Podcasts about Maui

Send me a message I average about a million views a month on Instagram, but last week I posted nothing. On purpose. I just got back from a week in Maui with my family and I made a deliberate decision to check out completely. I didn't post, and I didn't even think about content ideas. I was just present with my family. Here's what I learned, and some of it genuinely surprised me.In this episode:What actually happens to your account when you go dark for a weekWhy carousel posts with ManyChat automation kept getting me opt-ins every single day while I was on the beachHow I came back with a bigger email list and more leads than when I leftThe minimum posting cadence every agent should be hitting and why stories are different from feed postsWhy reposting your best content is one of the most underrated moves in social mediaThe case for scheduling posts ahead of time before a trip or breakWhy taking a step back is sometimes the fastest way forward when you're in a creative rutThe honest truth: if you're not consistent yet, this episode is not your excuse to stopDon't be so hard on yourself. The algorithm won't forget you. Your brand doesn't disappear. You just pick up where you left off.***********************RESOURCES :Free "Clients From Social" Masterclass - Learn the new formula top agents are using on social media to attract 5+ new closings, month after month. REGISTER HERE: https://members.massiveagentsociety.com/free-masterclass-registration?utm_source=podcast_notesMassive Agent Society on Skool - My coaching community giving Realtors the exact blueprint (and handholding) to attract 5+ new clients, every single month. CLICK HERE: https://www.skool.com/massiveagentsocietyManychat PRO - Automate your Instagram DM's and Get 30 days of Manychat Pro for FREE - CLICK HERE REAL Broker - Learn how we can be business partners and build a business together @ ΓEA⅃  Broker- CLICK HEREPLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on APPLE PODCASTS or SPOTIFY

Have you ever watched something irreplaceable slip away from you, swept down a river, off a waterfall, into what felt like certain loss, and somehow, against every possible odd, gotten it back? What if that "impossible" recovery wasn't luck at all? What if it was the Earth herself, at the exact astronomical moment of solstice, showing you precisely how powerful you are right now? Michael shares the wild tale of his daughter's shoe, swept off her foot mid-hike, carried toward a 300-foot waterfall, and miraculously recovered against all odds, and uses it as the doorway into one of the most powerful teachings on manifestation he's ever delivered. From the zero-point physics of the solstice to the ancient keyhole alignments built into Stonehenge and Chichen Itza, Michael reveals exactly why this window is uniquely supercharged for setting intentions that stick. This isn't about a found shoe. This is about understanding that right now, at this precise astronomical moment, the universe is rigged in your favor, and showing you exactly how to plant your intentions deep enough to grow. What This Episode Covers: The zero-point moment explained: why the solstice is the instant the Earth's pendulum swing comes to a complete stop before reversing direction, and why that pause is the single easiest moment all year to pivot, change, and create. Why ancient sites like Stonehenge, Chichen Itza, and Teotihuacan weren't built to look cool, they're cosmic instruction manuals showing future generations exactly when the veil is thinnest, and manifestation is most powerful. The shoe story in full: the run down the mountain, the rainbow mist at the base of the waterfall, the voice saying "look to the left," and the moment Michael found it floating, impossible, exactly where he was guided to look. Why low-grade anxiety and a feeling of being "off balance" right now isn't something gone wrong, it's your higher self calling, and why being off balance is precisely when it's easiest to change direction. The four questions to ask before setting any intention. Why manifestation isn't just "money comes to me with grace and ease", and the missing piece Michael and Jessica learned the hard way after two years of meditating four hours a day while their business and finances collapsed in Maui: you have to step forward, not just wait. The bubble-up protection practice (G-Spike) for starting each morning surrounded, protected, and filled with love and light, plus a simple energetic clearing technique using nothing more than your hand, a phone, or a refrigerator magnet. Why bringing your attention back to your intention, again and again, every time the news or social media tries to steal it, is the difference between an intention you forget and one the Earth actually carries forward for you. Solstice is your coin in the cosmic lottery machine, and right now, it's rigged in your favor. The Earth isn't just spinning past you; she's offering to carry your dreams forward with her own momentum, but only if you plant them deep enough to take root. Write down your what. Write down your why. And then, today, not next week, take one real step forward. The miracle isn't the shoe. The miracle is remembering you're always this supported. Join the Inspire Nation Soul Family!

Rachel and Chelsea are back to cover a lighter week of Bravo news, including Kyle Cooke's very vague "apology" for his non-departure post, Danielle Olivera's boyfriend announcing their baby's early arrival, Dara and KJ confirming their split, and Michelle confirming the suspicions around her romance with Dr. Dre. They also get into the ‘Valley' reunion seating chart drama before it's time for the Rumor Report, where Sai De Silva is allegedly asking about Carole Radziwill's Epstein files connection. Then, they ponder the ‘Southern Charm' cast trip to Hawaii, as Craig and Austen were reportedly chasing a fan through Maui, and Taylor Ann Green is back filming with the cast. 00:00 - Welcome! 02:47 - Kyle's apology  09:45 - Danielle's baby announcement  19:26 - Dara and KJ split  22:49 - Michelle confirms Dr. Dre relationship 27:56 - The ‘Valley' reunion seating chart 30:38 - Lisa Hochstein's charges were dropped 33:14 - Rumor Report 39:02 - The ‘Southern Charm' Hawaii trip 46:08 - Thanks for watching! Host: Rachel Lindsay Guest: Chelsea Stark-Jones Producers: Belle Roman and Ashleigh Smith Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Planning a Hawaii trip with kids takes real effort, and the last thing you want is an avoidable mistake turning your vacation into a stressful mess.

Paige Alms was born in British Columbia, moved to Maui when she was nine, found surfing, found surf contests, and, around the age of 15, found big waves. They would become her forte, specifically Jaws, located not far from her home in Haiku. She spent a lot of time out there, riding waves of course, but also learning the lineup. It paid off. In 2015, she knifed her way into a bomb, angled high, and got terrifically barreled. That year she won the Women's Best Overall Performance at the WSL Big Wave Awards. In 2016 and 2017 she was named big-wave world champion. Alms is a three-time winner of the Peahi Challenge—in 2016, 2017, and 2019. She's the subject of The Wave I Ride, a feature-length documentary about her surfing life. In 2023, she became one of the first women to compete in The Eddie.  Alms lives in Maui with her longtime partner/shaper, Sean Ordonez. She continues to push the boundaries of the riding giant surf while also helping to teach ocean safety through Big Wave Risk Assessment Group courses.  In this episode of Soundings, Alms sits down with host Jamie Brisick to talk about paddling out to Jaws for the first time, training, the evolution of big-wave surfing, ocean safety, and competing in The Eddie. Presented by Rainbow® Sandals Produced by Jonathan Shifflett. Music by PazKa (Aska Matsumiya & Paz Lenchantin). Become a TSJ member at surfersjournal.com

