The Bend Podcast with Debbie Boone

Today on The Bend, I’m sitting down with my longtime friend Tori Williams for a conversation about shelter work, veterinary operations, community care, and the people who keep showing up for animals every day. Tori brings more than a decade of experience in veterinary and shelter operations, with a heart for building better systems, stronger teams, and calmer experiences for both animals and staff. She has served as Chief Operating Officer at Fear Free, Director of Shelter Veterinary Services at Humane Colorado, Hospital Director at Richmond SPCA, and Founder of Lemonade Coaching and Consulting, where she helped organizations create practical strategies that reduce fear, anxiety, and stress.

 

Now, as Head of Shelters for Casco Pet, Tori is helping innovate shelter housing solutions that allow pets to show more natural behavior, experience less stress, and ultimately have a better chance at adoption. In this episode, we talk about how far shelter medicine has come, why helping families keep pets matters, how space and systems affect both animals and people, and what we can each do within our own area of influence to make this profession more sustainable.

Watch It: https://youtu.be/A5gFX3vHW9w

 

Guest Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tori-williams061313/

https://cascopet.com/uk/

 

Debbie is a practice management consultant and she customizes every practice consultation to your needs. If you need help growing your practice, recharging your vision, or just fine-tuning what’s already great, reach out and connect with Debbie.

Website: https://debbiebooneconsulting.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/debbiebooneconsulting/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/debbiebooneconsulting/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiebooneveterinaryconsultant/

Podcast: https://thebendpodcast.podbean.com/

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVU41sDEnXV_OSVllDpswMA

Debbie’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hospitality-Healthcare-Debbie-Boone/dp/1953315305

 

If you would like to help support my efforts to produce these episodes please consider supporting me via patreon. All forms of support are appreciated!

Patreon Link: https://www.patreon.com/debbiebooneveterinaryconsultant

 

In this episode of The Bend, I’m joined by Dr. Rick LeCouteur for a conversation that moves through veterinary medicine, mentorship, curiosity, communication, conservation, teaching, and the many unexpected bends that shape a meaningful life. Rick has lived so many chapters in this profession, from clinical work and academia to neurology, wildlife photography, children’s books, and veterinary expeditions, and I loved hearing how each part of his journey connected back to animals, people, and purpose.

We talked about the importance of staying curious, learning from mentors, listening well, choosing compassion, and remembering why this profession matters even on the hard days. Rick’s stories are thoughtful, funny, honest, and full of wisdom for anyone in veterinary medicine who has ever wondered what might be waiting around the next bend.

Watch It: https://youtu.be/D8etqP25KHw

 

Guest links:

Website and books: https://www.ricklecouteur.com/

Rick’s blog: https://www.ricklecouteur.com/blog

Veterinary Expeditions: https://veterinaryexpeditions.com/about-us/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-le-couteur-61294218/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricklecouteur/

 

Debbie is a practice management consultant and she customizes every practice consultation to your needs. If you need help growing your practice, recharging your vision, or just fine-tuning what’s already great, reach out and connect with Debbie.

Website: https://debbiebooneconsulting.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/debbiebooneconsulting/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/debbiebooneconsulting/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiebooneveterinaryconsultant/

Podcast: https://thebendpodcast.podbean.com/

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVU41sDEnXV_OSVllDpswMA

Debbie’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hospitality-Healthcare-Debbie-Boone/dp/1953315305

If you would like to help support my efforts to produce these episodes please consider supporting me via patreon. All forms of support are appreciated! Patreon Link: https://www.patreon.com/debbiebooneveterinaryconsultant

Today on The Bend, I’m sitting down with Jeremy Halperin and Biswa Prakash, co founders of MeasureVet, for a conversation about data, technology, and the people doing the real work inside veterinary practices. We talk about how practice data can move beyond reports and dashboards and become something much more useful: clarity that helps leaders make better decisions, recognize strong performance, and support their teams in a more meaningful way.

What I appreciated most about this conversation is that it kept coming back to people. Data is not just about numbers. It can help us see the effort, care, communication, and follow through that often go unnoticed, especially from team members who are making a real difference every day. This is a great episode for veterinary leaders, managers, data curious folks, and anyone who believes that everybody in the practice matters. Go listen or watch, and let me know what stood out to you.

