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My producer, Devin Smith, flips the script and puts me in the hot seat at Podium Studios in Marietta, Georgia! I'm in town for the Blade Show, roasting knife makers, and my husband for a living, and answering your listener questions live.From Sam the skeleton's Roman Coliseum incident to why I'll never retire, bringer club truths, and why Home Depot is San Diego's hottest singles bar; this one is pure, unfiltered Suzi.⸻⏱️ Episode Highlights[00:55] – Why I'm in Georgia: The Blade Show and roasting knife makers [06:12] – Waymo chaos in Atlanta: floods, blocked streets, and "No Way." [12:43] – My special "Late Life Crisis" update and release plans [19:51] – Q&A: Where are the skeletons? The full story of Sam [21:50] – Getting kicked out of the Roman Coliseum with a plastic skeleton [30:35] – The truth about bringer clubs and how the comedy business really works [38:07] – Q&A: Why aren't you retired? [47:55] – Home Depot: San Diego's most surprising singles scene [56:17] – The Balboa Theater moment that changed my comedy dream [1:03:05] – Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional⸻Links & Resources Mentioned• Podium Studios(thepodium.studio/) – Our production home in Marietta, Georgia • Suzi's Special Late Life Crisis – Coming soon around the 4th of July! • Podcast: Breaking Bread with Tom Papa • Follow Suzi: SuziChicago.com⸻Closing ThoughtsThanks for hanging out with us in Georgia! If you enjoyed this one, like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs a laugh. Keep those questions coming, and remember: pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. See you next time!#suzichicago #podiumstudios #latelifecrisis #comedyspecial #bladeshow #sandiegocomedy #comedypodcast #samtheskeleton #grandmafunfun #neverretire #adhdcomedy #podcastinterview
Many urgent care owners dream about taking a vacation.Very few actually disconnect.In this episode of Walk-Ins Welcome, Nick and Michael tackle one of the biggest challenges facing clinic owners and operators: building a business that can function without them. They discuss why so many leaders struggle to step away, the hidden risks of becoming the bottleneck in your organization, and how time away can reveal weaknesses that need attention.The conversation explores the difference between being self-employed and being a true business owner, why leadership teams need decision-making authority, and how documentation, systems, and accountability create freedom. They also share practical ways to stress-test your clinic, identify key-person dependencies, and build a team capable of handling challenges while you're away.If the thought of unplugging for a week makes you nervous, this episode will help you understand why and what to do about it.
AI is everywhere right now.From content creation and reporting to ad management and automation, clinic owners are being bombarded with messages telling them to fire their marketing agency and let AI handle everything instead.But is that actually a good idea?In this episode of Walk-Ins Welcome, Nick and Michael unpack the growing trend of AI-powered marketing services and the flood of "fire your agency" ads targeting healthcare businesses. They discuss where AI genuinely adds value, where it falls short, and why urgent care marketing still requires human expertise, strategy, and accountability.The conversation explores how AI is changing agency operations, common mistakes clinics make when relying too heavily on automation, and why marketing success in healthcare depends on much more than content generation. From local SEO and Google Business Profiles to reputation management, patient experience, and front desk performance, they explain why technology should enhance your team, not replace it.If you're wondering whether AI can replace your marketing agency, this episode provides a practical look at what's working today and what urgent care owners should be cautious about moving forward.
Running a successful business takes more than great service. It takes visibility, trust, and a marketing strategy that actually drives results.In this Meet The Pros episode of Walk-Ins Welcome, Michael sits down with Patient Care Marketing Pros Client Success Manager Hal Craig to talk about his unique journey from restaurant ownership and distribution sales into the world of healthcare marketing. Hal shares lessons learned from operating multiple restaurants, building brands from scratch, and helping urgent care clinics navigate the challenges of growth.The conversation explores what business owners often misunderstand about marketing, why trust and partnership matter when working with an agency, and how the most successful clinics approach patient acquisition. Hal also discusses the importance of branding, omnipresence, promotional marketing, and why the best marketing results come when clinics and agencies work together toward the same goals.Whether you're an urgent care owner, operator, or healthcare marketer, this episode offers practical insights into what drives long-term growth and why marketing is about much more than just running ads.
Staffing is one of the biggest hidden growth challenges in urgent care.If your clinic cannot stay fully staffed, it impacts everything, patient experience, wait times, reviews, retention, and ultimately revenue.In this episode of Walk-Ins Welcome, Nick and Michael sit down with Matthew Sherriff, Owner and President of SHS Recruitment Partners, to unpack what is really happening in urgent care recruiting right now. Matthew shares what he's seeing across hundreds of urgent care locations nationwide, why so many clinics struggle to keep positions filled, and the operational mistakes that quietly push great candidates away.The conversation dives into recruiting x-ray techs, APPs, MAs, and other key clinical staff, while also exploring culture, leadership, onboarding speed, clinic environment, and the role staffing plays in long-term clinic growth.If your clinic constantly feels understaffed, overwhelmed, or stuck in an endless hiring cycle, this episode gives a practical look at how better recruiting systems can improve operations and patient experience at the same time.
Summer slowdown is real for many urgent care clinics, but it can also create one of the biggest growth opportunities of the year.In this episode of Walk-Ins Welcome, Nick and Michael sit down with Ira Pasternack, founder of WebForDoctors and lead instructor for the Occ Med Growth Cohort, to talk about how urgent care clinics can build and grow occupational medicine programs that create long-term, recurring revenue.Ira shares how occupational medicine sales and marketing differ from traditional urgent care marketing, why relationship-building matters more than ads alone, and how clinics can use slower seasons to build systems that continue producing results long after summer ends.The conversation covers employer outreach, networking, sales cycles, AchMed strategy, and how urgent care clinics can carve out their own niche even in competitive markets. If your clinic has talked about growing occupational medicine but never fully committed to a strategy, this episode gives a practical roadmap for getting started.
Oklahoma's 2027 recruiting board is heating up as official visit season approaches, with the Sooners working key position needs at cornerback, EDGE, running back and tight end while also expanding the board with several surprise targets. OUInsider and Brandon Drumm break down where things stand with five-star Mustang CB Gabriel Osborne Jr., Trenton Blaylock, Bryce Williams and Brandon Sherrard as OU looks to close with an elite cornerback group, plus the latest on Myles Smith and Uhila Wolfgramm at EDGE, the numbers situation with Keldric Ben, Jakoby Dixon and TJ Lewis at running back, and why Oklahoma continues to be in a strong spot with tight end Ben Kolar. We also touch on OU's early work in the 2028 and 2029 classes, including KJ Gaddis, Kamieon Compton-Nero, Joseph Williams and Devin Smith. And has OU really thrown in the towel with four-star and top200 safety Semaj Stanford? All that and much, much more in this episode of the OUInsider Recruiting Breakdown. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Most urgent care clinics think they have a marketing problem when patient volume slows down.But in many cases, the real issue starts at the front desk.This week's episode features a clip from our recent webinar focused on one of the biggest hidden revenue leaks in urgent care: missed calls, weak phone handling, and front desk systems that fail to convert patient demand into actual visits.Nick and Michael break down why the front desk should be treated as a patient acquisition engine, not just an administrative role. They unpack the real financial impact of missed calls, why scripts and accountability matter, and how small changes in communication can dramatically improve conversion rates without increasing ad spend.The conversation also covers call tracking, front desk hiring, roleplay training, patient experience, and the systems high-performing clinics use to turn more inquiries into appointments and repeat visits.If your clinic is generating demand but struggling to convert that demand into patient volume, this episode is worth your attention.
