On today’s show, I’m joined by Veterinary Technician, campaigner and veterinary Instagram celeb Nicole LaForest. Nicole is a co-owner, manager and Licensed Veterinary Technician for Mayo Veterinary Services - a large mobile surgery practice in Seattle. She graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology from Penn Foster College, is licensed in both California and Washington State and spent several years working in emergency medicine as a lead technician. Her clinical work at the mayo is focussed primarily in the fields of orthopaedics and regenerative medicine. Away from her practice, Nicole is very active in the wider veterinary community serving as the president of the Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians, and also campaigning personally to raise awareness, standards and opportunities for vet technicians around the planet. Her passion in doing so has attracted a large social media following where she chronicles her life in practice and courageously discusses her issues with mental health in the hope that others may battle their own demons. Now, just before we jump into the episode here’s a quick word from today's show sponsor the VetX:Thrive community. If you are a young vet looking to find your feet in veterinary medicine, grow your confidence, avoid burnout and beat your inner imposter, then VetX:Thrive is for you. As a community member, you’ll receive success-skill training modules, monthly access to experienced mentors and incredible toolkits to help you thrive in your career. A year-long membership of the community is available for just $275 and if you use the promocode ‘podcast' then you will receive a further 10% discount. Head to www.vetxthrive.com to redeem this offer and take control of your career. A conversation with a veterinary technician on Blunt Dissection is long overdue so it was great to bring a different perspective to the show. In a virtual world where filters and selfies are the norm, Nicole’s brand of visceral story-telling stands out and has won her a 20,000+ fan base. Her frequently edgy posts chronical a journey off the beaten path, they are educational, engaging and gritty – displaying an authenticity and a rawness that scream’s “take me as I am, warts ‘n’ all”. Nicole, it’s safe to say, is not afraid to call a spade a spade. But she is also a warm-hearted and incredibly bubbly person to spend time with. And so it was in our conversation where she left nothing on the field. We covered a lot of ground, with subjects as diverse as managing burnout, drug addiction, crazy clients, how she keeps a life working with her husband fun. So without further ado, it gives me huge pleasure to bring to you, my conversation with Nicole LaForest.