Guest Links:

https://www.measurevet.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/measurevet/posts/?feedView=all

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyhalperin/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/biswa-prakash-509b224/

 

Debbie is a practice management consultant and she customizes every practice consultation to your needs. If you need help growing your practice, recharging your vision, or just fine-tuning what’s already great, reach out and connect with Debbie.

Website: https://debbiebooneconsulting.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/debbiebooneconsulting/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/debbiebooneconsulting/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiebooneveterinaryconsultant/

Podcast: https://thebendpodcast.podbean.com/

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVU41sDEnXV_OSVllDpswMA

Debbie’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hospitality-Healthcare-Debbie-Boone/dp/1953315305

If you would like to help support my efforts to produce these episodes please consider supporting me via patreon. All forms of support are appreciated!

Patreon Link: https://www.patreon.com/debbiebooneveterinaryconsultant

#TheBendPodcast #DebbieBoone #DebbieBooneConsulting #MeasureVet #VeterinaryMedicine #VetMed #VeterinaryLeadership #PracticeManagement #VeterinaryTechnology #VeterinaryTeams #DataDrivenLeadership #ClientExperience #TeamRecognition

On this episode of The Bend, I’m joined by Dr. Brian Bourquin for a thoughtful and honest conversation about one of the biggest bends a practice owner may ever face: building a practice, growing a team, and eventually deciding when it is time to sell. Brian shares his journey from opening Boston Veterinary Clinic as a de novo practice to growing it into a five location network, all while staying deeply committed to culture, wellness, patient care, and the people who made the practice what it became.

 

We talk about the emotional side of practice ownership, the responsibility of leading a team, the realities of selling to a larger organization, and what veterinary medicine needs as it moves forward. Brian brings so much heart, humor, and wisdom to this conversation, including a reminder that this is still a people business built around veterinary medicine. Go give it a listen, and share this episode with a practice owner or leader who may need to hear it.

 

Guest Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-bourquin-3356a6/

https://www.bostonveterinary.com/

 

Debbie is a practice management consultant and she customizes every practice consultation to your needs. If you need help growing your practice, recharging your vision, or just fine-tuning what’s already great, reach out and connect with Debbie.

Website: https://debbiebooneconsulting.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/debbiebooneconsulting/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/debbiebooneconsulting/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiebooneveterinaryconsultant/

Podcast: https://thebendpodcast.podbean.com/

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVU41sDEnXV_OSVllDpswMA

Debbie’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hospitality-Healthcare-Debbie-Boone/dp/1953315305

If you would like to help support my efforts to produce these episodes please consider supporting me via patreon. All forms of support are appreciated! Patreon Link: https://www.patreon.com/debbiebooneveterinaryconsultant

In this episode of The Bend, I’m sitting down with Dr. Amy Farcas, a board certified veterinary nutritionist and the founder of Full Circle Pet Nutrition, for a conversation about one of the trickiest topics in veterinary medicine: pet food. Amy has spent her career helping bridge the gap between clinical nutrition, veterinary teams, and the pet owners who are trying so hard to make the right choices. We talk about why nutrition conversations can feel so overwhelming, how marketing can muddy the waters, and why many clients are not looking for a quick answer as much as they are looking for a trusted guide.

What I loved about this conversation is that Amy brings so much clarity, patience, and real world understanding to a topic that can easily become emotional or confusing. She reminds us that nutrition is not just about food. It is also about trust, communication, the bond people have with their pets, and helping clients feel confident instead of judged. If you have ever stood in the pet food aisle wondering what really matters, or if you work in veterinary medicine and have felt the tension around nutrition conversations, this episode is one you will want to hear.

Watch It: https://youtu.be/RwfSHe_wnmE

 

Guest Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyfarcas2008/

https://www.instagram.com/veterinarynutritioncare/

Priority List: https://www.veterinarynutritioncare.com/signup?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

Newsletter: https://www.veterinarynutritioncare.com/newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

 

Debbie is a practice management consultant and she customizes every practice consultation to your needs. If you need help growing your practice, recharging your vision, or just fine-tuning what’s already great, reach out and connect with Debbie.

