The MacVet Podcast

We've all heard of the common saying 'practise makes perfect'. In this episode, clinical vet James Farrell explains how he likes to relate perseverance in developing skills in small animal practice to the experience of replacing a prolapsed uterus in a recently calved cow! Now a managing clinical director at Woodcroft Vets, a companion animal practice in Greater Manchester, James shares his journey since graduation with fellow Royal Veterinary College graduate, Fiona. Having gained a solid foundation working in mixed practice, he chose to specialise in small animal surgery and recently competed Masters level training in Counselling and Psychotherapy, regularly supporting bereaved family members at a local hospice. He reflects on how early experiences in mixed practice and PDSA work shaped his confidence, surgical ability, resilience, and practical approach to problem-solving. He also explains how counselling training deepened his self-awareness and strengthened skills such as empathy, reflective listening, and giving people time to process difficult experiences. James also discusses the emotional demands of veterinary work, particularly around complaints, end-of-life care and supporting teams under pressure. Highlights shared in this conversation: Communication is a core clinical skill — listening, curiosity, empathy and reflection can transform interactions with clients, colleagues and teams. Supportive leadership matters — making time for hands-on mentoring, peer discussion and psychological safety helps people learn and cope with pressure. Self-compassion is essential — veterinary work is emotionally demanding, so it's important to develop a strong support network, which of course can include our pets. If this conversation resonates, you could take one practical step this week: check in with a colleague, create space for a proper team conversation, or explore communication, counselling or coaching resources that could support you and your practice. Notes: James can be contacted via his LinkedIn profile linkedin.com/in/james-farrell-00216876 Vetamorphosis is an organisation that provides therapy and therapeutic coaching for veterinary professionals www.vetamorphosis.co.uk British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) www.bacp.co.uk

In this episode of The MacVet Podcast, Fiona speaks with Lucy Williamson, a vet who moved careers to become a registered human nutritionist. Lucy is passionate about helping others learn about the links between nutrition and our whole body health and wellbeing. She is the author of Soil to Gut , a book full of practical guidance that teaches readers about about the vital connections between food, farming, gut health and the planet. Lucy shares insights about soil health, regenerative farming, dairy and meat in the diet, autoimmune disease, coffee and the power of storytelling in science communication. She highlights the importance of diversity, resilience and connection — from the microbes in our gut to the farming systems that produce our food. Key points you'll hear in this episode include: Why food choices matter for personal health, farming systems and climate resilience. How gut health, microbiome diversity and lifestyle can support wellbeing and immune health. Why clear, positive communication helps people reconnect with food, farmers and meaningful behaviour change. You can find out more about Lucy’s work at www.lwnutrition.co.uk, follow her on social media, and look out for her new book, hot off the press, Soil to Gut: How to Regenerate Your Health With Food , available from 5m Books https://5mbooks.com/product/soil-to-gut If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and share the episode with friends, colleagues or anyone interested in communication, cows and coffee!

In this episode of the MacVet podcast, Fiona speaks with Andrew Jones, an independent dairy and beef nutrition advisor based in the southwest of England. During the conversation, Andrew reflects on his dairy farming experiences in the UK and Australia, where tick control could be very challenging! We learn how his passion for genetics evolved, reaching a pinnacle with the champion cow he bred, the world-famous pedigree Holstein, Page-House Shottle Noni. Andrew is also the co-host and producer of the globally successful podcast, ChewinTheCud. Topics covered on the show range from forage production, fertiliser, feed and nutrition, emerging technologies, people management, and the perpetually difficult topic of bovine TB. Andrew talks about how his podcast has evolved and how podcasting has helped him create meaningful conversations across the dairy industry, not only in the UK but across the world. Listeners of this episode can expect to hear lively stories of farming in Somerset and Australia, Andrew's admission of how what was once felt like a chore turned into a passion for working with cows, we discover who his all-time favourite cow is (spoiler alert - she's a Holstein!) and discover his best piece of advice for everyone working in the dairy industry (and beyond). Links: ChewinTheCud Podcast: https://www.chewinthecud.com/podcast/ Independent Nutrition Services: https://www.chewinthecud.com/

