Behind the Scenes of the SATH’s New Podcast Liverpool Vet School Presents: 12 Minute Medicine

Posted on: 23 July 2026 in Community

We spoke to Dan Batchelor, Professor of Small Animal Medicine at Liverpool Vet School, about the new podcast by the Small Animal Teaching Hospital (SATH) Liverpool Vet School Presents: 12 Minute Medicine. Dan hosts the podcast, in which he interviews clinicians from the SATH on a range of veterinary topics. Dan explains what inspired the podcast, and what he hopes listeners will get out of it.

Where did you get the idea for the podcast and how long has it been on your mind? Were you inspired by any other podcasts?

The answer to both these overlaps a lot. I was inspired by a language podcast called Coffee Break Spanish (which I highly recommend!). I listened to the podcast a few years ago while completing my PhD, on my commute to and from the lab. With two episodes per day, I learned Spanish rapidly and I have wanted to do a veterinary one ever since.

What is the aim of the podcast? What do you hope people will get out of listening to it?

I wanted a short, bite-sized chat about a certain topic. It was designed with veterinary undergraduates in mind but could be a handy refresher after graduation too.

Has it been challenging recording a podcast? (Did you manage to find a quiet place in the SATH to record?!)

Yes, there is no quiet space in the hospital! I had to beg, steal and borrow a microphone in the early days too, before finally getting a better one. Where we record is in a building right by the equine hospital so occasional horsey sounds can be heard!

Why did you decide to keep the podcasts to 12 minutes, and has this been a challenge?

No reason but it seemed like a good challenge, and about the time a listener will hold attention. But yes, the risk going over is a challenge!

Did you have any input into the design of the podcast logo?

I took some inspiration (stole the idea) from a big hero of mine, Bob Dylan, and his radio show ‘Theme Time Radio Hour’. Then just added a dog and cat!

Where can people listen to the podcast?

Spotify is currently the best place. It's all free.

How can we help the podcast reach more people?

Reviews are much appreciated. We're a very small outfit and it's great to know people are listening!

Is there anything else you would like to add about the podcast?

We're keen to receive any feedback or suggestions for future seasons. We've just started a season on Neurology and have almost finished recording some episodes on Dermatology. Who knows where we will go next? What do people want to hear? Until we get our own email you can contact me directly.

Thank you, Dan, for creating this fantastic resource! You can listen to Liverpool Vet School Presents: 12 Minute Medicine on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review to help it reach more people.

If you would like to share a story with the ULVAA, please email us. We would love to hear from you!