Life as an Independent Vet with Dr. Beth

"Create the things you wish existed." What happens when a little girl obsessed with animals grows up, faces down fear, and builds a vet clinic on a dream? In this episode, Beth Barrett shares her story of grit, independence, and what it really means to live in alignment with your values.

This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. In This Episode In this episode, Michael Dargie talks with veterinarian and entrepreneur Beth Barrett about her decades-long career, her passion for animals, and the power of doing hard things. From her clinic just outside Calgary, Alberta, Beth shares what it took to build her dream practice—complete with an indoor dog arena, a fancy chicken coop, and the best damn surgery suite this side of anywhere.

Beth knew she wanted to be a vet since she was a kid, and she never looked back. But the path wasn't without its setbacks. After a serious horseback riding accident, she had to decide whether to quit or face her fears. She chose to ride again. That decision changed her.

She and Michael talk about everything from the corporatization of veterinary care, to why tired dogs are good dogs, to Stoic philosophy and dried mango. Beth opens up about the joys of riding, training, and how teaching dogs stretches their bodies and their minds. Her message to rebels in waiting: do hard things. That's where the growth is.

Quotable Quotes "Create the things you wish existed."

"A tired dog is a good dog."

"The growth I've experienced in life has come at those hard spots."

"Doing hard things will make you extraordinary."

"You don't get stronger when things are cushy."

Episode Highlights Becoming a Vet | From childhood dream to lifelong career.

The Power of Vision | Turning a horse farm into a full-service clinic.

Private vs. Corporate | Why independence matters in vet med.