Thrive DVM Podcast

We're wrapping up our Women's History Month's series with an incredible human, Laci Taylor.

Laci is currently a third year veterinary student who knows the meaning of carving her OWN path. As a first-generation college attendee, graduate and now first-generation doctoral student, Laci is no stranger to "figuring it out". She demonstrates the power and possibility that comes from asking questions, being resourceful, and when the resource isn't there...making it herself.

This conversation was one of my favorites and Laci's story is POWERFUL. I hope you'll find this discussion as inspirational and motivating as I did.

You can find Laci on Instagram: @roadtodvm and follow along as Laci continues to not only breakdown barriers ahead of her, but create a path behind her as she goes for others.

Have you ever NOT done something because you knew you couldn't doing it PERFECTLY? And then after awhile you realize you're letting this "all or nothing" perfectionism mindset stop you from being great?

In our second of our March series highlight women, we're sitting down with Allie Dunn, the woman behind @theradvet who is currently in the thick of her radiology residency. Allie, like us all, is navigating showing up during difficult or busy life seasons.

I loved this convo with Allie because I think we all could learn from how Allie has mastered the art of showing up even if it's NOT perfect and prioritizing self-care in a way that many residents and others going through busy seasons simply do not!

I hope you'll enjoy hearing from her as much as I did!

Welcome to the first in our March podcast series highlighting powerful women and their stories! We're starting with a personal friend of mine, Dr. Kirsten Ronngren of @vet_redefined.

Kirsten's story is one of PIVOTS - she demonstrates the power of self-awareness and reassessment and how very NORMAL and NECESSARY it is to make adjustments on our paths.

In this week's episode Kirsten and I cover a variety of topics including (but not limited to):

- How Kirsten mastered the soft skills of communication to become the top earner at her practice

- The implementation of self-care tactics to bounce back from burnout

- Navigating creative solutions to stay in love with her career path

Kirsten is a masterclass in the power of good communication and personal growth!

You can find her on Instagram at @vet_redefined and her website vetredefined.com

On this week's episode we're unpacking what happens when you're not where you thought you SHOULD be by now or not where you once were.

Sometimes we're CRUSHING. IT.

We're able to show up with ferocity and we just can't be stopped.

And then other times...we're barely showing up at all.

What then?

In this episode we're discussing what it looks like to show up in different seasons, the POWER of showing up and sharing your story, and how we bounce BACK!

Other resources:

In this episode I mention another episode on Burnout and what to do about it - you'll find that discussion in episode 16, an interview with Kate Van Vuren!

If you're in veterinary medicine, you may be aware of the dreaded "Match Day"...a day when a computer program decides your fate...or does it?

This week's episode I share my experience of Match Day and the nightmare of "the scramble" when I didn't match, the lessons I learned from that, and ultimately how my unconventional path to "success" still got me where I wanted to go.

Turns out, this "bump in the road" or this "set back" has become the most powerful part of my story, and I hope that by sharing this, you'll understand that an algorithm may set you on your path, but it certainly doesn't decide your fate...YOU do.

BONUS: I threw in some tips for the mindset hacks that got me through a difficult internship and ultimately ended up setting me up for what I believe is about to be my dream job, 6 years later!

Whether it's because we don't believe we DESERVE better or we're not sure that better EXISTS, it's all to common for us to settle for what we're offered, rather than persisting and asking for what we need.

In today's episode I'm encouraging you to stop listening to the naysayers who will tell you that the world sucks and it doesn't get better. I'm asking you to let yourself want more. To stop settling for a crappy relationship or a job that makes you feel like crap - and continue the search for more. Continue to believe that it's out there, that YOU have the power to make change for GOOD, and that you DESERVE it.

This week's episode is a little different - this week I'm doing a deep dive into not only some practical communication tips and verbiage, but the MINDSET of strong interpersonal communication. This is largely through the context of client communication in the veterinary setting, however, the features of effective communication remain the same regardless of who you're communicating with.

It's not just what you want them to hear...it's how you want them to FEEL. Will they feel seen? Will they feel heard? Will they TRUST you?

Once you have that, you have a tremendous amount of influence!

Reminder: Self-care is NOT selfish.

Self care can look like a lot of things. It can look like treating yourself to a massage and/or a pizza and wine night. It can look like exercise and getting enough sleep. But it can also look like saying NO and stoping the comparison game.