Most urgent care clinics are focused on the big moves. More ads, more locations, more services.But in reality, growth often comes from something much simpler.In this episode of Walk-Ins Welcome, Nick and Michael break down a concept that gets overlooked in almost every clinic. Excellence in the ordinary. From how patients are greeted, to how long they wait, to the small interactions that happen every day, these moments shape the entire patient experience.They share real-world examples from healthcare, restaurants, and even companies like Apple to show how small, consistent improvements can create a lasting reputation. The conversation also dives into how systems, team buy-in, and repeatable processes turn these small changes into real growth.If your clinic is doing the basics but not standing out, this episode will help you rethink where growth actually comes from.
Most urgent care owners spend time training their teams on what to do.But very few take the time to explain why it matters.In this episode of Walk-Ins Welcome, Nick and Michael break down the concept of vision casting and why it is one of the most overlooked drivers of team alignment, culture, and growth in urgent care clinics. The conversation was sparked by a real client situation where staff resistance wasn't a training issue. It was a lack of clarity around direction.They unpack how failing to communicate the vision leads to confusion, disengagement, and resistance to change. More importantly, they walk through how to fix it. From telling the story of how your clinic started to clearly defining where it's going, this episode gives a practical framework for building buy-in at every level of your team.If your clinic is implementing changes but your staff isn't fully on board, this is the conversation you need.
This episode of Walk-Ins Welcome features a live segment from Michael's talk at the Urgent Care Association (UCA) conference, focused on one of the most overlooked drivers of clinic performance: culture.Too often, retention problems get blamed on pay or the job market. But as Michael breaks down, most turnover issues trace back to something deeper. Poor management, lack of appreciation, and weak communication systems all point back to culture.He challenges urgent care leaders to rethink how they engage with their teams, not just through annual reviews, but through consistent, intentional conversations. From one-on-ones to weekly reporting systems, this session gives practical ways to understand your staff, reduce turnover, and create an environment where people actually want to stay.If your clinic is dealing with staffing issues, burnout, or constant hiring cycles, this episode gives you a clear place to start.
In this episode of Walk-Ins Welcome, Nick and Michael sit down in studio with Ava Winslow and Axel Lonaeus from Flip to talk about how voice AI is changing the way urgent care clinics handle phone calls.They unpack the real cost of missed calls, how AI can support front desk teams without replacing the human touch, and why better call handling can improve patient access, billing support, and operational efficiency. Ava shares what she's seeing across urgent care groups using Flip, while Axel gives a behind-the-scenes look at how the product is designed to sound natural, respond with empathy, and fit into real healthcare workflows.The conversation also explores outbound calling, transcripts, load balancing across clinic networks, and what's next for AI in healthcare communication. If your phones are overwhelmed and your team is stretched thin, this episode offers a practical look at where voice AI can make an immediate difference.
This week's episode of Walk-Ins Welcome is a behind-the-scenes recap of PCMP's first-ever urgent care Clinic Growth Mastermind, where clinic owners from across the country came together to share challenges, compare strategies, and work through real operational and growth problems.What quickly became clear is this. No matter the size, market, or experience level, most urgent care operators are dealing with the same core issues. Missed calls, front desk inefficiencies, hiring challenges, and unclear growth priorities continue to hold clinics back.Nick and Michael break down what actually happened inside the room. From honest conversations and peer-to-peer feedback to the “hot seat” sessions where owners worked through one critical problem in real time, this episode gives a practical look at how collaboration can drive better decisions and faster progress.If you feel like you are solving problems alone inside your clinic, this episode will show you why that might be the biggest bottleneck.
In this episode of Walk-Ins Welcome, Nick and Michael sit down with Jonathan Moss from Experity to talk about one of the biggest missed opportunities in urgent care, repeat visits.This conversation breaks down how AI is changing patient engagement, from the moment someone searches for care to the follow-up after they leave your clinic. Jonathan introduces CareAgent, Experity's AI-powered patient engagement platform, and explains how it helps clinics reduce manual workload, improve communication, and create a more connected patient experience.They also dig into what urgent care operators often miss, the gap between acquiring a patient and actually keeping them. If your clinic is focused on growth, this episode shows how better engagement can turn one-time visits into long-term patient relationships.
