This story is a true and unexpected tale told by renowned keynote speaker Mike Veny during his keynote at the Association for Healthcare Foodservice 2024 Conference in San Antonio. This hilarious but heartfelt story starts with something seemingly small—his dwarf hamster had something stuck in his eye. What unfolded at the veterinarian’s office turned into a wild experience no one expected.
When the veterinarian tried to examine his dwarf hamster, the tiny creature bit him. Then the nurse tried to help… and she got bitten too. Eventually, it took multiple people to restrain this feisty little hamster—and that moment, while funny for everyone else, triggered something deep inside Mike.
As a Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist® and international keynote public speaker, Mike Veny has spoken at countless conferences about mental health, wellness, and emotional intelligence. But in this vulnerable moment, he shares how watching his dwarf hamster be restrained reminded him of being in a mental hospital—and the trauma that can resurface in the most unexpected ways.
This video is about more than just a dwarf hamster bite—it’s about the intersection of humor, healing, and personal growth. It’s also a moment of reflection, in memory of my hamster, and a reminder that even the smallest creatures can leave a lasting impact.
Whether you’re here for the funny hamster bite, to hear a moving story from a storytelling keynote speaker, or to explore what it means to be triggered in a healthcare environment, you’ll walk away from this video with something to reflect on.
Mike Veny is a wellness keynote speaker and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist®, honored with multiple accolades, including:
Corporate LiveWire's Innovation and Excellence Award (2022, 2023, 2024)
2023 Leader of Mental Health Awareness from NAMI New York State
2025 Global Excellence Award for Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist® of the Year by Acquisition International Magazine
If you’re planning an event and looking for a conference keynote speaker who blends honesty, humor, and healing, Mike Veny brings a powerful voice to the stage as a health keynote speaker, international keynote public speaker, and high-level keynote speaker who connects deeply with audiences.
https://learn.mikeveny.com/mental-health-speaker
Stay in touch with Mike Veny!
Website: https://www.mikeveny.com
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeveny
