Vet Mind Works Podcast

This podcast is for veterinary professionals who are looking for better ways of working and living. We discuss mind-sets, mind skills, behaviours and habits, which support sustainable performance and wellbeing in a challenging profession, and allow us to develop our own 'best veterinary self'. Podcast hosts Petra Agthe and Alison Collings (two vets with a long-standing interest in psychology and related disciplines) interview interesting guests, ranging from veterinary colleagues to psychologists, who share their knowledge, experiences and insights on specific subjects. Occasionally, we also schedule a 'rest and digest' episode in which we discuss and reflect on previous topics. This is a podcast for the whole veterinary community and we encourage listeners to provide feedback and enter the discussion! You can do this by sending us an email to vetmindworks@gmail.com. We are happily funding this podcast ourselves to keep it independent.

Vet Mind Works Podcast is a education podcast hosted by Petra Agthe, Alison Collings, with 42 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Petra Agthe, Alison Collings hosts Vet Mind Works Podcast, a education show with 42 episodes published.

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  Episode #41

  41. Curiosity over Judgement - with Jennifer Edwards

  Aug 4, 202649 min

  Curiosity Over Judgment In this episode, host Petra Agthe is joined by Dr. Jennifer Edwards — veterinarian, former practice owner, and leadership coach — for a conversation about what it really means to suspend judgment and bring curiosity into our conversations, our leadership, and our relationship with ourselves. The conversation explores how curiosity and judgment are, almost mutually exclusive and how curiosity connects to active listening, to humility, and to the courage it takes to admit we don't already know what someone else is thinking or feeling. This conversation covers: Why curiosity requires letting go of assumptions, and how it opens the door to deeper, more meaningful conversations The link between curiosity and humility — and why being willing to "not know" builds real connection Perfectionism in veterinary medicine, and how curiosity, rather than self-criticism, can become a gateway to growth Leading diverse teams with curiosity: recognising that people think, process, and work differently — and why that's a strength, not a problem Practical tools for cultivating curiosity, including how to ask open-ended questions that invite people to share more Knowing when curiosity isn't the answer — boundaries, and when it's okay to simply end a conversation Turning curiosity inward: how self-compassion, rather than self-judgment, can change our relationship with ourselves — especially during burnout or moments of imposter syndrome Ready to find out more about how curiosity can transform your life? Then listen in or read the transcript and join our conversation! Where to find out more about Dr Jennifer Edwards and her work: Jennifers website : https://drjenniferedwards.com/ Jennifers Resilient Vet Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/07gFs5TqFFM5yBUNEAaHCa Find Jennifer on social media: Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenniferedwards/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/drjenniferedwards Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drjenniferedwards/ Resources you may also be interested in: Books: Energy Leadership by Bruce Schneider Humble Inquiry by Edgar and Peter Schein TV Series: Ted Lasso Previous Vet Mind Works Episodes related to the topic: Non-violent Communication The Power of Connection Active listening Self-compassion for Imposter Syndrome Self-compassion Join the conversation: What resonated with you in this episode? Have you ever tried to approach conversations and interpersonal interactions with greater curiosity? We would love to hear your reflections. Share, rate, and send us your thoughts and suggestions for future guests and topics. This podcast is in partnership with the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). More about VIN here . We value your feedback! Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to vetmindworks@gmail.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook Want to find out more about our hosts ? Follow on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-agthe-562bb65b https://www.linkedin.com/in/clive-elwood-b7aba216/ Credits: Music- Deep Ambience by Coma-Media, Pixabay; Images for Artwork- OpenClipart-Vectors, Pixabay

