Smarter Vet Financial Podcast
Want to feel more confident and in control of your finances? The Smarter Vet Financial Podcast is your go-to resource for fresh, energizing perspectives on money—created just for veterinarians. Hosts Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett, founders of Florida Veterinary Advisors, break down personal and business financial topics in a way that’s easy to understand and fun to explore. With inspiring interviews and practical advice, you’ll gain the clarity you need to stress less and enjoy more of what you love in life and work.
Episodes
306 episodes
Episode 203 - 2 of 4: The 5 Years Before Selling Your Practice Matter Most
The five years before you exit your veterinary practice matter more than you think—and waiting too long could cost you significantly.In this episode, CJ Burnett and Tom Seeko break down the critical planning window leading up to a sale a...
From Big Decisions to Bigger Impact: Leadership Lessons with Dr. Emily King
Veterinarians often feel stretched thin, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to lead effectively while maintaining balance—but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, Tom sits down with Dr. Emily King, founder of All-Star Ve...
Episode 202 - 1 of 4: Is Your Veterinary Practice Actually Sellable?
Many practice owners assume their business will fund retirement — but the real question is: Is your practice actually sellable? In Part 1 of this 4-part series, Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett break down what buyers look for ...
Episode 201 - Why Two Veterinarians Can Earn the Same… But Build Completely Different Lives
Two veterinarians can earn the same income, live a similar lifestyle, and still end up in completely different financial positions.In this episode of the Smarter Vet Podcast, Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett unpack why financial outcome...
Episode 200 - What Actually Matters Financially
This episode marks a major milestone—200 episodes of the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast. To celebrate, CJ Burnett and Tom Seeko step back to reflect on what they’ve consistently seen work—and not work—for veterinarians o...
Episode 199 - The Trials & Trivia of Practice Ownership
Practice ownership can feel like a rollercoaster — incredible highs, heavy responsibilities, and moments that make you question why you started in the first place.In this episode of the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast, CJ Burnett and Tom S...
Communication, Connection & Mental Health in Vet Med with Catherine Haskins
Communication isn’t just announcements—it’s how veterinary teams connect, support each other, and deliver care. In this episode, Tom Seeko sits down with Catherine Haskins, founder/CEO of The Bridge Club and co‑founder of <...
Episode 198 - The Hidden Cost of Financial Avoidance in Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary medicine isn’t about the money—but avoiding finances can quietly create stress, burnout, and long-term consequences.In this episode of the SmarterVet Financial Podcast, CJ Burnett and Tom Seeko unpack the hidden cost ...
Solving HR, Retention & Culture Challenges in Vet Practices with Anthony LaPolla
In this episode of the SmarterVet Financial Podcast, Tom sits down with Anthony LaPolla, Founder & CEO of Empower Business Strategies, to explore one of the biggest challenges facing veterinary practices today: retention and HR st...
Episode 197 - Is Imposter Syndrome Quietly Driving Your Career?
Imposter syndrome affects veterinarians at every stage of their careers—from new graduates to long‑time practice owners. Even when life looks stable on the outside, many still feel behind, exposed, or uncertain if they truly belong.In th...
How Veterinary Professionals Can Build Stability, Fight Burnout, and Strengthen Their Future with Dr. Andy Roark
Veterinary medicine is full of passion, purpose, and pressure—but how do you build a career and a life that feel sustainable? In this episode, Tom sits down with Dr. Andy Roark to explore the mindset shifts and financial habits that help veteri...
Episode 196 - The Hidden Problems Inside Million Dollar Mutual Fund Portfolios
Many veterinarians build wealth using mutual funds, but once a portfolio grows into the seven‑figure range, the hidden challenges begin. Taxes you didn’t expect. Overlapping holdings you didn’t realize you owned. Lack of customization. And far ...
Episode 195 - Does Your Risk Match the Return?
Most veterinarians assume that more risk equals more return—but that’s rarely how real financial life works. In this episode, Tom and CJ break down the hidden risks veterinarians carry mid‑career, how concentration risk shows up in both income ...
Episode 194 - It’s Not About Being Rich—It’s About Having Options
Many veterinarians say they don’t make enough, can’t change jobs, can’t reduce hours, or will “never be able to retire.” But is that really about income… or about options?In this episode of the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast, CJ ...
Leading with Curiosity: Andrea Crabtree on Communication & Accountability in Vet Practices
In this episode of the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast, Tom Seeko welcomes back Andrea Crabtree of Furpaws Consulting for a candid conversation about leadership, communication, and accountability in veterinary practices. Andrea shares insights fr...
Episode 193 - Am I Financially on Track as a Veterinarian?
On this episode of the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast, Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett, co-founders of Florida Veterinary Advisors, walk through a clear framework for answering one of the most common questions vets ask: “Am I ...
Episode 192 - 5 of 5: The No-Fail Retirement Income Plan
Is a “no‑fail” retirement plan actually possible?In this episode, Tom and CJ break down why the traditional approach to retirement often falls short — and what it really takes to build income that lasts through every market cycle, tax ch...
Episode 191 - 4 of 5: Building Wealth by Balancing Access, Taxes, and Risk
How do you actually build wealth — not just in theory, but in real life? In this episode, CJ and Tom walk through a simple, practical framework veterinarians can use to make smarter financial decisions with less stress and more clarity...
Interview with Lindsey McMakin - How to Build a Thriving Veterinary Practice: Financial Literacy, Culture-Driven Hiring, and Technology
In this episode of the SmarterVet Financial Podcast, Tom Seeko sits down with Lindsay McMakin to explore the real-world challenges and opportunities in veterinary practice management. Lindsay shares her inspiring journey from receptionist to pr...
Episode 190 - 3 of 5: One Habit that Builds Real Wealth
Saving money isn’t exciting, flashy, or fun — but it is the one habit that consistently builds real wealth. In this episode, the third of five in the series, CJ and Tom break down why aiming for 20% of your gross income is a game chang...
Episode 189 - 2 of 5: Everything Works… Until It Doesn't
Most financial plans don’t fail because of markets—they fail because of unplanned life events. In this episode of the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast, CJ Burnett and Tom Seeko explain why risk is the silent plan killer for veterinarians and pract...
Episode 188 - 1 of 5: Getting Financially Organized for Veterinarians
If your finances feel more like a junk drawer than neatly folded laundry, this episode is for you. Tom and We kick off a five-part series by focusing on Step 1: getting financially organized so you can reduce stress, decision fatigue, and the “...
Episode 187 - New Year. New You.
Going into a new year can bring a lot of financial stress—especially when you’re trying to control things you simply can’t. In this episode, we break down the big categories you can’t control (markets, inflation/interest rates, and une...
From Kennels to Corporate: Dr. Jennifer Bruns on Ownership, Leadership, and PetSmart Veterinary Services
In this episode of the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast, Tom sits down with Dr. Jennifer Bruns, Senior Director of Veterinary Relationships at PetSmart Veterinary Services, to explore the many paths a veterinary career can take. Dr. Br...
Baxtr’s Mark Hines Talks About Simplifying Wellness Plans with Subscription Care
In this episode of the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast, Tom sits down with Baxtr founder Mark Hines to talk about how subscription-based wellness plans can transform access to care, client loyalty, and practice revenue. Mark shares hi...