In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, Brandi sits down with Kyle Wheeler, a commercial real estate expert who exclusively represents buyers and tenants in dentistry, to unpack the hidden risks, missed opportunities, and costly misconceptions that happen every day in practice acquisitions, leases, and startups.

From new grads walking into deals without leverage… to seasoned practice owners unknowingly leaving hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table, this conversation exposes the side of dentistry no one teaches you.

Kyle breaks down why commercial real estate is nothing like residential, why “handling it yourself” can cost you more than you think, and how timing, strategy, and representation can completely change the outcome of your next move.

If you’re thinking about buying, leasing, expanding, or even just renewing your space, this episode will shift how you approach every decision.

You’ll learn:

• Why dental practice real estate is completely different from residential deals
• The biggest mistake dentists make when buying a practice
• How lack of representation can cost you tens to hundreds of thousands
• Why leverage is everything in negotiations, and how to create it
• The critical timing window (18–24 months) most dentists ignore
• What you can actually negotiate in a lease (hint, almost everything)
• How tenant improvement allowances can save you six figures
• The hidden risk of relying on brokers who represent the seller
• Why working with specialists, not generalists, changes outcomes
• How to approach startups, acquisitions, and lease renewals strategically

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

🔗 Boundary Boss GPT:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/boundaryboss

We talk about:

00:00 The overlooked risk in dental practice deals

03:00 Why dentists walk into negotiations with no leverage

06:00 The difference between residential vs. commercial real estate

10:00 Practice acquisitions and the real estate trap

14:00 When to bring in representation (and why it matters early)

18:00 What you can negotiate in a lease (and what most miss)

22:00 The cost of waiting too long to start the process

25:00 How time creates leverage and better deal outcomes

28:00 Lease vs. buy, when ownership actually makes sense

29:00 Kyle’s background and the mindset behind his approach

34:00 Final advice for protecting your future in dentistry

Connect with Kyle

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthcare-realty-michigan/

Website: https://carr.us/commercial-real-estate-agents/kyle-wheeler/

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, Brandi sits down with infection control expert and educator Sherrie Busby to unpack one of the most overlooked risks in dentistry, the gap between what’s taught, what’s required, and what’s actually happening inside practices.

Sherrie shares the story that started it all, a real exposure to hepatitis early in her career, before PPE was standard, and how that moment shaped her path into infection control education. From there, the conversation opens into a much bigger issue, one that still exists today.

Despite clear guidelines from OSHA and the CDC, most dental teams are still navigating infection control through passed-down habits, inconsistent training, and limited onboarding. The result? Misunderstandings, burnout, turnover, and potential risk to both patients and providers.

This episode goes beyond protocols. It’s a conversation about leadership, accountability, team culture, and what it really takes to build a safe, high-functioning dental practice.

If you’ve ever assumed your team “just knows” what to do, this episode will challenge that assumption.

You’ll learn:

• Why infection control training is still a major gap in dentistry
• The real reason dentists graduate with little to no infection control education
• How bad habits get passed down through teams without anyone realizing it
• Why onboarding failures are driving burnout and turnover in dental offices
• The “four-lane highway gap” that’s costing practices time, money, and safety
• How proper training directly impacts productivity, confidence, and culture
• The balance between hiring experts vs. training internally
• Why dental assistants are the backbone of infection control and patient safety
• How to create scalable, repeatable training systems in your practice
• The role of ownership and self-led learning in building high-performing teams

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

🔗 Boundary Boss GPT:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/boundaryboss

We talk about:

00:00 The story that sparked a career in infection control

03:00 Life before PPE and how safety standards evolved

06:00 Why dental education is missing critical infection control training

10:00 The biggest training gaps in dental practices today

15:00 Why onboarding fails and how it impacts retention

20:00 The ripple effect of poor training and system breakdowns

24:00 Internal vs. external training, what actually works

29:00 Empowering assistants and building confident teams

31:00 Why doctors must invest in training (and what happens when they don’t)

36:00 Final thoughts on leadership, growth, and raising the standard

Connect with Sherrie

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrie-busby-edda-cdso-cdipc-ab38694b/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentalassistantconnection/

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, Brandi sits down with Wardah Inam, CEO and founder of Overjet, to unpack the real reason AI is entering dentistry, and what it actually means for clinicians, patients, and the future of care.

Wardah shares the personal moment that sparked the creation of Overjet, and how that experience exposed a deeper issue across the industry, inconsistency in diagnosis and treatment planning. From there, she built one of the first FDA-cleared AI platforms in dentistry, focused not just on efficiency, but on improving clinical accuracy and patient outcomes.

This conversation goes far beyond technology. It explores leadership, decision-making under uncertainty, the reality of building a company in a rapidly evolving AI landscape, and the tension between fear and opportunity as AI adoption accelerates.

If you’ve ever questioned AI in dentistry, or wondered whether it’s a tool, a threat, or something in between, this episode will challenge how you think about the future of the profession.

You’ll learn:

• Why AI in dentistry actually exists
• The real problem behind inconsistent diagnoses
• How Overjet improves accuracy without replacing clinicians
• The 70% rule for faster, better decisions
• Why waiting for perfect information holds you back
• What AI regulation means for your practice
• The truth about AI and “surveillance” fears
• Why dentists need to be part of this shift
• How patient-first thinking guides AI development
• The biggest mistake leaders make under pressure
• Why alignment with yourself drives better outcomes

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

🔗 Boundary Boss GPT:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/boundaryboss

We talk about:

00:00 What’s broken in dentistry today

03:00 The problem that led to Overjet

08:00 How great leaders make fast decisions

15:00 The truth about AI in dentistry

21:00 Why patient-first thinking matters

26:00 Building a culture of truth and accountability

37:00 Should dentists be skeptical of AI?

40:00 Final advice on purpose and success

Connect with Wardah

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wardahinam/

Github: https://wardahinam.github.io/

Website: https://www.overjet.com/

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

What happens when the traditional conference model stops delivering real results?

In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, Brandi sits down with Michael Scott of Smile Together to unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes at dental events, and why a new model is starting to take over.

After years in tech, sales, and events, Michael entered the dental space with a fresh perspective and quickly noticed a disconnect. Vendors are spending tens of thousands of dollars to attend conferences, only to walk away with a handful of leads and months of follow-up that rarely converts.

Meanwhile, decision-makers are overwhelmed with noise, repeat speakers, and surface-level conversations.

So what’s the solution?

Michael shares how Smile Together is flipping the model, creating curated, high-intent environments where vendors and buyers sit down for real conversations that actually move business forward.

But this conversation goes deeper than events. It explores authenticity in dentistry, the power of personal brand, and why the future of this industry belongs to those who build real relationships, not just polished pitches.

If you’re a vendor, DSO, dental leader, or entrepreneur trying to understand where the industry is headed, this episode will challenge how you think about connection, sales, and growth.

You’ll learn:

1. Why traditional dental conferences are losing ROI for vendors
2. The hidden problem behind large-scale industry events
3. How the “hosted buyer” model is changing dental networking
4. Why more vendors are becoming selective about which events they attend
5. The real reason most event leads don’t convert into sales
6. How to position your offer in front of different decision-makers
7. Why authenticity is becoming the biggest competitive advantage in dentistry
8. The role of personal brand in building trust and closing deals
9. What vendors must do to stay relevant in a relationship-driven industry
10. How curated, intentional environments create better business outcomes

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

🔗 Boundary Boss GPT:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/boundaryboss

We talk about:

00:00 Welcome to Real Talk of Dental, what’s broken behind the scenes

01:05 Why dental events feel busy but don’t drive real results

03:30 How Michael entered the dental industry and what stood out

06:30 The Smile Together model, curated meetings vs crowded booths

08:00 Why vendors are questioning ROI on traditional conferences

10:00 The real issue, too many attendees, not enough decision-makers

12:00 Why most events try to be everything and fail because of it

14:30 Inside the 15-minute meeting model and how it actually works

16:00 Rising costs of dental events and who’s getting priced out

18:30 Where real business happens, hallway conversations vs the stage

21:00 The power of transparency and authenticity in today’s industry

24:30 Losing sight of the patient in a business-driven environment

28:00 Coaching, leadership, and lessons from sports

33:00 Why even top performers still need coaching

36:00 The biggest mistake vendors make in sales conversations

39:30 The shift to personal brand and relationship-driven business

42:00 Why real relationships outperform polished presentations

Connect with Michael

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelscottthecoach/

Website: https://www.smiletogetherlive.com/

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

New dentists entering the profession often expect six-figure incomes, shorter work weeks, and rapid success. Meanwhile, practice owners are carrying the financial risk, team leadership, and operational pressure behind the scenes.

So where is the disconnect?

In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, Brandi sits down with Dr. Anushka Gaglani, a dentist who practiced clinically for 14 years before helping build a growing multi-practice dental group with her husband. What started as a single practice has grown into an organization approaching eight offices, giving her a rare perspective on both sides of the associate-owner divide.

Together they unpack the expectation gap happening across dentistry, including the $300K income myth, the leadership skills dentists are never taught in school, and how social media has reshaped career expectations for new graduates.

This is an honest conversation about the realities of building a career in dentistry, leading teams, and navigating the generational shifts happening inside dental practices today.

If you’re a dentist, associate, practice owner, or dental professional trying to understand where the profession is headed, this episode will challenge a lot of assumptions.

You’ll learn:

1. Why many new dentists expect rapid financial success
2. The reality behind the “$300K dentist” narrative
3. Why communication skills matter more than clinical technique early in your career
4. The leadership gap that exists across dentistry
5. Why associates struggle between being liked and being respected by teams
6. The real financial pressures behind running a dental practice
7. How social media is shaping unrealistic expectations for dentists
8. What it actually takes to build and scale multiple dental practices

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

🔗 Boundary Boss GPT:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/boundaryboss

We talk about:

00:00 Welcome to Real Talk of Dental | Dentist Career Reality

01:05 Dr. Anushka Gaglani’s Journey from Dentist to Multi-Practice Owner

03:35 Starting and Scaling a Dental Practice

05:40 The Reality of Dental Entrepreneurship

07:45 Leadership Skills Dentists Are Never Taught in School

09:15 Why Communication Skills Matter for Dentists

11:30 Emotional Intelligence in Dental Practice Leadership

13:40 Associate Dentist vs Dental Team Leadership Challenges

15:20 The Leadership Gap in Dentistry

17:20 Personal Development and Leadership in Dentistry

19:15 Managing New Generation Dentists

20:40 New Dentist Work Expectations vs Practice Reality

22:35 Social Media and Unrealistic Dentist Salary Expectations

24:15 The $300K Dentist Myth Explained

26:05 The Real Cost of Running a Dental Practice

28:40 The “Title Trap” in Dentistry Careers

30:10 Value Creation vs Titles in Dental Leadership

31:40 Finding Your Zone of Genius in Dentistry

33:10 Scaling Multiple Dental Practices

35:10 Entrepreneurship Sacrifices in Dentistry

36:40 Final Advice for Dentists and Practice Owners

Connect with Dr. Gaglani

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anushka-gaglani-dds/

Website: https://www.areodental.com/

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

In Episode 34 of The Real Talk of Dental, Brandi sits down with Kendra Flowers to unpack one of the most controversial conversations happening in dentistry right now. From the so called hygiene shortage to the growing tension between dentists and hygienists, this episode goes straight to the core of what is breaking inside the profession.

