Choose People Love Pets

Choose People Love Pets

"Choose People Love Pets" is a podcast dedicated to exploring the powerful intersection where passion for animals meets the art of leading with a people-first mindset and intentionality. Join us as we delve into the heart of veterinary medicine, discovering how prioritizing both the well-being of our furry friends and the humans who care for them can transform the landscape of culture and leadership in our field.

Episodes

July 14, 2025 67 mins

In this episode of Choose People Love Pets, host Brianna Armstrong interviews Dr. Jack Murray, a recent veterinary graduate who has successfully navigated a non-traditional career path. Dr. Murray shares his journey of paying off student loans in just 10 months, launching a luxury dog crate company, and providing in-home euthanasia services. The conversation explores themes of entrepreneurship, emotional resilience in veterinary pr...

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In this episode of Choose People Love Pets, Brianna Armstrong, DVM, and Phoebe Valdez, hospital manager and mom, unpack the tricky—but vital—question: How do you know when a team member’s behavior needs to be addressed?

They explore:

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June 16, 2025 86 mins

Dr. Jill Clark is on a mission — not to maintain the status quo, but to revolutionize veterinary medicine. In this episode, she shares her winding path from the film industry to founding Ignite, why she’s fiercely dedicated to elevating veterinary receptionists, and how she’s learned to lead with honesty, integrity, and courage.

We talk about:

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    In this episode of Choose People Love Pets, Brianna and Phoebe dive into the complexities of judgment, compassion, and client interactions in veterinary medicine. Sparked by a team conversation about hospital values, they explore how judgment is natural—but how we act on those judgments is where our culture is defined.

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    May 19, 2025 94 mins

    In this inspiring episode, Dr. Cindy Trice joins us to talk about carving your own path in veterinary medicine—and life. From working in film production to becoming a nationally recognized relief veterinarian, Cindy shares how following her instincts (and curiosity) led her to build Relief Rover, co-found Kick It Pajamas, and advocate for mental health and belonging in the profession.

    Cindy’s story is one of creativity, compassion,...

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    Episode Summary:
    Nobody teaches you this in vet school — how to train clients. In this episode, Dr. Armstrong and Phoebe dive deep into the unseen impact clients have on hospital culture, team wellbeing, and long-term sustai...

    Your team is getting more comfortable giving feedback—awesome. But now comes the next level: finessing those conversations. In this episode, we dig into how to train your team to give feedback that’s not just honest, but helpful.

    We break it down into three essential questions:

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    Financial conversations in the exam room can be tough — but they don’t have to be. In this episode, we talk about how to simplify these moments by leading with medicine, not assumptions. We break down how to confidently recommend the gold standard, clearly explain the "why" behind your plan, and save the cost conversation for the right time. When budget...

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    In this episode of Choose People Love Pets, we explore the benefits of cross-training your veterinary team and how it can transform both hospital culture and revenue. When team members understand multiple roles, they not only improve workflow efficiency but also build stronge...

    In this episode of Choose People Love Pets, we uncover the critical role Client Service Coordinators (CSCs) play in the success of a veterinary hospital. From setting the tone of client interactions to managing the daily flow of appointments, CSCs are the frontline of patient care and team efficiency. We discuss how a great CSC can elevate the client experience, boost retention, and create a posi...

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    In this episode of Choose People Love Pets, we dive into the power of team referrals and volunteers in building a thriving veterinary hospital. We explore why the best hires often come from within your own network, how trusted team referrals can strengthen culture, and why vo...

    In this episode, we explore the impact of thoughtful leadership. We begin by highlighting the importance of gathering all the facts before offering feedback—because what seems like a mistake might actually be a decision made with the best of intentions. We also discuss how taking the time to fully understand a situation can help you avoid unnecessary conflict—sometimes things aren't as big of an issue as they first appear. Finally,...

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    January 27, 2025 31 mins

    In this episode, we dive deep into the book Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke, exploring how the principles of decision-making in poker can be applied to leadership in veterinary medicine. We discuss the importance of embracing uncertainty and making decisions based on probabilities, rather than certainties, to improve outcomes in both business and medical practices.

    Through the lens of veterinary leadership, we explore how making dec...

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    In this podcast episode, the focus is on fostering a transparent and empathetic work culture by encouraging team members to communicate when they are running late or unable to come in. This practice promotes accountability and helps the team stay informed about staffing needs. It also allows those who are available to quickly pick up shifts, ensuring minimal disruption to operations. By cultivating open communication, the team can ...

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    In this episode, we explore how being a great doctor in veterinary medicine isn't always about following the gold standard of care. While it's easy to feel we're doing a good job when we can provide the ideal treatment, many limitations—like client budgets, differing priorities, or the pet's specific needs—can prevent us from doing so. Instead, we emphasize the importance of making the best plan within the given constraints and red...

    December 16, 2024 16 mins

    In this episode, we explore how healthy competition within teams can drive camaraderie and motivation, ultimately leading to a better customer experience. The hosts discuss how friendly competition encourages employees to push each other to perform at their best, while also fostering a collaborative environment where team members support one another. By examining real-world examples, they demonstrate how this balance of competition...

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    December 2, 2024 19 mins

    In this episode, we share the tough decision to fire a client for being disrespectful to our team and how we navigated that conversation. We also discuss the importance of not taking negativity personally when clients project their frustrations onto you. Leaning on mentors and colleagues for perspective can help you learn from tough situations and let go of what you can't control....

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    November 18, 2024 20 mins

    In this episode, we dive into the concept of "Innovating with Intention"—how to navigate the discomfort and overwhelm that often accompany change, while setting up your team for success.

    Innovation is crucial for progress, but change can feel daunting, especially when it challenges the status quo or pushes people out of their comfort zones. The episode explores practical strategies for creating an environment where innovation is no...

    In this episode, we explore how to create self-sufficient teams by empowering problem-solving skills. We highlight the importance of trust and autonomy, skill development through training and mentorship, and collaborative approaches that leverage diverse perspectives. Balancing freedom with accountability is essential, alongside continuous feedback mechanisms for learning and growth. Ultimately, we provide practical tips for leader...

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    October 21, 2024 11 mins

    In this episode, we delve into the emotional impact of humane euthanasia on the veterinary hospital environment. We unpack how a candid team discussion helped alleviate tension and allowed us to share coping strategies. Our goal is to raise awareness of the unique challenges associated with humane euthanasia in our work, ensuring that no one feels alone on this journey.

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