Vet Tech Nerd Party

Are you joining vet med for the puppies, or are you ready for the "unhinged" reality?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn and Julia for a bittersweet and insightful episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party as they sit down with our very own "Golden Goose," Delaney Knipps. As she prepares to transition from her role as Admissions Coordinator at OCVAS to a career in athletic mental performance, Delaney pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to be the first point of contact for aspiring vet techs.

From "luring" students into the fi...

Is it burnout, or are you actually suffering from moral injury?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn and Julia as they welcome back the "big guy," Dr. Gershon Alaluf (Dr. G), for a deep dive into the psychological toll of modern veterinary medicine. Fresh off a massive research project involving over 3,200 surveys, Dr. G pulls back the curtain on his findings regarding emotional labor and the corporate "numbers game."

From the "Sunday Scaries" to the heartbreaking reality of veterinary suicide, this episode explores why the "gold standard" of care often clashes with the cold...

What career paths exist for RVTs outside the clinic? Is pet insurance a smart pivot for vet techs ready for something different?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia & special guest Phil Snow, RVT for a hilarious, engaging episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party as they unpack real-life burnout, the pivot into pet insurance, teaching as a way to give back, and the wild behind-the-scenes story of how a locked-door school shutdown helped spark OC Veterinary Assistant School.

Packed with laughs, relatable insights, and professional wisdom, this episode is perfect for vet techs, animal...

Ever wonder how someone goes from the Navy… to kennel… to RVT… to running a school?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia & special guest Phil Snow, RVT for a hilarious, story-packed episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party that dives into Phil’s origin story in vet med, the “put in your time” reality of hospital life, and the ongoing debate around alternate route licensing vs traditional programs.

From traumatic first cases and after-hours foreign bodies to classic clinic pranks and hard opinions on mid-level practitioners, this one balances laughs with real professional perspective — perfect for te...

Is noticing breed patterns “being breedist”… or is it just good medicine?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia, and Erin for a hilarious, engaging episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party as they unpack breed stereotypes, genetic realities, and the fine line between smart pattern recognition and lazy diagnosis.

From Frenchies and doodles to Dobermans and Greyhounds, the crew shares clinic stories, hot takes, and practical reminders that help techs anticipate needs without boxing patients in.

Packed with laughs, relatable insights, and professional wisdom, this episode is perfect for vet techs, animal lovers...

Learning in vet med isn’t just about CE credits: it’s about access, power, burnout, and who actually gets to grow.

In this episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party, host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia, and Erin settle into a long, honest conversation about what education really looks like for veterinary professionals once real life, money, leadership, and systems get involved.

What starts with stories about conferences, CE budgets, and swag culture quickly expands into something bigger: how techs navigate uneven support, relief work, employer priorities, innovation overload, and the emotional crash that come...

What’s it really like trying to break into zoo, exotic, and wildlife medicine—and why does it burn out even the most passionate techs?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia, and Erin with special guest Jenny Weldy, RVT for a hilarious, story-packed episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party.

From growing up in a wildlife vet household (yes… animals in the bathroom) to the brutal reality of competitive exotics jobs, gatekept knowledge, and leadership burnout, Jenny brings real-world wisdom—and big-cat chaos—to the nerd table.

Packed with laughs, relatable vet med truths...

Ever had a clinic moment where you thought, “Wait… is this actually legal in California?”

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia, and Erin for a hilarious, real-talk breakdown of California RVT scope of practice—what’s clearly allowed, what’s commonly misunderstood, and what can put patients (and licenses) at risk.

From direct vs indirect supervision to emergency exceptions, anesthesia induction/monitoring, and dental extractions, this episode is packed with laughs, relatable chaos, and serious professional wisdom—because “we’ve always done it this way” doesn’t protect anybody.

🎧 What you'll discover:

Do you ever wonder why you doubt yourself even when you're clearly crushing it?

Join host Mallory Dickinson with Jenn, Julia, and Erin for a hilarious, honest, deeply relatable dive into imposter syndrome in vet med. From perfectionism and people-pleasing to skill doubt and comparison traps, this episode breaks down the mental battles techs face daily — with humor, vulnerability, and zero sugar-coating.

Packed with real stories, emotional truth, and light-bulb moments, this one hits home for anyone who's ever thought, “Should I even be here?”

🎧 What you'll discover:

– The 5 types of im...

Why do some vet techs thrive in corporate while others run straight back to private practice?

In Part 2 of this conversation, host Mallory Dickinson joins Jenn, Julia, and Erin to continue unpacking the real differences between corporate and private veterinary medicine. Building on the stories, frustrations, and laughs from Part 1, this episode dives deeper into leadership breakdowns, employee treatment, burnout triggers, and the surprising culture shifts that happen when ownership changes hands.

Packed with chaos, candid storytelling, clinical insight, and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is the perfect follow-up for anyone navigating the realities of working...