Self-care isn't about putting other people's needs on the back burner, it's about make sure that you're not putting YOURSELF on the back burner. Because my friend, NO ONE will care for you better than you care for yourself. NO ONE will advocate for you better than you advocate for yourself. NO ONE will work for your dreams harder than you work for them yourself.

Self-care isn't selfish. It's essential. If you don't put gas in that tank, that car is gonna stall out and die. And then what? Who benefits from that? No one.

This week's episode is a reality check on that mindset of self-care being something we do "if we have time"...MAKE. TIME.

Does the term "bias" make you all itchy and uncomfortable?

It doesn't have to.

Sometimes bias is BAD. It can cloud our judgement, make us see things through a false lens, and give us tunnel vision. But what if we HACKED our bias about OURSELVES and made it serve us instead?!

Today's episode breaks down how BIAS can be used to our ADVANTAGE.

You feel stuck. You know what you WANT. You know what you SHOULD do. But you keep doing what you've always done instead.

In today's episode we're unpacking WHY you're stuck and what it's going to take to get you UNstuck. Whether it's in your health, personal relationships or career goals, we're going to dive into what power YOU have to stop treading water and take the necessary steps towards living a life you THRIVE in!

Happy 1 year anniversary to the podcast! What once felt like a dream that I wasn't brave enough to turn into a goal is now ONE YEAR OLD!

My hope for this episode is that from the WHY behind this pod, the things that held me BACK and the lessons I've learned along the way, there will be something here that will inspire YOU to ACT and bet on yourself and dream BIGGER and then bigger still. Because I believe that the best is yet to come and we simply need to SHOW UP and be AUTHENTIC and we're going to change the world.

You in?

When it comes to achieving goals, failure isn't the enemy, BOREDOM is.

Any big goal we make requires a shift in behavior, a new habit or set of habits. We hit the ground running, packed with motivation and excitement...so why can't we make it stick? What's the key?

This episode we're talking about the thing we have to get comfortable with in order to stick it out and succeed - BOREDOM. Buckle up - 2021 is sure to be a wild ride, but I think we're up for it!

Failure is not the antithesis of success, it's a prerequisite for BIG success.

On this week's episode I'm sharing one of the biggest "failures" of my career, how it wrecked me, and how it ended up serving me in the long run. The reason I'm sharing this? I hope it will serve as an example that FAILING is not only NOT the end, but it's a NECESSARY step in making it BIG time. Failing is inevitable, and while it feels like crap in the moment, I think we have so much to learn from our failures.

Listen in this week to learn how I process that grief, how I mentally switch gears, and get back up. It's not about failing, it's about failing FORWARD.

You are the product of the 5 people you spend the most time with.

I'm sure you've heard that phrase before, but have you thought about it? Have you thought about the impact of the people you surround yourself with on your daily habits? Your mindset? Your success? Your GROWTH?

As we head into a new year, it's natural to start thinking about goals and dreams and prayers for the coming year. We make these goals and then we shoot for them, but how often to we follow-through?

If you're not considering the effect of your PEOPLE on your PROGRESS, then you're missing a HUGE piece of the puzzle! Let's talk about it!

It's time. It's time to stop the cycle of "I went through it, so you have to too!" It's time to use what we've learned from our STRUGGLES and SUPPORT those who come after us.

And that's PRECISELY what today's guests, Dr. Ashley Gray and Dr. Monica Tarantino are on a mission to do. They've joined forces to form Vets on the Rise, a fantastic resource for newer graduates in veterinary medicine.

But what makes this particular partnership so special is that they're using their experience to BETTER the experience of those who come after them. They're NORMALIZING the very real and normal STRUGGLE of the first year out of school in addition to putting together resources to REDUCE THE STRUGGLE.

It's my honor to welcome these women to the podcast this week for a discussion of all things relating to that very struggle.

And if you want more of these two - you can find them on Instagram: @southernpetvet @seniordogdoc and @vetsontherise

Additional Resources:

- veterinariansontherise.com

- Becoming a Millennial Veterinarian, a book by Dr. Ashley Gray

Live life on PURPOSE.

This is the legacy of my friend, Brittany Crosby.

This weekend marked one year on earth without her. That's still somewhat incomprehensible to me, but here we are. If you don't k now Brittany, well I sincerely encourage you to find her account on Instagram and read her posts, because even though she's not walking the earth with us anymore, she continues to inspire me with her words.