In this episode of The MacVet Podcast, Fiona is joined by Teresa Wheatley, Executive Director at FitPro, for a thoughtful conversation about key skills that will help you become a great communicator, whether you're working in the fitness industry, veterinary practice, farming or agriculture. Drawing on more than 35 years in the fitness industry, as well as her experience as an educator, presenter and end-of-life care volunteer, Teresa explores why communication is not simply about what we say, but how we listen, respond, use body language and adapt to the person in front of us. Teresa shares practical insights for vets, farmers and fitness professionals on building trust through presence, empathy and “brave communication”. She explains the importance of treating others how they want to be treated, mirroring energy where appropriate, setting clear boundaries and creating a welcoming environment through small but meaningful gestures. The discussion also explores how so-called “soft skills” are better understood as essential connecting skills that can be practised, refined and strengthened over time. Teresa also offers valuable tips for having difficult conversations and building exceptional presentation skills, especially how to handle difficult questions during presentations that will leave you feeling in control and projecting a positive, calm presence to your audience. This episode is bursting with practical tips for improving your communication skills if you want to build stronger connections with the people around you! If you'd like to know more about FitPro, please visit their website: https://www.fitpro.com/

Julia Wadeson recently established her consultancy business, which aims to 'build better businesses, one calf at a time'. She strives to deliver a professional service, which includes meticulous attention to her branded clothing and appearance. In this episode, Julia explains that effective consultancy relies on mutual trust, curiosity and understanding the farm's specific challenges before offering solutions. We also discuss how she handles criticism - Julia views this as a valuable opportunity to improve the service she provides. Julia describes herself as an open book, sharing many personal and professional challenges she's experienced during her career so far. As ever, we explore the highlights of working with cattle and discuss favourite breed(s). It seems that there are few opportunities to enjoy a brew during her farm visits, which is a shame, as Julia enjoys nothing better than chatting more about helping solve problems over a cuppa and chocolate HobNob! Links: https://calftocowconsultancy.com/ Instagram and Facebook @calftocowconsultancy

In this episode of The MacVet Podcast, Fiona speaks with Dr Millie Preece, also known as “Dr Cheese”, about her journey to become an artisan cheesemaker, dairy scientist and entrepreneur. Millie shares how hands-on experience with a local cheesemaker sparked her fascination with the science and creativity of cheese, leading to research into how cheese affects emotion, a PhD on reduced-fat cheese, and the launch of her Shropshire-based cheese business, The Dairy Door. The conversation also explores the realities of building a local food brand, supporting young people into agricultural careers, Millie’s role with the Society of Dairy Technology, and future themes for the dairy industry including digital technologies, sustainability, high-protein diets and stronger support for farmers. This episode highlights the importance of communication, connection and opportunity across agriculture, dairy technology and young people’s career pathways. Links: The Dairy Door: https://thedairydoor.co.uk/ National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs: https://www.nfyfc.org.uk/ Society of Dairy Technology: https://www.sdt.org/pages/

