After eighteen months of silence on the podcast, Radio Vet Nurse listeners were aware that all was not right. In Radio Vet Nurse - Interrupted Cat returned to break her silence on the painful and tragic story of her veterinarian husband developing a substance use disorder in their busy, regional clinic. By 2020 his substance use disorder had spiralled into a serious and almost fatal addiction against the backdrop of COVID lockdowns and Cat caring for their baby and toddler. Cat shares the harrowing story of her overnight decision to move back to South East Queensland, the challenge of managing and selling the practice from 1,600km away, and becoming a single mum and veterinary nurse manager of an animal emergency hospital.
Cat’s deliberate use of positive stories and mindset beautifully balances and lightens this deeply personal and at times dark series. After years of sharing other people’s stories on the podcast, Cat finally tells her own compelling backstory of transitioning from a professional touring musician to lawyer to veterinary surgery owner and vet nurse. Cat also turns to other prominent industry voices to bring hope and inspire much needed change in the industry. See below for listener praise for Radio Vet Nurse - Interrupted.
The Interrupted series was sponsored by Vetoquinol, Crampton Consulting Group, the Animal Industries Resource Centre, and the Animal Emergency Service.
RADIO VET NURSE INTERRUPTED
Praise for Radio Vet Nurse - Interrupted
“What a beautiful podcast. Thank you for sharing your amazing story. Hardship develops one's strength. When you decide not to surrender you choose to become stronger. Congratulations on all that you have conquered.”
“Wow just wow thank you so much for speaking up about this currently feeling some of these emotions myself in the industry. One very strong lady, you should be so proud. The industry is so desperate to change I really hope we start to see the cogs turning!”
“Well this made me cry on my way to work this morning. So raw & real. Thank you for shining a light on the vet industry and opening up conversation. So glad that you're back and the family are doing well now Cat. Loved all the sound effects you used in this episode too.”
“Amazing. You are amazing. Thank you for sharing your recent experiences, we will make changes collectively and we can make a big change. Thank you for all you do.”
“Cat, you told this story so well. It really made my chest tighten and some tears in my eyes for you, the boys and your ex. Thank you for sharing, it is so important as we all in the veterinary profession are living in that slowly boiling pot of water, such a great analogy. We have to come together for a change and solution.”
“Thank you for sharing your story. I was at the gym and on the verge of tears because of how beautifully and respectfully honest you were about your journey. It both pains me and makes me proud that I am a part of such a special and amazingly talented group of professionals that often struggle so much with all you spoke of. Thank you for sharing.”
“Loved it! Thanks for sharing your story. You are such a strong woman.”
“Thank you for sharing your story and vulnerability. Your selflessness benefits others and I hope that you are all on the road to healing. Glad you’re back as I have thoroughly enjoyed your podcast.”
“Thank you for doing this! There’s not a podcast like this in the states that I can find! This is why I need to move out of the states.”
“I listened to Cat today. Thank you, so much of what you said in particular on self care really resonated with me. I find it so hard to have down time without being productive too. Gave me quite a bit to think about.”
“Amazing conversations Cat! Thank you for bringing these issues to light- I’ve had many similar thoughts and conversations with colleagues over the years. I really believe for the first time we are on the cusp of great change- thank you for your contribution and all the very best to you- I hope this isn’t the last we hear from you! X”
“Loved this series Cat. It definitely spoke to my heart and I feel now I'm walking with my head held high knowing there are so many others working at making the changes I believe in.”