I asked ChapGPT to interview me about my grief journey, how I help others move through grief and my new course, Grief&Grace . It was a great conversation even if it was a conversation just with myself! I hope you find something in here that speaks to you. Grief is universal. We all experience it. This new course I created is an opportunity to work through places you may be stuck with your own grief and to have the ability to see that you are not alone, even though I know it feels like you ar...
Jul 03, 2025•31 min
Joy is medicine and you need to take your dose regularly. Check out this episode to find ways to experience micro moments of joy to help recalibrate you as an animal worker.
Jun 26, 2025•11 min
Everything doesn't need excellence or perfection. Sometimes (many times) "good enough" is good enough. And it might just be the most radical thing you can do, to allow good enough to be good enough.
Jun 19, 2025•7 min
In this episode, we're going to explore the emotional weight of trying to carry it all. When you care deeply, it’s easy to feel responsible for fixing everything and everyone — but that pressure is unsustainable. This short pep talk reminds you that your worth isn’t tied to how much you sacrifice. Letting go of what isn’t yours to hold isn’t giving up , it’s wisdom. You don’t have to save the world to make a difference. Just keep showing up as incredible you .
Jun 12, 2025•6 min
I'm kicking off something new and special for the summer. Quick, 5-minute (give or take) pep talks to lift you up when you're feeling down, exhausted or like there's just not enough of you to go around. Caring for animals is big work that comes with big emotions. Let these summer episodes remind you of both the magic of summer and the beauty of who you are. I'm kicking off the series with this important message, you're doing much better than you think.
Jun 05, 2025•7 min
Think of your nervous system like a cup that holds everything you’re managing such as stress, emotions, grief, responsibilities. When your cup has space, you're within your window of tolerance, meaning you can handle challenges with presence and flexibility. But when too much gets added and the cup overflows, you may feel anxious, overwhelmed, or shut down. The goal isn’t to keep the cup empty, but to recognize when it’s full and refill yourself with care, support, and regulation.
May 29, 2025•28 min
In this episode, I talk with VTS veterinary nurse and graduate researcher, Angela Chapman about her study that dives into the root causes of burnout in veterinary nurses and technicians and why fixing it takes more than just good intentions. Backed by insights from 40 experts, we explore practical, high-impact solutions that clinics can actually implement to create lasting change. Mentioned in this episode: -The Delphi study paper we talked about https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15091257 (If you're a ...
May 22, 2025•55 min
In this episode, I’m calling out the unspoken truths of animal work — the quiet heartbreaks, the strange joys, and the moments that make you wonder, “Is it just me?”. It's not. Whether you work in vet med, animal welfare, lab animal, or wildlife/zoo this little ditty is your reminder that you’re not alone, and you never were.
May 15, 2025•11 min
In this episode, I'm debunking the myth that confidence comes first and exploring what it really feels like to take courageous action. Spoiler alert: it usually feels like fear. If you’ve been waiting to feel ready, polished, or fearless before making a move, this is your reminder that doing it scared is how confidence is built. Let’s talk about embracing discomfort, trusting yourself, and taking the leap anyway.
May 08, 2025•26 min
Guilt is a constant companion for many animal caregivers but so often, the guilt we carry isn’t actually ours to hold. In this episode, we’re unpacking the difference between emotional storytelling and actual responsibility. You’ll learn about confabulation (the sneaky way your brain fills in the blanks with self-blame) and proximal causation (how to uncover the real cause behind what happened). If you’ve ever spiraled over a decision you made, felt like you didn’t do enough, or carried the weig...
May 01, 2025•21 min
In this episode, my Gemini sister Kelly Burich is back and we explore the emotional labor of showing up when your insides don’t match your outsides. From surface acting to deep acting, we unpack what it costs to keep smiling through stress, sadness, or burnout and why acknowledging the weight behind the smile is the first step to real emotional well-being. If you’ve ever felt like you were performing your role instead of living it, this one’s for you.
Apr 24, 2025•46 min
In this episode we’re talking about the thing you secretly want — the dream, the goal, the whisper you’ve been carrying quietly for too long. We’ll explore why it feels scary to want more, how fear shows up when you’re on the edge of something meaningful, and why now might be the moment to finally go after it. If you're craving permission, encouragement, or a loving nudge — this one’s for you.
Apr 17, 2025•25 min
It's not everyday that you get to talk to folks who are rescuing some of the largest, most dangerous and most exploited animals on the planet, Big Cats. In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking to 3 incredible women from Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, AR. Join me for my conversation with the founder Tanya Smith, staff veterinarian Dr. Kellyn Sweeley and animal curator Emily McCormack as they share their passion for their work, the heartbreak that comes with rescuing b...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 2 min
You are not a project that needs to be improved—you are already enough. This episode blows up the myth that worthiness is something you earn by overworking, overgiving, or overachieving. It’s time to stop hustling to be "enough" and start remembering who you are.
Apr 03, 2025•17 min
I'm fresh off the heels of a meet-up of my Living A Life You Love group of women vets. We met in Chicago and the connections they've made on Zoom completely transferred to in-person. These women have each others back and have supported each other through some really tough things. So on the way home I created this list of empowering beliefs. Living A Life You Love is only for women veterinarians and it only opens every 6 months. You can enroll now. Here's the link https://www.juliesquires.net/gro...