Kendra’s career spans assistant, hygienist, clinical operations, and now public health advocacy at Harmony Health Foundation. Her perspective is layered, battle tested, and deeply rooted in service. She has worked in underserved communities, witnessed Medicaid practices collapse under grant loss, and seen firsthand how production pressure is reshaping the heart of dentistry.

Together, they explore whether dentistry is losing its mission, why hygienists feel undervalued, and how COVID accelerated a professional reckoning. This is not surface level burnout talk. This is about identity, autonomy, access to care, and the future of oral healthcare.

If you have ever questioned whether the hygiene shortage is real, felt dismissed as “just a hygienist,” or sensed that the industry is drifting away from patient centered care, this conversation will resonate.

You’ll learn:

1. Why the “dental hygiene shortage” may actually be a workplace culture issue
2. How toxic environments are pushing licensed hygienists out of clinical practice
3. The impact of COVID on hygiene autonomy and workforce decisions
4. What hygienists are trained to do vs what they are allowed to do
5. Why Medicaid reimbursement and public health funding are reshaping access to care
6. The financial and systemic pressures dentists are facing
7. How DSOs are influencing productivity expectations
8. Why many hygienists feel reduced to “profit centers”
9. The growing autonomy movement in dental hygiene
10. How dentistry today mirrors medicine 50 years ago
11. Why student loan debt limits public health career paths
12. The real cost of losing heart in healthcare
13. What happens when production replaces purpose
14. How collaboration between dentists and hygienists could rebuild the profession

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

🔗 Boundary Boss GPT:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/boundaryboss

We talk about:

00:00 The “war” between dentists and hygienists

02:30 Is dentistry losing its heart?

05:00 Production pressure vs patient care

07:30 Medicaid, grants, and access to care challenges

11:00 Public health dentistry and why it matters

14:00 Why younger professionals avoid policy involvement

17:00 Student loan debt and career limitations

20:00 The dental hygiene shortage truth bomb

25:00 Toxic work environments and hygiene autonomy

28:00 “Just a hygienist” and professional identity

32:00 Hygienists in leadership and business strategy

36:00 Why collaboration is the future of dentistry

38:30 Reclaiming purpose and doing good in dentistry

Connect with Kendra

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-flowers/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendra.e.flowers/

Website: https://www.kendraflowers.com/

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

In Episode 33 of The Real Talk of Dental, Dr. Laura Brenner shares her unfiltered journey of leaving clinical dentistry after a decade of practicing. What started as quiet dissatisfaction turned into years of chronic low-grade depression, identity conflict, and the pressure to stay in a profession she had invested everything into.

Laura opens up about the culture of dentistry that tells us we are “lifers,” the shame that comes with questioning your career choice, and the internal battle between financial security and personal fulfillment. From her viral blog post “10 Reasons Your Dentist Probably Hates You” to building a non-clinical path through side gigs, coaching, and mindset work, Laura now helps dentists pivot safely and strategically without burning their lives down.

This episode goes far beyond burnout. It explores identity attachment, financial fear, scarcity vs abundance thinking, dental school conditioning, comparison culture, and how to rebuild confidence when you believe you have no transferable skills.

If you have ever thought, “Did I make the wrong career choice?” this conversation is for you.

You’ll learn:

1. Why leaving clinical dentistry feels like divorce from an identity
2. The difference between burnout and genuine career misalignment
3. How dental school culture shapes comparison and perfectionism
4. Why so many dentists feel trapped by golden handcuffs
5. The mindset shift from “I have no other skills” to “If I can do dentistry, I can do anything”
6. How to build a side gig while still practicing dentistry
7. Why quitting without a plan can increase anxiety and scarcity
8. The financial fear that keeps dentists stuck
9. Why happiness comes before success, not after
10. How abundance is more than just money
11. Why career pivots should be experiments, not catastrophes
12. What life can actually look like after leaving clinical practice

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

🔗 Boundary Boss GPT:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/boundaryboss

We talk about:

00:00 The culture of dentistry and silent career regret

02:30 The viral blog post that changed everything

05:00 Realizing chairside dentistry was not aligned

08:00 Burnout vs career misalignment

12:00 The shame of wanting to quit dentistry

15:00 Financial fear and the golden handcuffs

18:00 Building a side gig while still practicing

21:00 Mindset work and transferable skills

25:00 Dental school conditioning and comparison culture

30:00 Scarcity vs abundance in high-income professions

34:00 Career pivots as experiments, not catastrophes

38:00 Life after leaving clinical dentistry

42:00 Why you are not alone in questioning your career

Connect with Dr. Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-brenner-dds/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Drlolabees

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlolabees/

Website: https://www.lolabeescareercoaching.com/

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

In Episode 32 of The Real Talk of Dental, Dr. Parul Dua Makkar opens up about losing her younger brother to oral cancer at 34, followed by the sudden loss of her father just three years later. As a sole practitioner, mother, and healthcare provider, she found herself navigating profound personal loss while still showing up for patients, staff, and family.

From finishing her brother’s unfinished manuscript after his death to creating a legacy journal inspired by the questions she never got to ask her father, Parul shares what it looks like to process grief in dentistry while still leading at a high level.

This conversation goes far beyond death. It explores trauma stored in the body, identity loss after major life transitions, burnout driven by unprocessed grief, and the emotional isolation many dentists experience but rarely name.

You’ll learn:

1. Why grief in dentistry often goes unrecognized
2. How trauma and loss physically manifest in the body of healthcare professionals
3. Why overworking can be a coping mechanism for unprocessed grief
4. The emotional isolation of solo practice and leadership decision fatigue
5. How selling a practice or transitioning to a DSO can trigger identity grief
6. The impact of collective trauma post-COVID on dental professionals
7. Why burnout is sometimes grief in disguise
8. How writing, ritual, and legacy projects can support healing
9. The importance of seeking support instead of suppressing pain
10. How to hold joy and sadness at the same time without guilt
11. What sustainable emotional resilience looks like in dentistry

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

🔗 Boundary Boss GPT:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/boundaryboss

We talk about:

00:00 The isolation of dentistry and why grief often goes unspoken

02:30 Losing a sibling to oral cancer and the guilt healthcare providers carry

05:00 Sudden loss, anticipatory grief, and the shock of losing a parent

07:30 Identity loss after death and becoming an “only child” overnight

10:00 How trauma and grief are stored in the body

14:00 Overworking as a coping mechanism in dentistry

17:00 The grief of career expectations and the fantasy vs reality of dentistry

21:00 Practice transitions, DSO sales, and identity shifts

23:00 Midlife grief, changing bodies, and evolving roles

27:00 Collective grief post-COVID and cultural exhaustion

31:00 Writing as healing, finishing her brother’s book, and creating legacy

35:00 Why burnout in dentistry is sometimes unprocessed grief

39:00 Healthy coping tools, support systems, and emotional regulation

42:00 Sustainable resilience and why grief should never be navigated alone

Connect with Dr. Parul

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drparulduamakkar/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PDMFamilyDental

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duagoodjob

Website: https://parulduamakkar.com/

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

In Episode 31 of The Real Talk of Dental, Dr. Brett Kessler reflects on his term as President of the American Dental Association and the unexpected intensity of leading dentistry through one of its most publicly challenged years.

From national advocacy efforts to the fluoride debate, from legislative battles to anti-science narratives, Brett shares what it felt like to carry the weight of representing an entire profession. He describes the year as both the hardest and the best of his life, shaped by 18-hour days, 200+ presentations, 225 days on the road, and constant high-stakes decision making

This conversation goes far beyond policy. It explores resilience, sobriety, mindfulness, purpose, burnout in dentistry, and what it truly means to lead under pressure without losing yourself.

You’ll learn:

1. Why the fluoride debate became a defining moment for dental advocacy
2. What proactive legislative leadership looks like at a federal level
3. How organized dentistry protects the profession from harmful policy decisions
4. Why many dentists are burning out and how the benefit model contributes
5. The role of sobriety, mindfulness, and recovery principles in leadership
6. How to lead under criticism without abandoning your values
7. Why dentistry may be entering a transformative era
8. The importance of medical dental integration for the future of care
9. What sustainable leadership looks like in dentistry

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

🔗 Boundary Boss GPT:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/boundaryboss

We talk about:

00:00 Stepping into the ADA presidency during a volatile year

02:30 Proactive advocacy and the Washington Post initiative

05:00 Aligning dentistry with national health policy and legislative outreach

07:30 Being misunderstood in leadership and staying anchored in core values

10:00 The mental, emotional, and physical toll of 18-hour days

14:00 Why this year was harder than an Ironman

17:00 Why organized dentistry matters more than ever

21:00 Is dentistry under attack? Fluoride, funding, and public health threats

23:00 The loneliness of leadership and decision fatigue

27:00 People pleasing, triggers, and emotional regulation

31:00 Recovery, sobriety, and leading from purpose

35:00 Burnout in dentistry and the broken benefit model

39:00 Reconnecting oral health and overall health

42:00 What’s next for Dr. Kessler and the future of dentistry

Connect with Dr. Brett

https://www.instagram.com/bikodds/

Phone: 720-989-7960

Email: bikodds@gmail.com

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, I sit down with Lori Bulloch, registered dental hygienist, certified yoga instructor, natural health educator, and founder of Breathe With Lori, to talk about the quiet, cumulative toll dentistry takes on the nervous system and what actually helps.

This conversation centers on wellness in its most honest form. Not productivity hacks. Not expensive tools. But breath, boundaries, movement, and presence.