This week's episode features a clip from one of our recent webinars focused on how AI search is changing the way patients find urgent care clinics.Search is no longer just “urgent care near me.” Patients are asking longer, more detailed questions through voice search and AI tools like ChatGPT, and those platforms are starting to control what information gets surfaced first.In this session, Nick and Michael break down what that shift means for urgent care operators. They walk through how AI search works today, why some clinics are starting to lose visibility, and what you can do now to stay competitive as search continues to evolve.If your clinic relies on Google for patient volume, this is a conversation you need to hear.We cover:
Turning around a struggling clinic can feel overwhelming, especially when patient volume starts dropping. In this episode, Nick and Michael share the exact framework they presented at the Experity Urgent Care Connect conference for stabilizing and growing an urgent care clinic in 90 days. They walk through the three phases every clinic should focus on: fixing visibility, improving front desk conversions, and building stronger community engagement. Along the way, they unpack common mistakes clinics make with marketing, call handling, and ad spending that quietly cost them patients every day. If your clinic feels stuck, this episode gives you a practical roadmap to rebuild patient volume and momentum.
Urgent care isn't just a convenient alternative to the ER anymore. It's becoming a critical piece of the healthcare access puzzle — and the Urgent Care Association is working to make sure operators have a real voice in where the industry goes next.In this episode, we sit down with Steve Sellars, CEO of the Urgent Care Association (UCA), for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of urgent care, the policy and reimbursement pressures impacting operators, and what UCA is doing right now to strengthen the urgent care ecosystem nationwide.With 30+ years in healthcare leadership — including time on the payer side, inside a large health system, and 20 years in urgent care operations and joint ventures — Steve brings a rare “whole-system” perspective. We unpack what he's seeing in 2026, what urgent care leaders should be preparing for, and why advocacy, quality, and integration into the broader healthcare continuum are no longer optional.You'll also hear a preview of what to expect at the upcoming UCA Convention in Chicago, why the theme “Amplify” matters, and how operators can get more value from the exhibit hall, the networking, and the policy work happening behind the scenes.
This week on Walk-Ins Welcome, we're bringing you Michael Ray's full talk from the Southeast Regional Urgent Care Association (SERUCA) Conference, where he unpacked one of the biggest hidden growth leaks in urgent care today.The room was filled with operators, owners, and leaders—all asking the same question: Why aren't our patient numbers matching our marketing investment?Michael's answer was direct: It's not always the marketing. It's the front desk.In this candid, data-backed session, Michael walks through real call recordings, real clinic numbers, and a real example of a practice that missed 70% of its inbound calls—while believing they “needed more patients.”This episode is a powerful reminder that your front desk isn't just answering phones. They are your first impression, your conversion team, and in many cases, the difference between growth and stagnation.If you're spending money on marketing but still feel like something isn't clicking, this is required listening.
For years, hospitals have operated with a built-in reimbursement advantage. That advantage is disappearing.In this episode, Nick and Michael unpack the rise of site neutrality and what it means for independent urgent care owners. As CMS changes how services are reimbursed, hospitals will no longer receive significantly higher payments for the same care delivered in your clinic.They break down how this shift impacts competition, patient behavior, marketing strategy, and pricing transparency—and why this could be a major opportunity for lean, well-run urgent cares.Here's what they cover:
Running a multi-location urgent care is rarely about bold growth moves. More often, success comes from discipline, culture, and getting the fundamentals right before scaling.In this episode, Michael sits down with Andrew Shulman, CEO of ModernMD Urgent Care, for a candid conversation about what it really takes to lead a 14-location urgent care organization serving underserved communities across Brooklyn and Queens.With more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, Andrew brings a rare perspective shaped by hospitals, occupational health, national employer services, and now direct-to-consumer urgent care. Since stepping into the CEO role in 2024, he has focused on stabilizing operations, restructuring management, strengthening culture, and building systems that support sustainable growth.Together, they explore why spreadsheet management alone fails in urgent care, how patient experience is driven by frontline leadership, and what metrics actually matter when you are responsible for multiple locations. This episode is a practical look at urgent care leadership from someone actively in the trenches.
