In this episode of Meet the Animal People, Chris is joined by Heidi Luedecke, Marketing Director at LickiMat — one of the most recognisable and trusted brands in the pet industry.

Heidi shares her journey from growing up in Australia and studying art history and marketing, to building a career in the London art world, including time at Tate, before making the leap into the pet industry and joining her family’s business. Chris and Heidi talk about creativity, career pivots, transferable skills, and what it’s really like marketing a global pet brand in a fast-moving industry.

The episode also dives into the LickiMat story, how the brand began, what makes its products so effective, and why quality and pet safety matter so much in a market full of brands trying to emulate their success. Heidi gives brilliant insight into the global success of the business, the realities of trade shows, launching new products, and why she’s so excited about the growth of the cat category.

It’s a warm, honest and insightful conversation about marketing, innovation, pets, and finding your place in an industry that people rarely want to leave.

If you love hearing the stories behind the people and brands shaping the pet world, this episode is well worth a listen.

In this episode of Meet the Animal People, host Chris Whatling speaks with Jade Statt, a veterinary surgeon and founder of Street Vet, a charity providing veterinary care to pets of people experiencing homelessness. Jade shares her journey from a childhood obsession with animals to becoming a vet and eventually starting Street Vet. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by homeless individuals with pets, the misconceptions surrounding homelessness, and the emotional toll of working in this field. Jade emphasises the importance of compassion, community support, and mental health in her work, and encourages listeners to get involved with Street Vet and help make a difference.

In this episode of Meet the Animal People, Chris Whatling sits down with Jo Boughton-White CEO of Dorwest Herbs, a proudly family-run business and one of the longest-standing names in natural pet supplements.

Jo shares her journey from a childhood spent surrounded by animals to forging her own academic and professional path, before ultimately returning to the family business with a renewed sense of purpose. She opens up about the realities of running a multi-generational brand in today’s competitive pet industry, the pressure of staying authentic in a fast-paced market, and what it really takes to maintain a strong company culture.

Together, Chris and Jo explore everything from the evolution of herbal supplements, to the importance of quality ingredients, customer trust, and the increasing commercialisation of the pet market. Jo also discusses Dorwest’s commitment to social responsibility including the Dorwest Foundation and the company’s work supporting rehabilitation and employment opportunities for ex-offenders.

This conversation is full of honesty, heart, and practical takeaways for anyone in the pet industry: from leadership lessons and workplace wellbeing, to product development, marketing, and looking after the animals at the centre of it all.

If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, family business dynamics, pet health, or simply want to understand what keeps a legacy brand thriving this is an episode you’ll love.

Episode 15: From The Veterinary Profession to Reality TV – Miles Astaire’s Story

In this episode of Meet the Animal People, host Chris Whatling sits down with Miles Astaire — a passionate veterinary professional, advocate for diversity, and star of BBC’s The Traitors.

From growing up in Birmingham to building a career in veterinary nursing, Miles shares his inspiring journey through the highs and challenges of working in animal care. Together, Chris and Miles explore the realities of representation, identity, and inclusion in the veterinary industry — discussing how personal experiences of racism, stereotypes, and being part of the LGBTQ+ community have shaped Miles’ outlook and emotional intelligence.

The conversation dives into the power of mentorship, career progression, and networking, while also touching on what life is really like behind the scenes of reality TV and how visibility in media can spark change in professional spaces.

It’s a powerful, honest, and uplifting discussion that celebrates individuality, courage, and the love of animals — with a few laughs (and a bit of Mariah Carey!) along the way.

Tune in to hear how Miles is breaking stereotypes and inspiring the next generation of veterinary professionals.

In this episode, Chris Whatling interviews someone he truly admires – Dr Marc Abraham OBE. Marc is not only a highly respected veterinarian but also a passionate animal welfare campaigner, author, and media personality. From his early days dreaming of helping animals to leading the campaign for Lucy’s Law, Marc’s journey is both inspiring and deeply impactful.

Chris and Marc explore why communication and empathy are at the heart of great veterinary practice, and how media and social platforms can become powerful tools for advocacy. Marc also opens up about his brand-new film, Dogspiracy, a hard-hitting documentary exposing the dark realities of puppy farming and the fight for better welfare standards.

Throughout the conversation, Chris reflects on his admiration for Markcs persistence, creativity, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of pets. Together, they discuss the importance of community, campaigning, and collaboration – from the vibrant energy of Brighton to the broader responsibility we all share in protecting animals.

Listeners will come away inspired to take action, no matter how small, and to see how one person’s determination can spark real, lasting change.

In this episode, Chris sits down with Rory Hanna, co‑founder of PAWD, to uncover how a childhood love of dogs evolved into a groundbreaking venture in liquid supplements for pet health.

Rory shares the personal challenges that inspired PAWD, the science behind their liquid supplement innovation, and how he and his business partner balance their complementary strengths to grow the business. The conversation explores the supportive nature of the pet industry, the importance of education for pet owners, and the role of community building in shaping healthier, happier dogs.

Listeners will gain insights into:

• How Rory’s childhood passion for dogs shaped his journey.
• Why liquid supplements offer better absorption and efficacy.
• The importance of trust and honesty in business partnerships.
• Plans for expanding into international markets.
• How community, culture, and collaboration fuel entrepreneurial success.

If you’re interested in pet health, entrepreneurship, or the future of dog supplements, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom.

In this inspiring episode of Meet The Animal People, Chris Whatling sits down with Dr. Guy Sandelowsky MBA — veterinarian, entrepreneur, and founder of Omni, a groundbreaking pet food brand designed to tackle pet allergies and sensitivities.

From growing up in Switzerland to navigating the challenges of vet school and clinical practice, Guy shares his journey of turning a passion for animal health into an innovative business. He opens up about the motivation behind Omni, the importance of educating pet owners on nutrition, and the eye-opening experience of pitching on Dragon’s Den.

The conversation also dives into personal resilience, LGBTQ+ visibility in the veterinary field, and Guy’s vision for shaping the future of pet nutrition.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How Guy’s early experiences shaped his career as a veterinarian.
• The rising concerns of pet obesity and allergies and how Omni is tackling them.
• What really happens behind the scenes on Dragon’s Den.
• Why authenticity and embracing your identity matter in professional life.
• The future of plant-based pet nutrition and Guy’s mission to reach millions of pets worldwide.

If you’re passionate about pets, innovation, and personal growth, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this deeply moving and inspiring episode of Meet the Animal People, Chris Whatling sits down with vet, coach, entrepreneur, and all-round brilliant human, Dr Katie Ford. From her childhood in a working-class town in Huddersfield to becoming a celebrated voice on imposter syndrome and emotional wellbeing in the veterinary profession, Katie shares her personal and professional journey with honesty, warmth, and insight.

Chris and Katie explore everything from the impact of childhood experiences, alcohol, and early responsibilities, to navigating burnout and rediscovering your true self. Katie speaks candidly about overcoming imposter syndrome, the emotional toll of veterinary practice, and how she’s helping others through her coaching platform, Vet Empowered.

Whether you work in animal health, pet care, or just want to hear two people being real about life, identity, and purpose this episode is for you. Full of vulnerable moments, practical tools, and uplifting messages, it’s a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck, striving for balance, or simply needing a reminder that they’re not alone.