Website: https://debbiebooneconsulting.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/debbiebooneconsulting/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/debbiebooneconsulting/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiebooneveterinaryconsultant/

Podcast: https://thebendpodcast.podbean.com/

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVU41sDEnXV_OSVllDpswMA

Debbie’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hospitality-Healthcare-Debbie-Boone/dp/1953315305

If you would like to help support my efforts to produce these episodes please consider supporting me via patreon. All forms of support are appreciated! Patreon Link: https://www.patreon.com/debbiebooneveterinaryconsultant

 

Today on The Bend, I’m sitting down with Aaron Shaw, OTRL, CHT, CSCS to talk about something we don’t address nearly enough in vet med: the physical demands of the job and how they quietly feed stress, burnout, and early exits from the profession. Aaron is the founder of Project Vets and the creator of the Durable Vet Blueprint, and I love how he reframes our work as “veterinary athletes” who deserve real preparation, not just pushing through pain.

In this episode, we get practical about durability, the kind that helps you stay strong physically and emotionally while still doing what you love. We talk ergonomics that are hiding in plain sight, small changes that reduce wear and tear, and why taking care of your body is not separate from taking care of your mind. Go listen or watch, and tell me your biggest takeaway.

Guest Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/1aaronshaw/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/project-vetspan/

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/zbYiibC/thedurablevet

 

Debbie is a practice management consultant and she customizes every practice consultation to your needs. If you need help growing your practice, recharging your vision, or just fine-tuning what’s already great, reach out and connect with Debbie.

Website: https://debbiebooneconsulting.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/debbiebooneconsulting/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/debbiebooneconsulting/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiebooneveterinaryconsultant/

Podcast: https://thebendpodcast.podbean.com/

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVU41sDEnXV_OSVllDpswMA

Debbie’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hospitality-Healthcare-Debbie-Boone/dp/1953315305

If you would like to help support my efforts to produce these episodes please consider supporting me via patreon. All forms of support are appreciated! Patreon Link: https://www.patreon.com/debbiebooneveterinaryconsultant

On today’s episode of The Bend, I’m joined by Lori Kogan, PhD, licensed psychologist, professor at Colorado State University, and a true leader in the human animal bond space. Lori’s work sits right at the intersection of what we all live every day in veterinary medicine: the people part.

We talk about why vet med is absolutely a people business, what schools are doing differently with admissions, and the real-world skills that matter most once you’re in practice (communication, emotional intelligence, teamwork, and resilience). And we go deep on something we don’t talk about enough: client aggression. Lori shares research showing how common verbal abuse is, how often physical threats happen, and why this impacts our teams long after the moment is over. We also dig into what actually helps: de-escalation training, leadership support, clear policies, and building systems that protect your people. If you’ve ever gone home replaying a tough client interaction, this conversation will make you feel seen, and it’ll give you practical ways to think about what to do next. Listen to the episode now and tell me what resonated most. And if this one sparks something for you, share it with a teammate who needs it too.

Watch It: https://youtu.be/gKsCis88HoE

 

Guest Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-kogan-51796a17/

https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/directory/member/?id=lori-kogan-1034

 

Debbie is a practice management consultant and she customizes every practice consultation to your needs. If you need help growing your practice, recharging your vision, or just fine-tuning what’s already great, reach out and connect with Debbie.

Website: https://debbiebooneconsulting.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/debbiebooneconsulting/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/debbiebooneconsulting/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiebooneveterinaryconsultant/

Podcast: https://thebendpodcast.podbean.com/

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVU41sDEnXV_OSVllDpswMA

Debbie’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hospitality-Healthcare-Debbie-Boone/dp/1953315305

If you would like to help support my efforts to produce these episodes please consider supporting me via patreon. All forms of support are appreciated! Patreon Link: https://www.patreon.com/debbiebooneveterinaryconsultant

 

In this episode of The Bend, Debbie Boone sits down with Dr Casara Andre DVM CVMA to explore the fascinating overlap between animal behavior, human stress, and the ripple effects of trauma across the whole family unit. From working dog medicine and acupuncture to massage, cannabis education, and the growing conversation around emotional contagion, Dr Andre shares how trauma informed care helps pets feel safer, improves outcomes, and supports the veterinary teams who carry so much every day.

