Send us Fan Mail Two veterinarians can earn the same income, live a similar lifestyle, and still end up in completely different financial positions. In this episode of the Smarter Vet Podcast, Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett unpack why financial outcomes are rarely about income alone. They explore the role of perception, habits, and common money mindsets that quietly keep veterinarians stuck—like believing busy equals successful, assuming you’ll “catch up later,” or relying on a future practice sale...
May 15
24 min
Send us Fan Mail This episode marks a major milestone—200 episodes of the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast. To celebrate, CJ Burnett and Tom Seeko step back to reflect on what they’ve consistently seen work—and not work—for veterinarians over the past decade. They break down three common patterns that hold people back: lack of clarity, believing more income automatically equals progress, and the mindset of “I’ll figure it out later.” Then, they share the foundational principles that lead to real...
May 8
26 min
Send us Fan Mail Practice ownership can feel like a rollercoaster — incredible highs, heavy responsibilities, and moments that make you question why you started in the first place. In this episode of the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast, CJ Burnett and Tom Seeko break down the real-world trials and trivia of veterinary practice ownership. From financial pressure and decision fatigue to emotional load and leadership challenges, they unpack the parts of ownership that often go unspoken. They also ...
May 1
20 min
Send us Fan Mail Communication isn’t just announcements—it’s how veterinary teams connect, support each other, and deliver care. In this episode, Tom Seeko sits down with Catherine Haskins, founder/CEO of The Bridge Club and co‑founder of Project Sticker, to talk about the realities of communication inside practices, the shift toward smaller, more intentional networking, and practical ways leaders can support mental health on fast‑moving teams. We cover: • Why “more” communication isn’t...
Apr 24
27 min
Send us Fan Mail Veterinary medicine isn’t about the money—but avoiding finances can quietly create stress, burnout, and long-term consequences. In this episode of the SmarterVet Financial Podcast, CJ Burnett and Tom Seeko unpack the hidden cost of financial avoidance in veterinary medicine. From subscription creep and pricing hesitation to discomfort around money conversations, they explore why so many veterinarians sidestep finances—and how that avoidance compounds over time. You’ll hear re...
Apr 17
28 min
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the SmarterVet Financial Podcast, Tom sits down with Anthony LaPolla, Founder & CEO of Empower Business Strategies, to explore one of the biggest challenges facing veterinary practices today: retention and HR structure. Anthony shares why so many clinics struggle to keep good people, the hidden causes behind turnover, what strong onboarding and training should look like, and why compliance is almost always the first place to start. They also discuss the...
Apr 10
27 min
Send us Fan Mail Imposter syndrome affects veterinarians at every stage of their careers—from new graduates to long‑time practice owners. Even when life looks stable on the outside, many still feel behind, exposed, or uncertain if they truly belong. In this episode, CJ and Tom explore: Why imposter syndrome is so common in veterinary medicine How perfection training and comparison culture amplify self‑doubt The hidden emotional roots behind financial fear Why success does...
Apr 3
26 min
Send us Fan Mail Veterinary medicine is full of passion, purpose, and pressure—but how do you build a career and a life that feel sustainable? In this episode, Tom sits down with Dr. Andy Roark to explore the mindset shifts and financial habits that help veterinary professionals create long‑term stability while staying connected to the work they love. Andy shares his winding path into veterinary medicine, how the profession is changing, why affordability conversations must include support sta...
Mar 27
39 min
Send us Fan Mail Many veterinarians build wealth using mutual funds, but once a portfolio grows into the seven‑figure range, the hidden challenges begin. Taxes you didn’t expect. Overlapping holdings you didn’t realize you owned. Lack of customization. And far less control than your financial life now requires. In this episode, CJ and Tom break down why mutual funds are often great when you’re just getting started—but may cause major hurdles once your portfolio exceeds $1M. You'll learn how t...
Mar 20
23 min
Send us Fan Mail Most veterinarians assume that more risk equals more return—but that’s rarely how real financial life works. In this episode, Tom and CJ break down the hidden risks veterinarians carry mid‑career, how concentration risk shows up in both income and practice ownership, and why chasing high returns can actually set you back. You’ll hear stories from real conversations, practical examples, and three powerful questions to help you evaluate whether the risks you're taking truly ali...
Mar 13
28 min
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