In this segment, we explore Dr. Nibodhi's new program, Complete Ayurveda. This is a comprehensive, self-paced course designed to bring the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda into your everyday life. I genuinely couldn't be more thrilled for this program to be released to the public and to support so many people. Dr. Nibodhi has poured years of study, clinical experience, and genuine care into creating a program that is deeply rooted in tradition but is also incredibly practical for modern living. Whether you're completely new to Ayurveda or looking to deepen your understanding, this course provides accessible tools that you can begin applying immediately.With over 10 hours of video content, 50+ lessons, 20 interactive worksheets, 12 guided meditations, and 3 personalized quizzes, every module is designed around implementation rather than information alone. The goal isn't simply to learn the philosophy of Ayurveda - it is to experience it through meaningful changes in your health, energy, habits, and overall sense of wellbeing.Receive 50$ off with the discount code AYURVEDANOW50 through August 1st! www.nibodhi.com/complete-ayurvedaNibodhi is a student and practitioner of Naturopathy, Ayurveda, Yoga, Vedic Astrology and Indigenous Wisdom traditions. Professionally he a board-certified Traditional Naturopath and Ayurvedic Practitioner and educator. He has also studied Jyotish with an emphasis in medical astrology. He is certified in Vedic psychology/ counselling, clinical nutrition, & yoga teacher/ yoga therapy as well as numerous certifications and trainings in other fields of Health and Consciousness. While he has formally studied at numerous schools his most profound studies came from one on one training with numerous Vaidyas, Yoga masters, Shamans and Elders and Healers from the Vedic traditions as well as various indigenous traditions. He has more than 3 decades of studies and experience in mindfulness and tantric meditation practice and offers guidance in personal and private practice. His vision and heart follows these wisdom paths that support health and consciousness on an individual and planetary level.He is the author of six books on health and consciousness.He offers Vedic/Ayurveda Consultations in person and online. Sessions with Nibodhi give clients a deeper understanding of their total state of health and provide tools for creating greater well-being in their lives. Ayurvedic consultations with Nibodhi are a physical, emotional, and spiritual journey towards optimum, radiant health and consciousness. Nibodhi listens with deep awareness to your health and life concerns. He determines and explains your unique constitution, and offers you a completely individualised approach and protocol that supports your health and life goals.Sessions with Nibodhi may include, but are not limited to, individualised nutrition, dietary, and herbal protocols, yoga and/or other exercise, meditation, breathing exercises, and lifestyle practices which are personalised to bring you into optimum balance.Since 2003 he has been living half of each year in Kerala, India serving in a 100% Non-profit/Charitable, Ayurveda and Naturopathy Wellness Center where he also has taught week long Ayurveda-Yoga intensives twice a year since 2013. Since 2004 he has travelled the world (USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, EU, Australia, Singapore, Malayasia, Thailand) offering Ayurveda Health and Consciousness guidance and counseling. Since 2020 he still spends half the year in India and half the year in Maui. https://www.instagram.com/dr.nibodhi/To find out more or sign up for a consultation, email:Dr.Nibodhi@gmail.com __________________________________Characteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast 

DOC is on the hunt to take a DNA sample from a dolphin spotted cruising in Northland waters, in order to determine whether it is a Hector's or Maui dolphin. Either would be special, but a Hector's has only been spotted in Northland three times in the past 100 years. University of Auckland Associate professor in biological and marine sciences, Dr Rochelle Constantine spoke to Lisa Owen.

The stinging caterpillar is popping up in more communities across the islands, prompting residents to ask the state for help. Concerns are mounting over pollution near Waiawa Stream as nearby residents say it’s becoming a health hazard. Plus, plans to redevelop Kauai’s iconic Coco Palms resort get a major financing boost. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former city employee was arrested for a fraud scheme and the alleged victim is the Hawaii Foodbank. More residents are calling the state for help to remove an invasive stinging caterpillar. And, millions in new funding for the restoration of Kauai's iconic Coco Palms resort. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former high-level city employee is accused of faking paperwork to scam the Foodbank. Details on his alleged scheme. An invasive pest that comes with a nasty sting. These nettle caterpillars are now being spotted. A busy week for online shoppers, as Amazon launches Prime Day deals. We'll look at how the other retailers are responding, and how you can save. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raw Gas LIVE @ Maui (Rebel Nation) by Dj Sheldon Papp

Have you ever felt like you've done all the things-read the books, hired the coach, gone to therapy and yet somehow you still find yourself stuck in the same patterns?In this powerful conversation, Holly sits down with neuro-somatic practitioner and Identity X expert Riana Malia to explore what happens when personal growth reaches a point where traditional mindset work isn't enough. Together, they unpack how subconscious programming, stored emotions, and outdated identities can quietly shape our decisions, relationships, and business success.If you've ever wondered why you keep repeating the same cycles despite your best efforts, this episode offers a fresh perspective (and practical tools) to help you create lasting change.Tune in to hear:00:00:03 – Why doing more work isn't always the solution when you're feeling stuck00:04:57 – Understanding the conscious mind vs. the subconscious mind and how old patterns continue to run the show00:09:08 – The surprising signs that stored emotions and outdated identities may be holding you back00:12:11 – The restaurant menu analogy: why clarity about what you actually want changes everything00:16:04 – How negative thought patterns shape your reality and what neuroscience says about rewiring them00:18:12 – Rihanna's simple 72-hour "Away vs. Toward" exercise for shifting your focus and state in real time00:23:07 – The frequency metaphor: how changing your internal channel changes what you experience00:26:11 – Why high-achieving women self-sabotage right before breakthroughs and how to stop the cycle00:32:14 – The "mental pantry cleanout" exercise for releasing old stories and creating new momentum00:37:09 – Books, Maui, rest, and the importance of creating space for yourself outside of work00:41:04 – Where to connect with Riana and take the E.L.L.I.E. assessment for deeper self-discoveryCONNECT WITH RIANA:Website: https://www.rianamalia.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rianamalia/What's Standing Between You And Extraordinary Love Quiz: https://quiz.rianamalia.com/ 

Vice President JD Vance is on his way back from Switzerland after 18 hours of negotiations with Iran. Hawaii's congressional delegation is looking to rename the Waianae post office for former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. The University of Hawaii at Manoa is proposing new limits for campus protests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A longtime State Senator has announced she'll retire at the end of this month. We'll tell you why she came to this decision. Plus, a measure has been approved that would require the Army to negotiate with the state to renew military land leases. What community leaders have to say on this. We check in at the Capitol for the latest political news, as the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act has expired and is causing uncertainty. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ea (Soverign)'s Kanaka ʻŌiwi filmmaker Noah Keone Viernes and Sancia Miala Shiba Nash, joined me to discuss using filmmaking as a tool to document and teach about the fight of native Hawaiians like Keʻeaumoku Kapu on Maui, to reclaim their ancestral lands in the colonial court system, protecting their culture, and what bearing these weights on their shoulders mean.Ea (Soverign) screened at the 2026 @imagineNATIVE film festival in Toronto.https://www.sanciashibanash.com/contacthttps://www.instagram.com/kekahiwahi/Find me on Social Media at: @CarrieCnh12To support my work, funds can be donated through paypal.com/paypalme/carolynhinds0525My Social Media hashtags are: #CarolynTalks #DramasWithCarrie #SaturdayNightSciFi #SHWH #KCrushVisit Authory.com/CarolynHinds to find links to all of my published film festival coverage, writing, YouTube and other podcasts So Here's What Happened!, and Beyond The Romance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First up, let’s welcome back The Catalyst by Leimomi Bong. This week she talks about a $1.25M NSF grant that accelerates Hawaiʻi’s growing network of locally-designed environmental sensors. Then on todayʻs show we have Meli James from Mana Up and sheʻs brought a couple of cohort 11 companies. Chasity Enoka, co-owner of Maebo Noodle Factory … Continue reading "Episode 930: ManaUp Cohort 11 – June 19, 2026"

The deadline to clear the homeless encampment at Waianae Boat Harbor has been pushed back again. One of Hawaii’s longest-serving state senators is stepping away from public office. The family of the 16-year-old killed in the Pali Highway crash is speaking out for the first time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An investigation is underway in Kaimuki after an attempted homicide involving a law enforcement officer. The 16-year-old killed in Wednesday morning’s crash on the Pali Highway has been identified. Plus, Hawaii Island Police continue investigating the death of an 8-year-old girl as her family searches for answers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Honolulu medical examiner has identified the 16-year-old driver who died Thursday morning after losing control on Pali Highway as Kalena Abelmann. Plus, an Oahu grand jury has indicted a man in connection with a deadly shooting in the Ala Moana area.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is your Hawaii trip this summer already locked in, or are you still guessing at what things actually cost and what's happening on the islands right now?Prices, crowds, ocean conditions, and even the volcano have all shifted since spring, and traveling without that current picture can cost you real money and real frustration.