In this episode, I’m joined by exercise physiologist Marcelle Malan as we discuss current trends in health and fitness alongside how to effectively communicate their relevance and context with clients. We begin with why behaviour change is rarely just about logic, and why people often need a meaningful or emotional reason to stick with difficult habits. Marcelle shares her view that different people are motivated by different levers — for some it’s emotion, for others it might be numbers, progress tracking, or competition — and that understanding those drivers is key to creating lasting change. We then dive into the mechanics of breathing, which Marcelle feels are often missing from mainstream conversations about breathwork. Rather than focusing only on breathing techniques for relaxation or performance, she explains why it matters to understand what breathing is doing mechanically in the body. We discuss the role of the diaphragm not just in respiration, but also in spinal stability and movement, especially when lifting or carrying load. We also chat about heart rate variability (HRV) and how it’s often presented as a simple marker of stress or recovery when the reality is much more nuanced. Marcelle explains what HRV is, why it can be useful when tracked over time, and why comparing your numbers to other people is rarely helpful. We also touch on how many health and fitness norms are based on male data, which can create misleading assumptions — especially for women. Along the way, there’s plenty of humour, coffee chat and practical advice on how to think more critically about the information we absorb online. Join the conversation with your thoughts, observations and feedback by leaving us a comment! Links: www.fitpro.com/blog/authors/marcelle-malan/ www.instagram.com/marcelle.malan_ep/ www.theepgroup.com.au/practitioners/ https://open.spotify.com/episode/74T9m0N6w0v7a94xY4ZYAn

In this episode, Eoin Ryan shares his journey from a rural upbringing in Tipperary to his role as assistant professor at University College Dublin. He discusses the cyclical nature of farming, the challenges of retaining young vets in practice, and his involvement in teaching, clinical work, and research —highlighting the Sound Cow Innovation Programme (SCIP), which aims to improve cow mobility in Irish dairy herds through collaboration with farmers and vets. Eoin emphasises the importance of communication in veterinary medicine, explaining how empathy and positive language are vital for building trust and engagement with farmers and students. Enriched with personal anecdotes, practical advice for new graduates, and even a traditional Irish ballad, this conversation reflects the blend of professionalism and warmth that defines Eoin's approach and personality. Notes from this episode: Link to the Sound Cow Innovation Programme (SCIP): https://animalhealthireland.ie/programmes/hoof-healthcheck/scip-sound-cow-innovation-programme/ Link to the Irish Veterinary Benevolent Fund: https://www.ivbf.ie/

In this episode, you're invited to step into the world of the Wild Cattle of Chillingham with animal scientist and author Stephen Hall! Stephen discusses the genetic and behavioural characteristics of the Chillingham cattle, a herd that has been in existence since the 1700s and lives with minimal human interference in the stunning county of Northumberland, England. Enjoy personal stories from Stephen's research journey, the inspiration behind his book, and the value of making scientific knowledge accessible beyond academic journals.. If you’re curious about nature, conservation, and the importance of holistic environmental management, this episode is packed with insights and anecdotes. If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to follow the podcast, share your thoughts, and let us know what you’d love to hear more of! Notes: "Wild Cattle of Chillingham, the Natural History of an Ancient Breed" by Stephen Hall available from 5M Books Limited. Chillingham Wild Cattle Association: https://chillinghamwildcattle.com/

In this episode, Fiona chats with vet, scientist and entrepreneur Rodrigo Bicalho. Rodrigo shares his journey from growing up on a ranch in Brazil to running a cutting-edge animal health company in Texas. He talks about why good communication matters so much in his work, the challenges of getting new ideas out to farmers, and how stress affects dairy cows (and what we can do about it). Rodrigo also introduces his company’s innovative product, FerAppease, which helps keep cows calm during stressful events. Plus, you’ll hear about his love for Colombian coffee and get tips on where to find more info. Notes: Website: www.feraah.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rodrigo-bicalho-7a590a10

After extolling the virtues of the cow's physiology, vet and herd manager Nial O'Boyle returns to talk about the cow's role in human progress and civilisation. Sharing stories that focus on the links between humans and cows, throughout the ages, Nial highlights common themes such as kinship, loyalty, betrayal and wealth. Then to emphasise just how integrated bovine products are in our lives, we share how a day in the life of a typical person might look. Highlights from this educational and fun-filled episode include: Queen Maeve of Connacht, vulcanisation, whitening of sugar, a false eye, and learning how the cow forms part of the borth of the world. After hearing this episode, you'll be reminded how we shouldn't take cows for granted and reflect on the many ways we've benefitted from having them in our lives. If you'd like to hear more from Nial, check out episode 8 in Season 3.

