resilience, veterinary, well-being, stress reduction, communication, compassion fatigue, mental health, humor in healthcare
In this episode of the Vet'Ed Podcast, Steven Hermann sits down with Kelly Cronin, a veteran of the veterinary space with 33 years of experience. Kelly shares her career journey, starting as a volunteer and advancing through roles like multi-site manager and VP of Operations, before her current position supporting practices with virtual veterinary assistance at Teem. They discuss the value of veterinary continuing education (CE) cruises, which Kelly helps organize to provide technicians with unique educational and personal growth opportunities, including seeing the ocean or leaving their state for the first time.
The conversation shifts to Teem, a service that provides virtual veterinary assistants to help private practices with administrative tasks. Kelly explains how these assistants, who are college graduates from US colleges in South America, can handle a variety of duties, from medical record scribing and appointment setting to managing medication refills and social media. This frees up on-site staff, like technicians and veterinarians, to focus on patient care and improves their work-life balance. Kelly emphasizes that Team's goal is not to replace in-person staff but to serve as a tool that enhances a practice's efficiency and helps everyone thrive. They conclude by highlighting the importance of private practices and the role of services like Team in helping them succeed.
In this episode, we sit down with Stephen McLaughry, the owner of Vetbadger, to discuss his journey from a software engineer to a leader in veterinary technology. Stephen shares how his wife, a private practice veterinarian, faced frustrations with outdated software. This inspired him to create Vetbadger, a comprehensive practice management system designed to solve a core problem: communication.
Discover how Stephen's background as a world-champion bicycle racer and his belief in community shape his business philosophy. Learn why a "James Herriot experience"—building strong, personal relationships with clients and your team—is the key to success for private practices. Stephen explains how Vetbadger's integrated system, with features like internal team chat, telemedicine, and a centralized hub for all communication, simplifies workflows and strengthens bonds between a clinic and its clients.
Find out how Vetbadger is creating the technology that supports independent business and helps private practices thrive.
Join host Steven Hermann as he sits down with the legendary Dr. Jim Schuessler for an insightful conversation about the transformative power of communication in veterinary medicine. Dr. Schuessler shares incredible stories, from the life-changing advice that shaped his career ("I try to carry myself each and every day so that my kids want to be veterinarians" ) to the practical strategies that built a highly successful practice at Kirkwood Animal Hospital. Discover how consistent staff meetings, role-playing, and a "work-life harmony" philosophy revolutionized patient care and client relationships. This episode is packed with invaluable lessons for veterinarians, practice owners, and anyone passionate about building stronger connections in their professional and personal life.
In this candid and laugh-filled episode, we welcome Rhys Giannarelli, founder of Innovative Vet Management Solutions and co-owner of two practices in Vancouver. Rhys brings an Aussie-Canadian lens to the challenges of leadership, culture, and sustainable clinic ownership in veterinary medicine.
Rhys says it plain: people aren’t quitting the job—they’re quitting you. And that leadership gap is the real crisis.
You’ll hear stories about family life (soccer vs. hockey!), what makes Canadian clinics different, and how to create a truly turnkey practice—one that runs without you.
🎧 If you want to stop micromanaging, empower your team, and love your clinic again—press play.
🔗 Connect with Rhys:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhys-giannarelli-4bb025125/
Podcast: thevetedpodcast.com
🎙️ Hosted by Steven Hermann and Kale Flaspohler
Brought to you by ProPartners Team | www.propartnersteam.com
Ever catch yourself saying, “If only this had gone differently…”?
In this Mindset Edition of The Vet’Ed Podcast, Steven Hermann shares a personal story (shoutout to Quentin and Tulsa Tough!) that transformed excuses into powerful learning. Whether you're navigating a chaotic vet practice or trying to move from blame to breakthrough, this episode is your 7-minute mental reset.
🚴♂️ From crashes to comebacks
🔍 From blame to reflection
📈 From stuck to strategic growth
🎯 Mindset Challenge included!
👉 Ready to upgrade from "what went wrong" to "what can I learn"? Hit play now.
📍 www.thevetedpodcast.com
📢 Follow us on LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram for more short & punchy mindset shifts.
What if you could screen your dog for cancer—before any symptoms appear?
In this episode of the VetEd Podcast, Steven Hermann and Kale Flaspohler welcome Dr. Tom Butera and Daniel Shears from Volition Veterinary to discuss a groundbreaking innovation: Nu.Q®, an affordable, blood-based screening test designed to detect cancer early in dogs.
