Flynn's Talk

Flynn's Talk returns for Season 5! We caught up with Darlene Bos, Executive Director of 'Not One More Vet' (NOMV) - an American based charity working hard to provide mental health and well-being support for veterinarians all around the world. NOMV's mission is to transform the veterinary industry through evidence-based peer support, mentorship, financial support, education, and awareness - with a vision of losing not one more vet to suicide. Darlene shares the story of NOMV, how their mission has grown and the support programs and resources they have created, including Lifeboat and CLEAR. Discover more and support their mission at www.nomv.org This year we are proudly supported by Covetrus Global Technology Services who are helping us to spread our message - and your stories - to more people in the veterinary and non-veterinary sectors. REMINDER: If you are anyone you know is experiencing a crisis, there is always help available. In an emergency within Australia, always call 000. Some helpful services include: Lifeline by phone on 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days a week); Lifeline text on 0477 13 11 14 (24/7); Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467; Beyond Blue - www.beyondblue.org.au

For the final episode of this season, we are joined by Yvonne Hong, Founder of Pets of the Homeless Australia! Established in 2015, POTH supports people experiencing, and at risk of, homelessness and their pets. They provide food, veterinary care and foster support with the aim of keeping people and pets together. You can support POTH here: https://petsofthehomeless.org.au/ This year we are proudly supported by Covetrus Global Technology Services who are helping us to spread our message - and your stories - to more people in the veterinary and non-veterinary sectors. REMINDER: If you are anyone you know is experiencing a crisis, there is always help available. In an emergency within Australia, always call 000. Some helpful services include: Lifeline by phone on 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days a week); Lifeline text on 0477 13 11 14 (24/7); Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467.

We're joined by Dr Eloise Bright (Founder) and Nicky Hunt (President) from the ACT Pet Crisis Support team! Their mission is to assist pets in the community by providing subsidised veterinary care for disadvantaged, low income pet owners who have no other options to care for their beloved fur babies. We also explore the cost of delivery high quality veterinary care and hear about their new mobile clinic due to hit the streets of Canberra very soon! To learn more and support their mission, head to: https://www.actpetcrisis.com/ This year we are proudly supported by Covetrus Global Technology Services who are helping us to spread our message - and your stories - to more people in the veterinary and non-veterinary sectors. REMINDER: If you are anyone you know is experiencing a crisis, there is always help available. In an emergency within Australia, always call 000. Some helpful services include: Lifeline by phone on 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days a week); Lifeline text on 0477 13 11 14 (24/7); Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467.

Our special guest is Dr Alicia Kennedy from Cherished Pets - a veterinary social enterprise providing support for vulnerable community members, and care for their pets, through their veterinary social work program. Alicia is passionate about the human-animal bond and believes that to truly care for people, we need to look at the full picture and include the well-being and health of their pets. To learn more about Cherished Pets or contact Alicia, head to www.cherishedpetcare.com.au This year we are proudly supported by Covetrus Global Technology Services who are helping us to spread our message - and your stories - to more people in the veterinary and non-veterinary sectors. REMINDER: If you are anyone you know is experiencing a crisis, there is always help available. In an emergency within Australia, always call 000. Some helpful services include: Lifeline by phone on 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days a week); Lifeline text on 0477 13 11 14 (24/7); Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467.  

This year we are proudly supported by Covetrus Global Technology Solutions who are helping us to spread our message - and your stories - to more people in the veterinary and non-veterinary sectors. Jack and Cam are joined by two special guests for a really important discussion about improving veterinary career sustainability - and there is a lot of work being done in this space. Dr Julie Strous is the Executive Director of the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) and Dr Zoe Lenard is a Perth-based radiology specialist vet and the Chair of the Sustainable Practice Committee (SPC) setup by the AVBC. The SPC was created as part of AVBC's commitment to supporting boards and working with the associations and educators to deliver a fit-for-purpose veterinary profession. It wants to see veterinarians sustaining continued growth and professional satisfaction throughout their careers.  Learn more about the Sustainable Practice Committee: https://avbc.asn.au/news/dr-zoe-lenard-appointed-chair-of-avbcs-sustainable-practice-committee/   Participate in the AVBC Accreditation Standards Review survey: https://avbc.asn.au/accreditation-standards-review/   REMINDER: If you are anyone you know is experiencing a crisis, there is always help available. In an emergency within Australia, always call 000. Some helpful services include: Lifeline by phone on 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days a week); Lifeline text on 0477 13 11 14 (24/7); Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467.