Lori shares her personal journey through mental health challenges, discovering yoga and breathwork, and learning how simple, accessible practices can regulate the nervous system inside a profession built on constant care for others. We explore emotional labor in dentistry, secondary traumatic stress, and why so many dental professionals feel overwhelmed even when they’re doing everything “right.”

If you’ve been feeling tense, depleted, or quietly burned out, this conversation is a place to take a breath and remember you’re not alone.

You’ll learn:

1. Why burnout in dentistry often shows up quietly rather than dramatically
2. How breathwork supports nervous system regulation during the workday
3. What secondary traumatic stress is and how it affects dental professionals
4. Simple routines to reduce dread, tension, and emotional overload
5. How to protect your energy without losing compassion for patients
6. Why foundational wellness practices matter more than complex solutions
7. How movement, nature, and breath support sustainable careers in dentistry

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

We talk about:

00:00 Why nervous system care matters in dentistry

02:00 Lori’s journey into wellness, yoga, and healing

06:00 Mental health, diagnosis, and accepting support

10:00 Emotional labor, burnout, and overstimulation

13:00 Grounding routines before and during the workday

16:00 Patient anxiety, energetic boundaries, and self-protection

19:00 Secondary traumatic stress in dental settings

23:00 Breathwork as a real-time regulation tool

26:00 Why wellness doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive

29:00 Final reflections on sustainability, care, and hope

Connect with Lori

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@onewholeheartedhygienist3595

Email: breathewithlori@gmail.com

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, Dr. Stern shares his honest journey through burnout, comparison, financial stress, and the pursuit of significance, and how hitting rock bottom led him to redefine success. From living paycheck to paycheck and hiring the wrong advisors to therapy, grief, and discovering his “why,” this conversation is a powerful reminder that burnout isn’t about dentistry, it’s about alignment.

If you’ve ever looked successful on the outside but felt empty on the inside, this episode will resonate.

You’ll learn:

1. Why dentist burnout is often rooted in identity, not workload
2. How comparison and perfectionism quietly fuel misery
3. What living paycheck to paycheck after decades in practice really means
4. Why asking for the right help changed everything
5. How redefining success can restore joy and purpose

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

We talk about:

00:00 Why this conversation matters

03:00 Life after 42 years in practice

07:00 Financial stress and comparison

12:00 Therapy, humility, and asking for help

20:00 Grief, purpose, and defining success

35:00 Enjoying the ride and measuring impact

Connect with Dr. Alan

Website: https://betterricherstronger.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralanstern/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alansterndds/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralanstern/

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

Linda has been in the dental industry since 1999, but her mission was forever changed after losing a doctor she worked closely with to suicide. What followed was three months of holding a practice together through grief, chaos, and community support—while witnessing firsthand how broken systems, financial stress, and isolation silently crush dental professionals.

This conversation goes far beyond insurance and operations. It’s about the hidden emotional load dentists carry, the leadership gaps no one prepares them for, and why pretending everything is “fine” is costing lives.

Linda shares the truth about what happens when practices lack systems, why front-office burnout is inevitable without support, and how fear, silence, and outdated models are fueling a mental health crisis in dentistry. She also makes a powerful case for outsourcing the right things, building ethical systems, and creating practices where leaders—and teams—can actually breathe.

This episode is raw, honest, hopeful, and requires listening for anyone who owns, manages, or works inside a dental practice.

If you’ve ever felt alone, overwhelmed, or afraid to ask for help—this conversation is for you.

You’ll learn:

1. Why dentistry’s mental health crisis is deeply tied to broken systems
2. How financial chaos and front-office overload quietly burn teams out
3. The warning signs leaders miss before it’s too late
4. Why “doing it the way we’ve always done it” is no longer safe
5. How outsourcing insurance protects practices legally and emotionally
6. The real cost of isolation in leadership
7. Why asking for help is not weakness—it’s responsibility
8. How systems, truth, and support can literally save lives

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

We talk about:

00:00 Intro & why this conversation matters

02:00 Linda’s journey in dentistry since 1999

05:00 Losing a doctor to suicide—and the aftermath

09:00 Holding a practice together through grief

13:00 How broken systems create unbearable pressure

17:00 Why dentists feel isolated and trapped

21:00 Front-office burnout and the danger of “one person doing it all”

26:00 Insurance, compliance, and the legal risks practices don’t see

30:00 Why outsourcing is protection—not failure

34:00 The stigma around mental health in dentistry

38:00 Leadership, fear, and the cost of silence

42:00 Systems as a form of care and prevention

45:00 Final reflections and why hope still exists

Connect with Linda Kane

Website: https://www.zeroedindentalsolutions.com/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lindakanezin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579370609019

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindakanezids/

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

Eric shares his real, unfiltered journey through burnout, anxiety, and regret in dentistry, including the moment he hit rock bottom and questioned whether he could stay in the profession at all. What followed wasn’t a dramatic overnight fix, but a commitment to therapy, self-awareness, and taking responsibility for his own well-being.

We explore how perfectionism, introversion, and the emotional labor of dentistry quietly fuel burnout, why so many high-achieving dental professionals struggle to ask for help, and how systems, leadership, and personal growth can radically change the day-to-day experience of practice ownership.

Eric also shares how entrepreneurship reignited his passion, why creating systems like SOPs reduces mental overload, and how building community through coaching is saving careers—and lives—in dentistry.

This conversation is equal parts reflective, practical, and hopeful. If you’ve ever felt trapped, exhausted, or wondered if it’s supposed to feel this hard, this episode is for you.

You’ll learn:

1. What dental burnout actually feels like when no one is talking about it
2. How perfectionism and introversion silently drain dentists
3. Why asking for help is a strength, not a failure
4. The role therapy and coaching play in sustainable success
5. How systems and SOPs reduce daily stress and decision fatigue
6. Why entrepreneurship can reignite passion inside clinical practice
7. How the International Academy of Dental Life Coaches supports struggling professionals
8. Simple mindset and lifestyle shifts that create real relief

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

We talk about:

00:00 Intro and meeting through the IADLC

03:00 Music, Phish, and creative inspiration

08:00 Eric’s origin story and path into dentistry

10:00 Hitting rock bottom and regretting the profession

14:00 Therapy, perfectionism, and self-awareness

18:00 Why burnout doesn’t go away on its own

22:00 The emotional labor of dentistry for introverts

26:00 Creating the International Academy of Dental Life Coaches

30:00 Systems, SOPs, and reducing daily overwhelm

34:00 Entrepreneurship as a burnout antidote

38:00 Staying energized with new techniques and modalities

41:00 Final reflections, hope, and taking action

Connect with Eric:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eric.block.790

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-block-dmd

Instagram: @thestressfreedentist

Website & Podcast: https://www.thestressfreedentist.com/podcast/

Connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

Dr. Connie shares her journey from pharmacy school to graduating from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and what it’s really like being a newer associate in a growing group practice. We dive deep into imposter syndrome, replacing long-tenured doctors, and how young clinicians, especially women, can build trust without trying to be someone they’re not.

This conversation goes far beyond clinical skills. Dr. Connie breaks down practical, neuroscience-backed communication strategies that help dentists connect with patients, lower defenses, and improve case acceptance—without scripts or sales tactics. From mastering small talk to understanding mirror neurons and nervous system regulation, this episode is a masterclass in emotional intelligence for dental professionals.

If you’re a newer associate, a leader mentoring young doctors, or anyone who wants to create more human, connected patient experiences, this episode will change how you walk into the operatory.

You’ll learn:

1. How to navigate imposter syndrome as a new associate
2. Why connection not confidence, builds trust with patients
3. Simple neuroscience principles that improve communication
4. How to replace a beloved retiring doctor without “filling their shoes”
5. Why being yourself is your greatest advantage in dentistry
6. Practical strategies for difficult patients and tough rooms
7. How team relationships directly impact case acceptance
8. Nervous system tools to reset before challenging appointments

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

We talk about:

00:00 Intro & why this conversation matters

02:00 Dr. Connie’s path from pharmacy to dentistry

05:00 Being a new associate in a growing group practice

08:00 Imposter syndrome and early-career confidence

11:00 Replacing a long-tenured doctor with authenticity

14:00 Trust transfer and patient connection strategies

18:00 “Be the brick, not the cathedral” communication mindset

22:00 Mirror neurons and the science of feeling seen

26:00 Handling difficult patients without shutting down

30:00 Team relationships and the power of the lunchroom

33:00 Creating a shared assistant–doctor “creed”

36:00 Nervous system regulation before hard appointments

39:00 Final reflections for young associates

Connect with Dr. Connie

Instagram & TikTok: @drconniewang

Instagram: @justaquickpinch

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

Website: https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

Olivia was literally along for the ride—her mom was pregnant with her while opening her first dental practice straight out of dental school. In this conversation, Olivia offers a rare and powerful perspective: the child’s view of ambition, sacrifice, absence, resilience, and love.

She opens up about the grief she felt as a child when her mom wasn’t always available, the gratitude she holds today, and how those experiences shaped her own entrepreneurial drive. Olivia reflects on becoming “the oldest of four,” maturing early, learning through observation, and how kids absorb far more than parents realize—especially around money, stress, and self-talk.

This episode is a must-listen for dentist parents, women leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone trying to build a meaningful life alongside a demanding career. It’s tender, insightful, and packed with wisdom well beyond Olivia’s years.

If you’ve ever wondered:

1. How your ambition impacts your kids
2. What children of entrepreneurs really experience
3. Or how to build success without losing connection

This conversation will stay with you.

You’ll learn:

1. What it’s like growing up with a dentist parent building a practice from scratch
2. How children experience absence, stress, and ambition at home
3. Why “kids are always listening” (even when you think they aren’t)
4. The emotional cost—and unexpected gifts—of being the oldest child
5. How Olivia turned childhood grief into gratitude and purpose
6. Why non-negotiable family routines matter
7. How Olivia and her mom now bond through entrepreneurship
8. Advice every working parent needs to hear from a child’s perspective

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

We talk about:

00:00 Introduction to Olivia Woo

02:00 Growing up alongside a dental practice

05:00 Childhood grief and missing moments

08:00 Reframing sacrifice with gratitude

11:00 Choosing entrepreneurship over dentistry

14:00 Creating space for children of entrepreneurs

18:00 Learning through observation — “kids are always listening”

21:00 Being the oldest of four and maturing early

25:00 The role of Olivia’s dad and family dynamics

28:00 What Olivia would do differently as a future parent

31:00 Advice to dentist parents building businesses

34:00 How Olivia and her mom work together today

37:00 Final reflections and future vision

Connect with Olivia

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-woo-737328333/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/livw18/

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

With a background in journalism and a heart for storytelling, Marissa brings a refreshing, grounded perspective to branding, hiring, and personal voice. We talk about why marketing isn’t about being slick or salesy, but about finding the story that’s already there—and having the courage to tell it honestly.