Volition’s revolutionary approach to cancer diagnostics uses epigenetics—looking beyond DNA to the expression of genes—to catch diseases like lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma before clinical signs appear. The test is already being used in over 22 countries, with more than 120,000 tests run and growing.
👉 Learn how this test works, how it integrates into everyday wellness exams, and why it’s a game-changer for pet longevity, veterinary practice profitability, and client peace of mind.
If you’re a veterinarian, pet owner, or just love animals, this episode is a must-listen.
🔗 Tune in, subscribe, and let's build healthier lives—for pets and people.
#VetMed #CancerDetection #Epigenetics #VeterinaryInnovation #VolitionVeterinary #NuQ #VetEdPodcast #EarlyDetection #PetHealth #VeterinaryBusiness #VetLife
In this episode, Steven Hermann and Kale Flaspohler sit down with Melissa Tompkins—practice management consultant, speaker, and founder of South Coast Veterinary Management Solutions. From her unexpected start in the veterinary field (thanks to a cat named Crash) to managing multiple hospitals and launching leadership groups across Southern California, Melissa shares her journey and passion for helping veterinary teams thrive.
🚨 Key Takeaways:
🐾 Plus, hear about Melissa’s surprise performance at the 1984 Olympics, her cat ears branding, and what she learned from a fish named Bob.
📣 Don’t miss this candid, insightful, and laugh-filled conversation aimed at inspiring better leadership and healthier clinics.
🔗 Learn more about Melissa:
Website: South Coast Veterinary Management Solutions
YouTube: South Coast Veterinary Manage 263
Instagram & Facebook: @SouthCoastVetSolutions
LinkedIn: Melissa Tompkins
👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that educate, advocate, and inspire veterinary professionals.
Welcome to a special Mindset Edition of the Vet’Ed Podcast! In this bite-sized episode, Steven Hermann dives into the often-overlooked leadership skill of reacting well. Drawing from both Harvard Business Review and real-world leadership moments, Steven redefines what it means to lead—not by controlling, but by responsibly reacting with empathy, purpose, and perseverance.
🧠 Key Takeaways:
💡 Reflection Prompt:
Steven challenges you to think:
"Are you ready for the 35%? How can you lead this week by responding with curiosity, courage, and compassion?"
Thanks for tuning in! If this episode inspired you, please consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving a comment.
➡️ For more insights and resources, visit: propartnersteam.com
Welcome to Episode 31 of The Vet’Ed Podcast, hosted by Steven Hermann and Kale Flaspohler.
In this episode, Steven and Kale sit down with Dr. Cliff Miller, founder of Green Hills Veterinary Clinic in Moberly, Missouri. From starting his practice with just one patient (his own dog!) to now leading a four-doctor team, Dr. Miller shares his journey of intentional growth, small-town community impact, and balancing life as a vet, cattleman, coach, and legislative advocate.
As the Legislative Chairman for the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), Dr. Miller offers a behind-the-scenes look at the legislative process affecting veterinarians in Missouri and beyond. He breaks down the importance of advocacy, the role of organized veterinary medicine, and how staying involved ensures that veterinarians—not just lawmakers—shape the future of the profession.
From drug compounding laws and sales tax on services to the national conversation around xylazine regulation, this episode is packed with insight for any vet wanting to better understand the forces shaping their world.
🎧 Whether you're in the exam room or on the road, this episode will leave you informed and inspired.
➡️ Visit Pro Partners Team for more resources and tools to support your veterinary journey.
📩 Drop us a note anytime at: clarity@ppwteam.com — we’d love to hear from you!
Welcome to a special Mindset Edition of the Vet’Ed Podcast. In this bite-sized episode, Steven Hermann reflects on leadership—not as a title, but as a practice rooted in mindset, trust, and accountability. He shares personal leadership lessons from three key experiences: working in a family grocery store, serving on a school board, and building the ProPartners Team.
🧠 Key Takeaways:
💡 Reflection Prompt: Steven challenges listeners to ask:
“What’s one small way you can practice leadership this week that aligns with your values, brings energy, and does some good?”
Thanks for tuning in! If this episode inspired you, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving a comment.
➡️ Visit the Pro Partners Team for more insights and resources:
propartnersteam.com
Welcome to Episode 30 of The Vet’Ed Podcast hosted by Steven Hermann and Kale Flaspohler.
In this episode, Steven and Kale are joined by Alex Wright, the Practice Manager at Ellisville Veterinary Hospital. With a journey that started at age 17 and evolved into leadership by 24, Alex shares her real-world experiences managing a busy, growing clinic — all while staying rooted in compassion, culture, and people-first leadership.
Alex opens up about what it takes to create a practice culture where people want to be — and how building trust, embracing vulnerability, and leading by example has helped her and her team thrive. From empowering CSRs to handle tough client conversations to planning a brand-new hospital space with intention and heart, this episode is packed with wisdom for anyone in the veterinary field.
Thanks for listening! If this episode inspired or helped you, we’d be so grateful if you subscribed, shared it with your team, and dropped us a comment!
➡️ Visit the Pro Partners Team to learn more and to access helpful resources:
propartnersteam.com
👋 Connect with us anytime at: clarity@ppwteam.com — we love hearing from you!
In this episode of The Vet’Ed Podcast — Mindset Edition, Steven Hermann dives into one of the biggest challenges for independent veterinary practices: pricing—and why it’s all in your head.
Pricing isn’t just about covering costs; it’s about positioning, value, and mindset. Steven shares lessons from his background in the grocery industry, where competition is fierce, and pricing strategy is critical. He draws parallels to veterinary medicine, challenging practice owners to rethink their pricing fears and adopt a growth mindset when setting rates.
Key takeaways from this episode:
✅ Stop underpricing out of fear – Pricing should be based on value, not just competition.
✅ Mindset matters – A fixed mindset can keep your business stagnant, while a growth mindset opens up new opportunities.
✅ Differentiation is key – Corporate clinics may have bigger budgets, but independent practices have personal connections and unique services that set them apart.
✅ You can adjust – Pricing isn’t permanent. If you raise prices and it doesn’t work, you can always tweak them.
Steven also shares actionable strategies, including how to use vendor resources, when to consider a price increase, and why independent business owners are naturally resourceful and innovative—the same qualities that drive long-term success.
Tune in to learn how shifting your pricing mindset can transform your practice’s financial health.
For more insights and strategies to elevate your veterinary practice, visit:
🔗 propartnersteam.com
Episode 29: Mindset, Leadership, and Reinventing Veterinary Well-being with Dr. Jennifer Edwards
In this episode of The Vet’ed Podcast, hosts Steven Hermann and Kale Flaspohler sit down with Dr. Jennifer Edwards — veterinarian, practice owner, mindset leadership coach, and Chair of the Wellness Committee for the New Hampshire Veterinary Medical Association — to dive into her powerful journey of transformation and personal development.
Dr. Edwards shares her unconventional path from psychology to veterinary medicine, her bold decision to start a practice from scratch, and the pivotal moment that led her to sell it — just weeks before COVID-19 turned the industry upside down.
Now a mindset and leadership coach, Dr. Edwards breaks down the most common mental barriers veterinarians face — from burnout to the victim mentality — and explains how reframing your mindset can open the door to a more empowered, fulfilling career and life. She also explores how creating a culture of trust and support, especially in larger corporate veterinary practices, is essential for long-term success and well-being.
Whether you’re a veterinarian, practice owner, or anyone passionate about leadership and personal growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights on mindset shifts, resilience, and building a veterinary career that works for you — not the other way around.
🎧 Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more people find the show!
➡️ Visit Pro Partners Team for more insights and resources: propartnersteam.com and dr.jenniferedwards.com
👋 Connect with us: clarity@ppwteam.com — we’d love to hear your thoughts!
In this episode of The Vet’Ed Podcast — Mindset Edition, Steven Hermann explores why client experience might just be more important than medicine itself — and how shifting your focus can transform your practice.
Steven breaks down the three key elements of a standout client experience:
Drawing from his background in the grocery industry, Steven connects the dots between running a successful veterinary practice and delivering an unforgettable client experience — one that keeps clients loyal, even when the competition is fierce.
Tune in to learn how small shifts in mindset and approach can make a massive difference in your client relationships — and your practice’s success.
For more insights and strategies to elevate your veterinary practice, check out:
🔗 propartnersteam.com
Episode 28: Leadership, Advocacy, and the Future of Veterinary Medicine with Dr. Jessica Stroupe
In this episode of The Vet’ed Podcast, hosts Steven Hermann and Kale Flaspohler sit down with Dr. Jessica Stroupe — owner of Howard County Veterinary Service and AVMA delegate for Missouri — to discuss her journey as a practice owner, leader, and advocate for the veterinary profession.
Dr. Stroupe dives into her new role as an AVMA delegate, sharing insights on the legislative issues shaping veterinary medicine — from the controversial mid-level practitioner debate to xylazine regulations and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. She breaks down what it’s like to represent Missouri veterinarians on the national stage and how AVMA policies influence the future of private practices.