Diplomatic talks appear to be on hold as new developments unfold in the Middle East. The family of a Wahiawa man is speaking out after his alleged killer appears in court. A four-time jiu-jitsu world champion is heading to trial for allegedly assaulting an off-duty police officer on Maui. The state's largest Juneteenth event takes place at Aloha Stadium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A four-time Jiu-Jitsu world champion is heading to trial for allegedly assaulting an off-duty police officer. We'll tell you how the incident began. Plus, a 16-year-old was killed after driving over a barrier and falling into the ravine below. We have aerial video that shows just how far the car went off the highway. And, former President Obama opened the doors to his Presidential Center yesterday. We'll give you a look inside the star-studded lineup. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A four-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion pleaded not guilty Thursday to assaulting an off-duty Maui police officer in a dispute that began over baby ducks. Plus, loved ones of a 23-year-old Oahu man who was shot and killed over the weekend are remembering him as a gifted athlete with a kind heart.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 16-year-old female driver died Thursday morning after losing control on Pali Highway, going over a barrier and into a ravine, Honolulu police said. Plus, the man accused of killing his housemate and injuring another person on Kauai pleaded not guilty in court Thursday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest today is a professional surfer and all-around waterman from the island of Maui. He is widely considered one of the greatest watermen of all time. This athletic freak has spent his life pushing the limits of what humans can do in the ocean. From charging giant waves at Jaws and Nazaré, to helping pioneer modern hydrofoiling, to competing at the highest levels of stand-up paddling, kitesurfing, windsurfing, tow surfing, and big-wave surfing…there may not be another athlete on Earth as versatile in the water as this man.He is an 8-time SUP World Champion, winner of the Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge, former WSL Big Wave Performer of the Year, and the youngest person ever inducted into the Surfer's Hall of Fame. He's surfed some of the biggest waves ever ridden, inspired an entire generation of ocean athletes, and helped redefine what's possible across multiple water sports. He is also the star and producer of the upcoming feature film Kai. In this episode we talk story about growing up on Maui, being in the water at an early age, trying many different water-sports, riding big waves, his new film “Kai” coming out this summer, his mindset, lifestyle, family, and so much more. Enjoy!Buy our merch:

Find out what’s first on the new Honolulu police chief’s to-do list now that he’s officially moved to Oahu. The Kauai man who led authorities on a multi-day manhunt has been indicted on 28 counts. Plus, details of the proposed U.S.-Iran deal have finally been made public.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The next Honolulu Police Chief has completed his move to Oahu. We'll tell you what his plans are and when he'll be sworn in. Plus, it's now been three years since a Hawaii teen was nearly killed after she was shot in the head by a stray bullet. The latest update from Richianna Deguzman as she continues healing. And, gardening is quickly gaining popularity. We'll tell you some tips on how to prevent injuring yourself if you are thinking about leaning into your green thumb. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man killed in a shooting near Ala Moana Sunday morning has been identified, and the suspect has now been charged. Plus, a piece of equipment designed to provide temporary water access across Oahu is now being targeted by thieves, prompting concerns from officials over rising losses and illegal water use.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nesta edição, Cleber Facchi (@cleberfacchi), Isadora Almeida (@almeidadora), Renan Guerra (@_renanguerra) e DJ Zé Pedro (@djzepedro) conversam sobre a importância da obra de Maria Bethânia e dão dicas para quem quer mergulhar em seus discos.Apoie a gente: https://apoia.se/podcastvfsmNão Paro De Ouvir➜ Julia Jacklin https://tinyurl.com/5d9fkajx➜ Replay: Cazuza https://tinyurl.com/mrxs35v5➜ Ursamenor https://tinyurl.com/m8ccfxn7➜ Maui https://tinyurl.com/yew8xsf7➜ Olivia Rodrigo https://tinyurl.com/29evvtf8➜ Kelsey Lu https://tinyurl.com/3kwj59cv➜ YHWH Nailgun https://tinyurl.com/yaj47tx5➜ Horse Lords https://tinyurl.com/ywkwxv37➜ Diles Que No Me Maten https://tinyurl.com/43ywjkkc➜ Marina Liori https://tinyurl.com/5xhc9w4z➜ Renan Benini https://tinyurl.com/yyzx6tne➜ Puterrier https://tinyurl.com/bdhb4wf3➜ Kelela https://tinyurl.com/3kc8tj2d➜ Charlotte dos Santos https://tinyurl.com/2xm2rw94➜ Helado Tropical https://tinyurl.com/77kb7yft➜ Yazmin Lacey https://tinyurl.com/86jsvzncVocê Precisa Ouvir Isso➜ Luedji Luna https://tinyurl.com/5n75bs4f➜ In-Edit https://br.in-edit.org/ ➜ Grouper 1: https://tinyurl.com/3k8nfpxe➜ Grouper 2: https://tinyurl.com/37444nxfPlaylist Seleção VFSM: https://bit.ly/3ETG7oEContato: sobremusicavamosfalar@gmail.com

In Episode 131 of I Learned About Flying From That, host Carl Valeri sits down with Leslie Cobble, a seasoned flight instructor and owner of flight schools in Arkansas and Hawaii. What was supposed to be a routine engine break-in flight over the beautiful shores of Maui quickly turned into a terrifying fight for control.

We are continuing to follow the aftermath of a balcony collapse in South Kihei. You'll hear from some of the visitors about their experience from that day. A warning to Kauai residents - What you need to be on the lookout for as reports of gas thieves are spiking. We'll tell you some tips on how to reduce stress when it comes to planning so you don't ruin your vacation vibe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Details of the tentative agreement between the U.S. and Iran have finally been made public. On Kauai, William "Billy" Sinclair has been indicted for second degree murder and dozens of other charges. And with many drivers feeling pain at the pump, Kauai residents say they're seeing a rise in gasoline thefts, leaving victims with costly repairs and rattled nerves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New developments in the assault of an Oahu high school athletics director, as the wife of the man accused of punching a school official changes her plea. City emergency leaders unveil an online tool to help monitor hazard areas around the island. Plus, federal prosecutors reveal more about the alleged plot to kill President Trump during Sunday’s UFC fights at the White House. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wife of a man accused of punching a Moanalua High School official after a basketball game changes her plea. An update in the trial of a former Hawaii man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend. And Hawaii Island police step up enforcement along Daniel K. Inouye Highway, issuing hundreds of traffic citations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patreon/Supercast Special Release – Bonus – Living Beyond the OCD Loop with Ally Kristan (302) This is a sneak peek of our episode with Ally Kristan, and part two of our three part series on OCD – available only on our Premium Supercast and Patreon platforms. For as little as $5/month you can have access to special releases like this one, first-to-know about upcoming events and discounts and an ad-free feed. Click here to join & finish the episode!! What is OCD really like beyond the stereotypes? In part two of our three part series on deepening the understanding OCD, Marine biologist and author Ally Kristan shares her lifelong experience living with OCD, challenging common misconceptions that reduce the disorder to cleanliness or organization. Ally discusses the intrusive thoughts, compulsions, shame, and relentless search for certainty that characterize OCD, as well as the relief of finally receiving a diagnosis and effective support. Together, Ally and Dr. Ann Kelley explore themes of control, uncertainty, mindfulness, relationships, self-compassion, and how healing can come from understanding—not fighting—the parts of ourselves that struggle. The episode offers an honest, hopeful look at living with OCD and finding ways to transform fear into meaning and connection. “We’re not out of touch with reality. We know that what we’re doing doesn’t make sense, but we just can’t help doing it anyway.” – Ally Kristan Time Stamps for Bonus – Living Beyond the OCD Loop with Ally Kristan (302) 06:34 Personal journey: Discovering my OCD 11:34 Therapeutic insights: The role of specialists 16:19 The OCD loop: Understanding the cycle 23:01 Transforming OCD: Finding positive outlets 31:03 Radical acceptance and its challenges 35:10 Finding Authenticity in Confrontation 42:23 Transforming compulsions into positive rituals 52:28 The balance of reassurance in relationships 55:59 The intersection of OCD and career choices 58:00 Lessons from penguins: Resilience and love 01:00:54 Conservation concerns: The krill catastrophe 01:07:28 Coping tools and resources for OCD About our Guest – Ally Kristan  Ally Kristan is a marine conservation biologist, Antarctic expert and OCD advocate originally from Raleigh, North Carolina. She holds a B.S. in Marine Biology from UNC Wilmington and an M.S. in Oceanography & Coastal Sciences from Louisiana State University. A salient voice for wildlife protection, Ally has appeared in National Public Radio (NPR), National Audubon Society and Hakai Magazine. Her work has brought her from a sea turtle hospital in North Carolina to whale watch boats in Maui to raucous seabird colonies in Florida, then from the U.S. National Science Foundation in Washington D.C. to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Ally now resides on the North Carolina coast where, when not working in the lab, she can be found amongst animals.   Resources for Living Beyond the OCD Loop with Ally Kristan (302) Ally Kristan’s website – Additional resources & information Get your copy of her book, “Braving the Waves” here!! Looking for our Upcoming Events? Click here!! Our Beyond Attachment Styles course is available NOW! Learn how your nervous system, your mind, and your relationships work together in a fascinating dance, shaping who you are and how you connect with others. Earn 6 Continuing Education Credits – Available at Checkout Online, Self-Paced, Asynchronous Learning with Quarterly Live Q&A’s