This conversation goes far beyond marketing tactics. We dive into identity, evolution, manifestation, burnout, pivoting without shame, and the seasons of life that shape how we show up professionally and personally. From building authentic brands to honoring when it’s time to change direction, this episode is an invitation to slow down, listen inward, and trust your voice.

If you’ve ever felt boxed in by what you think your brand should be, struggled to articulate who you really are, or questioned whether changing your mind means you failed—this conversation is for you.

You’ll learn:

Why marketing is really about storytelling, not tactics

How personal voice and brand identity evolve over time

The connection between journalism, marketing, and advocacy

Why clarity doesn’t mean rigidity—and pivots aren’t failures

How seasonal changes (in life and business) shape creativity and energy

What authenticity actually looks like in dental marketing

Why leading with values builds connection—not discounts

How Marissa’s hiring-focused marketing playbook supports dental teams

Why listening to yourself is the most powerful branding strategy

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Experience:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

We talk about:

00:00 Intro

02:00 Marissa’s journey into dental marketing

04:00 Marketing as storytelling, not selling

06:00 Why authenticity attracts the right people

08:00 Journalism, voice, and advocacy

10:00 Finding clarity without becoming rigid

12:00 Manifestation, mindset, and evolving goals

15:00 Why pivots are not failures

17:00 Burnout, seasons, and honoring transitions

20:00 Personal branding through real life moments

23:00 Animals, nature, and lessons in leadership

26:00 Marketing beyond metrics and algorithms

28:00 The DSM Marketing Sparkle Playbook

30:00 Using your voice for good

32:00 Final reflections and takeaways

Connect with Marissa

Instagram: @marketingwithriss

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

Nathaniel hasn’t been in dentistry forever—and that’s exactly what makes his perspective so powerful. With a background in physiology, physical therapy, and sales, he brings a grounded, human lens to leadership, technology, and personal growth in an industry that often prioritizes performance over people.

Our conversation moves far beyond AI and innovation. We talk about the climb—what it really takes to grow as a leader, a clinician, and a human being. From hiking fourteeners in Colorado with his dad, to navigating OCD, anxiety, and ADHD, to redefining success as inner peace rather than external validation, this episode is raw, reflective, and deeply relatable.

We also explore the role of AI in dentistry—specifically how tools like Overjet can support (not replace) clinical judgment, reduce burnout, and create healthier systems—but only when practices are willing to pair technology with accountability, communication, and culture.

This is not a how-to episode.

It’s a come-home-to-yourself conversation.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by change, burned out by systems that don’t serve you, or successful on paper but unsettled inside—this one’s for you.

You’ll learn:

Why the real growth is always in the climb, not the milestone

How hiking, fitness, and business leadership mirror each other

The difference between “change management” and what Nathaniel calls “suck management”

How AI should support clinicians—not become a magic bullet

Why poor systems and bad “form” drive burnout in dental offices

How avoiding hard conversations erodes culture and leadership

Why inner peace—not productivity—is the ultimate measure of success

How choosing responsibility restores personal power

Why you are already enough—even before you “figure it all out”

We talk about:

00:00 Welcome + what Real Talk of Dental is really about

02:00 Nathaniel’s path into dentistry and Overjet

05:00 Lessons from hiking fourteeners and embracing the climb

09:00 Presence, patience, and why the summit is often anticlimactic

13:00 Choosing your “hard” in leadership and life

16:00 Fitness, foundations, and fixing bad form before adding weight

20:00 AI in dentistry: support vs. shortcuts

24:00 Why technology can’t replace culture or communication

28:00 Avoiding hard conversations—and the cost of avoidance

32:00 Mental health in dentistry: anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and honesty

36:00 Responsibility, victimhood, and reclaiming personal power

40:00 Redefining success as inner peace

43:00 Final reflections: choosing yourself and walking the path

Connect with Nathaniel

Company: Overjet

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

TAGS FOR YT

dental leadership, mental health in dentistry, burnout in dental offices, dental practice culture, AI in dentistry, Overjet AI, leadership mindset, personal growth in dentistry, dental executive insights, dental team communication, dentist wellness, managing anxiety ADHD OCD, dental technology adoption, dental coaching, dental office systems, dental innovation, dental career development, resilience in dentistry, mindfulness in dentistry, dental industry leadership

At just 30 years old, Dr. Melanie has already built a powerful personal brand by blending clinical excellence with creativity, spirituality, and deep self-awareness. Her journey—from dental school to pageantry, from New York to Miami, and from perfectionism to purpose—reveals what’s possible when dentists allow themselves to be fully expressed both personally and professionally.

We talk about the often-unspoken emptiness that can come after “checking all the boxes,” why dentistry rarely teaches identity or positioning, and how doing inner work can completely transform how you practice, lead, and live. Dr. Melanie also shares her perspective as a dental influencer—what responsibility comes with visibility, how she approaches brand partnerships with integrity, and why evidence-based expression matters.

This conversation is especially powerful for associates, early-career dentists, and anyone feeling burned out, boxed in, or disconnected from their original “why.” If you’ve ever felt called to build a career that reflects all of who you are—not just your clinical skills—this episode will resonate deeply.

You’ll learn:

Why success without alignment can still feel empty

How pageantry sparked Dr. Melanie’s self-discovery and confidence

The importance of identity work before marketing or branding

Why dentists are rarely taught positioning—and why it matters

How associates can (and should) build their own authentic brand

The role of creativity, spirituality, and somatic awareness in dentistry

What ethical influence looks like in the dental space

How perfectionism holds dentists back from being seen

Why intentional living is essential for long-term fulfillment

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

We talk about:

00:00 Intro & why Dr. Melanie is redefining dentistry

02:00 From dental school to pageantry: the beginning of identity work

06:00 Success, emptiness, and realizing something was missing

09:00 Somatic work, intuition, and self-regulation

13:00 Blending spirituality, creativity, and science in dentistry

17:00 Leaving New York for Miami and trusting the calling

21:00 Dentistry as artistry and whole-body care

24:00 Social media, responsibility, and being a dental influencer

27:00 Ethical brand partnerships and evidence-based visibility

30:00 Coaching dentists through identity and positioning

33:00 Why associates must think like business owners

36:00 Perfectionism, burnout, and fear of being seen

39:00 Auditing your life and career with intention

42:00 What’s next: podcasting, biologic dentistry, and education

45:00 Final reflections on purpose, courage, and alignment

Connect with Dr. Melanie:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmelaniesilvestrini

Connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

📞 Phone: 616-682-6222

Brittany started in dentistry with zero experience, simply trying to support her young family. Today, she’s one of the most respected experts in Open Dental software, known for her ability to walk into an office, spot years of inefficiencies within minutes, and rebuild systems that actually make sense for humans—not just software.

But this conversation goes far beyond tech.

We dive into the hidden emotional toll broken systems create: burnout, frustration, overwhelm, resentment, high turnover, and team members who feel unheard and unsupported. Brittany explains how offices unintentionally build “Frankenstein systems,” how workarounds compound into chaos, and why most teams don’t even realize how much unnecessary weight they’re carrying until it collapses.

This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered:

Why is my front office always overwhelmed?

Why do our analytics never seem accurate?

Why do our best team members burn out?

Why do systems feel harder than they should be?

Brittany breaks down:

Why most practice management systems are being used incorrectly

The real reason front office teams feel exhausted and unsupported

How converting to Open Dental can backfire without the right training

Why “you don’t know what you don’t know” is the root cause of data chaos

How tiny inefficiencies compound into full-blown burnout

The truth behind third-party analytics and why your numbers are often wrong

The foundational systems every office should implement before scaling

Why burnout isn’t a people problem—it’s a systems problem

If you care about consistency, morale, data accuracy, team retention, or simply want your practice to run like a place humans enjoy working in… this is your episode.

You’ll learn:

Why the overwhelming majority of practices are misusing their software

How “old system habits” sabotage new systems like Open Dental

The compounding effect of workarounds and Band-Aid solutions

Why analytics tools show garbage numbers—and how to fix it

How burnout often originates from broken systems, not broken people

The simple Open Dental settings and shortcuts that save HOURS

How to rebuild systems thoughtfully so your team can breathe again

Why leaders must stop glorifying grind culture and start creating stability

We talk about:

00:00 Intro

00:30 Brittany’s story—from new mom to Open Dental expert

02:00 The most common mistake offices make when switching software

04:30 “Frankensteining” systems and recreating old inefficiencies

06:30 Hidden data problems and why numbers rarely match reality

09:00 Why team members burn out and what leaders don’t see

12:00 The snowball effect: how one small inefficiency becomes a crisis

15:00 Why YouTube training and DIY conversions don’t work

17:00 The emotional load front office teams carry

19:00 Quick wins: the buttons, settings, and tweaks that change everything

22:00 Brittany’s personal burnout story and why she built her company

24:00 What leaders misunderstand about turnover

26:00 The myth of limitless capacity and the danger of hustle culture

29:00 Why fixing systems is the REAL retention strategy

31:00 Final takeaways & why simplifying systems is an act of leadership

Connect with Brittany

Website: skfpracticesolutions.com

Instagram: @skfpracticesolutions

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-rogars-641736236/

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

Steve has seen dentistry evolve from every angle: vendors, practice operations, the business of dentistry, patient expectations, and the massive changes brought by technology and AI. But despite all the innovation, he believes one of the biggest threats in dentistry is something shockingly simple—and almost never talked about: water.

We go deep into dentistry’s “dirty little secret”: the fact that up to 70% of offices do not test, shock, or treat their dental unit waterlines, leaving patients and team members exposed to harmful bacteria, biofilm, aerosols, and preventable infections.

Steve breaks down:

Why water is the number one instrument used in dentistry

Why contaminated waterlines are a growing liability

What every practice must do to protect patients and their team

How states like Washington and Georgia are already legislating water safety

Why aerosols come from waterlines—not patients

The business, legal, and ethical consequences of ignoring water protocols

But this episode isn’t just about water. We also explore leadership, the changing buyer landscape, team culture, the evolution of dentistry, abundant thinking, and why getting back to fundamentals always wins.

If you’re a dentist, hygienist, assistant, office manager, or coach in dentistry, this episode is a must-listen. It could change how you protect your patients—and yourself.

You’ll learn:

Why water safety is dentistry’s most overlooked compliance issue

How contaminated lines impact patients and team members

Why 70% of practices are unknowingly out of compliance

What we learned from the Anaheim pediatric infection outbreak

The correct order: test → shock → maintain

Why aerosols come from dental unit waterlines, not patients

How ignoring water safety becomes an $80K-per-incident legal risk

Why “playing the long game” matters more than ever

The mindset shift from competition to abundance in dentistry

Why supporting your team is the #1 driver of patient care and community impact

🔗 Join the community & submit anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

We talk about:

00:00 Welcome + why Steve is one of the show’s biggest supporters

01:00 The biggest shifts Steve has seen in 25 years of dental sales

04:00 The return to fundamentals in an era of noise, AI, and overwhelm

07:00 Smarter—and more confused—buyers: navigating today’s landscape

09:00 Why team-first leadership always produces better patient care

11:00 Abundance mindset: there’s a dental home for everyone

13:00 The truth about competition: focus on your “own plot of land”

16:00 Why water safety is dentistry’s dirty secret

17:00 70% of offices don’t test, shock, or treat their water

20:00 What happened in the Anaheim pulpotomy outbreak

23:00 Water as dentistry’s #1 instrument—and biggest blind spot

25:00 The real source of aerosols (it’s not the patient)

26:00 Why team members face high rates of eye, ear & respiratory infections

27:00 How Solmetex is building an end-to-end water safety ecosystem

29:00 Prevention is the future: the shift away from “drill and fill”

30:00 Why patients want to die with their teeth—not dentures

31:00 Where practices go wrong: time, shortcuts, and gambling with compliance

34:00 The legal and financial consequences of contaminated water

36:00 What M&A advisors are seeing with waterline liability

38:00 Team members often report offices—they know what’s happening

39:00 Final takeaways + why leadership is always about doing the right thing

Connect with Steve:

LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/stevecraig20/

Connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

Dr. Woo built a thriving multimillion-dollar pediatric practice from scratch straight out of residency… with a newborn, $2M in debt, zero business training, and nothing but grit. Two decades later, after selling her practice to a DSO and navigating identity loss, burnout, motherhood, leadership, and the real emotional cost of ownership, she’s now on a mission to teach other women what she never had: a healthier, more humane path to success.

This conversation goes deep.

We talk about the fantasy of practice ownership vs. the brutal behind-the-scenes reality, the pressure on women to “do it all,” the hidden suffering so many dentists carry, and what it really takes to redefine yourself once the title, the hustle, and the identity begin to fall away.

If you’ve ever cried between patients, felt guilty walking through your own front door, or believed success must come with suffering—you need this episode.

You’ll learn:

• The invisible burdens women dentists carry that no one talks about

• How debt, pressure, and “earning it” culture fuel burnout

• The identity crisis many owners face after selling

• Why women feel guilty celebrating their success

• How high-achievers can set boundaries without losing ambition

• The myth of the “perfect owner” and the Pinterest version of dentistry

• Why saying “no” is a complete sentence

• How to build a business without sacrificing yourself or your family

🔗 Join the community & submit anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Explore The Empowered LeadHERship Experience for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/

We talk about:

00:00 Intro

01:00 The pressure on women to be perfect, put-together, and endlessly capable

02:00 Dr. Woo’s journey from residency → newborn → $2M loan → startup practice

05:00 The emotional crash after selling her practice

06:30 Losing her identity & redefining who she is beyond dentistry

09:00 Navigating the DSO partnership while still practicing

10:30 The early years: newborns, debt, chaos & “build-the-plane-while-flying-it”

12:00 Why women feel they must suffer to deserve success

14:00 The achiever mentality & tying worth to productivity

17:00 The power of looking back 5 years—not just forward

18:30 Celebrating wins (and why achievers struggle with it)

20:00 The role of mentors, coaches & healthy mirrors

21:00 Growth stages, burnout cycles & hitting multiple walls

23:00 Being a high-capacity woman—and the risk of saying “yes” too much

25:00 Boundary-setting and the “not right now” list

27:00 Overscheduling, overwhelm & the myth that “you can do it all”

29:00 The fantasy vs. reality of practice ownership

31:00 The financial stress no one tells you about (loans, payroll, second mortgages)

33:00 Competitive culture in dentistry & why it’s so isolating

35:00 Why women dentists often carry more emotional weight

37:00 The wakeup call: giving your family the “leftovers”

38:00 Reinventing yourself after selling your practice

39:00 Dr. Woo’s new journey helping young entrepreneurs

41:00 Parenting in the “messy middle” & rediscovering identity

43:00 Closing reflections

Connect with Dr. Valerie Woo

Instagram: @drvaleriewoo

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

Website: https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

Leadership Experience: https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

Jeff built his career from owning a single thriving practice with multiple associates… to leading 10 dental offices as clinical director and board member… to coaching dentists today through the realities of leadership, identity, and the messy middle no one prepares you for.

And he doesn’t hold back.

Jeff shares the raw truth about why his earliest associate relationships were magical—and why everything shifted when he scaled. He breaks down the biggest mistakes leaders make when hiring and developing associates… the emotional and financial pressures young doctors face… and how debt, fantasy, comparison culture, and misaligned expectations are quietly eroding confidence and trust across the profession.

We also dive into something almost no one in dentistry talks about openly:

money shame, conspicuous vs. inconspicuous wealth, identity shifts, and the grief that comes with realizing your career and life don’t look like the fantasy you once held.

If you're an associate who feels behind, an owner who feels frustrated, or a leader trying to figure out how to build real connection—not just contracts and coverage schedules—this episode will hit hard in all the right ways.

You’ll learn:

• Why the best associate relationships happen when senior doctors are boots on the ground
• What Jeff could NOT scale (and why it led to associate turnover)
• The role of debt in shaping urgency, decision-making, and conflict
• The growing gap between associate expectations and owner realities
• How social media is amplifying comparison, imposter syndrome, and impatience
• Why mentorship—not money—accelerates a young doctor’s career
• The difference between conspicuous and inconspicuous wealth
• How identity, ego, and emotional development shape our career choices
• Why every associate needs peers, mentors, and people they can pour back into
• A powerful perspective shift: “Where was I five years ago?”

This episode is honest. It’s grounding. And it gives associates and owners permission to be human again.

🔗 Connect with Jeff

Website: https://ascensiondentalcoach.com/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-grove-09297161

🔗 Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

Website: https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

The Empowered LeadHERship Experience for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

A 2018 graduate who now serves a Native American community in El Paso, Dr. Maestas has carved out a career in public health that defies the traditional “private practice or bust” path. She’s passionate about access to care, mentorship, organized dentistry, and reminding new grads that dentistry can still be fun.

We talk about overcoming imposter syndrome, finding your footing as a young dentist, using social media as a vehicle for connection and laughter, and why being involved in policy and organized dentistry isn’t just for “the old guard.”

If you’ve ever questioned your place in the profession, felt the burnout creeping in, or needed a reminder that purpose still exists in patient care—this one’s for you.

You’ll Learn:

• How Dr. Maestas found her calling in public health dentistry
• What working in underserved communities has taught her about empathy and leadership
• How to find joy and humor in the daily chaos of practice
• Why organized dentistry and policy work matter (and how to get involved)
• How to navigate imposter syndrome and build confidence early in your career
• Why mentorship and community are the real antidotes to burnout
• The ongoing gender biases in dentistry—and how women are changing that narrative

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com

We Talk About:

00:00 Intro

01:00 Meet Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas – public health dentist & joy ambassador

03:00 Why she chose public health over private practice

06:00 Lessons from serving underserved communities

09:00 The joy and challenge of new grad life in dentistry

12:00 Using humor and Instagram to connect with peers

14:00 Overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt

17:00 Finding healthy outlets outside of dentistry

19:00 Peloton talk + self-care for dentists

22:00 Why organized dentistry matters (and what needs to change)

26:00 Advocacy, representation, and the power of service

28:00 Mentorship and women’s empowerment in dentistry

31:00 Facing gender bias and building resilience

35:00 Final reflections on joy, purpose, and giving back

Connect with Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas

Instagram: @drtanyasuedds

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tanyasuemaestas

Connect with Brandi

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino

Instagram: instagram.com/brandi.marzolino

Website: https://courageandjoyatwork.com

https://leadhershipexperience.com

Phone: 616-682-6222

Joanne shares her 30-year journey from chairside assisting to teaching and coaching, revealing the emotional resilience, leadership, and untapped potential that dental assistants bring to every practice. From losing her parents during her training to mentoring students from around the world, Joanne’s story is one of grit, growth, and giving back.

She opens up about the realities dental assistants face—being overlooked, underutilized, and often misunderstood—and how she’s on a mission to help them reclaim their voice, confidence, and value in the workplace. This episode is both a tribute to dental assistants and a wake-up call to leaders in dentistry: the people behind the scenes are the heart of the practice.

If you’ve ever been a dental assistant, led one, or worked alongside one, this conversation will change the way you see the entire team.

You’ll Learn:

• The emotional and professional challenges dental assistants face—and how to navigate them with confidence
• Why assistants are often underutilized and how practices can tap into their full potential
• The power of empathy, communication, and clear expectations in team culture
• How Joanne turned personal loss into purpose and leadership
• Strategies for building confidence and community in the dental assistant profession
• Why every dental assistant deserves to feel seen, valued, and empowered

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Experience for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

We talk about:

00:00 – Intro

01:30 – Joanne’s 30-year journey: from assistant to educator to advocate

04:00 – Overcoming personal loss and choosing resilience

08:00 – Lessons from teaching: empathy, communication, and leadership in action

10:00 – The reality of being overlooked and underutilized as a dental assistant

13:00 – How utilizing assistants fully boosts efficiency and team morale

16:00 – Advocating for dental assistants: building confidence and community

19:00 – Real-world training challenges and the need for clear communication

25:00 – Fair treatment, pay, and career growth for assistants

30:00 – What to do when you’re stuck in an unhealthy practice culture

33:00 – Redefining your “why” and staying passionate about the profession

36:00 – Joanne’s advice: how to find your voice and build your future

38:00 – Closing thoughts: “You are valuable. Use your voice.”

Connect with Joanne

Instagram / Website / LinkedIn: [Insert links if available]

Connect with Brandi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

Website: https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

Leadership Program: https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

Caitlin shares her journey from early-career burnout and chronic pain to creating a holistic practice that combines therapeutic yoga, ergonomics, and emotional healing. She opens up about the toll dentistry takes on the body and mind—and how true alignment isn’t just about posture, but living in integrity with yourself.