The conversation explores her passion for outreach, particularly in K-4 education, where she’s working to inspire the next generation of diverse veterinarians — ensuring kids from all backgrounds see a future in the profession.
Whether you’re a veterinarian, practice owner, or student, this episode is packed with inspiration and valuable insights on leadership, advocacy, and the evolving veterinary landscape.
Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, we’d love for you to subscribe, share, and leave a comment to help others discover the show!
➡️ Visit Pro Partners Team for more insights and resources: propartnersteam.com
👋 Connect with us: clarity@ppwteam.com — we’d love to hear your thoughts!
In this episode of The Vet’ed Podcast, Steven Hermann dives into the concept of the fixed mindset—how it holds us back, why we default to it, and how shifting toward a growth mindset can unlock new opportunities. Drawing from his experience at the recent VetPartners meeting, Steven unpacks key takeaways about fostering meaningful connections, avoiding the illusion of a “unique approach,” and embracing accountability in veterinary practice management.
Steven explores how common industry challenges—like client demand and workforce shifts—can be tackled more effectively when we find common ground rather than clinging to rigid perspectives. He also challenges the idea of “gaining an edge” and proposes that real success comes from adaptability, openness, and continuous learning.
Tune in to discover how shifting your mindset can transform the way you approach business, leadership, and professional growth.
For more resources and to connect with VetPartners, check out:
🔗 VetPartners
Episode 27: Are You Really Profitable? Understanding Your Financial Statements
In this episode of The Vet’ed Podcast, hosts Steven Hermann and Kale Flaspohler dive into a critical question for veterinary practice owners—are you truly profitable? They explore common financial misconceptions and the ways financial statements can be misleading if not properly analyzed.
From rent calculations to owner compensation, bulk orders, and hidden expenses, Steven and Kale break down the key areas where financial statements might not reflect reality. They also discuss the importance of using percentages rather than dollar figures when assessing profitability, ensuring comparisons are accurate across different-sized clinics and locations.
With insights from real-world veterinary financial data and a deep dive into industry benchmarks, this episode offers invaluable guidance for practice owners looking to optimize their financial health. Plus, the hosts share their thoughts on how pricing decisions are often driven by fear rather than data—leading to missed opportunities for sustainable growth.
Tune in for a conversation that’s both eye-opening and practical, helping you take control of your financial future and answer the question: Are you really profitable?
In this episode of The Vet’ed Podcast, Steven Hermann explores the intersection of current events and growth mindset with a focus on the veterinary business world. He discusses how staying informed can lead to improved adaptability, critical thinking, and empathy, all while avoiding information overload. Steven highlights the importance of being proactive, curating your news intake, and how events in the world of veterinary medicine—like shifts in the workforce—can create unique opportunities for growth. Tune in for insights on how staying current can benefit your business and your team while maintaining a future-focused, learning-driven culture.
For more resources and to follow along with Steven, check out these sources:
Episode 26: A Journey Through Veterinary Medicine with Dr. Peter Weinstein
In this episode of The Vet’ed Podcast, hosts Steven Hermann and Kale Flaspohler sit down with Dr. Peter Weinstein to explore his journey into veterinary medicine, from childhood inspirations to becoming a leader in the profession. Dr. Weinstein shares how an early fascination with animals, science, and the works of James Herriot set him on the path to veterinary school. He recounts his first experiences in a clinic, working through the parvovirus epidemic of the 1970s, and how those formative years shaped his dedication to the field.
The conversation delves into the challenges of veterinary school admissions, resilience, and the importance of grit in achieving professional success. Dr. Weinstein reflects on his own journey—navigating rejections, pursuing a master’s degree to strengthen his application, and ultimately finding his way to the University of Illinois. He also discusses his transition from aspiring equine orthopedic surgeon to small animal internal medicine and his decision to move to Southern California for better opportunities and climate.
Beyond personal experiences, the discussion touches on leadership, teamwork, and communication as key traits of successful practice owners. The hosts and Dr. Weinstein even ponder an intriguing question—does the perseverance required to get into veterinary school later translate to business ownership? Could there be a link between those who faced initial setbacks in admissions and their likelihood of running a successful practice?
This episode is packed with insights, reflections, and thought-provoking discussions on what it takes to thrive in veterinary medicine. Tune in to hear Dr. Weinstein’s story and gain valuable wisdom from his decades of experience in the industry!