Is the Big Island too big to explore, or are most visitors just planning it wrong?

A high surf warning is in effect as the recent south swell is hitting the islands. We'll take a look at how lifeguards were impacted. Plus, a Kauai community is standing behind a long-standing teacher who lost her job after 33 years. Hear from a Chinese developer who is behind bars for allegedly smuggling aliens and having communist ties. What he has to say, as he fears retaliation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hunt for a murder suspect ends as Honolulu police arrest a 37-year-old man in the Punchbowl area. A terrifying scene at a South Kihei condominium leaves six people injured. Plus, the suspect in the Hopaka Street shooting is now facing attempted murder charges. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kauai homicide suspect Willan Sinclair appeared in court and charged with 28 counts. Six people were injured after a balcony comes crashing down in Kihei. Plus, President Trump is in Europe for the G7 summit, where a deal to end the war with Iran is set to take center stage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mom accused of harassing a Moanalua High School official after a basketball game was sentenced to two days in jail as part of plea deal with prosecutors. The suspect in a fatal shooting of a young man in the Ala Moana area is now in custody. And the suspect in another shooting nearby early Sunday morning has been charged with attempted murder.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're following some breaking news out of Southern California where an Air Force B-52 bomber has crashed. President Trump is in Europe for the G-7 summit, where a signed memorandum of agreement with Iran is expected to be presented. And Honolulu police continue to investigate a pair of shootings early Sunday morning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Details on a multi-car wreck that snarled traffic on the H1 for hours. New technology coming to the Maui police department is stirring up some conversation. We hear from both sides of the debate over AI. GLP-1's are taking the nation by storm, how they are now impacting the retail industry as Americans slim down.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honolulu police are currently investigating two separate homicide cases that happened early this morning. A six-vehicle crash shut down all eastbound lanes of the H-1, leaving six people seriously injured. And Maui police have a 34-year-old Kahului man in custody in connection with a shooting and carjacking near Hookipa Beach Park.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest phase of the ongoing Ward Village transformation, the longtime shopping center is set to close by the end of this month. One of the seven suspects charged in connection with a brutal assault on Oahu's North Shore appeared in court today. And the Maui Police Department has won approval of a big expansion of electronic policing tools, including cameras and drones assisted by artificial intelligence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Surveillance video appears to show a violent hammer attack that police say left a man hospitalized. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault, then released pending further investigation. Plus, how new technology could soon give Maui police another set of eyes in the sky—and on the ground.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A manhunt for the suspect in a violent carjacking on Maui. What police tell us about the current risk to the community. Plus, a Hawaii lawmaker leads a charge to keep handguns out of the mail. We hear from both sides on the issue. Are you looking for a job? Get ready to deal with artificial intelligence. Tips on how you can stand out as AI takes a bigger role in the hiring process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the seven suspects charged in connection with a brutal assault on Oahu's North Shore appeared in court today. Police tell us the man and a 36-year-old woman got into a fight just before 11 last night, near the Guardrails surf spot in the Maili area. And a manhunt continues on Maui for the armed robber who shot a non-lethal gun at two people before taking their car in Haiku on Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part one of Kiera's conversation with Howard Farran on the Dentaltown podcast. They discuss how many details a dentist should know about their business, what about the COVID-19 pandemic still haunts practices, the AI of dentistry and the human care of patients, hidden gaps draining profitability, and more. Episode resources: Subscribe to The Dental A-Team podcast Schedule a Practice Assessment Leave us a review Transcript: The Dental A Team (00:00) Hello, Dental A Team listeners, this is Kiera. And today we are sharing a guest interview I did on another podcast. And it was too valuable not to bring you guys here.   this episode, you're gonna hear this host lead the conversation and then I'll wrap us up at the end. I cannot wait. It was truly one of my most   episodes and I truly hope you enjoy.   The Dental A Team (00:17) It's just a huge honor for me today to bring back Kiera Dent. How are you doing, Kiera? my gosh, Howard. It's so great to be back. I remember my very first podcast with you. I was actually at an office in Alabama and I went like hid in this room because I was starstruck podcasting with you. So to be able to be back on the show with you ⁓ several years later is just fun. I love what you guys are doing. I love Dentaltown. I love your posts. so it's really fun to be back. So thank you. ⁓ the honor is all mine. Just remember Kiera likes Shakira.   And Dent is just her nickname. The full name is Dental Queen Goddess. So thank you. And ⁓ she is the founder and CEO of the Dental A Team, committed to elevating dentists and their teams to their highest level through customized in-office and virtual consulting and training. Her vast experience ranges from the front office to assistant, regional manager, and dental practice owner, giving her a perspective few consultants can claim.   She and her team work with hundreds of dental practices nationwide and confidently say we don't just understand you, we are you. Among her many accomplishments, Ciara has grown a practice from 500,000 to 2.4 million in just nine months with a doctor straight out of dental school. She's coached hundreds of practices, authored numerous articles, and designed a customizable operations manual manual that serves as a roadmap for systems and team success.   Her Dental A Team podcast has amassed nearly 2 million downloads, making it one of the most impactful resources in all of dentistry. Kiera lives every day by her core values. Do the right thing, ownership, passion for excellence, ease, grit, innovator, die, and fun. Her motto says it all. There is always a solution. And my gosh, I just want to tell you the truth. And the reason I was so excited to bring you on. It seems like dentistry has turned into two groups of dentists.   There's all the old farts like me who, you know, we had, you know, we had great practices, great lives, great careers. And then you got these younger dentists that look at us and say, ⁓ man, you graduated in the good old days. You know, you didn't have five hundred thousand dollars of student loans, you didn't have DSOs, Delta hasn't given us a raise in four generations, and and and they're mad at the ADA. I think they're even mad at their mom. I I they're I think so and they're not happy. Do you have any good news?   For these dental graduates with $500,000 of student loans, or did they make the wrong decision and should have become a plumber? I mean, you know, plumbing is always a backup plan if dentistry doesn't work. So I think you're like at least in that realm. Like, you know, there's always options. But I love dentistry and I actually, ⁓ I think we're actually in the best time of dentistry. And I know that yes, there's the good old days. Then Howard, those were great days for you. But I think like, how many options do people have now? We have AI, we have these innovations, and I mean.   Your my example of a student straight out of dental school, we actually had one million. So I actually called her 2.5 because we had $2.5 million. So from student debt to practice loan debt to buying another location, all within a couple of months of us starting the practice. And so I called her 2.5 every time I walked past her. I was like, get that back straight, girl. Like we got 2.5 mil of debt on us. but to be able to grow our practice in nine months was   Absolutely incredible. And I think that that's where dentistry is amazing. There is no cap, there is no ceiling, and you have a way to truly impact and change people's lives. And I'm like, you have DSOs as options. Like there were not the times where you were getting the multiples that you get today. You also have like there are so many avenues that dentistry can afford you. but I think it's a it's a matter of what you choose to focus on, is what you're going to find more of. If you want to sit here and say, ⁓ my gosh, it's awful. We have 500,000 of debt. And I'm like, Yeah, but guess what? My husband had   Not quite the same, but we had several hundreds, thousands of dollars of debt. And he's a pharmacist. And so I understand what it's like to come out of school and have hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt on us. But guess what? He's making, you know, hundred, hundred and fifty. If we're lucky on a good day, we're capped out. It took us forever to pay back our student loans. But as dentistry, you have untapped and uncapped potential. And so for me, you get to change people's lives, you get to give them confidence, you get to help them have better health, and you're able to make people smile like.   