I think of milk in terms of its similarity to crude oil, so you could say my business is like running a milk refinery. Dairy farmer and entrepreneur Jimmy Dickinsons returns to share more stories about how he built his business, this time expanding more on dairy product technology. Jimmy talks about his long career marked by innovation and perseverance. He recounts experimenting with freezing techniques to create a viable frozen milk product. Not all his experiments were successful, and Jimmy points out that progress often requires risk, resilience, and a willingness to learn from setbacks. Compared to the resources available to support innovation in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, we talk about the decline of independent dairy product research and innovation in the UK, attributing this to changing political and commercial landscapes. Reflecting on a poignant piece of advice shared by his father, Jimmy recounts that, no matter how far one climbs, those at the top are just ordinary people, and the journey is often more significant than the destination.

Communication should be brief but comprehensive. Indeed, beef farmer Andrew Loftus suggests we should all start life with a quota of words, and once that quota is reached, it's time to shuffle off this mortal coil! Andrew currently chairs the Beef and Lamb Net Zero Roadmap Group, an industry led group providing thought leadership on sustainable UK beef and lamb production. In this and in his various former roles, the need to have strong communication skills is crucial. Andrew may come across as challenging and argumentative, yet what he strives to achieve in conversations is a deeper and clearer understanding of the topic under discussion, and the viewpoint held by others. In this episode, we discuss: adapting communications for different audiences, including farmers, policymakers, and the scientific community, the challenges and rewards of farming, the significance of data in livestock management, and the role livestock markets should play in data transfer. Listen in to hear more about Andrew's thoughts on communication, cows and coffee. Notes/links: Beef and Lamb Environmental Roadmap https://projectblue.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/Environment/Beef_and_Lamb_Environmental_Roadmap_Feb%202025.pdf Johnny Baghdad's Cafe on the Square, Masham, Ripon

Based in the beautiful county of Ayrshire, Graeme Warnock is a marketing professional with a diverse background working in agriculture, music and hospitality industries. In this episode, he discusses his journey into marketing, highlighting the importance of creating a need, want, or desire for a brand, product, or service. Graeme also shares his personal challenges with dyslexia and how it has shaped his approach to marketing, focusing on simplicity and clear communication to resonate with consumers. We also chat about: the importance of making technical information understandable and relevant to the audience, the role of influencer marketing in building brand awareness and the need for authenticity in these partnerships, the challenges of measuring marketing success, handling communication issues, and adapting to industry and technological changes. Listen in to hear Graeme's thoughts on communication, cows and coffee!

Jimmy Dickinson is the owner of Longley Farm, an iconic Yorkshire-based dairy business. Their award-winning fresh dairy produce has been a staple in my diet for many decades, with their cottage cheese my number one choice. Having completed an engineering degree and MBA, Jimmy returned to the farm in 1983. He soon spotted an opportunity to set up an export business selling frozen cream to Japan, putting to use his expertise in thermodynamics. Jimmy later expanded operations internationally, setting up businesses in Estonia, Australia and South America. Operating in diverse countries presented challenges including corruption and cultural differences. Reflecting on his approach to managing those challenges, Jimmy stressed the importance of patience, realistic expectations, and building trustworthy relationships over the years. In this interview, Jimmy provides a comprehensive view of Longley Farm’s history, shares his business philosophy, talks about technological innovations and product development strategy. Listen in to hear Jimmy's thoughts on communication, cows and coffee! Notes: Longley Farm website https://longleyfarm.com/