After her diagnosis at 27 years old of stage 3c ovarian cancer, she fought, she leaned into her story and shared it with so many, and she demanded of us that we life our lives ON PURPOSE. That we STOP walking through our OWN STORIES aimlessly. That we STOP being AFRAID of our dreams and GO AFTER THEM. Because we simply don't know how much time we have on this earth.

Not a day has gone by in the past year that I haven't thought about Britt, wondered what she might say or what she might think about one thing or another. And it was her voice in my head that told me to stop being so SCARED and launch this dang podcast. It's because of HER this community exists.

My words could never really do justice for who Brittany was and is, but I hope you'll find her words and her legacy an inspiration like the thousands of others who knew her (in real life or via social media), and loved her.

Miss you, B. Love you.

Have you ever felt like you've invested so much into so something that you simply can't just walk away? Even if it's slowly killing you?

So much time.

So much money.

So much effort and heart.

That you feel STUCK in a job, relationship or situation that you know in your gut isn't where you want or need to be, but you just can't seem to CHANGE it or LEAVE it, because you feel like it would be a WASTE?

Today's episode features former attorney, Goli Kalkhoran. She walked away from the law after a lifetime of working towards this exact goal...and she's never been more fulfilled.

Goli shares with us how she got to where she is, what she had to face to get there, and how she's now coaching professionals on how to change and/or QUIT a mediocre life!

Whether you want to QUIT and find your REAL purpose, or you desperately love what you do but HATE how you do it, this episode is for you. YOU DESERVE A FULL LIFE.

& if you're like me and now fully obsessed with Goli and want more of her you can find her on Instagram @lessonsfromaquitter , on her website lessonsfromaquitter.com or her podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lessons-from-a-quitter/id1412305413 (Apple) or https://open.spotify.com/show/6N1ycFhbi9SpYXew3NrhSF?si=V7XTDINETh62UtjAtdlrbw (Spotify)

No one will advocate for you more than you advocate for yourself.

This week's episode talks about a form of self care which is standing up for yourself and asking for what you WANT, not JUST what you NEED.

Are you ready for the challenge?

I don't know who needs to hear this today, but you're doing incredible things.

Just keep going.

If you've ever felt STUCK or you can't seem to move out of that in a FUNK feeling, then this week I've got a treat for you.

Inspired by a recent funk of my own (I was feeling more than a little irritated the other day), I wanted to create this episode to share the skills (and the reasons behind them) that I've developed over the past few years that have helped me move through and OUT of that roadblock that is "STUCK". 

In today's episode we're not just talking about the WHY we get stuck, but the HOW to get UNSTUCK. It isn't how many times we get knocked down, right? It's how fast we get back up that counts!

It's not all about you.

Oh, I mean that in the NICEST way possible, that more often than not, the way people engage with us has NOTHING to do with US, and EVERYTHING to do with THEM. And when we make the CHOICE to not take anything personally, we are free from carrying the weight of other people's opinions, other people's actions, and other people's behavior. And that my friend, is too heavy a burden to carry.

I hope this week's episode will help give you some freedom to honor what YOU think of you more than what anyone ELSE does!

This week's episode gets right down to the nitty gritty - tangible, actionable advice on habits and behaviors that DO build confidence and then one might DO NOT when it comes to building authentic, honest to goodness CONFIDENCE.

Listen, if you've been here for any time at all, you KNOW that the path to gaining confidence requires ACTION. But what if action is just not that easy to take?

We've been conditioned to strive for PERFECTION, right? Get the 4.0, ace the exam, have perfect attendance, etc etc etc. But the NEED to be PERFECT leads us to HOLD BACK. We don't want to try something we can't guarantee we'll be able to perfect. And it's KILLING us.

This week let's unpack this and work through the enemy of GREAT...perfectionism.

This week we're hearing from self-discovery and Enneagram coach, Gina Gomez.

Gina is a PHENOMENAL human, it was not only an honor to interview her but a joy! Gina is a coach, an author, and more recently a dog mom! Her story is incredible - in a difficult time her life she was introduced to the Enneagram, a personality type scheme. She found healing and self-discovery through Enneagram and turned that into a personal expertise and now uses this gift to help other women heal too.

On this week's episode Gina just starts to unpack why it's important to have self-awareness, how the enneagram can help you become more self-aware, and we scratch the surface on each of the enneagram types! I think you're going to find this conversation incredibly impactful and hopefully it will inspire you to do a little self-discovery yourself!