I can't think of a better opportunity to be a part of. And I'm not just Pollyanna over here. I coach hundreds and thousands of offices. I've seen the good, the bad, the ugly, and the in between. But I'll tell you, depending upon how you choose to view this, you can either find the good or the bad. And I'd recommend like, let's find the great because it's a gold line of opportunity if you want to see it. What what do you say to dentists who say, Mm-mm, you know, I I really don't want to complain really a bit. I mean, on paper my   My practice looks perfect. I got two hygienists. I do a million dollars. I do all this, but just internally it just feels chaotic and stressful. So it looks like on paper he's doing everything right. But she says, I still feel like chaos and stress. What's what's that about? I think like welcome to being a business owner. I think that there's two sides of success. In the word success, there's literally the word suck. Like there are parts of success that are going to suck. Like that's just how it is, guys.   And so that chaos and internal turmoil, I think I there I have lots of offices where you don't have to be that way. And I think going from like operator doing all the pieces, being stressed out into like a CEO of a business. ⁓ I think sometimes dentists are such gunners doers, they're so hands-on that they have this internal chaos. But there there are paths again that don't have to be that way. But I also think this is part of the game of business that we signed up for. And I think when you get to the level like Howard.   You've seen, I've seen over our career, we've got the gunners and the doers and the like zero to two year business owners. Like it's freaking chaos. It's psycho. Like you're learning these things just like you're back in dental school. But as you mature, you start to realize that the chaos is just part of the game. And the more you're able to learn to weather it, to see it, and to not do all the pieces, elevate your team, get great people, do like hire it out. You can hire, I mean, a practice is doing a million and you got great profitability and overhead.   You can hire a lot of great people to take away a lot of your problems. And so like, let's get some of those things done. And then you actually become happier and you make more money. So that you don't have to sit in that chaos. I think that there's a part of it that will always suck. but there's also a part that can really be the successful part too, that's fulfillment and enjoyment. But you got to make the steps and take the steps to do it rather than just sit and complain about it.   Love it, love it, love it. ⁓ what do you what do you say about the ⁓ the dentist who got out of school, goes and works for a major DSO, say say he's working for Rick Workman, Heartland, and he works there two years, and you know, he you know, he's working for a guy that owns eighteen, nineteen hundred dental offices, but he can't tell you the code for a profit. Can't he'll say, like, you know, are they paying my pay right? Really? You can't check at you. I mean, it it's like   It's like they'll listen to a forty hour lecture on the difference between two different composites, but they did I mean th they worked through two years, they don't know insurance codes, they can't check out a patient, they don't know the software. I mean, I had one guy tell me, ⁓ the only thing you could tell me about the practice manager software is the brand name. He couldn't tell me and then he's asking me, you know, it what which one you know, but anyway, do you think do you think a dentist doesn't need to know all the business details?   Or do you think that's a blind spot and you can't delegate anything till you can do it and master it? I think that there's two types of owners. And I think that there's some that are really great at hiring people that they are great at hiring people, knowing it, listening to podcasts, hiring coaches, training the team, and like having somebody spot check for you. Then there's others that like they've got to know the ins and outs. But I think that like Howard, there's   To me, there's also a middle ground where I think that you can go sit with your biller for one day and just like say, like, walk me through your process. So you have a general idea and an understanding of what they do. Go watch to see how they schedule. ⁓ I think when it comes to billing, I do think the dentists have a very big blind spot. And to me, that is like as a business owner, not to know how your money comes to you. To me, that feels like a pretty big blind spot of like even just understanding that knowledge. And so   If I were to say, I don't think you need to know the ins and outs. I love like I recognize this. I was a business owner of it. I own practices. I worked with hundreds of dentists at Midwestern University's Dental College. Like, I hear what you guys are taught. Plus, I'm a team member on the other side. And so I created a billing course and an office manager course because I just want a dentist to know like, what should I be able to expect? And I think like if you want to just have a general overview so you don't get blindsided, you you can have it. I think you can quickly within like a week.   Know the bulk of like everything you need to know in a practice very simply, very easily. So that way you can delegate. That way you can have it. You're not gonna be perfect. but I think just having a general awareness. And then I love to give doctors just a quick checklist, like once a month, go spot check, go grab an EOB. Even if you don't know what the heck that EOB is, go ask your front office for it, check it. And just the more you learn that language, just like the language of business, I think it doesn't need to be an overnight sensation.   But I do think the more you're aware of it, I don't think you have to do every single role though to be a successful practice owner. And I mean, shoot, if Heartland can do it, I think it's a good example. But I think who are you? And are you a hands-on tactical person? Are you somebody who's really good at hiring people, t trusting other people, getting the checklist and spot checking? I think you can do it either way. But my recommendation is like just like one week, go like sit in every seat of your practice and get a general awareness and educate yourself on the things that you don't know. I'm really big on money, understanding at least how insurance works. And then also how do we like   present cases, what are kind of the flow that way those big zones that really impact your financials, you can you can be aware of. So those courses, those online CE courses, your website is The Dental A Team. The Dental A Team. Now I think the A Team, you need that guy with the Mohawk and all the bling. I mean that's who I am in my like spare time. This hair is just a facade. Like, you know, I hang out as Mr T. Mr T. Mr T, Mr T, yeah.   That's why I was thinking the A Team, but is that on your on your website, the th those courses? Yeah, they are. So we have an online library, it's all C E. We've got downloadable checklists, we've got operations manual. You got it. That's exactly right. And Howard, in real time, I'll have our marketing team actually put together a code. If you guys put in Dentaltown, since you're listening, we'll make sure that you guys get a coupon code for that as well. Well, since it's my compass podcast IRS that you just put Fabio.   you want Fabio? Okay. well in that case. So ⁓ so is I also see you have a ⁓ Summit twenty twenty six is live on Friday, April twenty fourth. Grab your ticket. Where's where's that show gonna be? Is it Reno where you are? You know, that's actually virtual, Howard, and it's one of our like favorite comebacks constantly. And the reason I do it virtual, people have been asking me for years, like, why don't you do it in person, Kiera? And what I found is   Because it's so like again as a team member, I really struggle to get my team ramped up, amped up, and have it be financially affordable. So what I found is if we can have it virtual in your practice with your full team, you guys are able to get this boost and surge of energy and have a good time. So it's for leadership teams, it's for doctors. ⁓ we've been doing it for six years strong and we tend to have hundreds of offices. You get your whole office there, you have a good time.   But yeah, it's virtual and it's C E and it's a great time. ⁓ I attend a lot of Tony Robbins, a lot of Brendan Bouchard, Rachel Hollis. So we've learned how to do people have told me the online experience is so fun. ⁓ we just get continual people coming back year after year after year. So yeah, come join us. It'd be a great time. I love Tony Robbins because ⁓ you know, my boys they wrestled year round from age five to fifteen.   Yeah. Made our garage. I got two real wrestling mats from the manufacturer in Pennsylvania delivered by an AJ Miller. So I never ever parked in my garage ever. And we would we were listening to that Tony Robbins 30 day, 30 day personal power. Yep. And then I and then I bought my first laptop when I went to MBA school. And so I took notes on it. And then when I was done, I I ⁓ closed down Saturday and I went to a studio Saturday, Sunday, and I ranted out my notes.   