Podcasts about Killeen

After an expensive trip to a used bookstore, Dr. Killeen shares why he happily spent more than expected and why he believes books are one of the highest-return investments you'll ever make. A single idea, lesson, or perspective can transform the way you lead your practice, care for patients, or live your life. Today, Dr. Killeen encourages dentists to think differently about investing in themselves. While it's easy to spend money on equipment and technology, the greatest long-term returns often come from growing your own knowledge. Books, courses, and mentors don't cost money as much as they create opportunities that can pay dividends for years to come.

What does it really mean to lead? Dr. Killeen reflects on a powerful perspective from LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault, who views leadership not as owning success, but as caring for something that will outlast him. It's a mindset that challenges leaders to think less about personal achievement and more about leaving people, systems, and organizations stronger than they found them. He explores the difference between building a legacy of privilege and preserving a legacy of craftsmanship. Whether you're mentoring an associate, developing your team, or shaping your practice culture, true leadership is about passing on your knowledge and raising up the next generation. The greatest measure of success is not what you keep, but what you leave behind.

In a world built around convenience, Dr. Killeen makes the case for intentionally choosing a little hardship. From vacations without cell service to simple alarm clocks for his kids, he shares how adding small amounts of friction can lead to greater presence, deeper focus, and stronger relationships. He explores why easier isn't always better, both at home and in the dental practice. By creating space away from constant notifications and distractions, you can become a more thoughtful leader, a more engaged parent, and a more intentional person. Sometimes the best way to move forward is to choose the harder path on purpose.

What if the biggest thing holding your practice back isn't a lack of time, but a lack of focus? In this episode, Dr. Killeen reflects on a timeless quote from the Earl of Chesterfield and explains why trying to tackle too many priorities at once often leads to frustration instead of progress. Using the analogy of sports seasons, Dr. Killeen shares why the best leaders choose one key initiative, give it their full attention, and let everything else wait its turn. Whether you're improving clinical systems, marketing, or team performance, focusing on one priority at a time helps your practice make lasting progress instead of spinning its wheels.

What if your biggest setback is actually preparing you for your greatest success? In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares the inspiring story of Tenzing Norgay's failed 1952 attempt to summit Mount Everest and the simple phrase that carried him through the toughest moments: ça va bien, or "it's going well." Drawing lessons from the mountain to the dental practice, Dr. Killeen explores why failure is never wasted when you're willing to learn from it. Whether it's a difficult case, a hiring mistake, or a disappointing season in your practice, every challenge leaves behind valuable lessons that make the next attempt stronger. The goal is not to avoid failure, but to keep climbing with a positive attitude and the confidence that every experience is moving you forward.

Back to school season is a great reminder that learning should never stop. Today, Dr. Killeen encourages dentists to embrace the mindset of a lifelong student and asks an important question: what are you learning right now? Whether it's improving your clinical skills, becoming a stronger business owner, or investing in your personal life, growth starts with choosing to keep learning. He shares why standing still in dentistry is really falling behind and challenges listeners to enroll in something that will move them forward. Sometimes the best investment you can make is simply picking up your backpack and getting back in the classroom.

What separates wishful thinking from meaningful progress? In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares the timeless fable of Hercules and the farmer to explore the idea of active optimism. It's not enough to believe things will work out. Real optimism is paired with action, and that combination is what creates lasting results. He also looks at research showing the impact optimism can have on success and longevity, while explaining why passive optimism can be just as limiting as pessimism. Whether you're facing challenges in your practice or your personal life, this episode offers a simple reminder to stop waiting for change and take the first step toward making it happen.

What if the biggest risk isn't failing, but never trying? In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares a personal story about encouraging a talented dental assistant to pursue dental school and reflects on the parable of the talents and the danger of playing it safe with the gifts you've been given. He also shares a simple question from an old Dear Abby column: if your dream will take seven or ten years, how old will you be at the end of that time if you don't pursue it? Time is going to pass either way. The real question is what you'll have to show for it. This episode is a reminder to stop waiting for the perfect timeline and put your talents to work.

Why do some people consistently do the things they don't want to do? Dr. Killeen explores Albert Gray's idea that the difference isn't discipline, talent, or even enjoyment of hard work. Successful people have a purpose strong enough to make the uncomfortable work worth doing. From following up on treatment to studying your practice numbers or having difficult conversations with your team, the hard parts of practice ownership aren't going away. He explains why a stronger purpose can make those tasks easier to face and turn them into habits that move you toward the life and practice you're trying to build.

Dr. Killeen explores the law of entropy and what it can teach us about running a great dental practice. Just like a garage gets messier when nobody maintains it, practice systems naturally drift over time. Scheduling protocols get skipped, standards slip, and good habits slowly disappear unless someone actively puts energy back into them. The good news is that this isn't a sign of failure. It's simply the reality of leadership. It's explained why maintaining a strong practice requires continuous reinforcement through training, accountability, reminders, and regular check-ins. The goal isn't to build perfect systems once, but to keep putting energy into them so they stay strong.

How many new patient appointment slots does your practice really need to hit its monthly goals? Dr. Killeen sits down with Ryan Gross to break down the numbers behind new patient scheduling, why a one-to-one ratio doesn't work, and how cancellations, limited hygiene availability, and emergency exams all impact your ability to grow. They discuss strategies like dedicated hygiene and emergency blocks, the 24 to 48 hour scheduling rule, ghost columns, and why every practice needs to find the scheduling formula that fits its unique setup.They also explore how your schedule can become the biggest bottleneck in your new patient funnel, referencing concepts from The Goal and explaining why practices may need 30, 40, or even 50 percent more available appointment blocks than their monthly target. A preview of Ryan's session at the Fall Dental CEO Bootcamp coming up in November is discussed, where he'll share practical ways to improve marketing, optimize KPIs, and use AI to drive practice growth one percent at a time. Visit https://www.addisonkilleen.com/events/ to learn more and sign up for the limited spots available for this event.