I encourage you to follow Gina on Instagram @ginagomez.co and pick up her book "The Enneagram and You" wherever books are sold!

This week we switched it up a bit in a fun new format of question and answer!

Ranging from topics like handling compassion fatigue to my favorite food (besides TexMex), I took your questions and honestly, it was really fun! You guys have great questions!

If you like this format, you gotta let me know! Comment here, shoot me a DM, or share on your social what you liked and hopefully we'll get to do this again!

Additional Resources - Authors/Books I love:

- The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor

- Finish, John Acuff

- The 5 Second Rule, Mel Robbins

You know, I can't remember the last time getting frustrated SERVED me. Can you?

Look, frustration is a pretty natural thing. And it's a fairly involuntary thing...at first. But imagine a world where you feel frustrated, you acknowledge it and you move through it FASTER and more COMPLETELY.

My friend, you'd be UNSTOPPABLE.

This week's episode unpacks the frustration funk and the power we have over it! Let's do this!

"Can you please not talk about my friend like that?"

A phrase I use often to remind the people around me that when they speak poorly about themselves, they're speaking poorly about someone I care about. Isn't that a cool frame shift?

On this week's episode we're exploring the way we talk to ourselves in the context of what it would look like if we afforded ourselves the same grace and compassion that comes so easily to others we love. What might change?

Let's find out!

Is there anything harder than doing the thing you know you SHOULD do, but you're tired and you don't FEEL like it...so you don't?

I'm about to blow y'all's mind, but MOTIVATION is NOT the solution. Motivation is fleeting and circumstantial and your goals and your lives are TOO IMPORTANT to rely on something so fickle.

In this week's episode I'm sharing two tangible ways I take action when I'm not motivated and don't FEEL like it. How I turn inaction into ACTION until it becomes a HABIT.

You ready? Let's Go!

Here's the thing - life is uncomfortable.

No matter how you look at it, there's GOING to be discomfort. Whether it's the discomfort of growth or the discomfort of staying stuck in a life you didn't dream of, YOU are CHOOSING the discomfort you're sitting in.

This week's episode unpacks the POWER in being intentional about which kind of discomfort you're experiencing and a GUT check about the reality of it.

I hope you'll love this episode! And there's more where that came from on LoCurtis.com, don't forget to check out the site and join the email list if you haven't already!

THIS WEEK IS A JUICY ONE!

First and foremost a HUGE thank you for listening, liking, sharing, rating and reviewing, we've officially surpassed 10 THOUSAND DOWNLOADS! Thanks to YOU!

This milestone gets me all nostalgic about my WHY behind starting the podcast in the first place, so this week you're going to hear my heart about this venture! My REASON for sharing this is to use my story as an EXAMPLE of what can happen when you take BOLD action with RADICAL faith.

Be BRAVE. Take ACTION. Follow your GUT. You have NO CLUE what the RIPPLE EFFECT of your tiny act of COURAGE can have!

What would it take to THRIVE in a stressful, intense and demanding job?

This week we sit down with Dr. Brooke Schampers (known as @doctor_brooke on Instagram), an ER veterinarian practicing in Australia who LOVES her job, in the healthiest way possible. Naturally I wanted to pick her brain and find out what she's doing to help foster this deep love of a job that seems to run over so many people. And her answers were more than insightful, they were inspiring!

It wasn't easy to pick a name for this interview because we talked about so many pieces of the puzzle that need to come together to thrive personally and professionally, but what I can tell you is that Brooke LEADS BY EXAMPLE. She practices what she preaches and she owes a lot of that to the mentors in her life that ALSO led by example.

I can't wait for you guys to hear from her this week! And if you're a veterinary student or veterinarian who works with ER or urgent care cases - I highly highly recommend checking out her ER guides on her website: DrBrookeSchampers.com

Criticism. Feedback. Correction.

No matter what you call it, it can be hard to take in. It can feel personal, it can feel uncomfortable, and sometimes it's downright painful.

This week we're talking about handling CRITICISM. I'm giving you tips about taking it in, processing it, and even when NOT to take it in. Because there's a difference between meaningful feedback and bad advice and it's not always easy to tell the difference.

This week I hope you'll find something TANGIBLE going forward, because whether it's at work, in our relationships, or in our communities, criticism and feedback is going to happen! And I want to equip you to handle it in a way that BUILDS YOU UP, not tears you down! You in?