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  Episode #40

  40. Disclosure Culture in Veterinary Teams - with Alex Harrison

  Jul 14, 20261h 4m

  In this episode of the Vet Mind Works podcast, host Petra Agthe is joined by Alex Harrison , founder of Vetquity and one of the first profoundly deaf veterinary graduates in Australia, to explore a dimension of psychological safety that rarely gets airtime: disclosure. Alex introduces the concept of disclosure culture — shifting the question from "why won't people speak up?" to "what is it about our systems, leadership, and everyday habits that makes it unsafe for people to share what's going on?" It's a reframe that moves the responsibility for inclusion from the individual to the organisation. This conversation covers: The scale of the issue Why disclosure culture matters for retention How disclosure culture can be seen as the "ultimate manifestation" of psychological safety The disclosure paradox The difference between partial and graded disclosure The importance of confidentiality and control Why a healthy disclosure culture also applies to leaders The significant difference between visible vs. invisible disabilities in regard to disclosure culture The importance of trauma-informed disclosure Why strengths-based language matters The business case for disclosure culture Ready to find out more about how to create safer work environments where people can truly thrive and fully contribute with their strengths? Then listen in or read the transcript and join our conversation! Where to find out more about Alex Harrison and his work: Vetquity: https://www.vetquity.com.au toolkits on disclosure safety, accessibility, inclusive hiring, policy redesign, and inclusive surveys Blogpost on Disclosure Culture on Vetquity: Why So Many Vets Hide: The Blind Spot in Veterinary Culture — Vetquity Follow Alex Harrison on LinkedIn Join the conversation: What resonated with you in this episode? Have you experienced disclosure — as the person sharing, or as the one receiving it? We'd love to hear your reflections. Share, rate, and send us your thoughts and suggestions for future guests and topics. This podcast is in partnership with the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). More about VIN here . We value your feedback! Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to vetmindworks@gmail.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook Want to find out more about our host? Follow to Petra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-agthe-562bb65b Credits: Music- Deep Ambience by Coma-Media, Pixabay; Images for Artwork- OpenClipart-Vectors, Pixabay This podcast is in partnership with the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). More about VIN here . We value your feedback! Please email us your thoughts, ideas and suggestions to vetmindworks@gmail.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook Want to find out more about our hosts ? Follow on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-agthe-562bb65b https://www.linkedin.com/in/clive-elwood-b7aba216/ Credits: Music- Deep Ambience by Coma-Media, Pixabay; Images for Artwork- OpenClipart-Vectors, Pixabay

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  Episode #39

  39. Trust - with Stijn Niessen

  May 19, 20261 hourS0

  <p>What does trust really mean in veterinary medicine — and why does it matter so deeply for learning, leadership, wellbeing, and patient care?</p><p>In this deep conversation, host Petra Agthe speaks with Stijn Niessen about trust as the foundation of healthy professional relationships and psychologically safe workplaces.</p><p>Drawing from decades of experience in clinical practice, leadership and education, Stijn explores how trust is built through shared values, consistency, accountability, and predictability in behaviour. Together, Petra and Stijn discuss how trust allows people to learn, grow, communicate honestly, and show up more fully as themselves within teams an...

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  Episode #38

  38. Nonviolent Communication - with Dan Tipney and Jess Woolrich

  Jan 13, 20261h 11mS0

  <p>In this episode, host <b>Petra Agthe</b> is joined by <b>Dan Tipney</b> and <b>Jess Woolrich</b> to explore Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and why communication matters so much for work in veterinary practice (and life in general!). Together, they unpack how the way we speak, listen, and respond directly affects psychological safety, team culture, and quality of care. The conversation also touches on emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and practical tools for communicating across difference. This is a grounded, honest conversation about moving beyond “being nice” toward communication that is both compassionate and effective.</p><p><b>Timestamps:</b><...

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  Vet Mind Works Podcast

  37. Civility - with Helen Silver-MacMahon

  Aug 5, 202553 minS37

  <p>What exactly is civility? Why does it matter? And how does it impact workplace culture? </p><p>In this insightful episode, host Petra is joined by Helen Silver MacMahon for a deep dive into this topic. Together, they explore aspects such as</p>What civility really meansThe historical and philosophical roots of civil behaviorHow incivility undermines safety and performance in veterinary and legal professionsHow incivility may increase error riskThe important role of leaders in modelling civility<p>and much more! </p><p><b>Helen's most favourite resource on the topic: </b></p><p>Podcast episode with Christ Turner (co-founder of...

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