Nick and Michael are kicking off 2026 with something most businesses avoid: honest reflection.In this episode, they break down the surprising outcomes of their own annual meeting, including how they turned a year of missed revenue goals into their most aligned, energized planning session yet. It's a raw, real, and surprisingly encouraging look at what it takes to grow—even when the numbers don't go your way.This isn't just about PCMP. It's about why so many urgent care clinics don't do annual planning—and what they're leaving on the table because of it. Whether you're leading a single-location startup or scaling a multi-site brand, this episode will challenge the way you think about goal setting, leadership, and what real progress looks like.Here's what they unpack:
When patients need answers fast, most urgent cares still default to on-site X-ray or referrals—but there's a smarter, more efficient tool that can elevate your clinical care, improve outcomes, and drive new revenue.In this episode, Nick and Michael sit down with Dr. Tatiana Havryliuk, a board-certified emergency physician and founder of Hello Sono, to explore how point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is transforming urgent care from the inside out. With over 15 years of ER experience and deep ultrasound expertise, Dr. Tatiana shares how POCUS can help urgent cares confidently diagnose more in-house, avoid unnecessary ER visits, and open the door to repeat patients who trust your clinic to deliver next-level care.They unpack what POCUS is, how it compares to X-ray, where it fits in urgent care workflows, and what it takes to implement it without overwhelming your team. Whether you're in a rural location, struggling with X-ray staffing, or ready to grow by offering higher-value services, this conversation is full of practical insights and strategic takeaways.
When it comes to urgent care profitability, getting patients in the door is only half the battle. Getting paid is the part no one likes to talk about, but it is where many clinics quietly bleed revenue.In this episode of Walk-Ins, Nick and Michael sit down with Guy Bergman and Ed Sherlock from Inbox Health, a platform built to modernize patient billing and remove friction from one of urgent care's biggest pain points. With decades of combined experience across urgent care, health IT, and revenue cycle management, Guy and Ed break down why patient payments now account for as much as 20 to 30 percent of urgent care revenue and why most clinics are leaving a large chunk of that money on the table.The conversation dives into what really causes billing breakdowns, how front desk pressure and poor communication fuel one-star reviews, and why relying solely on an EMR to collect patient balances is no longer enough. From digital-first billing and self-service payment plans to AI-powered billing support and real-time analytics, this episode is a masterclass on how urgent cares can shorten collection timelines, cut call volume, and improve patient satisfaction without adding more stress to already overworked teams.
Nick and Michael are kicking off 2026 with a deep dive into what's really changing in clinic marketing—and why this year won't be a repeat of 2025.From rising ad costs to AI overload, this episode unpacks the major shifts already impacting patient acquisition, digital trust, and clinic visibility. It's a no-fluff look at what clinics need to do now to stay ahead, stay seen, and stay open.Whether you're trying to scale or just survive, this is the clarity-packed conversation you need to start the year strong.Here's what they unpack:
As we take a short break for the holidays, we're switching things up with a rewind of one of our most-downloaded, most-talked-about episodes ever.In this replay from the UCA Conference in Dallas, Michael Ray walks through one of the most overlooked, high-impact growth opportunities in urgent care: your front desk. Spoiler alert—this session struck such a chord, it's now evolving into a full training offering for urgent care teams.If you're ready to turn your front desk into your secret sales team, improve patient conversion, and stop leaking marketing dollars, this episode is packed with practical insights, scripts, and strategy.We'll be back with fresh episodes in the new year—but in the meantime, this one's well worth a second listen. Happy holidays, and we'll see you in 2026!