Additional Resources:

- Discover your Myers-Briggs type at 16personalities.com

- Enneagram typing - my recommendation is to take a couple free tests online to narrow it down, then read about each of the results (I myself was mistyped and found out I was a 4 by reading about it!)

- The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin, discover your type on her website by taking the four tendencies quiz. Her book is also stellar!

Have you ever been too dang exhausted from a day of making countless decisions that you canNOT make one more decision, even if it's what to have for dinner? Do you know why?

Say it with me: DECISION FATIGUE.

It's a real thing, y'all. And it's leading us to make all kinds of "path of least resistance" decisions like...the drive thru or Netflix over studying.

This week let's chat about how to avoid this pitfall and PREVENT bad choices from decision fatigue!

I've seen it so many times, in myself too. Working so hard for so long that by the time you achieve the dream, you're either too tired, too burnt out or (dare I say) too BITTER to enjoy it.

What happens when the DREAM isn't the FULFILLMENT you thought? Or the reality of the dream is different than what you thought it would be? Is it time to despair?

I SHOULD THINK NOT!

Today's episode we're unpacking the very REAL feeling of achieving a HUGE dream, and then the weird feeling when it's not what you thought it would be and how to PREVENT that or navigate your way back to the excitement and fulfillment you were seeking.

You've worked hard and your work is IMPORTANT, I hope today's episode will help you lean into that!

Most of us have heard the phrase "comparison is the thief of joy", and it looks great on a motivational poster and I would argue that it's true...but how what does that ACTUALLY look like? Why IS it so dang bad for us? And how on EARTH do we stop??

This week I'm coming to y'all straight with what comparison looks like, what we can do instead, and of course a reminder that we ALL do it, that it's a human thing to do, and yes YOU are capable of rewriting that habit.

Because at the end of the day, comparison IS the thief of joy, and I think we could all use a little more joy, don't you?

What if - instead of fearing failure, we EMBRACED it as part of the HUMAN experience? How could that change us? What would we decide to without that FEAR hanging over us?

And how do we DO that? HOW do we gain confidence and shake that overwhelming sense of DREAD that comes with the possibility of FAILING?

This week we unpack what the ANTIDOTE to the fear of failing and how we can be BOLDER, BRAVER versions of ourselves!

How much easier is it for us to fork over the money for something like grad school or continuing education but we're so dang reluctant to spend money on things that benefit us PERSONALLY?

This week I'm calling out the mindset that spending money on ourselves is either selfish or not worth it. I mean it makes sense, right? Why we do it? Because it's basically what we've been TRAINED to do. But what if we looked at these expenses as INVESTMENTS in our future of THRIVING? What if we saw these opportunities as CE four our lives?

xoxo,

Lo

At the end of the day, we can give the best advice in the world, we can have the most well reasoned, best intentioned recommendations - and people will still decide NOT to listen to you. And it's so much more about THEM than it is YOU.

What if we committed to ONLY owning OUR choices and OUR actions & refused to carry the weight of OTHER people's choices?

xoxo,

Lo

Whether you're going through a personal struggle, you're in the thick of a difficult time professionally, or you're growing weary fighting for change - this week I want you to hear me when I say...KEEP. GOING. Your voice, your story, your passion is IMPORTANT.

I believe in you.

xoxo,

Lo

On this week's episode I had the distinct honor of interviewing and handing the mic to Lindsey Whitlock. Lindsey shares her story as a student in veterinary school at Purdue, as well as her experience as a Black woman in veterinary medicine. Lindsey has such a heart for pre-veterinary students, particularly pre-vet students of color and uses her experiences (good and bad), to help inform and inspire the up and coming generation of veterinarians. This conversation is no exception! Lindsey's insights as to why there's such a lack of representation (A whopping 2% of veterinary medicine is comprised of Black men and women) is thought provoking and her story serves to inspire. 

It was so gracious for Lindsey to share her experiences with us, but it's an important to remember that she's a whole, incredible human. It was a joy to hear her story, her heart and her thoughts on how we can make veterinary medicine better.

You can find Lindsey on Instagram at @Dogtor_Lindsey! And check out her new YouTube Channel Dogtor Lindsey!