This conversation goes deeper than muscle tension or chairside positioning. Brandi and Caitlin explore the emotional and spiritual weight that dental professionals carry, the unspoken grief that lives in our bodies, and how small daily awareness practices can change everything.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected, in pain, or burned out from the demands of dentistry, this episode will remind you that healing is possible—and it starts with awareness.

You’ll Learn:

• The difference between yoga instruction and yoga therapy (and why it matters)
• How ergonomic awareness can prevent pain and career-ending injuries
• The hidden emotional toll of dental work and how stress shows up in the body
• Why “alignment” is more than posture—it’s about living your truth
• The connection between grief, tension, and the physical pain we hold
• Small daily rituals to reconnect with your body and self-awareness
• How holistic healing can transform both your career and your leadership

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com

We talk about:

00:00 – Intro

01:00 – The story behind The Aligned Hygienist

03:00 – Early burnout and discovering yoga

06:00 – The pain cycle of dental professionals

09:00 – Ergonomics 101: what most practices get wrong

12:00 – Emotional weight and stress in dental offices

15:00 – How grief shows up in our posture and nervous system

22:00 – The link between chronic pain and emotional trauma

27:00 – Realigning your body and life through mindful awareness

35:00 – Giving yourself grace for the season you’re in

40:00 – First steps for reconnecting with your body

43:00 – Small shifts that create long-term healing

Connect with Caitlin:

Instagram: @thealignedhygienist

Website: https://thealignedhygienist.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlinparsons/

Connect with Brandi:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

Website: https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

Leadership Program: https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

Together, they unpack how presence goes far beyond appearance—it’s about how you think, act, speak, and carry yourself in every setting, whether in scrubs, at a conference, or leading a team. Kelly shares fascinating insights into how color psychology, body language, and authenticity influence leadership effectiveness and patient trust—especially in dentistry.

If you’ve ever wondered how to look the part without losing yourself, how to make your personal brand feel authentic, or why your scrubs color might be hurting your treatment acceptance, this episode will change how you think about “showing up.”

You’ll learn:

• Why presence is more than appearance—it’s an inside-out expression of who you are
• How posture, tone, and dress impact your credibility and connection
• The secret power of color psychology (and why black scrubs might not be your best choice)
• How associates can embody leadership energy and confidence from day one
• The 3 steps to aligning your inner identity with your outer presentation
• What most practices miss when it comes to branding, environment, and patient experience

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Experience for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com

Trish is on a mission to help hygienists stop settling, start earning what they deserve, and transform their hygiene careers into purpose-driven, profitable, and empowered lives. From working in toxic offices and feeling boxed in, to tripling her income on commission and building a thriving online education business — her story is raw, real, and incredibly inspiring.

This isn’t just about money. It’s about self-worth, mindset, and freedom — in your work, your finances, and your personal life. Trish also shares her journey to sobriety, and how getting sober became the foundation for rebuilding her confidence, her business, and her life.

If you’ve ever felt undervalued, stuck in burnout, or afraid to talk about money, this conversation will remind you that you are the entrepreneur of your own life — and it’s time to own it.

You’ll learn:

• How Trish went from burnt out to building her own business
• Why commission-based hygiene can be more empowering (and profitable)
• How to confidently ask for a raise and advocate for your value
• Why tracking your numbers and production changes everything
• How sobriety and mindset shifts fueled her growth and leadership
• How to build your personal brand as a hygienist and expand your career beyond the operatory

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:

https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Experience for Women in Dental:

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

We talk about:

00:00 Intro

02:00 Meet Trish — the force behind “own your worth” hygiene

05:00 Burnout, toxic offices, and the moment she knew something had to change

08:00 Learning to advocate for herself and ask for what she deserves

12:00 Hitting rock bottom and choosing sobriety

14:00 Discovering the commission model and tripling her income

18:00 The business side of hygiene — and why no one teaches it

20:00 Talking about money without fear or shame

24:00 The link between value creation and higher income

27:00 Building your brand as a hygienist and leader

30:00 Tools and strategies from Trish’s RDH Superstar Bootcamp

32:00 Finding purpose through honesty, recovery, and leadership

35:00 Final reflections — why power starts with truth

Connect with Trish

🌐 https://risinghygiene.com

📸 Instagram: @rdh.trish

💼 LinkedIn: Patricia Mooradian

Connect with Brandi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

After years of external success, Nicole experienced a deep personal awakening—one that called her to redefine what success, leadership, and fulfillment truly mean. She opens up about motherhood, burnout, spirituality, and the ego death that transformed her life and business. Together, we explore what it really means to lead with heart, to balance ambition with alignment, and to rise from chaos into clarity.

This conversation is raw, spiritual, and incredibly empowering for any woman (or man) navigating entrepreneurship, identity, or reinvention. Nicole’s story reminds us that when everything falls apart, it might just be falling into place.

You’ll learn:

• How entrepreneurship can become the biggest personal development journey of your life
• What it means to “dismantle” success and rebuild in alignment with your true self
• The power of spiritual awakening and surrender in both life and business
• How women can navigate entrepreneurship while balancing motherhood and identity
• The truth about burnout, boundaries, and learning to put yourself first
• Why authenticity, energy, and reciprocity matter more than hustle
• How to recognize when clients and partnerships are not in alignment—and walk away with grace

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/

#DentalPodcast #WomenInDental #DentalLeadership #DentalCoaching #EntrepreneurJourney #SpiritualAwakening #DentalMarketing #AuthenticLeadership #DentalBurnout #DentalEmpowerment #DentalCulture #WorkLifeBalance #DentalMentorship #DentalWellness #RealTalkDentistry

We talk about:

00:00 Intro

02:00 Nicole’s path from marketing to entrepreneurship

05:00 Building a business from scratch in her kids’ playroom

08:00 Fast growth and the lessons of failing forward

10:00 Learning resilience and not quitting through the hard seasons

13:00 Entrepreneurship as personal development and self-confrontation

16:00 Burnout, motherhood, and reclaiming balance

18:00 Awakening and the spiritual transformation that followed

20:00 Reconnecting with faith, purpose, and creativity

25:00 The courage to face ego death and live authentically

27:00 The reality of being a woman in entrepreneurship and dentistry

33:00 Gender bias and microaggressions in the industry

34:00 Why vendor respect matters and how to create alignment with clients

39:00 The power of energy, reciprocity, and conscious business

41:00 How to know when it’s time to walk away and rebuild

42:00 Final reflections and Nicole’s message to others on the journey

Connect with Nicole Toudouze

Instagram: @transcendentalagency

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

We dive deep into the “striver mentality” that so many dentists carry, and how it can both fuel achievement and quietly sabotage relationships, health, and happiness. Jeff opens up about partnering with his father, buying him out, scaling big, and then hitting critical life moments—including a stroke and his son’s battle with addiction—that shifted everything.

Today, Jeff runs Ascension Coaching, helping new dentists navigate their careers with more self-awareness, balance, and clarity than he ever had in his early years. His honesty is refreshing, his story is inspiring, and this conversation is exactly what The Real Talk of Dental is all about.

If you’ve ever chased “more” only to wonder why it doesn’t feel fulfilling, or you’ve questioned whether dentistry’s picture-perfect dream matches reality, you need this episode.

You’ll learn:

• Why the striver mentality can accelerate success—and accelerate burnout
• The hidden costs of growing bigger too fast
• What Jeff’s stroke taught him about health, family, and priorities
• How addiction touched his family, and how they navigated it with courage and compassion
• Why self-awareness is dentistry’s most overlooked leadership tool
• How younger dentists can reconcile expectations with the current reality of the profession
• Why coaching and mentorship matter more than ever in modern dentistry

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/

#DentalPodcast #DentalLeadership #DentalCoaching #DentalSuccess #BurnoutInDentistry #DentalCulture #DentalPracticeOwnership #DentalSelfAwareness #DentistLife #RealTalkDentistry #DentalMentorship #DentalWellness #DentalJourney

We talk about:

00:00 Intro

02:00 Pearl Jam, music, and why it still matters

08:00 From working with dad to building 10 practices

10:00 The striver mentality—fuel and fallout

13:00 Self-awareness, Enneagram, and being a “three”

17:00 Life lessons from parenting, family, and slowing down

20:00 The stroke that changed everything

33:00 Navigating addiction as a family and supporting recovery

37:00 Starting Ascension Coaching and helping new dentists

40:00 Why expectations vs. reality are colliding in dentistry

45:00 Mentorship gaps and why leadership training is essential

47:00 Jeff’s biggest takeaways for dentists at any stage

Connect with Dr. Jeff Grove

Website: https://ascensiondentalcoach.com/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-grove-09297161

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/

https://courageandjoyatwork.com/

https://leadhershipexperience.com/

Phone: 616-682-6222

Ken has been in the CFO seat of high-growth organizations for nearly two decades, and he’s seen firsthand how bad data, cash-basis accounting, and “hope-based” leadership sink practices. Instead of leaving dentistry stuck in outdated systems, he’s democratizing accrual accounting so practices of any size can forecast with accuracy, raise more money, and sell with confidence.

This isn’t a glamorous topic, but it’s one of the most powerful. Because when you actually know your numbers, you lead differently. You stop making fear-based decisions, and you step into growth with authority.

If you’ve ever avoided your P&L, wondered why your practice feels profitable but the numbers don’t add up, or feared what buyers would find if they looked under the hood, you need this conversation.

You’ll learn:

• Why accrual accounting gives you the confidence cash basis never will
• The top 3 consequences of not running your practice on accrual
• How accurate forecasting transforms leadership, lending, and valuations
• The truth about selling to DSOs (and how to stay on offense)
• Why your relationship with money might be sabotaging your decisions
• How democratizing accrual accounting levels the playing field for all practices

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 

#DentalPodcast #DentalLeadership #AccrualAccounting #DentalFinance #DentalBusiness #DentalPracticeGrowth #DentalSuccess #LeadershipInDentistry #DentalAccounting #DentalCFO #DentalCulture #DentalNumbers #PracticeValuation #RealTalkDentistry

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 02:00 Ken’s mission: democratizing accrual accounting
• 05:00 Why cash-basis reporting keeps leaders guessing
• 08:00 The matching principle explained in plain English
• 10:00 The 3 biggest consequences of staying on cash basis
• 13:00 How to transition to accrual without breaking your systems
• 16:00 Hidden inaccuracies and the 5–20% variance most practices miss
• 20:00 Selling to DSOs: how accrual boosts valuation
• 23:00 Why leaders must go on offense in financial negotiations
• 26:00 Dysfunction around money—and how truth empowers leaders
• 29:00 Ken’s first “lightbulb moment” with accrual accounting
• 32:00 Key takeaways for practice owners and leaders
• 35:00 Why accuracy in numbers is the foundation of growth

Connect with Ken

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethkaufman/ 
• Website: https://www.accrudent.com/ 

Connect with me

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ 
• https://courageandjoyatwork.com/ 
• https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 
• Phone: 616-682-6222

From her start as a hygienist serving nursing homes to building Smiles Across Montana into a statewide nonprofit, Crystal has seen the side of dentistry most of us never touch. She’s faced resistance, licensing complaints, and burnout-level challenges—yet turned them into fuel for changing how we see care, leadership, and each other.