This week, we're handing the mic to the woman who keeps the PCMP machine moving: Hannah Green.In this behind-the-scenes, end-of-year episode, Michael sits down with Hannah, our Marketing Director and the strategic engine behind Walk-Ins Welcome and Patient Care Marketing Pros, for an off-the-cuff chat about her journey, her passions, and what really goes into building connection in the urgent care space.From reading goals and Riverside quirks to serious moves in urgent care advocacy, Hannah opens up about what made 2025 such a pivotal year for both her and the PCMP brand.Here's what's inside:
This week, Nick and Michael are cracking open the stats—and the gratitude—as they reflect on the year you helped build.In this upbeat, data-packed, end-of-year episode, the guys pull back the curtain on what 2025 looked like for the Walk-Ins Welcome podcast, from wild growth metrics to the one episode that absolutely crushed it (hint: it's all about the front desk).You'll hear the full behind-the-scenes scoop, from Spotify Wrapped insights to stories from the road and what's coming for 2026. Spoiler: there's a mastermind. And yes, we're finally redoing the studio.Here's what's inside:
This week's episode features a clip from our recent webinar, "Value vs. Vanity Metrics," a candid conversation about which numbers actually matter in urgent care marketing.Too many clinics are still chasing clicks instead of patients, and it's costing them big.We're cutting through the noise and focusing on what really drives growth.We cover:
Nick and Michael are diving into one of the strangest, most unexpected trends affecting urgent care patient volume in 2025.What do Google search trends, flu season, and a total lack of hurricanes have in common? More than you think.In this data-backed (but totally human) episode, the guys break down a theory that's been stirring in real client conversations, Google Trends graphs, and a surprising comment from Alabama's favorite weatherman.Here's what they unpack:
In this episode, I sit down with my delightful producer and podcast pal, Devin Smith! From his home base in Marietta, Georgia (yes, we talk about the diner there), Devin shares how he stumbled into the world of podcasting, built Podium Studios from the ground up, and followed his passion to create art through sound. We swap stories about life, comedy, marriage, perfectionism, and even martial arts—you're in for an honest, funny, and inspiring ride.If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a podcast, how to launch your own, or how to keep your humor alive while building a business, this episode has something for you. Devin and I laugh a lot, talk real life, and dive into everything from YouTube podcasting to Harlequin novel interviews gone sideways. So grab your headphones and let's get into it!
When it comes to urgent care, Dr. Josh Russell is the real deal. Chief Medical Officer at UCP Merchant Medicine, editor of UC Max and CorePendium, AI advisor, board-certified medical editor, and now host of the new podcast The Focused Exam—Dr. Russell brings the rare mix of clinical excellence, tech-savvy, and straight-up curiosity that today's medical landscape desperately needs.In this episode, Nick and Michael sit down with Dr. Russell to explore the real-world impact of AI in urgent care and how tools like Intellivisit are redefining patient flow, documentation, and burnout. From automating charting and streamlining care delivery to teaching clinicians how to embrace a growth mindset, Josh unpacks how AI—when done right—can help bring humanity back to medicine.And yes, we also talk DJ names, Jeopardy dreams, and the one thing patients really want (but rarely ask for) in a visit.
This week's episode features a clip from our recent webinar, The Cost of Digital Marketing — a deep dive into what urgent care owners and operators really need to know about marketing budgets in 2026.We're breaking down the dollars, data, and decisions that drive real growth — not just clicks.We cover:
In this episode of Cherokee Business Radio, Joshua Kornitsky visits Podium Studios in Marietta, Georgia to interview founder Devin Smith. Devin shares his journey from advertising to launching Podium Studios, emphasizing the importance of authentic, strategic video and podcast content for business branding. The conversation covers content creation strategies, balancing personal and company brands, and […]
In this episode of Cherokee Business Radio, Joshua Kornitsky visits Podium Studios in Marietta, Georgia to interview founder Devin Smith. Devin shares his journey from advertising to launching Podium Studios, emphasizing the importance of authentic, strategic video and podcast content for business branding. The conversation covers content creation strategies, balancing personal and company brands, and […] The post How Authenticity Can Transform Your Business Through Video Content appeared first on Business RadioX ®.
