In this episode, I’m joined by a truly impactful voice in veterinary medicine—Dr. Bob Lester. If you’ve ever wondered how to build something big without losing the soul of the work… Bob’s your guy.

A veterinarian, entrepreneur, and systems thinker, Bob’s career spans small-town mixed animal practice, the founding of Banfield Pet Hospitals, academic leadership at Lincoln Memorial University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and now, his role as co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of WellHaven Pet Health—a company that’s quietly redefining what good corporate veterinary care can look like.

From scaling national brands and reimagining vet school education to leading with optimism, Bob brings a rare blend of clarity, compassion, and straight-talking wisdom. In this wide-ranging conversation, we go deep on what it really takes to lead—without burning out, selling out, or tuning out.

We talk about the messy middle between toxic positivity and chronic catastrophizing, how to build trust inside veterinary teams, and why who leads your practice matters more than what it looks like on paper. Plus, we explore mentorship, the future of GP care, and why now is actually a brilliant time to be in veterinary medicine—if we’re brave enough to lead with care and courage.

This one is full of strategic insight and grounded humanity. Bob is proof that you can scale without losing your heart. Grab a notepad—and maybe a shot of optimism—and dig in.

Episode Highlights

[00:01:00] Why Leadership in Vet Med Feels Broken (and How to Fix It)

[00:05:15] The Power (and Choice) of Optimism

[00:10:00] Trust, Toxic Positivity, and Real Talk in Teams

[00:14:30] What Actually Happens When You Get a Board Complaint

[00:24:12] From Blue-Collar Kid to C-Suite Vet Leader

[00:33:16] The Banfield Origin Story and Scaling Through PetSmart

[00:41:00] The Case for General Practice as the Hub of Vet Care

[00:50:01] How to Scale Leadership Without Killing Culture

[01:01:00] Why Taking Care of People Comes First

[01:08:24] Mentorship, Ownership, and What Really Works

[01:21:00] Distributed Vet Schools, Communication Skills & Hope for the Future

[01:23:15] Starting WellHaven: A Second Act With Heart

[01:27:00] Career Reflection: Building, Teaching, and Lifting Others

[01:33:19] Best Career Advice: Say Yes, Stay Curious, and Enjoy the Ride

• WellHaven Pet Health
• Connect with Dr. Bob Lester

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In this episode, I’m joined by an absolute powerhouse of a human being—Dr. Paula Yankauskas. A veterinarian, practice owner, and open-water swimming legend, Paula’s story is one of resilience, passion, and pushing the limits of what’s possible.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Paula has spent decades building and leading Lamoille Valley Veterinary Services, a thriving seven-doctor practice in rural Vermont. But as impressive as her veterinary career is, it’s her other life in the water that truly sets her apart.

Paula is one of a select few athletes to have completed the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming—a gruelling trifecta of the English Channel, the Catalina Channel, and the 20 Bridges Swim around Manhattan. Not stopping there, she went on to achieve the Frosted Triple Crown, which adds the mind-boggling challenge of an Ice Mile—swimming a full mile in water below 5°C (41°F).

From the discipline and endurance required to swim across the world’s toughest waters to the lessons of leadership, resilience, and goal-setting that she applies in veterinary medicine, Paula’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. We discuss how she balances her veterinary career with extreme endurance challenges, the mindset that allows her to push past discomfort, and the power of simply "just keep swimming."

Whether you’re looking for inspiration in your own career, curious about open-water swimming, or just love hearing stories about people who redefine what’s possible, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.

So grab a coffee (or maybe a wetsuit) and dive into this incredible conversation with Dr. Paula Yankauskas.

Episode Highlights

[00:01:00] The Meditative Power of Swimming

[00:03:12] Paula’s Journey to Veterinary Medicine & Founding Lamoille Valley Veterinary Services

[00:08:23] Taking the Leap: Her First English Channel Swim

[00:15:45] The Psychological Battle of Marathon Swimming

[00:22:10] Lessons from the Open Water & Applying Them to Vet Med

[00:31:30] How to Train for Extreme Endurance Events While Running a Business

[00:39:50] Facing the Cold – Completing the Frosted Triple Crown

[00:47:12] The Human-Animal Bond & Passion for Veterinary Behavioral Medicine

[00:55:43] Building a Successful Vet Practice in a Rural Community

[01:06:11] Why Work-Life Balance is a Myth & What to Focus on Instead

[01:15:38] How to Handle Setbacks & Keep Moving Forward

[01:30:02] Best Career Advice for Veterinary Professionals

[01:35:17] Final Thoughts: Just Keep Swimming

Follow Lamoille Valley Veterinary Services: https://lvvsonline.com/

Learn more about the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming: https://www.openwaterpedia.com/wiki/Triple_Crown_of_Open_Water_Swimming

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In this episode, I’m joined by none other than Dr. Evan Antin—the globetrotting vet with a knack for treating everything from household pets to some of the most exotic creatures on the planet. Known to millions as "America's Sexiest Veterinarian," Evan has carved out a unique career that blends adventure, veterinary medicine, and a passion for conservation.

From his Kansas roots to wrestling crocodiles and saving rhinos, Evan’s journey is as wild as the animals he cares for. As a practicing vet at Conejo Valley Veterinary Hospital in California, he balances his work with pets while traveling to far-flung corners of the globe, providing medical aid to animals in dire need. But it’s not all glamour—Evan dives deep into the challenges of being an exotic animal vet and the ethical questions conservationists face daily.

With his signature charm and relentless energy, Evan talks about his passion for educating millions through social media and TV, how he’s using his platform to advocate for responsible pet ownership, and the life-changing stories behind his book, World Wild Vet. Whether it's saving an orphaned rhino calf or teaching us about conservation one Instagram post at a time, Evan embodies what it means to lead with purpose and heart.

Grab your brew, sit back, and enjoy as we explore Dr. Evan's incredible journey from small-town Kansas to the global stage.

Episode Highlights:

[00:01:00] Ethical Social Media and Wildlife Conservation

[00:03:01] Meeting Dr. Marty Becker and Early Career Influences

[00:06:16] Growing Up in Kansas and the Passion for Wildlife

[00:10:40] Finding Veterinary Medicine as a Career Path

[00:15:55] Lessons from Steve Irwin and David Attenborough

[00:21:37] The Role of Social Media in Wildlife Awareness

[00:27:12] Surviving Vet School and Staying Motivated

[00:35:19] Writing World Wild Vet and Lessons from the Field

[00:41:23] The Dark Realities of Rhino Poaching

[00:46:06] Finding Hope in Conservation Efforts

[00:51:43] Dangerous Wildlife Encounters and Lessons Learned

[01:06:11] The Book Writing Process and Working with a Ghostwriter

[01:21:14] Supporting Legitimate Conservation Organizations

[01:30:02] Best Career Advice and Key Lessons for Vet Students

[01:35:17] Final Thoughts on Living in the Moment

Episode Links

• Dr. Evan Antin’s book: World Wild Vet
• Follow Dr. Evan Antin on Instagram: @dr.evanantin
• Learn more about Rhino 911: https://www.rhino911.com/

Follow Rhino 911 on Instagram: @rhino911npo