This year we are proudly supported by Covetrus Global Technology Solutions who are helping us to spread our message and your stories to more people. We're joined by Dr Vanessa Rohlf - consultant, therapist and educator - who is working hard to support the people caring for our pets. We discuss what it means to build resilience, practicing self-care and creating mentally healthy workplaces plus heaps more. We also reveal our new FREE well-being content series that we are creating in partnership with Vanessa, launching very soon. To connect with Vanessa, head to http://drvanessarohlf.com.au/ REMINDER: If you are anyone you know is experiencing a crisis, there is always help available. In an emergency within Australia, always call 000. Some helpful services include: Lifeline by phone on 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days a week); Lifeline text on 0477 13 11 14 (24/7); Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467.

We're back for Season 4 of Flynn's Talk and we want to start with a big thank you to our new podcast partner in 2022 - Covetrus! Our special guest is Dr Tiffani Howell, a research fellow from the LaTrobe University School of Psychology and Public Health. Tiffani is an experienced researcher in the areas of dog cognition, dog behaviour and human-animal relationships - in a nutshell, she has spent a lot of time looking at what makes dogs tick and why we have such strong connections with them. We also explore the topic of assistance animals and therapy animals - Tiffani explains the key differences and what lead to the creation of an Animal Assisted Therapy course for health professionals. For more information about the "Animal Assisted Therapy for Health Professionals" course, visit: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/courses/short-courses/animal-assisted-therapy-for-healthcare-professionals REMINDER: If you are anyone you know is experiencing a crisis, there is always help available. In an emergency within Australia, always call 000. Some helpful services include: Lifeline by phone on 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days a week); Lifeline text on 0477 13 11 14 (24/7); Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467.

In episode five, Jack chats with Terry Cornick, Founder and CEO of mental health charity Mr Perfect - a grassroots charity that brings men together at BBQs in local parks across Australia, to create community and connection. Terry shares his own mental health story, the realisation that his life wasn't perfect, despite the image he displayed to others in his life, and taking the step to establish a charity to help others. To find a Mr Perfect BBQ near you, support the cause or access the resource directory, head to mrperfect.org.au REMINDER: If you are anyone you know is experiencing a crisis, there is always help available. In an emergency within Australia, always call 000. Some helpful services include: Lifeline by phone on 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days a week); Lifeline text on 0477 13 11 14; Mensline Australia - 1300 78 99 78; Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467.

In this episode, Jack & Jeremy are joined by Dr Warwick Vale, President of the Australian Veterinary Association. We discuss the role of the AVA as a member organisation, how they are tackling well-being in the industry and the "BHAG" (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) of halving the suicide rate in the veterinary field in 5 years. Warwick explains the current AVA Veterinary Wellness Project and the aims of the recent survey conducted amongst vets to gather meaningful data to help shape future programs. To read more about the AVA, and their initiatives, or to join as a member, visit www.ava.com.au. AVA Telephone Counselling Service: The service is available to AVA members, the vet professionals that work for them (who may not be members) and family members. It is available all day every day on 1300 687 327. REMINDER (within Australia): If you or anyone you know is in need of support, there is help available - remember in an emergency always call 000, or in the event of a crisis contact Lifeline 24/7 by phone on 13 11 14, Lifeline by SMS on 0477 13 11 14 (12pm to midnight) or Suicide Callback Service 24/7 on 1300 659 467.