And I said, this has got to be 30 hours because I mean it's still Tony Robbins 30 day personal power. And that was the 30-day dental MBA. ⁓ and it worked out to be about thirty hours. But I'm telling you, the pandemic changed everything. That was when ⁓ online CE at Dentaltown just went through the roof and it hasn't come back and dental meetings haven't come back. Cause why do I need to fly to Chicago to listen to you if I got a Zoom call or   or streaming video or this event. I mean, I mean, just think of the plane ticket, the hotel, the sitting and attending. If you're in Phoenix, you know, just to get to New York is a five hour flight. I mean, why I I gotta fly five hours each way when I could see you on YouTube or a podcast or or whatever. But I wanna but I want to go back to that pandemic because that pandemic, I really think the reason you can really do this so successfully today is because of that pandemic. That's why we realize   I don't have to be in the flesh to learn knowledge. And and like I I I feel fine talking to you. I me too. The only thing I regret is teaching my mother how to do that. I got her FaceTime and all that kind of stuff. And because she calls to tell me about ever every one of her exciting things is junk mail she has. She's eighty seven and she believes every piece of junk mail. I love it. She's always free freaking out on her junk mail. But but I want to talk about the pan the dark side of the pandemic.   And that is a lot of people think about 20% of the hygienists left to practice. Before, you know, when I got out of school, your labor was supposed to be twenty percent, your overhead was supposed to be fifty percent. And by the time it was it didn't even take 10 or 20 years, and and due to insurance, I think not keeping up, ⁓ overhead went to basically two thirds. It went to about sixty-five percent and labor went to about twenty five, sometimes twenty-seven percent.   I'm hearing thirty percent labor all the time. And I mean I mean I'm talking about serious dudes who know the business of dentistry. And I don't I don't want to get my buddy Rick Kirstram out of me. He owns a hundred comfort dentals and he said he can't he said he's got the mean and lean where labor is twenty. He says he's got mean and leans with labor at twenty-eight, twenty-eight and a half. So so the the pandemic is ⁓ it that was five years ago. Why do you think it   seriously impacted labor cost of the pandemic. I do, Howard. And I think I think we kind of have this perfect storm, right? Like I think we've got multiple waves coming at us that have impacted. I think the pandemic pushed out those that were like, you know, I'm done. Like, like I'm good. I'm at the end of my career. I don't really want to do that. ⁓ a lot of hygienists are female and I think a lot of them realize they did not need two incomes anymore. And so it's like, you know, I want to be with my kids. I want to be home.   And then hygiene schools don't pump out a lot of hygienists and it's usually like a two year span. So yes, I have actually seen like hygiene is it really did, and then it clicked up. So the cost of hygienist has gone up astronomically. I mean, I think the highest I've seen of a hygienist being paid was 85 an hour. And to me, I was like, at that point, that was up in ⁓ it was up in Washington, up by Bellevue, Mount Vernon, that area. And I literally saw the the posting for 85 plus a a bonus, and I was like,   Screw that at that point. Like in all respect to hygienists, I'm gonna hire a dentist for that cost. Like I truly will. And that's not being disrespectful. It's just like a dentist is a more multifaceted. I understand they are not great hygienists, but if I have to and I'm gonna be putting this number up, like we've got to get to a space where it does work. So yes, I do. However, there are more hygienists coming onto the market. I still know that this is one of the hardest things, but ⁓ I have a practice that's out in Maui, rough life, huh, Howard? I get to fly to Maui to go do work, like.   You know, shout out to that office. ⁓ but what we found is we were able to find a way to get the hygienist to be paid exponentially higher by doing assisted hygiene. And so I think I'm seeing people innovate. I think I'm watching them create. I think I'm seeing people do some more outsourced costs in the front office. And so they're able to then offset the costs of the clinical team. ⁓ I think that people are just getting innovative and creative. And what I want to highlight is while this feels annoying, this is also business. And if we don't innovate and if we don't continue to evolve,   We actually decay and decline as an as an organization and as an industry. And so I know it's annoying and I absolutely empathize. And you're right. Like for me on our payroll, we're at 30%. Like I've had that as our metric for our clients for the last five years because payroll costs have gone up. But I'm like, but just because they've gone up, like let's look at several other industries. I mean, we're not here to like love on or hate on McDonald's, but I'm like, they have kiosks. They figured it out.   I checked in at a hotel in downtown San Francisco. There was no person there when I checked in. It was literally a person on Zoom just like this. I clicked in, they said hello to me. They took my information, but they didn't have to have a physical body in the office. And I think with AI and technology, dentistry is going to evolve, but I think the art and the care of patients does not need to evolve. And so, like, let's put our dollars where that matters and let's be able to look and innovate in other ways that keep our costs low. ⁓ I still think dentistry, I mean, why is there a one percent default rate on loans? Like,   Banks are still lending. We had the first down year of DSOs last year and the first uptick of private practice last year. And so when I look at these things, like it is still a great business to be in, even though labor costs, like, guys, again, it's just another flavor of business. So like let's figure out how to innovate. Let's figure out how to do it. And like, yes, I'm gonna pay for great people. I see team members as assets, not liabilities. And I'm gonna cut and chop on other areas that I can, but I'm also gonna be smart with my labor costs and make sure each person hitting their KPIs, they've got numbers that they're driving.   We are running this as an efficient business while like loving and taking care of our patients at the same time. I'm glad you mentioned bank loans because it's less than one percent default rate. Yes. All the defaults have the same thing in common. They all had their license taken away. Right. Always. And and if it's for drugs or alcohol, they now treat that as a medical disease. And the dentists still say, Screw you, I'm not gonna quit doing biking. And then they run south of the border. And that's why whenever you find a dentist down there that looks like me.   They're running for free Vicada. They they they said I'm not peeing any. So unless you, you know, do something just horrible. I mean, and you know, you have you have to get your it licensed in your way. But I w I wanna tell you about you know, there's just so many other things that you can focus on besides labor, like increasing their productivity. ⁓ I know dental offices. you can get a full if you pay a dentist in the Philippines five dollars an hour.   You get the best dentists in the Philippines. And I and there's dental offices that with Zoom and things like that are doing all their insurance and their claims and all that stuff. I mean, ⁓ so the with with with ⁓ with the internet, I mean you can literally have someone ⁓ be at the front desk ⁓ on a on a kiosk that's actually a dentist from the Philippines from five dollars an hour who when he's not busy can be calling your insurance companies all that. I I want to ask you another thing that's really hot on Dentaltown.   today. Everybody keeps talking about these dental insurance EFTs versus virtual credit cards. but basically everybody's reporting that major dental companies like even Delta are gonna stop sending paper checks and you gotta do it all electronic. And I guess that that electronic could be free, but it could be you know it could be another three and a half or three percent credit card fee on all your claims. Or what or what are your thoughts on all that? I'm hard on that   I have and I'm a hard no on the credit cards. Like, why? Why are you doing that? EFTs are so fast. Like there's absolutely no reason to be paying this. Explain to my home. A lot of them don't even know what a EFT. Mo I I bet 80% of the the dentists listen don't even know what we're talking about. Will you explain it? Will you explain it like I just graduated from dental school eight minutes ago? Of course. Well, I think that this is also where going back a little bit where you said, like, do dentists need to know the business? To me.   You don't even have to know that much, but I want to just challenge you that if you're getting a three, three and a half percent cut on your payments for quote unquote ease, that's a real big hit. And I would just challenge you to think about like for what and why. And so coming in, there's different ways the insurances are going to pay you. So they're gonna pay you via paper check, they're gonna pay you via EFT, which is a electronic fund transfer, or they've got this new thing where they're gonna pay you via credit card. And like honestly, to me, the credit card is so scammy.   And I've talked to so many people and like educate me, like, why would anybody do this? Like, I cannot comprehend. Like, I'm already taking a cut on insurance as is. Like, thank you for my marketing fee to be an insurance. Like, that's how I view that that write-off. Like, I know you hate it, but you're also gonna, you're either gonna have to do that, or you're gonna have to pay for marketing to bring in fee for service patients. So, like, again, let's just think about that. But I'm like, so I've already got a cut there, but I'm then gonna take another hit in addition to that for a credit card ease.   