This isn’t about shiny offices or perfect systems. It’s about what happens when dental professionals bring heart, grit, and collaboration to communities that have been overlooked for decades.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the system, questioned the power struggles between dentists and hygienists, or wondered how dentistry could actually heal instead of divide, this conversation will light a fire under you.

You’ll learn:

• Why access to care is dentistry’s biggest blind spot—and what it costs our communities
• How mobile clinics are rewriting the rules of prevention and treatment
• Why divides between dentists and hygienists only hurt patients (and how to bridge them)
• The surprising role dental teams can play in mental health and overall health
• How minimally invasive dentistry is transforming the patient experience
• What leadership looks like when you’re building a mission-driven team from the ground up

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 

#DentalPodcast #DentalLeadership #AccessToCare #DentalHygienist #DentalNonprofit #PublicHealthDentistry #MobileDentistry #DentalCulture #LeadershipInDentistry #OralHealthEquity #DentalCommunity #DentalPracticeGrowth #MinimallyInvasiveDentistry #RealTalkDentistry

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 02:00 Crystal’s story: from hygienist to nonprofit leader
• 05:00 The spark that turned into Smiles Across Montana
• 08:00 Facing resistance, complaints, and why she didn’t quit
• 12:00 Stepping into leadership and growing other leaders
• 16:00 The hygiene shortage, policy barriers, and access gaps
• 20:00 The divide between dentists and hygienists—and how to fix it
• 25:00 Why minimally invasive dentistry is a game-changer
• 29:00 Mental health, suicide prevention, and dentistry’s hidden role
• 32:00 How to volunteer, donate, or support the mission
• 35:00 Closing thoughts and how to connect with Crystal

Connect with Crystal

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smilesacrossmontana 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystallovesdental/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smilesacrossmontana/ 
• Website: https://www.smilesacrossmontana.com/ 

Connect with me

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ 
• https://courageandjoyatwork.com/ 
• https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 
• Phone: 616-682-6222

From her start in the trenches as a dental assistant to becoming a trusted consultant, Edna has lived the reality of being dismissed for how she looks, how she wears her hair, or the fact that she was a teen mom. Instead of shrinking, she built her story into her superpower—and now she challenges the industry to do the same.

This isn’t about cookie-cutter systems or making every office look like a Pinterest board. It’s about inclusivity, culture, and what happens when leaders stop judging their teams by appearances and start seeing them as whole humans.

If you’ve ever felt underestimated, written off, or stuck in an office that doesn’t value its people, this conversation will hit home.

You’ll learn:

• Why judging team members on appearances (tattoos, hair, accents, hoops) keeps practices short-staffed
• The surprising connection between inclusivity and patient trust
• How generational shifts are reshaping dental leadership (and why Gen Z won’t play by old rules)
• Why culture is not a “them” problem…it always starts with the doctor
• What leaders get wrong about creating culture, and how to design a practice where people thrive
• How to stop playing small and build a career, and life, on your own terms

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 

#DentalPodcast #DentistLeadership #DentalBurnout #DentistryLife #DentalCoach #DentalPracticeGrowth #DentalSuccess #MindsetMatters #LeadershipInDentistry #DentalBusinessTips #DentistLife #DentalCulture #InclusionInDentistry #DentalTeamLeadership #DentalOfficeManagement #RealTalkDentistry

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 02:00 Edna’s story: from assistant to consultant
• 04:00 What “experience” really looks like (hint: not appearance)
• 07:00 Short-staffed or judgmental? The hidden hiring problem
• 10:00 The cost of a “perfect aesthetic” in dental practices
• 12:00 Gen Z, boomers, and the generational clash in offices
• 15:00 Why respect is no longer automatic for doctors
• 18:00 Breaking stereotypes about young moms, immigrants, and first-gen staff
• 21:00 Culture is not a “them” problem—it starts at the top
• 24:00 Why culture has to be designed, not tacked on
• 26:00 Advice for people judged or underestimated in dentistry
• 29:00 Grit, perseverance, and the influence of Edna’s family
• 32:00 Why giving someone a chance can transform your practice
• 33:00 Closing thoughts and how to connect with Edna

Connect with Edna

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thedentalculturist 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edna-abreu-aab34b351/
• Website: https://thedentalculturist.com/

Connect with me

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ 
• https://courageandjoyatwork.com/ 
• https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 
• Phone: 616-682-6222

Jonathan shares his journey from corporate consulting in pharma and medical to the dental world, where he now champions psychological safety and leadership development. We talk about why so many offices struggle when top performers are promoted into leadership roles they aren’t prepared for, and how leaders can create environments where people thrive instead of coast.

This isn’t about another system, another piece of software, or chasing popularity on LinkedIn. It’s about what really makes or breaks a practice: trust, safety, and leaders willing to trade performance masks for authenticity.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on empty trying to prove your value, or if you’ve seen your office culture stuck in survival mode, this conversation is a must-listen.

You’ll learn:

• Why promoting a “superstar” into leadership often backfires—and how to prevent it
• What psychological safety actually looks like in a dental office (and why it’s missing in most)
• The silent damage of reprimanding team members in public
• Why chasing popularity and being “needed” is a trap that kills impact
• How to set goals that keep people interested instead of just chasing numbers
• What it means to lead authentically in an industry obsessed with perfection

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 

#DentalPodcast #DentistLeadership #DentalBurnout #DentistryLife #DentalCoach #DentalPracticeGrowth #DentalSuccess #MindsetMatters #LeadershipInDentistry #DentalBusinessTips #DentistLife #DentalCulture #PsychologicalSafety #DentalTeamLeadership #DentalOfficeManagement #RealTalkDentistry

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 02:00 The story behind “Chief Psycho” and branding through psychology
• 06:00 Why performance psychology led Jonathan to organizational culture
• 08:00 Psychological safety: the foundation for leadership and trust
• 10:00 The leadership trap: promoting top performers too soon
• 14:00 How misaligned expectations break teams (and hearts)
• 17:00 Apprenticeships, titles, and why some chase leadership for status
• 20:00 The four factors of psychological safety explained
• 23:00 Team events, pressure, and inclusion safety
• 28:00 Open-door reprimands and the collapse of trust
• 34:00 Rethinking KPIs: keep people interested
• 36:00 The addiction to being needed and chasing popularity
• 41:00 Becoming nobody: the power of presence over performance
• 45:00 Advice to his 15-year-old self and why leadership is human first

Connect with Jonathan

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechiefpsycho/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanbonanno/ 
• Website: https://chiefpsycho.com/ 

Connect with me

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ 
• https://courageandjoyatwork.com/ 
• https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 
• Phone: 616-682-6222

Doug shares the pivotal moments that shaped his path. From losing everything on a backpacking trip in Europe to the devastating loss of his son Parker, and how that grief sparked a lifelong commitment to helping people live with more purpose. He opens up about the lessons he’s learned in business, leadership, and life that every dentist, and frankly, every leader, needs to hear.

This isn’t about QuickBooks entries, another piece of equipment, or the next big case acceptance strategy. It’s about the deeper truth: your mindset, your willingness to grow, and your courage to lead with authenticity are worth far more than dentistry’s “perfect” image.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to stop running on the hamster wheel, create a thriving team culture, or finally trust yourself enough to lead differently, this conversation is your sign.

You’ll learn:

• Why most dentists are thrust into CEO roles without leadership training—and how to break that cycle
• The surprising connection between grief, perspective, and living with joy
• What stops high-achieving dentists from asking for help (and how to get past it)
• Why outsourcing and coaching aren’t weaknesses, but acts of leadership
• How to trade perfectionism for curiosity and abundance—and why that mindset shift changes everything

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 

#DentalPodcast #DentistLeadership #DentalBurnout #DentistryLife #DentalCoach #DentalPracticeGrowth #DentalSuccess #MindsetMatters #AbundantMindset #CoachingForDentists #RealTalkDentistry #DentalCareerInspiration #LeadershipInDentistry #DentalBusinessTips #DentistLife

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 04:00: Backpacking Europe & lessons from losing everything
• 07:00: Grief, Parker’s legacy & creating a nonprofit
• 10:00: From accountant to speaker: finding joy in people, not debits
• 12:00: Why dentists struggle with leadership training
• 14:00: The seductive lie of money and “success”
• 17:00: Pivotal career risks that paid off
• 19:00: The power of mindset & choosing abundance
• 21:00: Daily routines, dogs, and building joy into your mornings
• 23:00: Brandi’s origin story: from geology to coaching dentists
• 29:00: The real gift of coaching (tennis, form, and growth)
• 33:00: Why leaders self-diagnose instead of hiring help
• 36:00: Therapy, safe spaces, and the hunger to be seen
• 37:00: Outsourcing ruthlessly & banishing perfection
• 38:00: Advice for young leaders: choose curiosity over fear

Connect with Doug

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fettigdoug/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-fettig-cpa-mba-7042006/
• Website: https://www.dentaldollarsandsense.com/

Connect with me

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ 
• https://courageandjoyatwork.com/ 
• https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 
• Phone: 616-682-6222

Laura opens up about the breaking point that led her from a thriving dental practice to a path of coaching, the messy middle of admitting she needed help, and the courage it took to rewrite her definition of success. From identity struggles to family health crises to learning how to pause for the first time in her life, her story is one that every dental professional, and frankly, every leader, needs to hear.

This isn’t about another CE course, another piece of equipment, or another associate hire. It’s about the deeper truth: your health, your values, and your life are worth more than the “perfect” image dentistry often demands.

If you’ve ever wondered what life could look like beyond the operatory, or how to finally listen to that inner voice telling you something has to change, this episode is your sign.