What really happens when a thriving private veterinary hospital gets bought out by a corporation? Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia, and Erin for the explosive Season 2 premiere of Vet Tech Nerd Party. In this brutally honest episode, the crew finally spills the tea on their clinic’s corporate buyout — the shocking mismanagement, emotional fallout, and lessons every vet pro should hear.

Packed with laughs, jaw-dropping stories, and heartfelt reflections, this episode is a must-listen for vet techs, animal lovers, and anyone navigating the changing world of veterinary medicine.

🎧 What you’ll discover:

– Th...

Is the day after a holiday the real emergency season?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia, and Erin for a festive, chaotic, and surprisingly real holiday episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party—ugly sweaters, clinic holiday schedules, post-holiday ER stories, and the behind-the-scenes realities vet teams face this time of year.

Packed with laughs, relatable moments, and hard-earned perspective, this one’s for vet techs, animal lovers, and everyone who’s ever said “they were fine yesterday…”

🎧 What you'll discover:

– How clinics actually split holiday shifts (and why it gets messy...

What happens when Vet Tech Nerd Party teams up with Ready Vet Go?

Join hosts & RVTs Mallory Dickinson, Julia Hamilton, and Jenn Graney for a Season 2 kickoff collab that dives deep into mentorship, burnout, and the unique partnership between veterinarians and RVTs.

With Ready Vet Go’s founder Dr. Dani Rabwin, DVM, this episode blends humor, honesty, and expert insights on how mentorship can transform veterinary medicine.

Whether you’re a vet tech, student, or seasoned vet, this collab brings laughs, truths, and encouragement to everyone in the...

Glitter spritzers & real talk. Join host Mallory Dickinson, RVT with cohosts Erin Jackson, RVT, Julia Hamilton, RVT, and Jenn Graney, RVT for a special Vet Tech Appreciation Week episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party. We unpack the controversy around Tech Week, what real appreciation looks like (beyond pizza), and swap the moments that turned us from baby techs into leaders. We also dive into anesthesia essentials (warming, monitoring, recovery) and why restraint done right changes everything 💪🐾.

What you’ll discover:

– Why Tech Week gets pushback—and how to reframe it without diluting the RVT role 🎯<...

Two RVTs told me, “Don’t get into this field.” Here’s why I didn’t listen.

Join host Mallory Dickinson, RVT and cohosts Erin Jackson, RVT, Julia Hamilton, RVT, and Jenn Graney, RVT for a raw and relatable conversation with special guest Sarah—a vet tech student navigating the early stages of her career.

From jaded mentors to dream externships , corporate vs. private culture, and the financial realities of pet ownership, this episode blends humor , honesty , and heart.

Packed with laughs 🤣, real-life stories 📖, and professional insight 🩺, this episode is perfe...

How do we fix burnout in vet med—without losing the soul of the profession?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia, and Erin with special guest Dr. G (retired DVM, MBA, DBA candidate) for a lively deep-dive into culture, mentorship, emotional labor, mid-level debates, and why job descriptions matter more than you think.

Packed with hard truths, humor, and clinic stories (including gear-fail confessions), this one’s for every vet pro who still loves the work.

🎧 What you’ll discover:

What happens when a clinic mascot becomes a little too chill?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and co-hosts Jenn, Julia, and Erin for a wild, laugh-out-loud episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party as they swap unforgettable stories from the treatment floor — including the infamous Drug Pug.

From bizarre pet names and unpredictable patients to behind-the-scenes hilarity, this episode captures the chaotic, heartwarming, and downright weird side of vet med life.

Packed with relatable moments and hard-earned wisdom, it’s a must-listen for anyone in the animal care world.

Ever had a sea lion bite, a cat claw your forehead, or a shark phobia straight out of vet school nightmares? You're in good company.

Join host Mallory Dickinson RVT and cohosts Erin Jackson RVT, Julia Hamilton RVT, and Jenn Graney RVT for a wildly entertaining episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party.

From bite scars to rabies rants to Shark Week therapy sessions—this one hits hard and heals with humor.

Packed with unfiltered stories, professional wisdom, and absurd trivia (how much does an elephant seal weigh?), th...

Ever boxed down a cat and regretted it? You're not alone.

Join host Mallory Dickinson RVT and cohosts Erin Jackson RVT, Julia Hamilton RVT, Jenn Graney RVT, plus special guest Karen, for a raw, hilarious, and unfiltered second episode on all things feline.

From scruffing debates and sedation tips to shelter chaos and the ethics of euthanasia, this is the cat convo you didn’t know you needed.

Packed with laughs, venting, and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for vet techs, animal advocates, and anyone wh...

Ever wonder why your cat insists on showing you their backside?

In this hilarious and uncensored episode of the Vet Tech Nerd Party podcast, we explore the strange, wild, and chaotic world of cat behavior, veterinary medicine, and what it really means to live with these lovable mini predators.

Perfect for cat lovers, veterinary technicians, and anyone intrigued by the quirky antics of our feline friends!

🎧 What you'll discover:

Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes when vet techs deal with wild clients and emotional burnout?

In this hilarious and uncensored episode of the Vet Tech Nerd Party podcast, we're shaking up the Client Consent Cooler (aka Client Gabapentin cocktail) and sharing outrageous, true veterinary client stories.

From pets in freezers to creative ways to dodge client calls, join us for raw insights, dark humor, and relatable moments from the chaos of veterinary medicine.

Perfect for vet techs, veterinary professionals, and anyone intrigued by the quirky and intense world of vet med!<...

Join host Mallory Dickinson for an engaging and hilarious episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party featuring special guest Dr. Chelsea Fishenfeld, DVM!

Dive into the evolving role of veterinary technicians, wild behind-the-scenes clinic stories, and expert tips for boosting your veterinary career. From ambulatory adventures to crucial communication skills, this episode has it all—wrapped in laughs, relatable insights, and professional wisdom.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– How the role of veterinary technicians is evolving in 2025

– Hilarious and relatable behind-the-scenes clinic stories

– Dr. Fishenfeld’s top insights on patient care and clie...

Ever wondered why vet techs stay passionate despite challenges?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and your favorite nerdy vet techs for an emotional and inspiring episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party. From unforgettable emergency cases to quiet, heartfelt moments with animals, explore powerful stories and career-defining lessons that reveal the true heart of veterinary medicine. Packed with relatable insights, meaningful experiences, and a dose of humor, this episode will remind you why you fell in love with vet med in the first place.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– Meaningful experiences that define vet tech caree...

Ready for stories that'll warm your heart and lift your spirits?

Join host Mallory Dickinson for a hilarious, engaging episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party. We're diving deep into unforgettable animal rescue stories—from wildlife triumphs to lovable pet adoptions. Packed with laughs, relatable insights, and professional wisdom, this episode is perfect for vet techs, animal lovers, and veterinary professionals alike.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– Incredible wildlife rescue operations and their heartwarming outcomes

– Hilarious anecdotes about adopting pets that changed our lives

– Behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs in animal rescue

Ever set an animal patient on fire?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and friends for a hilarious, engaging episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party. Dive deep into wild vet clinic mishaps, anesthesia scares, and heartfelt conversations about mental health in vet med. Packed with laughs, relatable insights, and professional wisdom, this episode is perfect for vet techs, animal lovers, and veterinary professionals alike.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– Wild vet clinic cases gone wrong (and lessons learned!)

– How anesthesia mishaps led to unforgettable moments

– Insightful conversations about mental health struggles and copin...

What do a Christmas ornament, needles, and a thong have in common?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and the Vet Tech Nerd Party crew for a hilarious, engaging episode packed with wild foreign body stories, jaw-dropping surgery moments, and relatable vet tech chaos. Packed with laughs, relatable insights, and professional wisdom, this episode is perfect for vet techs, animal lovers, and veterinary professionals alike.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– The craziest foreign bodies ever removed, from needles to beach towels

– Life-saving moments and wild surgical experiences

– Hilarious "caught cheating" stories revealed...

Viewer discretion advised—maybe skip lunch for this one!

Join host Mallory Dickinson and the Nerd Party crew as they dive into the most disgusting, cringe-worthy, and utterly hilarious stories from their vet tech careers. From exploding abscesses to projectile poop, this episode has it all. Packed with laughs, relatable insights, and professional wisdom, it's perfect for vet techs, animal lovers, and veterinary professionals alike.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– The infamous Pyo Punch cocktail and why every infection deserves its drink

– Smells you'll never forget: Parvo, pyometras, necrotic tumors, skunks, sea lions...

Ever had a client hand you a coffee can full of poop during lunch?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and her RVT crew for a hilarious, engaging episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party. This week, they're diving deep into the chaos, comedy, and emotional labor involved when handling absurd client interactions.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– Unforgettable "would you rather" vet-client horror stories

– How vet techs juggle being therapists, counselors, and poop inspectors

– The truth about why vet med is tougher (and kinder) than human medicine

– Coping strategies for burnout...

Ever found testicles in your bra at work?

Join host Mallory Dickinson and the Vet Tech Nerd Party crew for an uproarious journey into the real chaos of daily veterinary technician life. From early-morning equine emergencies to late-night specialty surgeries, get ready for an episode packed with outrageous stories, relatable laughs, and heartfelt moments only vet techs truly understand.

🎧 What you'll discover:

🐴 Crazy equine ambulatory adventures with Jenn

🔬 Behind-the-scenes insights into specialty surgeries with Erin

🏥 The gritty truth about shelter medicine with Julia

🐶 GP clinic chaos and hilar...

Scrubs on. Gloves off. Sh*t’s about to get real.

Join host Mallory Dickinson and four seasoned RVTs for a hilarious, engaging episode of Vet Tech Nerd Party. Experience unfiltered stories from anal glands to angry Chihuahuas, and burnout to besties. Packed with laughs, relatable insights, and professional wisdom, this episode is perfect for vet techs, animal lovers, and veterinary professionals alike.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– Unfiltered, hilarious vet tech stories

– How seasoned vet techs handle clinic chaos

– The realities of veterinary burnout and camaraderie

– Insights into...