Mar 27, 2025•24 min
Ever feel like certain people were put in your life just to test your patience? Whether it’s a toxic boss, a drama-loving coworker, or someone who always pushes your buttons, difficult people are everywhere. But here’s the good news—you don’t have to let them steal your peace! In this episode, we’re diving into how to handle tricky personalities, set boundaries like a boss, and keep your cool no matter what chaos comes your way. My 6-month group for women veterinarians, Living A Life You Love is...
Mar 20, 2025•26 min•Ep. 314
Five years ago, the world changed in ways we never imagined. The pandemic reshaped our lives, our fears, our resilience, and our sense of what truly matters. In this episode, we reflect on what we learned, who we became, and how we moved forward. What did we fear then, and what do we fear now? How did we adapt, and what unexpected strengths did we uncover in ourselves? Join me in this personal and collective reflection as we look back on a time that tested us, transformed us, and—hopefully—made ...
Mar 13, 2025•27 min
In this episode, we’re diving into the 5 Essentials for Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being as outlined by the U.S. Surgeon General. These five pillars—Protection from Harm, Connection & Community, Work-Life Harmony, Mattering at Work, and Growth Opportunities—are key to creating a work environment where people don’t just survive, but truly thrive. Whether you’re an employee, a leader, or just someone looking for ways to feel more supported at work, this episode will give you actionable i...
Mar 06, 2025•27 min
An inner critic, we all have one. It's that constantly negative, judgmental voice that's always doubting you. You might be surprised to learn it's actually not you. Your inner critic is a collection of thoughts you've picked up along the way. By learning how to relate to your inner critic (I call mine Roger), you might just make a friend. Check it out!
Feb 27, 2025•21 min
A trigger is anything—an event, a memory, a sound, a sensation—that activates a strong emotional or physiological response. Triggers don’t always come from major trauma; they can be shaped by past experiences, chronic stress, or even patterns from childhood that taught us what is “safe” and what isn’t. Our brains don’t differentiate between past and present threats as well as we’d like them to. A trigger can make your nervous system react as if you are in real danger, even if you are perfectly s...
Feb 20, 2025•29 min
Grief is never just about the loss itself—it carries ripple effects that touch every part of our lives. In this episode, I'll explore secondary losses , the often-overlooked layers of grief that arise after losing a beloved pet or person. From changes in daily routines to shifts in identity and community, I will break down how these losses manifest and how to navigate them with compassion. Tune in for insights on recognizing, honoring, and healing with self-care, so you can carry both love and l...
Feb 13, 2025•34 min
If there's one thing I love, it's a great metaphor. Life has a way of knocking us on our butts sometimes. In this episode, I'm diving into what it really means to “get back on the horse” after a setback(or in my case, a real actual fall off a horse!) So dust yourself off, take a deep breath, listen in and let’s ride again!
Feb 06, 2025•17 min
Mel Robbin's book The Let Them Theory is quite popular right now. But did you know it's based on a poem by Cassie Phillips called "Just Let Them"? This poem gives us the power and understanding of what it means to release control over trying to control other people and instead comprehend our own worthiness that is never in the hands of others.
Jan 30, 2025•12 min
It's not too late to set your course for the year! Matter of fact, you could do this at any time throughout the year, not just in the beginning. But setting intentions for the year is just like plugging in a destination in your GPS, it sets the course. Here are the questions: What’s the one word or phrase I want to define my life in 2025, and why does it resonate with me right now? (E.g., Freedom, Growth, Boldness) What part of my life feels most aligned with who I truly am, and how can I build ...
Jan 23, 2025•24 min
Natural death is an interesting process. The body knows how to do it but that doesn't mean it's easy to watch. With animals we often don't get to see the dying process because we often opt to relieve suffering and provide a "good death" via euthanasia. Witnessing my father in the dying process really got me to think about the contrast between how animals die and how humans do. And I started to wonder about some unintended consequences that can result when we are used to relieving suffering. In t...
Jan 16, 2025•25 min
This is it. The final episode of 2024 which means it's time to end the year with intention, let go of anything no longer serving you that you don't want to bring into 2025 and realign with your purpose of serving animals.
Dec 26, 2024•22 min
It's time for our annual reflection! I love the opportunity to look back and unpack the year. Chances are your 2024 was filled with joys and disappointments. Today we'll focus on more of the joys. I want to encourage you to journal on these 10 questions. 1. What goals did I accomplish this year? 2. How did I step outside of my comfort zone this year and what did I learn from it? 3. What moments will I cherish forever? 4. Were there any relationships I chose to let go of and why? 5. What practice...
Dec 19, 2024•22 min
The holiday season can be a challenging time for those navigating grief and loss. In this episode, we explore the unique ways the holidays can amplify feelings of longing and sadness, whether you're mourning a loved one, a cherished pet, or experiencing a significant life transition.
Dec 12, 2024•21 min
Ever hear something that pierces right to your soul? Well that's what happened when I recently heard this concept of "forgive the present moment". Perhaps it's because it's just what I needed in that moment and I thought maybe you might need it too.
Dec 05, 2024•18 min
Episode 300 just happens to fall on American Thanksgiving. Coincidence? I think not. I have a very important message for you today. Not just for Thanksgiving but for the entire holiday season and one that can glide you right into 2025 too. Don't miss this one!!!
Nov 28, 2024•27 min