Lorna Burdge runs Waterhayne Farms in Devon with her husband, helped out by their three children. She is on a mission to share her farming story, to help bridge the gap between consumers and food producers. She regularly speaks in person at local schools and keeps children engaged through Farmer Time, an online platform that offers video calls between farmers and classrooms. Lorna also loves to share daily activities on the farm in Devon on her social media channel, from bringing the cows in from the fields, taking us through the milking parlour, feeding the calves and general jobs around the farm. In this episode, Lorna talks about: confidently communicating about farming educating the next generation about agriculture the joy of drinking fresh milk in coffee Notes from this episode: Instagram account @waterhayne_farm NFU Education: https://education.nfuonline.com/ Farmer Time: https://www.farmertime.uk/

Completing a marathon is a significant challenge for most people, so imagine what it must be like to complete a couple of marathons every day for around 10 months. This is the challenge that the modern dairy cow has mastered, with a truly impressive metabolic response. Dairy vet and herd manager Nial O'Boyle has for some time been fascinated by the metabolic capacity of the dairy cow, which led him to study mitochondria and the role they play for his PhD. Originally from Northern Ireland, Nial has worked in many different countries across the world, with extensive experience managing large, high yielding herds in the US. In this episode, we discuss: ​how a cow uses energy, ​the importance of providing feedback for engagement, ​changes in farm veterinary practice over the past 20 years. This episode will not only appeal to farm veterinarians and dairy farmers, but anyone who wants to hear more about cows! Links from the episode: 'Oleic acid abomasal infusion limits lipolysis and improves insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue from periparturient dairy cows', Journal of Dairy Science paper open access: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(23)00195-9/fulltext Contact Nial on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nial-o-boyle-14a815130/ CattleEye https://cattleeye.com/

Returning to the show for a third episode is our favourite exercise physiologist, Marcelle Malan! Marcelle works in private practice in Melbourne, Australia, helping clients understand how to engage with exercise to promote resilience and maintain physical and cognitive function well into older age. In this episode, Marcelle brings us up to date on the most effective types of exercise for women going into and after menopause. There's a weight of evidence that shows women significantly benefit from using weights, but sometimes the messages we hear from social media personalities can be misleading. We also talk about which supplements you should consider taking for brain health, and Marcelle shares tips on how to keep exercise fun! And if you haven't listened yet, you can check out her previous episodes from Seasons 1 & 2. Notes from the show: The Resilient Ageing Project https://www.theepgroup.com.au/the-resilient-ageing-project/ FitPro Education Provider https://www.fitpro.com/blog/authors/marcelle-malan/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marcelle.malan_ep/

How would you like to have better interactions with others, less conflict at work, and to feel more confident in what you say? Becoming an assertive communicator could help! Gill Hasson has spent the past 30 years helping people improve their communication skills and realise their potential. She is a teacher, tutor, lecturer, speaker and has written close to 40 books. In this episode, we discuss: how to deal with difficult people, simple tips to start improving your communication, Italian coffee makers and being wary of cows in a field. Notes from the episode: Gill Hasson website: https://www.gillhasson.co.uk/ Walking Through Cows: 3 Helpful Tips https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh6LtpxZC2s

Two years since the podcast launched, we're catching up with our first guest from the world of fitness, Matt Gleed. Matt has worked in the fitness industry for nearly 25 years, providing a range of services from individual personal training, through to representing global fitness brands such as TRX and Matrix Fitness as an education specialist working with other personal trainers. Matt has a knack for inspiring and motivating the people around him, winning numerous awards in recognition of this.In this episode, we catch up on Matt's latest role as Community and Leisure Manager for Central Swindon North Parish Council, where a key goal is to strengthen the diverse community through various fitness activities. Just before taking on this new challenge last year, Matt suffered an acute Achilles tendon rupture, leaving him with restricted mobility. Listen in to hear how Matt has adapted his communication approach working in a new role, his thoughts on communication strengths and weaknesses across age groups and, of course, we chat about coffee drinking habits and canine antics! Notes from the show: Moredon Sporting Hub https://centralswindonnorth-pc.gov.uk/moredon-sporting-hub/ British Rowing article and You Tube videos https://plus.britishrowing.org/author/author-mgleed/ Matt Gleed You Tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MattGleedPT