In episode three, Jack and Cam are joined by Dr Marianne Linder and Dr Helene Dalum all the way from Norway! Marianne and Helene have joined forces to share their mental health stories with the aim of reducing stigma in the veterinary field and increasing the number of people asking for help. Marianne runs her own practice in the Lofoten Islands and is passionate about the well-being of her patients, clients and staff. Helene is a current PhD candidate and she has created the NORVET Project, focusing on decreasing the high-rate of suicide and burnout in the veterinary field - exploring the professional and personal factors that contribute to this. To follow their journey, find them on Instagram at @psychovets or if you are in Norway, visit psychovets.no REMINDER (within Australia): If you or anyone you know is in need of support, there is help available - remember in an emergency always call 000, or in the event of a crisis contact Lifeline 24/7 by phone on 13 11 14, Lifeline by SMS on 0477 13 11 14 (12pm to midnight) or Suicide Callback Service 24/7 on 1300 659 467.

In episode two Jack & Cam are joined by Dr Mark Schipp, the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer, who advises the Australian Government on matters of animal health. Mark shares his career pathway, we discuss the role that vets play in the wider community, including the COVID outbreak and we dive into how you can diversify your skillset as a vet. You can stay up to date with the work of Dr Mark's department by following them on Facebook (facebook.com/awegov) or Twitter (@DeptAgNews)   REMINDER: If you or anyone you know is in need of support, there is help available - remember in an emergency always call 000, or in the event of a crisis contact Lifeline 24/7 by phone on 13 11 14, Lifeline by SMS on 0477 13 11 14 (12pm to midnight) or Suicide Callback Service 24/7 on 1300 659 467.

We're back for Season 3! In episode one Jack and Jeremy are joined by Dr Lianne Mellin, recent graduate, to share her journey across her first months as a real-life veterinarian! Lianne shares her experience of graduating and finding a job, establishing professional mentorship, learning the art of working with clients and tackling euthanasia as part of her everyday work - including how she found support to manage the emotional toll. You can follow Lianne's journey on Instagram @yourvetlianne, or find her on Facebook as Your Vet Lianne! REMINDER: If you or anyone you know is in need of support, there is help available - remember in an emergency always call 000, or in the event of a crisis contact Lifeline 24/7 by phone on 13 11 14, Lifeline by SMS on 0477 13 11 14 (12pm to midnight) or Suicide Callback Service 24/7 on 1300 659 467.

Guess who's back? Back again! We've been working hard to put together Season 3 of Flynn's Talk, the first episode will drop on Wednesday August 11. Another fantastic selection of guests bringing their stories to the mics and shining a light on the veterinary industry and celebrating champions of the mental health sector. Don't forget to subscribe so you get new episodes weekly!

Ahead of our first walk for 2021, Jack catches up with singer, performer and R U OK? Ambassador, Rob Mills for a chat! Rob has been involved with R U OK? for the last 5 years and is passionate about encouraging men to speak up and be brave to share how they are feeling. R U OK? are an Australian suicide prevention charity sharing the message that a conversation could change a life. If you or anyone you know is experiencing a crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, contact 000 within Australia.

For our 2020 season finale we pulled together a live show! Jack, Jeremy and Dr Cam are joined by Dr Lewis & Dr Robbie from the "Two Vets Talk Pets" podcast. We have some fun challenging the guys to some brainteasers and a round of celebrity head. The vets also share their insights for what it has been like to be working through this COVID time - and having to wear masks! Stay tuned through to the end to hear a very special announcement as well! Thanks to all of our guests this year and everyone who has listened - without your support this podcast could not continue! We'll be back in 2021, until then, stay safe!

In the final recorded episode for this year, Jack & Jeremy are joined by Dr Emma Whiston - veterinary director of 'My Best Friend'. Established in 2004, 'My Best Friend' is a specialised service and provides compassionate and personalised ‘end of life' veterinary care for dearly loved pets in the private and familiar surroundings of their own home. Emma shares her story of growing up as the daughter of a vet, her pathway to becoming a vet and finding her niche. Remember, if you or anyone you know is experiencing a crisis, there is always help available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or in an emergency call 000 in Australia.