When most people talk about AI in healthcare, the conversation gets crowded fast—hype, fear, jargon, and yet another “innovative solution.” But for Justin Mardjuki, CEO of Savant, the focus is simple: help urgent care teams deliver better care, faster, with less stress—and actually connect with patients again.In this episode, Michael and Nick sit down with Justin to explore how Savant is putting a truly human spin on clinical AI. From reducing documentation burdens and improving chart quality to making EMR integration less painful, Savant is doing more than just talk about outcomes—they're proving them, chart by chart, shift by shift.You'll hear how AI can empower clinicians, boost billing accuracy, and improve the patient experience—without taking over the exam room. We also talk about real adoption barriers, AI fatigue, and what it actually takes to change behavior in a system built on routine.This one's packed with smart takes, real examples, and a grounded perspective on the future of AI in urgent care.
When most people talk urgent care, they talk speed, efficiency, and volume. But for Megan Bell—Director of Enterprise Performance Excellence at FastMed—leading 44 clinics across North Carolina means something deeper.In this episode, Michael and Nick sit down with Megan to explore what it really takes to build strong culture, foster true team connection, and lead with intentionality in today's high-pressure healthcare landscape. With a background that spans creative agencies, corporate mentoring, higher education, and healthcare operations, Megan brings a one-of-a-kind leadership perspective to the urgent care space. She champions what she calls “Graceful Leadership”—a powerful blend of communication, empathy, and confident presence—and shares how that mindset is transforming culture and performance across FastMed.From scaling team energy across dozens of locations to the underrated value of fun, productive meetings, this episode is packed with insights for urgent care leaders, operators, and rising healthcare professionals looking to create real impact from the inside out.We talk about the power of creative thinking, what happens when you prioritize people over processes, and why leading with joy isn't a gimmick—it's a strategy.
Nick and Michael are breaking down one of the most misunderstood dynamics in urgent care growth: the difference between brand-driven growth and service-driven growth — and why playing in the wrong lane can quietly drain your clinic's potential.Whether you're running a multi-location chain or a single-location startup, this episode will help you diagnose what's really driving (or stalling) your patient volume.Drawing from real conversations, discovery calls, and lessons from 200+ episodes, Nick and Michael unpack:
When most clinics talk growth, they talk volume. But at Denver Health's Peña Urgent Care, leadership means something deeper. In this episode, Michael and Nick sit down with Dr. Lindsey Fish—Medical Director, educator, researcher, and community leader—to explore what it really means to deliver care where it's needed most.With over a decade of hands-on experience serving underserved populations, Dr. Fish shares how her clinic, embedded within a safety-net system, balances high acuity care with compassion, equity, and resilience. From federally qualified funding structures to a radically human-first approach to leadership, this conversation pulls back the curtain on a side of urgent care that's often unseen—but incredibly impactful.We talk about the growing importance of primary care, how urgent care and academic medicine intersect, and why true healthcare transformation starts by listening—to both patients and providers.This episode is full of insight for healthcare leaders, clinicians, and operators who believe in building something bigger than business.
This week's episode features a clip from our recent webinar, From Summer Slump to Seasonal Surge: Marketing Strategies that Drive Patient Volume from Fallto Spring, on navigating urgent care seasonality and paid ad strategy — and it's all about helping your clinic stay ahead during the busiest months of the year.We break down:
Join Kevin Briggins and Devin Smith as they discuss the importance black men must play in restoring black culture, the family, and the church.
