The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast

Dr. Tannetje’ Crocker, DVM, joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about one of the most powerful (and often underused) tools in veterinary practice: social media. From Instagram posts to TikToks, Tannetje’ shares how she uses positive, relatable content to connect with pet owners, educate her community, and grow her practice in meaningful ways. In this episode, they dive into what kind of messaging actually works online, how to reach the right audience without fear tactics, and why being authentic matters more than ever. Whether you're trying to hire new team members, bring in more clients, or just wondering if you...

Clair Sauer, CVT, joins Dr. Andy Roark to explore how we’re teaching (and could be teaching better) in vet med. In this episode of the Cone of Shame Podcast, they dig into Clair’s unique path from science teacher to veterinary technician educator at the University of Pennsylvania. With a passion for learning theory and hands-on training, Clair shares her thoughts on competency-based education, the strengths and challenges of the distributive model for vet schools, and why clear learning outcomes should drive everything from curriculum design to in-clinic staff training. If you're curious about the future of veterinary educ...

Dr. Alex Sigmund, DACVO, joins Dr. Andy Roark to share his journey from uncertain pre-vet student to rising ophthalmology star and social media sensation, better known as The Vet Eye Guy. In this episode of the Cone of Shame Podcast, Alex opens up about falling in love with ophthalmology during vet school, navigating the competitive world of residencies, and building a wildly popular educational Instagram presence. From his passion for teaching to the moment he realized his bite-sized videos were making a global impact, Alex talks candidly about the heart behind his content—and why he’s determined to make...

Dr. Jimmy Barr, Chief Medical Officer at Antech Diagnostics, joins The Cone of Shame Podcast for a deep dive into the future of veterinary diagnostics. With a background as a criticalist and former CMO of Blue Pearl, Dr. Barr brings a clinician’s perspective to the evolving landscape of diagnostics. He and Dr. Andy Roark discuss how innovation is shaping veterinary medicine, from AI-assisted radiograph interpretation to predictive diagnostics and molecular testing. They explore the role of spectrum of care in diagnostics, the surprising tests veterinarians still perform in-house, and how AI can serve as a cognitive aid rather than...

Dr. David Haworth joins Dr. Andy Roark to unpack one of the most talked-about shifts in veterinary medicine: the rise of mid-level practitioners. In this episode of the Cone of Shame Podcast, they dive into the connection between regulation and innovation—yes, you read that right—and how smart, clear guidelines can actually fuel progress. The conversation then shifts to Colorado’s landmark ballot initiative, paving the way for mid-level roles in vet med. Dr. Haworth shares his perspective on what thoughtful implementation could look like, why engagement from veterinarians is critical, and how we can build a future where...

In this crossover episode of the Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast and VetFolio Voice, Dr. Andy Roark, Stephanie Goss and Dr. Cassandra Fleming dive into conflict management in veterinary practices. They discuss how to reframe conflict as an opportunity for growth rather than something to avoid. Stephanie and Andy break down the importance of building conflict-resilient teams—teams that can disagree, talk through issues, and move forward without tension lingering. They explore practical tools for managing conflict effectively, including communication techniques, creating a culture of psychological safety, and empowering team members to handle conflict themselves rather than relying on le...

Tabitha Kucera, RVT, VTS (Behavior) joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about how veterinary technicians can build a career in behavior. She shares her journey from general practice to launching Chirrups and Chatter, the challenges she faced, and the steps she took to advocate for herself and establish a successful behavior consulting business. They discuss imposter syndrome, career growth, and why behavior is an essential part of veterinary medicine. Gang, let’s get into this episode.

Chirrups and Chatter

Tabitha Kucera on Instagram

Tails Fr...

Dr. Kate Boatright joins The Cone of Shame Podcast to discuss how new veterinary graduates can sometimes be perceived as money-hungry, not because they are, but because they lack confidence in case management and lean heavily on full diagnostic workups. She and Dr. Andy Roark explore how vet school training, imposter syndrome, and communication challenges contribute to this perception. They dive into the importance of spectrum of care, mentorship strategies for guiding young doctors, and how clinicians can balance thorough medicine with client trust. Whether you're a new grad, a mentor, or someone passionate about communication in veterinary practice, thi...

Dr. Jen Quammen joins The Cone of Shame Podcast to discuss her candidacy for AVMA President-Elect and why she’s stepping up to lead the profession. In this episode, she and Dr. Andy Roark explore what it takes to run for AVMA leadership, the changes she hopes to bring—like expanding membership to include credentialed veterinary technicians—and the challenges of guiding a large, public-facing organization. They dive into the AVMA’s evolution, the importance of diverse representation, and how veterinary professionals can get involved without overwhelming commitments. If you’ve ever wondered what the AVMA does, where it’s headed, or...

Dr. Donnell Hanson joins The Cone of Shame Podcast to share her passion for helping veterinarians overcome their fear of dentistry through her unique training center, The Four Legged Tooth Fairy. In this episode, Dr. Hanson and Dr. Andy Roark explore why dentistry can be such a source of stress for veterinarians, the most common roadblocks that hold doctors back, and how a hands-on, supportive approach can transform anxiety into confidence. They discuss the role of mentorship, repetition, and small group learning in making dentistry feel more like "arts and crafts" than a high-stakes procedure. Whether you're a seasoned...