They also talk candidly about what happens when well meaning pet parents try cannabis without guidance, why harm reduction and simple journaling can protect pets and budgets, and how better communication can untangle even the most challenging cases. If you work in vet med, support clients, or love a pet who struggles with fear, anxiety, or chronic pain, this conversation will leave you with practical ideas and a lot of hope.

Watch It: https://youtu.be/L2OP1wOLM9I

 

Guest Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/casara-andre/

https://www.veterinarypsy.org/

https://www.careforthehealer.org/

https://www.cultivatewellbeing.health/

https://www.veterinarycannabis.org/

 

Debbie is a practice management consultant and she customizes every practice consultation to your needs. If you need help growing your practice, recharging your vision, or just fine-tuning what’s already great, reach out and connect with Debbie.

Website: https://debbiebooneconsulting.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/debbiebooneconsulting/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/debbiebooneconsulting/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiebooneveterinaryconsultant/

Podcast: https://thebendpodcast.podbean.com/

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVU41sDEnXV_OSVllDpswMA

Debbie’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hospitality-Healthcare-Debbie-Boone/dp/1953315305

If you would like to help support my efforts to produce these episodes please consider supporting me via patreon. All forms of support are appreciated! Patreon Link: https://www.patreon.com/debbiebooneveterinaryconsultant

This is a special episode of The Bend because I am joined by three friends who helped bring NAAVR to life. Dr. Jill Clark, Rhonda Bell, and Judy Rose Lanier share the real story behind why we created an association for veterinary receptionists and CSRs, and what we are building to support the people who carry the client experience every single day.

We talk about training, recognition, creating safe community, and why this role deserves real professional development and a clear career path. If you are a CSR who wants a place to learn, grow, and feel seen, or a practice leader who wants stronger retention and better client communication, this conversation is for you. Come join us at NAAVR and be part of the movement.

Watch It: https://youtu.be/qWFZl1Qa0sE

 

Guest Links:

https://naavr.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhondabellcvpm/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillclarkdvm/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyroselanier/

 

Debbie is a practice management consultant and she customizes every practice consultation to your needs. If you need help growing your practice, recharging your vision, or just fine-tuning what’s already great, reach out and connect with Debbie.

Website: https://debbiebooneconsulting.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/debbiebooneconsulting/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/debbiebooneconsulting/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiebooneveterinaryconsultant/

Podcast: https://thebendpodcast.podbean.com/

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVU41sDEnXV_OSVllDpswMA

Debbie’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hospitality-Healthcare-Debbie-Boone/dp/1953315305

If you would like to help support my efforts to produce these episodes please consider supporting me via patreon. All forms of support are appreciated! Patreon Link: https://www.patreon.com/debbiebooneveterinaryconsultant

In this episode of The Bend, I sit down with Dr. Gershon Alaluf, veterinarian, entrepreneur, and doctoral candidate at Pepperdine, to talk about what is really driving stress, burnout, and career disillusionment in veterinary medicine. Gershon has owned and operated hospitals for more than two decades, and now he is digging into the deeper layers of psychological strain, emotional labor, and the body’s stress response that are shaping our workforce in real time.

 

We get honest about why the word burnout has become a catch all, why client facing emotional labor is such a heavy load, and how concepts like moral injury can help explain what so many teams are feeling but cannot always name. If you have ever thought, “The numbers look fine, but something is not,” this conversation will help you see what is happening under the surface, and what leaders can do next.

Watch It: https://youtu.be/--De4UgpcmE

 

Guest Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/galaluf-dvmmba/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/stop-calling-burnout-gershon-alaluf-dvm-mba-dba-cand-jf52c/?trackingId=4ydod3X1Sd2ETdmkhUHDFA%3D%3D

 

Debbie is a practice management consultant and she customizes every practice consultation to your needs. If you need help growing your practice, recharging your vision, or just fine-tuning what’s already great, reach out and connect with Debbie.

Website: https://debbiebooneconsulting.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/debbiebooneconsulting/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/debbiebooneconsulting/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiebooneveterinaryconsultant/

Podcast: https://thebendpodcast.podbean.com/

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVU41sDEnXV_OSVllDpswMA

Debbie’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hospitality-Healthcare-Debbie-Boone/dp/1953315305

If you would like to help support my efforts to produce these episodes please consider supporting me via patreon. All forms of support are appreciated! Patreon Link: https://www.patreon.com/debbiebooneveterinaryconsultant