So as we're talking about that electronic fund transfers, they deposit straight into your bank account. The reason that some offices don't care for electronic fund transfers is because like trying to match it up is a like it kind of dumps and chunks into your bank account. So all you need to do is help your team members. Like there's ways that you can have it where it automatically emails your team when that comes through. So then they can go online and they can find out what the EFT was, so then they can balance and like enter it in.   I do think dentistry software is so dated because what happens is when we get paid from the insurance company, we get either like it's called an EOB, it's an explanation of benefits, and it's like batch checks. So when they dump this money to you, Delta's gonna give me like 20 grand. But like, who do I allocate that 20 grand to of all these patients? So that's I think where some people have like, well, electronic funds are so annoying and this and that. But I'm like, they're very quick, they're very fast, they're a lot safer than paper checks. Paper checks people do get embezzled on.   That I literally see no reason. Like, I don't care if you get it like one day sooner with a credit card, you are paying a huge hefty fee on that unnecessarily when electronic fund transfers are pretty much just as fast. Like maybe a like smidgey of a delay. But to me, that's a that's a very worthwhile smidgey of a delay. Because you're getting your payments so much faster. And as long as you're staying on top of it, you should still be able to maintain a 98% collections rate, even if you do checks or if you do electronic fund transfers. It just is so.   So dumb. I've yet to see a reason. But to me, I'm like insurances are so smart because it's just another way for them to take a chip out of what they're paying you and to have it come back to them. So again, think of the motive as to why they're offering. These people are not dumb. Those insurance companies, if you've ever gone to a business who's the biggest building in the entire city, it's your insurance companies. They're not dumb businesses. And I think we need to be smarter business owners that out think that. They always but Delta always says, we're   Yeah, so is Rolex Watch. Rolex Watch is a non profit. And and some of the CEOs of some of the anyway, we won't go there. But ⁓ yeah, ⁓ so what other ⁓ besides you know, when when someone tells me about their overhead, I tell them, look, I can't call the government and have my tax rate lowered. I can't call the nuclear power plant SRP or APS and tell them to lower my electric bill. I mean, something I i if the hygienists can   Wants a dollar an hour and if I say no, I'll give you 75 cents and she can go get a dollar across the street. I mean the market sets many, many prices. So the only way to fight that back is to ⁓ increase your productivity. You know, I mean if if if you have a dollar in labor and they do a dollar in dentistry, your overhead is a hundred percent. But if your dollar in overhead can do two dollars in dentistry, now it's down to fifty percent. So how so ⁓ are there other   ⁓ hidden gaps that are quietly draining profitability, or has it just come down to production? Or is it both I like I'm so glad you brought this up because I think like it's so easy to sit here and say, like, dentistry's not profitable. But I'm like, go find me another business that has a one percent fell rate that usually can run twenty to thirty percent profit margins if you run a business right. And this is not just Kiera sitting here fluff. This is like I got real clients running at these margins consistently. They've got large practices, small practices.   And so when I look at this and I'm like, okay, how do we make this more efficient? A lot of people want to go to the first thing of like, let's cut insurances. And I'm like, yay, pop the confetti, but be real smart. Because again, you're gonna then increase marketing fees, you're gonna lose a lot of your patient base. Like, let's just think through the ramifications. And so there's lots of different ways that we can increase productivity and not have to go for the cut. So I look at three levers that I found that can increase a practice. So one is we can increase our production. We're talking net production, not gross, like please feed your family, not your ego. So that's number one.   Number two is what's your collection percentage? Cause half the time doctors feel like they're broke and they don't have money, but your money's sitting in AR, which is your aging reports or your accounts receivable. We're not collecting the money and we don't have a good billing process. We got to get our collections up to 98%. And then the third thing is like we cut costs. And so looking at that, a lot of people want to go to just cut costs. I'm like, but in dentistry, let's break it down. If I want to add 10 grand more to my practice.   I love to help teams. Most offices are working four days a week. So if we're wanting to add 10 grand to a practice, working four days a week, let's do 10,000 and we're working 16 days a month. That's an extra six twenty-five a day. Well, how can we make six twenty-five in a dental practice? Let's think about our fluoride applications. Let's think about FMXs. Like I'm just talking, this is your lowest hanging fruit for you. Let's talk about could we add one or two fillings? Could we add like same-day dentistry, which is going to make more raving fans for our patients? There is so much ease in there.   Now, to increase our production, we can also look at our case acceptance. Doctors have so much case acceptance. And also, what are we diagnosing? I'm like, doctors, if you want to be producing 100 grand a month, the statistics are you need to be diagnosing three times that amount. And then we need to make sure our treatment coordinators are really good at diagnosing explaining treatment to them. They're not diagnosing, but they're explaining the treatment. They're presenting it in a way. We're not using insurance as our main driver. We're using it as like a coupon. And then we're really good at our follow through and our follow up.   Gotta have a right person, right seat in your treatment coordinator seat that's obsessive with hitting the right goals. And so there's like so many little ways. Like you can in I have added block scheduling, which I know is like a consultant's number one favorite thing to talk about, but like make it really make sense and easy for your team. I've added a million to a practice with no extra days, no extra work. We literally are just being more strategic with how we schedule. And so there's just so many little ways that I want dentists to realize like,   To me, I get really excited. This is where I geek out as a consultant. I geek out and I love to help that is because I'm like, how can I like squeeze more juice from the lemon you're already in? Like, let's just make more lemonade. Let's figure out ways to do it. And then let's make sure our costs are effective. So we teach your teams how to look at the business as a business. We teach each team member about their one KPI that's really going to drive it forward. We help them track. I just did this with an office manager this week and she's so lit up to look at her numbers, to look at her metrics, to see how she can do it.   And when they start to see how they can click it through, it's not you trying to push and drive more money. Like doctors, I tell everybody, every team member, you want your doctor to be so freaking profitable. Because if they're profitable and they're like they're secure, your life is so much better. So like I'm like dentists, we got to get you profitable, we to get the cash flow, we got to get you less stressed because you're gonna be a better dentist and a better business owner. But how are there's so many little easy ways where it's just low-hanging   Typically I'm able to add 10 to 30% of production in usually 90 days to an office, like very consistently with just small little reps, no real extra work. How are we doing our exams? Are we being directive in our treatment planning? Are we using like, okay, next visit I want to see you for this? And when do I want to see you back? And how much time is this going to take? Like, let's break down the barriers of treatment planning. There's so many little simple things that if you just implement, you can be very profitable very easily.   And then look at your P L. If you're not looking at your P and L every single week or month, like just being aware, getting into the language of business, that's also gonna help you too. So yes, cut. ⁓ but I found that it's always a lot easier to make sure our collections match, our production matches, and we use those little low hanging fruits. ⁓ and it's there. Like dentistry is such a magical, like, like it's a great lemon tree. You can make a lot of lemonade out of a dental practice. I want you to tell me if I'm right or wrong or or   I think I think there's two threes to double your price. Number one, if three people call your front desk, one is going to come in because they're smart and they need to they know they need to get their teeth clean. One isn't gonna come in for anything and you can hear them vaping and smoking and drinking beer and eating Cheetos on the call. But one out of three needs a little extra push. And if you train the person answering the phone, they can close that one out of three. And if they do, they doubled your practice. Then when they get in, you still got the now you got three people in chair.   