Don't Call Me Catty

What if veterinary care didn’t stop at the clinic door? In this episode of Don’t Call Me Catty, we’re joined by Ellyse Bacelic-Grgic (RVT & Founder) and Jen Gibson of Felix and Fido, a platform enabling Registered Veterinary Technologists to provide in-home support following veterinary visits. Built from a personal experience with a critically ill pet, Felix and Fido addresses a common gap in care: the transition from clinic to home. Their model supports: Client compliance wit...

Jillian sits down with Dr. Greg Andrews: equine veterinarian, industry leader, and founding force behind Mosaic Veterinary Partners, for a candid conversation on what it really takes to build a lasting career in veterinary medicine. With over 37 years in practice, Dr. Andrews shares stories from the early days of equine medicine—working out of a tin shack, relying on hands and intuition before advanced diagnostics—and how those experiences shaped his approach to leadership, mentorship, and bu...

This week, we’re talking to Dr. Jodi Viste, and asking her how the heck she has 150 friends. She is a rural mixed-animal vet, mother, ABVMA council member, and a passionate community member. We’re diving into the "extraordinary ordinary" life of a small-town vet, including: The realities of the veterinary shortage, The dark humour we use to survive the hardest parts of the job, and Why "burnout is the curse of the strong." We also pull back the curtain on her 2021 sale to VCA, ...

This episode is sponsored by Solvet Canada: https://solvet.ca/ We sit down with the one and only Shannon Gervais, RVT, at CanWest in Banff for a conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, networking, and the future of veterinary medicine. Shannon shares her journey from RVT to a career that spans clinical practice, pharmaceutical sales, leadership, consulting, and founding multiple ventures in the veterinary space. We talk about what it really takes to grow beyond the traditional RVT r...

We sit down with Dr. Candace Stuart, a veterinarian practicing in Whitehorse, Yukon, at one of only two veterinary clinics serving the entire territory. Dr. Stuart shares what it truly means to practice medicine in Canada’s North, where referral centers can be 10–14 hours away, emergency care is covered in-house, and veterinarians must rely heavily on teamwork, adaptability, and trust. From performing complex surgeries without immediate backup to supporting clients who may need to fly or dri...

Leilani and Jillian sit down with Ashley Nicholls of Reach Ag for a wide-ranging conversation that blends leadership, culture, and real-world agriculture experience with plenty of laughs along the way. Ashley shares his journey from Australia to Canada, including stories from Australian cowboy culture and what it was like entering the agriculture industry later in life. Together, they explore the unique challenges that arise when business, family, and tradition intersect: a reality familiar t...

We sit down with Jerry Locati, an RVT whose full-time job is talking to pet owners when they’re worried, overwhelmed, and unsure what to do next. Jerry shares his path into veterinary medicine, what led him to become an RVT, and who he is outside of the profession (including his life as a bass guitarist while off the clock). We talk about his role at Animal HealthLink, where he’s often the voice on the phone when a pet owner is facing a potential crisis and needs calm, experienced guidance. T...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Savannah Howse-Smith: Métis veterinarian, former star of Dr. Savannah: Wild Rose Vet, and Lead Veterinarian with the Canadian Animal Task Force. We discuss her journey from mixed animal practice to small animal care, how she found herself on television, and why community-centred care matters in Indigenous communities across Canada. Join us for stories from the clinic, insights into effective allyship to Indigenous communities, and how Dr. Savannah continues t...

We're thrilled to introduce you to Syd Vaughan, Registered Massage Therapist, breathwork coach, and founder of 3 Well by Syd. Syd shares her personal journey into breathwork and how regulating the nervous system can be a practical, effective tool for managing stress, especially in high-pressure professions like veterinary medicine. The conversation reflects on the speakers’ experience at CVMA 2025, where Syd guided a group of veterinary professionals through a breathwork session that challen...

In the inaugural episode of 'Don't Call Me Catty,' co-hosts Jillian and Leilani introduce their mission of offering a no-nonsense look into the veterinary industry. The special guest, Jonathan Leicht, CEO of Mosaic Vet Partners, shares career insights, including hiring practices, mentorship, and handling workplace challenges. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining team culture and being adaptable in a fast-evolving field. Jonathan also opens up about personal stories, including memorable...