When it comes to clinic marketing, most talk digital. But the smart ones don't forget their roots. In this episode, Michael and Nick welcome back Rachel Davis, the marketing leader behind AFC Urgent Care's 25 clinics across Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina. With over a decade of experience growing urgent care brands from the ground up, Rachel shares what it really takes to build trust, drive patient volume, and make your clinic unforgettable.From a single social media campaign that brought in 92 patients in one day, to school partnerships, giant checks, and strategic giveaways—Rachel shows how blending grassroots marketing with digital execution isn't just effective, it's essential. Plus, we explore how she's using AI to lead with empathy, boost team morale, and uncover performance insights that actually matter.This one is packed with real-world strategies, leadership lessons, and bold ideas urgent care marketers and operators can use right now.
Nick and Michael are back, and this time, they're pulling no punches. In this candid and timely episode, they tackle one of the most sensitive but critical issues in urgent care marketing: knowing when your internal marketer has become a blocker, not a builder.Whether you're dealing with a family-hired marketer, an emotionally tied team member, or someone simply out of their depth, this conversation is for you.Drawing from real stories and recent client experiences, Nick and Michael unpack:
This episode features a powerful clip from our recent webinar, Becoming the Healthcare Brand: Build Loyalty, Drive Growth, and Own Your Market—and it's packed with practical insights for urgent care leaders looking to stand out.We dive deep into the StoryBrand framework, walking through the 7 core questions that help you clarify your message, position your clinic as the trusted guide, and make your patients the true hero of your brand story.We break down:
This week's episode features a special clip from our Clinic Launch: The 90 Day Game Plan webinar we hosted back in March and it's packed with practical, proven steps to open strong.We break down:
Nick and Michael crack open one of the most controversial healthcare shifts in years, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB-BBA), and what it could mean for urgent care clinics across the country.
Most urgent care CEOs stay far from the weeds of marketing. But what happens when a leader decides to master it—and uses that knowledge to drive clinic growth, improve patient access, and lower acquisition costs?In this episode, Michael and Nick sit down with Brent Kell, CEO of Valley Immediate Care, a nine-location urgent care group in Southern Oregon. For over two decades, Brent has not only led operations but rolled up his sleeves to run and refine his own marketing—blending geofencing, Google Ads, and innovative patient communication strategies to deliver measurable ROI.From targeting sports tournaments and tourist hubs with hyper-local ads, to integrating AI voice and SMS systems that answer calls, book appointments, and reduce no-shows, Brent shares exactly how he's using data to guide every marketing dollar. He also opens up about the KPIs that matter most, how to calculate your true cost per patient acquisition, and why the human touch still matters in a digital-first strategy.Whether you're an urgent care operator, a healthcare marketer, or a leader looking to better connect operations and patient growth, this conversation delivers proven, actionable tactics you can adapt right now.
When patients walk in with a toothache, most urgent cares are forced to send them away. But what if you could treat the patient, deliver better care, and add a profitable new revenue stream without hiring more staff?In this episode, Michael and Nick sit down with Dr. Maria Kunstadter and Leah Sigler, the powerhouse mother-daughter duo behind The TeleDentists, the first nationwide teledentistry platform. What started as a mission to expand dental access is now transforming urgent care operations across the country.From reducing ER visits to giving urgent cares a simple “plug-and-play” dental service line, The TeleDentists are showing clinics how to diversify their services, support their communities, and grow their bottom line—all without overburdening their teams.Whether you're an urgent care operator, an entrepreneur, or just curious about what's next in healthcare delivery, this conversation is packed with insights you can act on today.
This week, we're pulling clips from our most recent webinar: 7 Ways Clinics Fail (and How to Make Sure Yours Doesn't!). It's a straight-shooting look at what keeps great clinics stuck, and exactly what to do instead.If you're still relying on word-of-mouth for patient growth or haven't touched your lease since signing it, this one's a must-listen.This episode is a field guide for clinic owners who want to scale with intention, protect their margins, and build something that lasts.