Hope you enjoyed hearing her story as much as I did!

xoxo,

Lo

In this week's episodes, Katherine and I have a conversation about it all. From a background of social work and just being a human being, Katherine and I navigate self-care, boundaries, and fighting the good fight in difficult seasons (like graduate school) and in the year 2020 where nothing feels like it used to and how we move forward not backwards from here.

You can find Katherine predominantly on Instagram at @Katherineswenka .

I hope you enjoy hearing from Katherine as much as I enjoy speaking with her!

xoxo,

Lo

There's something that happens any time you're intentionally seeking growth in any area of your life. At first it feels really dang good! And then, as you start to learn more, you realize how much work you have to do and that work starts to feel...hard. Or uncomfortable.

This week I wanted to take some time to encourage you in this process!

xoxo,

Lo

I get it, moving into a new phase of life can be scary/intimidating/exciting/overwhelming/exhilarating, all of the above! Whether you're starting school, an internship/residency, your first "big girl job", or just a different job, new city..etc..that transition comes with it a whole lot of emotions!

In this episode, I'm sharing some mindset hacks and practical tips for how I built a community inside AND outside the medical community when I moved to Austin - no friends, no family, and only having visited for my interview(s)!

Major transitions can be tough, but with a cultivated community, it doesn't have to be SO tough! Enjoy!

xoxo,

Lo

We all want MORE confidence, right? The hitch being that maybe we're going about it all in the wrong way? Yes, of COURSE getting more experience and more knowledge will help, but this week I'm unpacking one BIG reason why so many of us lack confidence, and how to FIX IT! It gets a little spicy, but only because I'm passionate about you living a life you're THRIVING in! Let's GO!

xoxo,

Lo

This episode is PACKED! With energy and hilarity, but more importantly with MINDSET shifts and TANGIBLE TIPS. This week’s guest, Kacia Fitzgerald, is one of THE most energetic humans I’ve ever met and one of THE most INTENTIONAL humans I’ve ever met and she’s full of incredible advice about creating a life you are OBSESSED with. I have a feeling you’re going to get a LOT out of this one, so maybe have a pen and paper handy or at the very least, take some voice memos!

And if you want more of Kacia (which you will), you can find her on Instagram @kacia.fitzgerald , as well as her company She Goes @shegoes.company .

Xoxo,

Lo

Additional Resources:

• The She Goes With Intention planner: https://www.kaciafitzgerald.com/withintention

• The She Goes Collective community: https://www.kaciafitzgerald.com/thecollective

• EmpowerHER Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/empowerher/id1444456380

If you've ever felt like you're living your life floating from one season to the next or simply waiting for the next phase of your life to start REALLY living, then perhaps you're like I've been & lacking INTENTION. In this episode, I'm sharing with you one mindset change that has had a HUGE impact on my quality of life, and the really cool thing is? It's 100% doable for YOU too! I hope you love it!

xoxo,

Lo

KRISTI IS BACK! If you don't remember Kristi, I encourage you to go back to episode 3 (our second full episode) and listen to that one next because homegirl is a BOSS. Kristi Thrailkill is a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in anxiety. With our worlds turned UPSIDE DOWN right now, it's only natural that an already anxious brain might be experiencing heightened levels of ANXIETY.

Kristi and I talk about all things anxiety including ways to recognize it, process it and cope with it. I love the way her brain works and how practical (and FUN) her tips are!

I hope you'll love this episode as much as I do! You can find Kristi at @bmorefamilytherapy and at BaltimoreFamilyTherapy.com where she's got resources galore! If you love this, make sure to give her some love and tag her on Instagram!

xoxo,

Lo

Additional resources:

• Conquering your SAD (Seasonal affectiveness disorder):  https://www.baltimorefamilytherapy.com/single-post/2019/02/12/Conquering-Your-SAD
• Jack in the Box social distancing gaming: https://www.jackboxgames.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjw4pT1BRBUEiwAm5QuR3F84BlZs4dh4CE_gURHnODmyQHMM4hU6W33g2KHhNUCmfUuW-D3VBoCcvQQAvD_BwE

If you've ever felt so dang depleted and EXHAUSTED that you don't know how on Earth you'll be able to show up for your work the next day, or every day after that, then you may be experiencing BURN OUT. Commonly confused with "compassion fatigue", burnout is one of the leading causes of job dissatisfaction among women in the workplace.

On today's episode, guest Kate Van Vuren (SLP) and I unpack burnout, compassion fatigue and what has been shown to not only combat burnout, but PREVENT it...and it might not be what you think!

