The Vetglow Podcast
The Vetglow Podcast
Aoife Smith
A wellbeing space for the Veterinary community in Ireland and beyond! We talk all things self-development, self-care, Mental Health, and how to cultivate a peaceful space inside your head. This is the mental health revolution that you have all been waiting for!
Navigating Inappropriate Behaviour at Work with Jane Davidson
What happens when the place you’re meant to feel professional, supported, and safe in… isn’t? In this episode of The Vetglow Podcast, I am joined by Jane Davidson, RVN and PhD candidate, for an honest and compassionate conversation about navigating inappropriate behaviour at work. From subtle boundary crossing to more overt harm, we explore how these experiences affect wellbeing, especially in caring professions like veterinary medicine, and how one might cope with this. This episode is for anyone who has ever left work feeling unsettled, unheard, or unsure if what happened “counted.” You’re not alone.If you wish to skip potential triggers, helpful tips & discussions start from: 29:26. Please note, however, that abuse of a sexual/physical/verbal nature is mentioned sporadically within the episode. Listener discretion is advised.Jane's self-care app: https://positiveprocrastination.org/product/the-self-care-app/?fbclid=PAVERFWAOmZy1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAad4e5LaV_kGOctY-FC1SDpvu7yWdBFzY5_4mJTLRlC0JP6W4b_IeeP5qbbguA_aem_Og2OGchia2dfgOkGLiyt0QNeed some help?Samaritans (UK & Ireland): Call 116 123UK mental health support through text: Text shout to 85258Ireland HSE mental health support through text: Text HELLO to 50808Vetlife: Call 0303 040 2551
Dec 17, 2025
1 hr 15 min
LA vs. Gaza?!: All-or-Nothing Thinking is Blocking Your Empathy & Compassion
In this episode of The Vetglow Podcast, we dive into the trap of black-and-white thinking and why it’s doing more harm than good in humanitarian efforts, striving for peace, and fighting against social injustice. From your personal life to issues on a global scale, an all-or-nothing mindset can distort our empathy and decision-making. I explore how this plays out in real life—like diminishing the suffering of one group to advocate for another (looking at you, LA vs. Gaza discourse). Join me as I unpack how I think this cognitive pitfall shows up in our work, our relationships, and the way we view the world. Let’s rethink how we can hold space for complexity -because nuance isn’t just for diagnostics; it’s for life. 🩺✨ Tune in to challenge your thinking and lighten the mental load that comes with the classic either/or traps.
Jan 12, 2025
30 min
Review Rage: Taming the Beast of Online Criticism
In the age of social media, even the best Veterinary professionals can find themselves caught in the crosshairs of online negativity. From harsh Google reviews to negative and sometimes abusive social media comments, cyber criticism can feel like an emotional gut punch that can really hurt. But don’t let the trolls get the best of you! In this episode of The VetGlow Podcast, we deep dive into the mental toll of online reviews and offer practical strategies to navigate the digital minefield. Learn how to build resilience, defuse angry comments, and keep your mental health intact while navigating the wild world of online criticism. Like what you hear? Become part of the Athena community on Instagram @athenasmindtherapy and @vetglow pod.
Oct 6, 2024
32 min
Building a Stronger Squad: 4 Quick Ways to Team-Build on the Daily
In this episode of The Vetglow Podcast, we’re diving into simple strategies that probably haven't crossed your mind, but that can transform your veterinary team into a well-oiled, harmonious squad. Veterinary work is chaotic and high-pressure, but strong teamwork is what keeps everything running smoothly. Today, we're exploring 4 quick and easy ways you can build stronger connections and improve team dynamics on a daily basis. From creating simple pre-shift rituals to fostering a culture of appreciation, these fresh team-building techniques will help you boost communication, trust, and camaraderie within your clinic. Whether you're a vet, vet nurse, receptionist, or ACA, this episode is packed with tips you can start using right away to make every day feel like a win for the team.
Sep 29, 2024
26 min
Bridging the Gap: The Disconnect Between the Public and Veterinary Teams
In this episode of The VetGlow Podcast, we explore the often frustrating disconnect between Veterinary professionals and the general public. From misunderstandings around costs to the rise of "pet parents" and Dr. Google/internet-driven diagnoses, I attempt to break down the emotional and communication barriers that create friction in daily practice. Join us as we delve into the root causes of this divide, how it impacts Veterinary teams, and what we can do to bridge the gap—all while taking care of ourselves in the process. Like what you hear? Be sure to hit subscribe, and follow me on Instagram @athenasmindtherapy & @vetglowpod. Angry Clients: Strategy, Confidence, & Empowerment: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5lkMl3LBqvUgTDP2l7snN2?si=HA7bdjs8QAeTysV__vLiGQ
Sep 22, 2024
30 min
Getting Out of Victimhood & Getting Into Empowerment
Hey Athenas! We're back for another episode. This one is all about getting yourself OUT of a victim mindset and INTO empowerment and making choices that serve you. There's some tough love in here, but the messaging is so key. As always, you can come say hey over on Instagram @athenasmindtherapy & @vetglowpod. Be sure to let me know your thoughts on the ep!
Jul 1, 2024
56 min
Back To Our Roots feat. Caitriona Higgins: Inner Child Somatic & Psychotherapeutic Work
Hey Athenas! I am so delighted to bring you another episode with the queen of somatic work... Caitriona Higgins. Cat is a reiki and sound healing practitioner who also holds sparkly space with cacao and yoni steaming. Her women's circles are out here changing the lives of many, and I'm delighted that she could join us for a chat today. You can catch her on Instagram @healing_with_cat - Go show her some love. As always, you can also join the Athena community over on Instagram @athenasmindtherapy and @vetglowpod. For details on our workshop ROOTS which will take place on 11th May in Co. Wicklow, please reach out to myself or Caitriona on Instagram for details and we can make sure it's a good fit for you. You are also welcome to reach out to us via email if you've taken a step back from socials: [email protected]. We're so looking forward to connecting with you!
Apr 7, 2024
1 hr 3 min
Cope On: Nervous System Regulation with Mike McNicholas
Today we're joined on the pod by the lovely Mike from Cope On. Mike is a pal and peer in the Psychology space who is using the theory behind nervous system reset and some effective yoga poses to ultimately combat mental ill-health and help you to live your best life. We chat about his new venture, attachment, and more. Find Mike on Instagram @copeonmike. To connect with us here at The Vetglow Podcast, head to @vetglowpod or @athenasmindtherapy on Instagram. For Psychotherapy appointment queries, email [email protected]. For all other queries (talks, workshops, panel discussions etc) email [email protected].
Oct 23, 2023
1 hr 21 min
What to do when someone you love is a DiStRaCtiOn
Surprise! It's been a hot minute, but I felt compelled to bring you this one today. Don't forget to enjoy the sunshine and tag us in your stories @vetglowpod
May 29, 2023
21 min
Paula Sanfey: Coaching, NLP, EFT, Reiki, & Life After Burnout
Welcome back to another episode of The Vetglow Podcast! This week, we have the wonderful Paula Sanfey chatting to us about life after burnout and everything that has manifested for her since then. Paula is so generous with her thoughts and her time, and we're so excited to have her on to chat. You can find Paula on Instagram @paulasanfey and also over on @veterinarywellnessvibes, which she runs alongside Caitriona Higgins. I'm so excited for you to hear this one. As always, you can come find me on Instagram @vetglowpod, or on my main hangout page @athenasmindveterinary.
Jan 30, 2023
41 min
Load more