You’ll learn:

• The real costs of “doing it all” in dentistry—and why burnout often goes unnoticed until it’s too late
• How Laura reframed her relationship with stress and why that shift changed everything
• What happens when success is built on other people’s definitions, not your own
• Why investing in a coach or guide is not a sign of weakness, but a radical act of leadership
• How to trust your intuition and create a version of success that feels good on the inside—not just on paper

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 

#DentalPodcast #DentistBurnout #DentalLeadership #WomenInDentistry #DentistToCoach #RealTalkDentistry #DentalCareerChange #MentalHealthInDentistry #CoachingForDentists #RedefiningSuccess

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 02:00 When “Doing It All” Turns into Burnout
• 04:45 The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything
• 07:15 Why Hiring a Coach Felt So Uncomfortable (and Why She Did It Anyway)
• 10:00 Learning the Power of Silence and Pausing
• 13:00 Doubt, Imposter Syndrome, and the Messy Middle of Change
• 16:30 Losing Her Team and Rebuilding with a Dream Team
• 18:30 Family Health Crises That Sparked a Bigger Life Shift
• 21:00 Letting Go of Other People’s Definition of Success
• 25:00 The People Who Tear You Down vs. The Ones Who Build You Up
• 28:30 Why Coaching Isn’t Failing—It’s Leading with Courage
• 33:00 The Ripple Effect of Choosing Yourself
• 37:00 Remembering Who You Are and What You Value
• 46:00 The Power of Belief and the Ripple Effect of Coaching
• 48:00 Embracing Challenges as Growth Opportunities

Connect with Laura

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauraschwindt/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraschwindt/ 
• Website: https://lauraschwindt.net/lauraschwindt 

Connect with me

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ 
• https://courageandjoyatwork.com/ 
• https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 
• Phone: 616-682-6222

From being labeled “emotional” for setting boundaries to watching male counterparts get paid more for the same roles, with all the resources you asked for and were denied, we don't just name the problem, we offer a path forward. This conversation is about waking up to what’s really happening, rooting yourself in confidence, and finding (or building) the community that will stand with you as you lead.

If you’ve ever been told you’re “too much,” “too emotional,” or “overthinking it,” this episode is your permission slip to reject those labels and lead unapologetically.

You’ll learn:

• The subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways women are treated differently in leadership roles
• Why emotional and physical burnout is often tied to toxic workplace culture—not just “life stress”
• How to set boundaries without guilt—and stand your ground when they’re challenged
• The connection between your leadership environment and your physical health
• Why community is essential for lasting empowerment and change

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 

#DentalPodcast #WomenInDentistry #DentalLeadership #EmpoweredWomenInDental #DentalTeamCulture #RealTalkDentistry #WomenInLeadership #BreakingBiasInDentistry #LeadHERship #DentalHygienePodcast

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 01:05 Underpaid, Overlooked, and Replaced in Leadership
• 03:02 When Setting Boundaries Gets You Labeled “Emotional”
• 05:00 The Hidden Health Toll of Toxic Work Environments
• 06:15 Why You Can’t “Green Smoothie” Your Way Out of Burnout
• 07:10 Building Roots in the Empowered LeadHERship Experience
• 08:25 The Cycle of Growth and Heartbreak in Women’s Careers
• 11:20 Pushing Back Against the “You’re Overthinking” Narrative
• 13:05 The Emotional Tax Women Leaders Pay
• 14:30 Holding the Line Without Apology
• 15:45 Waking Up Before Burnout Hits
• 16:50 Call to Action: Share Your Story and Join the Movement

Connect with me

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ 
• https://courageandjoyatwork.com/ 
• https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 
• Phone: 616-682-6222

We talk about the silent epidemic of burnout, navigating toxic office dynamics, and the very real identity shift that happens when you realize clinical hygiene might not light you up anymore. Laura and Danielle aren’t just coaches—they’re still in the trenches, and they bring both compassion and fire to this conversation about reclaiming your voice, your standards, and your joy in dentistry.

This episode is for every hygienist who’s ever felt dismissed, misunderstood, or stuck in survival mode. From difficult patients to diva labels to the brutal truth about temp culture, we name it all—and remind you that autonomy and fulfillment aren’t luxuries… they’re necessities.

You’ll learn:

• Why burnout isn’t a weakness—it’s a signal
• The real reason so many hygienists are leaving the op
• How to navigate values misalignment with your doctor or team
• Tips for having hard conversations without burning bridges
• How LD Coaching is helping hygienists rewrite their careers
• The importance of self-awareness, growth, and choosing yourself—again and again

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 

#DentalPodcast #HygienistBurnout #DentalLeadership #DentalTeamCulture #LDCoaching #DentalHygienePodcast #RealTalkDentistry #EmpoweredHygienists #DentalBurnout

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 03:00 The Pivot from Hygiene to Coaching
• 05:45 Burnout, Autonomy, and Finding the Courage to Leave
• 08:10 Imposter Syndrome and Reclaiming Confidence
• 11:30 What Most Offices Get Wrong About Hygienists
• 14:00 Are Hygienists Really Divas? Let’s Talk About It
• 17:20 The Real Cost of Temp Culture in Dental Practices
• 20:00 Advice for Young Hygienists Entering the Field
• 24:15 Navigating Change When Your Identity is Tied to the Op
• 27:00 Serving Patients While Honoring Your Standards
• 30:40 Toxic Patients and Learning Not to Take it Personally
• 33:20 Standing Your Ground Without Losing Yourself
• 36:00 What’s Lighting Laura & Danielle Up in Dentistry Today
• 38:50 Final Words: You’re Allowed to Choose You

Connect with Laura and Danielle

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diamondgirlscoaching/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083261114766# 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diamond-dental-hygiene-career-coaching/ 
• Website: https://ldiamantecoaching.com/ 

Connect with me

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ 
• https://courageandjoyatwork.com/ 
• https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 
• Phone: 616-682-6222

We talk about sobriety, burnout, addiction, and leadership in an industry that often demands perfection at the expense of our humanity. Brett’s recovery journey didn’t just transform his life—it helped give me permission to live mine out loud, too.

This episode is a soul-level invitation for every dentist, team member, and leader quietly struggling behind the scenes: you’re not alone, and help exists. We cover staggering mental health stats, the stigma around addiction, the power of peer support, and how real leadership begins with presence—not performance.

You’ll learn:

• The behind-the-scenes truth of addiction and mental health in dentistry
• Why I kept my sobriety hidden—and what changed after hearing Brett speak
• How Brett is pushing to normalize recovery, change licensing stigma, and lead with radical transparency though his personal missing and work at the ADA
• What the IDAA is and how it's helping professionals and families heal together
• Practical advice for team members worried about someone at work
• The 5 dimensions of wellness Brett uses to stay grounded in high-pressure roles

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 

#DentalPodcast #MentalHealthInDentistry #BurnoutRecovery #SoberLeadership #RealTalkDentistry #DentistWellness #WorkplaceBurnout #AddictionAwareness #EmpoweredLeadership

We talk about:

• 00:00 Welcome + Why This Podcast Exists
• 01:20 Why Sobriety Was My Secret
• 03:10 How I Met Brett & Why It Changed Everything
• 06:50 The Gift of Recovery & Brett’s Relapse Journey
• 10:30 Staggering Stats in Dentistry
• 13:00 Why There's Still So Much Shame
• 15:10 Enabling Culture in Dental Teams
• 17:30 Real Resources from the ADA
• 19:45 What to Do If You’re Concerned About a Colleague
• 22:00 How Brett’s Leadership Is Fueled by Recovery
• 26:00 IDAA, Family Healing & Sobriety as a Superpower
• 32:30 The 5 Pillars of Dentist Wellness
• 35:40 The Realest Answer to Burnout You’ll Ever Hear
• 38:50 Brett’s Final Message to Dentists Struggling Right Now

Connect with Dr. Brett

https://www.instagram.com/bikodds/

Phone: 720-989-7960

Email: bikodds@gmail.com

Resources for help:

https://www.idaa.org/

https://www.ada.org/resources/practice/wellness

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcohol-drug-hotline

Connect with me

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ 
• https://courageandjoyatwork.com/ 
• https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 
• Phone: 616-682-6222

I talk about the pain I’ve witnessed behind the polished smiles, the burnout that no one wants to admit, and why I believe it takes courage to lead with honesty—and even more to create joy at work. This isn’t about fixing people with quick hacks. It’s about getting honest, going deep, and doing the real work to feel whole again.

You’ll learn:

• Why I left holistic health coaching and found myself in the dental industry
• The emotional toll of leadership—and why most consulting doesn’t go deep enough
• Why shame, silence, and isolation are sabotaging real success
• What Courage and Joy at Work really means (and why it’s not just a brand)
• My vision for this podcast—call-ins, Kelly the Oracle and everything in between
• How we can normalize the hard conversations and build something more honest, human, and joyful

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.speakpipe.com/TheRealTalkofDental

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Experience for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 

#DentalPodcast #RealTalkDentistry #WomenInDentistry #HolisticLeadership #BurnoutRecovery #MentalHealthInDentistry #SoberLeadership #ShameResilience #TraumaHealing #WorkplaceWellness

We talk about:

• 00:00 Welcome + Why This Podcast Exists
• 01:41 My Unusual Career Path (Geologist to Dental Coach?!)
• 06:45 The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything
• 10:00 Behind the Smiles: What No One Talks About in Dentistry
• 14:20 Courage, Joy, and Building Something Sustainable
• 17:00 What to Expect in Future Episodes
• 19:00 How You Can Get Involved

Connect with me

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ 
• https://courageandjoyatwork.com/ and https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 

Hosted by Brandi Marzolino—a 20-year dental vet, leadership coach, and cultural truth-teller—this show rips off the polite mask and digs into the real issues behind the front desk: burnout, boundaries, broken systems, and the human stories no one’s talking about.

Expect sharp leadership insights, anonymous confessions, chaotic call-ins, sketch-style reenactments, and mic-drop moments that make you laugh, cry, cringe, and breathe a little deeper.

This is for the dentists secretly, or not-so-secretly, in therapy, the OMs carrying too much, the hygienists questioning everything, the team members who just want to feel seen – and the industry partners, vendors, and DSO players navigating the business of dentistry while trying to make it a little more human.

With weekly episodes that blend industry expertise, emotional intelligence, and unapologetic humor—plus recurring segments like X-Ray Vision, Trauma Drama Theater, and the Real Talk Hotline—this is where the dental world gets real.

Because in this office?

Truth is the treatment plan.

And humor? That’s the local anesthetic.

Hit play. We saved you a seat.

CONNECT WITH ME

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/
• https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino
• https://courageandjoyatwork.com/