I hope you'll LOVE today's episode, it's full of TANGIBLE tips for a life you THRIVE in, not one you simply SURVIVE.

And if you're as obsessed with Kate as I am, you'll want to follow her @katherineannvv on Instagram and check out her site katevanvuren.com

xoxo,

Lo

If there's one thing we could all benefit from, it's a little more JOY! Turns out that happy people are more interested in the wellbeing of others, are better able to handle stress, and are generally more SUCCESSFUL!

In this week's episode, we're talking about what happiness/joy IS, what it's NOT, and how to infuse more of it into our lives! Hope you love it!

xoxo,

Lo

Additional Resources:

- The Happiness Advantage, by Shawn Achor

- Gretchen Rubin, author and host of the Happier Podcast ( https://gretchenrubin.com/podcasts/ )

This week I have the distinct pleasure of interviewing Dr. Tannetje Crocker, but you may know her as Dr. Crocker, PetVet! In this discussion, we talked about what happens when you get the career you always dreamed of and planned for - but then you have to pivot. What it means to find your identity outside the job, and creating a life and career you are obsessed with.

You can find Dr. Crocker on instagram @dr.tannetje.crocker and her website DrCrockerPetVet.com !

Regardless of when you hear this episode - whether in the context of navigating the ever evolving landscape of life during COVID-19, or in the midst of a personal struggle - we’re learning how to ask BETTER QUESTIONS. Rather than “Why is this happening TO me?” ...try “How is this happening FOR me?”

In this week’s episode, I’m coming to you with some very real discussion about struggle, mindset and some tangible tips on normalizing struggle, perspective taking and moving through it!

xoxo,

Lo

This week’s episode is an EPIC interview with founder of Resilience Rising Vet, Dr. Jacqui Horner.

Resilience Rising Vet’s mission is to bring awareness to mental health and equip veterinarians with resources for wellness and to help veterinarians build resilience. In light of global events surrounding COVID-19, I can’t think of a better person to interview to give us all some advice on cultivating wellness and resiliency.

This interview is SO impactful, and we have very candid and vulnerable conversations surrounding topics including anxiety and depression, so if you’re someone struggling with either/both, I want you to be forewarned that this could be potentially triggering.

Jacqui is an epic human, I hope you LOVE this episode and find so much value in our conversation!

You can find Jacqui on Instagram @resiliencerisingvet and at her website Resiliencerisingvet.com ! If you love this episode, don’t forget to share on your IG stories and tag myself @_lo.curtis and Jacqui!

xoxo,

Lo

Some additional resources for you:

• Meditation resource - Headspace.com
• Brooke Castillo and the Life Coach School Podcast

Today's BONUS episode includes tips and recommendations for making the most out of learning from home under COVID-19 quarantine! This is a weird time for us all and our world's have been totally shifted on their axis - but with these tips are designed to help you study like a BOSS!

Remember this: You've got this, you're capable, and you're not alone!

xoxo,

Lo

You can't go a single day without hearing the term "self care" - but is self care selfish? What's the difference? I'm here to say there not at ALL the same thing. This week we're unpacking the difference between being selfish and practicing self care (with a bonus blip about self sacrificing). Remember - you can't pour into others if your cup is empty!

xoxo,

Lo

Have you heard of the concept "work-life balance"? Of course you have - it's all over the place these days! Have you found yourself executing it poorly and then feeling like sh*t because of it?

This week we're talking about why I actually think it's a MYTH and what I recommend instead! And I have a feeling you're gonna dig it!

xoxo,

Lo

This week we're following up with last week's episode on cultivating PLAY! How can we let go of productivity as worthiness and REST more so we can be our best selves? Let's talk about it!

xoxo,

Lo

This week's episode is part one of a two part discussion about learning to PLAY and to REST. Turns out, adults need these things too! Towards the end of this episode, I'm inviting y'all to join me in a fun exercise! I can't wait to connect with you on this one!

xoxo,

Lo

On this week's episode we're exploring how PRIORITY SETTING can revolutionize our day to day and what keeps us from HONORING those priorities.

I hope you find this episode helpful in moving toward a life you're truly obsessed with!

xoxo,

Lo

So - it’s MATCH DAY in the veterinary world! A day that can bring a sense of elation or dread and disappointment & I wanted to talk about it! This week’s episode you’ll hear about my experience in the SCRAMBLE and my take on why I’m actually grateful for this experience!