October is Mental Health Month and October 10 is World Mental Health Day which means that Movember is just around the corner! In this episode, we're joined by Brendan Maher, Movember's Global Director for Mental Health & Suicide Prevention, and Dr Zac Seidler, Movember's Director of Mental Health Training. An awesome discussion about collaboration in the mental health sector and putting the spotlight on a tailored approached to treatment for men to ensure we are meeting the right needs. Sadly, 60% of men who have taken their life, received professional help in the 12 months prior. As always, if you or anyone that you know is experiencing a crisis, there is help available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or in an emergency call 000 in Australia.

Jack & Jeremy are joined by Eva Giuretis, President and Founder of Project Underdog Rescue (PUR) - a small but mighty animal rescue organisation established in 2015. Eva shares her journey, including her own mental health challenges, her pathway to becoming a vet nurse - then a practice manager - and now providing a voice for the animals that need it most. You can learn more about PUR's mission at projectunderdogrescue.org.au or find them on Facebook. Remember, if you or anyone you know is experiencing a crisis there is help available. Call Lifeline 24/7 on 13 11 14 or in an emergency call 000 in Australia. 

Jack & Jeremy are joined by Sinead Greer, a vet nurse and mental health advocate based in Melbourne. Sinead takes us inside the clinic and explains what it means to be a nurse - there is more to the job than meets the eye. To hear more about "Let's Talk About Feeling Ruff" hit up the page on Facebook or Instagram. Remember, if you or anyone you know is experiencing a crisis, there is always help available. You can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or in an emergency call 000 in Australia.

Jack & Jeremy are joined by practicing psychologist Sandy Rea to talk about this "COVID normal" we are all experiencing and living through. How can we better understand the emotions we are feeling? Is it okay to take a break? Is there light at the end of the tunnel? 2020 has really pushed conversations about mental health to the fore, which will hopefully go a long way to reducing stigma and encouraging everyone to speak up when they are not okay. Sandy is a regular contributor to the Today Show on Channel 9 and printed media outlets. As always, if you or anyone you know is experiencing a crisis there is help available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. In an emergency call 000 in Australia.

In 2009, Gavin Larkin chose to champion just one question to honour his father, who had died by suicide, to try and protect other families from the pain his endured. That question is: are you okay? Thursday September 10 is R U OK? Day and also World Suicide Prevention Day. Jack & Jeremy are joined by R U OK? Community Ambassador James Malachi to discuss the mission of the suicide prevention charity and to explain how you can start a meaningful conversation that could change a life. As always, if you or anyone you know is experiencing a crisis, there is help available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or in an emergency call 000 in Australia.

Cathy Warburton practiced as a veterinarian, specialising in emergency and critical care. Over time she became more and more interested in the people - her clients and colleagues - and now works as a well-being consultant. Cathy joins Jack & Cam to chat about resilience training, positive psychology and practicing self care. As always, if you or anyone you know is experiencing a crisis, there is help available. Contact 13 11 14, 24 hours, 7 days a week or in an emergency contact 000 in Australia.

Our vets look after the health of our pets, but who is looking after them? Jack & Cam are joined by Dr Nadine Hamilton, founder and CEO of Love Your Pet, Love Your Vet, a charity set up to directly support the mental health of veterinarians. As always, if you or anyone you know is experiencing a crisis, there is help available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, 24 hours, 7 days a week or in an emergency contact 000 in Australia.

We're back! Season 2 is here and we have a big episode to kick things off. Jeremy & Jack are joined by Dr Paul Ramos (@vetpaulramos) from National Geographic and Rob Leach (@wildlifenurserob) from Vets Beyond Borders - both wildlife specialists. We dive into what it means to work with wild animals, responding to national disasters like the Australian bushfires and why volunteering is so rewarding. Join, like, subscribe and enjoy the conversation. Some of the content in this episode may be confronting for listeners, in particular our discussion about bushfires and the effects on communities. Remember, if you or anyone you know is experiencing a personal crisis, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, 24/7, or in an emergency contact 000.

