In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore the role of interpersonal curiosity—and why it might be one of the most underrated skills in veterinary medicine today.

Grounded in research on resilience in veterinary students, this conversation unpacks how curiosity shows up in the way we interpret stress, respond to challenges, and connect with the people around us. Because it turns out—resilience is not just about “bouncing back”…it is about how we make sense of what is happening in the first place.

From initial skepticism around wellbeing strategies to meaningful mindset shifts, this episode highlights how perspective-taking, support systems, and self-awareness are not just personal tools—they are cultural ones. And when curiosity is present, everything from communication to coping starts to change. You’ll hear:

•  Why curiosity plays a critical role in how we experience stress and resilience
• What veterinary students revealed about how resilience actually develops
• How simple perspective shifts can change the way we respond to challenges
• Why support systems and connection are essential to thriving—not optional
• What this means for teams trying to build healthier, more sustainable cultures

Whether you are navigating a tough case, a tense conversation, or just trying to make it through a busy day, this episode will challenge you to pause, get curious, and consider what might be possible if we replaced assumption with understanding.

Resource Links: 

Episode Article:

Title: Interpersonal curiosity as a tool to foster safe relational spaces: a narrative literature reviewAuthors:Melanie Letendre Jauniaux & Heather L. Lawford

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1379330

Flourish Academy - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication 

Florida Man This Week - Time Travel 

What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet

Your Hosts:
Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC 

Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP

At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth. 

Timestamps: 

00:00 Curiosity Sets the Stage
00:42 Names and Nicknames
02:01 Colorado Weather Whiplash
06:15 Hospital Story Sideways Curiosity
09:57 Vet Clinic Assumptions Lesson
13:16 Courage to Ask Deeper
15:31 Paper Intro Interpersonal Curiosity
18:17 Overt vs Covert Curiosity
21:09 Relational Safety vs Psychological Safety
22:28 Curiosity Builds Trust
23:09 Curiosity As Culture
25:00 Covert Coaching After Error
28:39 Affiliative Intent First
32:17 Overt Versus Covert
37:28 Repetition Builds Muscles
38:51 Vet Team Ideas In Action
46:21 Wrap Up And Thanks