No matter if you matched or didn’t match, if you weren’t even in the match, or if you’re not even in the vetmed world - I hope you dare to be BRAVE and know that I am so PROUD of you for doing so!

xoxo, 

Lo

In this episode we’re talking with Sarah, the new grad vet! 

Sarah graduated in 2018 from Ontario Veterinary College and started practice in Small Animal practice in January 2019. Sarah and I dive deep into some of the most important lessons she’s learned in her first year of practice!

Sarah opens up in a really authentic way about the hardships of achieving goals in veterinary medicine and being a veterinarian, but through the lens of POSITIVE SOLUTIONS for moving through the hardship and growing into a stronger, more resilient human and veterinarian.

This conversation will serve to remind us all that we’re not alone in our struggle, but we are in control of how we move through it. 

Major topics we cover in this episode include:

• PERSONAL growth necessary for PROFESSIONAL growth
• How FAILURE can actually SERVE you
• GROWING through the challenges we face
• Giving the negative voice in your head a NAME and disassociating with her
• The SKILLS that will serve you MOST
• Navigating the client RELATIONSHIP
• Increasing CONFIDENCE 

As you can tell - it’s an epic conversation & I hope you love it! Don’t forget to tag me @_lo.curtis and @thrivedvmpodcast AND Sarah @thenewgradvet!

xoxo, 

Lo

In this episode we’re talking about building confidence and what I’ve learned about gaining confidence in personal and professional arenas - even with zero evidence that it’s all going to work out! From examples in the workplace to examples in our personal goals - I think you’re gonna like this one!

xoxo,

Lo

On today’s episode we have Kristi Thrailkill! Kristi is a clinical social worker, licensed psychotherapist and owner of Baltimore Family Therapy! This conversation is incredibly impactful and Kristi’s tips and insight are incredible!

We cover topics including:

• Setting boundaries with clients and colleagues
• Dealing with burnout
• What to say when strangers solicit your medical advice
• Coping mechanisms for dealing with negative feedback
• Anxiety vs anxiousness and how to ask for help

We honestly could have done a deep dive into all of these topics, but I think you’ll find some really TANGIBLE advice in this episode that you can act on TODAY. 

Resources:

• Where to find Kristi: @bmorefamilytherapy on Instagram, or kristi@baltimorefamilytherapy.com or Baltimorefamilytherapy.com
• Psycologytoday.com to find a therapist near you

And if you find this episode impactful, don’t forget to share on social media and tag me @_lo.curtis and @thrivedvmpocast and Kristi @bmorefamilytherapy

xoxo,

Lo

BONUS EPISODE! It’s Launch Day and I couldn’t give you guys just a short intro on day one, could I?? NOPE!

In today’s episode I’m sharing with you the routine that CHANGED. MY. LIFE. I know that sounds hyperbolic - but seriously. Get your hearts ready, because I think you guys are gonna love this information!

I went from “chronically 5 minutes late” and never getting anything done before work to someone who VOLUNTARILY wakes up 2-3 hours before I have to leave for work and I wanted to share with some tips for establishing a morning routine to start your day right! We can’t control what cases and clients walk through the door, but we CAN and we SHOULD control how we start our day and the energy we bring into every room! Here’s what I’m doing!

1. Intentional quiet time - Bible study, meditation, journaling - whatever it is!
2. Move my body - can you say DANCE PARTY! 
3. Gratitude and dream/goal journaling
4. Move my body again - 20-40 minutes of focused exercise!

This morning routine gives you a WIN before you’ve even started your day! That micro-confidence boost MATTERS!

Resources:

Start Today Journal - https://thehollisco.com/pages/start-today

***GIVE AWAY ALERT*** If you screenshot this episode and share it on your Instagram stories, tag me @_lo.curtis and @thrivedvmpodcast - you’re entered to win one of these journals!

Rachel Hollis (creator of the Start Today Journal) has a podcast episode where she teaches you how to do this practice if you can’t afford to get one of the branded journals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rise-podcast/id1245763628?i=1000429479026

Shoot me an email at thrive.dvm@gmail.com for info on how you can get fitness accountability or the pre-workout supplement I use!

xoxo,

Lo

This episode is just a little quick introduction to myself, the podcast, and my heart behind it! I can't wait to get to know you & I hope you're excited too! Let's Go!