One's gonna do what you say because you're a doctor and they've done their their author search and and you say they got a cavity, they're not gonna argue with you. One's not gonna do anything. In fact, in fact in fact I was like I had about a dozen patients that in the middle of my treatment plan, they asked me if they could just take a cigarette break ⁓ from my presentation and they went outside, had a cigarette, came back. They're gonna do it. But the other one in three needs some some closing skills. And so if you if you can close on the phone   You doubled your practice. You you got two butts in instead of instead of one. And if you fix your treatment plan presentation, you're gonna do two cases at one. And I think it's so funny now because the dentists have never let their hygienist or assistant, let alone receptionist, do any diagnosing treatment plan. But now AI, Pearl, and Overjet diagnosing all the cavities. So you wouldn't let your hygienist while she's in there for an hour.   Diagnose and treatment plan and sell the dentistry, the assistant while they're taking FMX, they they can't point out, yeah, see, that's a cavity, you don't need a filling and a root now. yeah, they couldn't do it because they were humans. But now Pearl and Overjeck can do it all day long and you're good with that. I mean, so so what how do you how do you double the close rate from one out of three to two out of three on the phone? How do you double the treatment plan acceptance rate from one to two out of three? Yeah. Do you do you agree those are possible goals?   Absolutely, Howard. I think again, this is the low hanging fruit that people are like, but that feels so hard. And I'm like, choose your hard. Like, is it harder to spend a little time with a front office and train them how to do this? Is it a little like, or is it harder to be cash flow negative? Like you choose what's your hard to me? Absolutely. Let's go after that. And I agree with you. Like teaching a team to preheat an oven, I call it what would doctor do. And so like, let's train our hygienist.   Like I tell all hygienists, doctor should be the second opinion, not the first opinion. And you got Pearl and you got Overjet. And so just spending a little bit of time with your team. So what we typically do for case acceptance, like let's go hit that one quick and then we'll talk about scheduling. Is I'm really big on let's get the whole team where we're talking the same language. So we recommend, like, what would doctor do? I recommend you run this over the course of six weeks, is typically how long it takes, anywhere from six weeks to maybe three months.   but we're gonna sit there and we're literally going to go through. We're gonna pull up an FMX. We're gonna do it one day over lunch. Hygienists, doctors, and if you want front office and dental assistance, rock on. But really, I want my like people that are seeing the bulk of my patients with doctor and hygiene. We're gonna look there and I want all of our hygienists to start like if we have an FMX up there and the interaurals, what is doctor going to recommend and how is doctor gonna talk about it? We're not just gonna sit here and have a nice little chit-chat. We're each gonna write it down because I wanna make sure every hygienist starts to get very, very comfortable. And the goal that I tell all hygienists is   Your goal should be at the end of this, what would doctor do training over six weeks? And if doctors are really consistent with it, I'm like six weeks of training to be able to double your practice and increase your case acceptance to me is a very good use of my time. So if I can do that, doctors and hygienists, you should be able to have 95% accuracy with your doctors at the end of this. And they do it. So hygienists get really lit up and they get very excited about it because now they're able to preheat the oven. They're able to talk to patients about it, use Pearl, use Overjet.   And then doctors, when they tee it up to you, and I say like hygienist, you've got to be the ones who first like introduce it, talk about it with the doctor as soon as they come in, but be real quick. So we introduce the patient, we compliment the patient on something, we recap the treatment that's discussed and we say something personal. Hygienist, you do that, your doctor exams will be much shorter for you and doctors will love it because it's very quick. If we can get that dialed in, and then doctors, you have a very like confirm the treatment.   then recommend exactly what needs to happen. And then we take that same baton up to the front office and front office, we schedule first. We then present the treatment. We use insurance secondary. I'm never leading with insurance. You do these little items which seem like, ⁓ no, that's like very quick, easy things. You're going to rapidly be able to help those ones. And then I do a two two two follow-up. So if they did not close for me and I'm going to go through it and I'm going to work through and I'm going to track all the people that didn't say yes to me and all the people that did say yes to me.   I'm gonna look for patterns. What are people saying yes? Like those are easy ones. Those are the gimme's. Those are the easy patients that Howard said. I'm looking for the people that say no and what's my pattern in there? And how do I change my verbiage? Because treatment planning is 80% psychology, 20% skill. So like what are you thinking? How are we presenting it? What are the words we're saying? One or two little changes usually will close that. What are the patterns and how can I get that number up higher? And I follow up with them in two days, two weeks, two months to make sure that they don't follow off.   People are like, Kiera, you really make your treatment coordinator do that? And like, yeah, I was your treatment coordinator that closed $50,000 same day. And this is exactly what I did. This is how I've trained co offices across the nation to do it. You just have these simple little things that help them out. And then you flip over to our scheduling. Like, I think scheduling's easy, Howard. I genuinely do. I'm like, half of it is just be nice. Like you got the COVID crank, and so many people are so grumpy and so like.   Annoyed when they pick up the phone, then I'm like, you can already leap your ahead by just being nice and being excited to welcome a patient. Then take like charge of that conversation. So let's take the ownership of that conversation. If someone's Do you take my insurance? I'm going to quickly redirect and say, my gosh, how did you hear about us? I'm going to answer that, but I want to find out how did they hear about us? If it's our Google reviews, if it's a referral, if it's somewhere else, I want to like say, my gosh, you're so lucky to be here.   We love our patients. We love our reviews. I can't wait for you to be a great raving fan too. let's talk about this. I can everything can be overcome. Please do not let being out of network stop people. It's a thousand dollar coupon and we're turning people away over that. No, no, no. We are better than that. And if we are the best dentist, they need to be coming to us. We need to win these patients over, make them feel so loved. Let's get them scheduled. Let's make this a great experience for them. Let's make them feel so excited. I did it with PT called like six offices.   And the office I chose, like so many people were annoyed I was calling. Can I put you on hold? Can I do this? And I was like, no one really wants my business. If you're just nice and you take control of that conversation, you can easily turn and transform your practice. So hopefully that was like not too much. I like I love these things. I love training treatment planning. I love training how to like take control of a phone call. I love helping teams overcome those little simple objections because it's very, very simple things.   that make massive leaps and bounds of change. And it's a great way to double your practice very easily, like you said.   The Dental A Team (36:13) All right, Dental A Team listeners, that was the guest interview that I absolutely loved. And I hope that if there was one idea that stood out to you, don't just agree with it, but actually go implement it this week. And if you need help setting this up in your practice or you need help just navigating or need a friend, head on over to TheDentalATeam.com and I'll be able to help you guys out. Click on the book of call or any way that we can support and serve you. That's what we're here for. That's what we're obsessed with. And as always, thanks for listening and I'll catch you next time on the Dental A Team podcast.

What would happen if you gave your marriage the same attention you give your biggest goals?This week, Bob and Mike Foster talk about the habits, conversations, and intentional choices that help relationships flourish. They discuss everything from understanding your spouse's core needs to creating a shared vision worth sacrificing for.It's a conversation about slowing down, getting curious, and investing in the people who matter most. And if you've been looking for an excuse to step away from the noise and focus on your relationship, join them in Maui this December. Learn more at mauicouplesgetaway.com.Connect with Mike: @mikefoster2000Connect with Bob: @bobgoff

Are you planning your Hawaii trip length based on what sounds good instead of what actually works?For Hawaii travelers, the number of days you choose can affect everything from island hopping to jet lag, airport time, and how relaxed your trip actually feels.