Well, it is the sequel that you've all been waiting for but took the studio a long time to green light! Flynn's Talk is back for another season, starting on Wednesday August 19. 

Veterinarians primary role is to look after the health of animals - and for many people that means our pets or livestock. Vets also play an important role in the health of humans via One Health programs - human, animal and environmental health experts working together to identify and control the spread of disease and promote well-being. Andrea Britton is our special guest, her diverse career has seen her working in Australia and abroad, investigating animal-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance and many other important topics.

Studying carries enough challenges and stress in normal times, let alone during a global pandemic. Final year veterinary science student Lianne Mellin (@vetmedkid) has experienced the full brunt of the corona virus. She joins us 'live from quarantine' and talks us through how her study has been affected, heading back home to NZ and her return to Australia to finish her studies at UQ.

Dr Kathy Lee has sadly been touched by suicide more than once in her life, a fact she realised was all to common among others. Kathy's a practicing veterinarian and now an R U OK? Community Ambassador, using some of her spare time - both inside and outside of the clinic - to help promote the message that a conversation could change a life. Remember, if you or anyone you know is experiencing a crisis, you can contact Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 13 11 14.

Joan Norton trained to be a veterinarian and became a passionate equine specialist. Her career path moved her around America and then brought her to Australia, where she now lives in Melbourne. Joan made the decision to leave the vet profession, went back to study and is now in a completely new career in the sport industry. She shares her story of feeling burnt out, identifying the need to change and what it took for her to re-direct her passion & skills.

Jesse Greenwood is our special guest this week, he's a psychologist with Headspace - an organisation dedicated to the mental health of young people - and is the son of two vets. Jesse shares a unique insight into what it was like growing up 'out the back' of an animal hospital, the challenges it presented for him & his family and his pathway to helping others with their mental health in his professional life today. Remember, if you or anyone you know is struggling, there is always help available. Lifeline are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 13 11 14. In an emergency call 000.

Megan Barrow has lived with anxiety for most of her life, and at her worst, couldn't get off the couch or even contemplate leaving the house. Megan is now an R U OK? Ambassador and volunteers her time to help others with their own mental health journey. She shares her story and some tips and practical ways you can help yourself or others who might be struggling. In this episode we do chat about some heavy stuff. Please remember, if you or anyone you know are experiencing a crisis there is always help available. You can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or in an emergency call 000. A conversation could change a life.

What's better than two podcast hosts you ask? Four! Jack & Jeremy are joined by Dr Lewis Kirkham & Dr Robbie Anderton from the 'Two Vets Talk Pets' podcast. We jump into the wonderful world of pets, what life is like as a veterinarian during the 'COVID era' and have a go at answering the tough question: why do dogs smell each other's bottoms? It's equal parts fun, silly & serious, with a sprinkling of focused conversation thrown in. Be sure to subscribe so you know when new episodes have dropped! You can also like and follow Flynn's Walk on Facey and the 'Gram.

Jeremy and Jack are joined by Katherine Newton, the CEO of suicide prevention charity R U OK? and Sandy Rea, a practicing psychologist and regular contributor to the Today Show and online channels. How can we stay connected with, and help, family & friends? Is it okay to feel burnt out from zoom meetings? This and much more in Ep 3 of Flynn's Talk. Remember, there is always help available. You can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or in an emergency call 000. A conversation could change a life.

For episode 2 of Flynn's Talk, Jack and Jeremy are joined by veterinarian Dr Cam Raw to take you back to where this all began. We explain the story of Flynn's Walk, why we decided to walk and talk, and shed some light on the issues that veterinary professionals face. Remember, if you or anyone you know is experiencing a crisis, there is always help available. You can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or in an emergency call 000. A conversation can change a life.

In our inaugural episode we are joined by Dr Magdoline Awad (Chief Vet Officer) and Dr James Carroll (Operations Manager, Emergency & Specialist Services) from the Greencross Vets network. How are veterinary staff adjusting to the COVID way of life? Can an animal ventilator really work on a human? Can I catch COVID from a dog? All this, and more, answered in episode #1 of Flynn's Talk.