What if the questions we're most afraid to ask are actually the ones that could teach us the most? Today, Dr. Killeen shares a lesson from Randall Munroe's What If? and explores why curiosity and asking "why" are essential to becoming a better dentist, leader, and practice owner. Whether it's a clinical technique, a business system, or something you've been doing for years without really understanding, questioning the familiar can lead to better decisions and deeper knowledge. Dr. Killeen challenges listeners to pick one thing they've never questioned and simply ask why. Staying curious may be one of the best ways to keep improving throughout your career.

Addison's journey from owning six practices to building a healthier, more sustainable business What thriving dental practices are doing differently in today's economy Why spending more on marketing isn't the answer to growth How patient experience creates referrals that lower customer acquisition costs The importance of leadership, accountability, and core values Building systems that improve profitability and reduce overhead Using internal referrals as one of the most effective growth engines Why culture is a competitive advantage in dentistry Lessons from coaching practices through the Dental Success Network (DSN) Creative ways to motivate teams and reward membership growth Practical advice for dentists who want to grow without burning out Resources Dr. Addison Killeen

What if the best way to manage your dental practice isn't day by day or month by month, but week by week? In this episode, Dr. Killeen explains why seven days may be the perfect window for spotting meaningful patterns without getting distracted by daily noise or waiting too long to make a change. He also shares how his weekly scorecard helps him stay ahead of production, new patients, reappointment rates, collections, and other key metrics. By reviewing the numbers consistently between Friday and Monday, you can walk into each new week with a clear picture of what happened and a plan for what to improve next.

On today's episode, Dr. Addison Killeen speaks during the Dental Success Summit 2026 about building a stress-free hygiene system that creates clarity, consistency, and less decision fatigue inside the practice. He breaks down the real stress many dentists are feeling right now, from staffing shortages to burnout, and explains why weak hygiene systems can spill over into the entire practice.  Dr. Killeen introduces a practical five-by-five method: five meetings over five weeks focused on clinical protocols, standardized verbiage, stronger handoffs, the right hygiene KPIs, and a functional block schedule. He also shares how better systems can help hygienists communicate more confidently, improve perio diagnosis and treatment acceptance, protect valuable appointment blocks, and give doctors more energy for the decisions that matter most. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares how he is developing leadership within his own practice by teaching his Team Leader, Stephanie, not only how to lead, but how to teach leadership to the leaders beneath her. The goal is to move beyond an owner-centered practice where every decision runs through one person. He breaks down the three layers of this approach: clarity, ownership, and multiplication. When leaders understand the vision, have real authority to make decisions, and learn how to develop other leaders, the impact can spread throughout the entire organization. The goal isn't to become the best leader in the practice. It's to build a practice full of leaders.

What do a group of canoe paddlers trapped by wildfires have to teach dentists and practice owners? Dr. Killeen shares a remarkable real-life story about decision-making under extreme pressure and the habits that helped a team stay calm, work together, and make smart choices when everything around them was changing. Unexpected challenges are inevitable in dentistry and in life. Dr. Killeen explains why the best leaders don't avoid adversity, they develop a process for responding to it. By gathering the facts, leaning on trusted people, and making thoughtful decisions instead of emotional ones, you can navigate uncertainty with confidence, no matter what comes your way.

What does it actually take to host professional golf?This week, Paddy sits down with Cormac Ryan, Director of Golf and Hospitality Operations at Killeen Castle, during tournament week as the venue prepares to host the Irish Challenge on the HotelPlanner Tour.Cormac has been connected with Killeen Castle since 2008, before the resort had even properly opened, and has spent much of his career working across golf operations, tournament staging and hospitality.In this episode, we get behind the scenes of professional golf and explore what goes into creating a tournament that looks effortless to the player and spectator.Cormac also gives us a fascinating insight into the philosophy behind Killeen Castle and why he believes the venue has the potential to become one of the leading tournament venues in Ireland.Powered by ForeGolf Custom.For custom golf club fitting and equipment built around your game, visit ForeGolf Custom at www.foregolf.ie.Subscribe to PaddyTalks Golf on your social media platform of choice for more conversations with the people, places and characters shaping Irish golf. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does your practice exist beyond providing dental care? In this episode, Dr. Killeen explores Simon Sinek's idea of starting with your "why" and explains how a clear purpose can shape every patient interaction, every team decision, and the culture of your practice. Using Capital Dental's mission to make dentistry different as an example, he shares how small actions, like greeting patients with a genuine smile and bringing positive energy to every phone call, reinforce your purpose. When your team understands the "why" behind what they do, creating exceptional patient experiences becomes a natural part of everyday practice.

Pillar Church of Killeen-God's Work in Year One - Act 13:1-3; 14:21-28

What if achieving your goals wasn't about doing more, but about becoming someone different? Today, Dr. Killeen explores the powerful connection between identity and habits, explaining why lasting change starts with how you see yourself, not with another checklist or to-do list. From leading a successful practice to improving your health or becoming a more intentional parent, he shares how adopting the right identity makes consistent habits feel natural instead of forced. When you focus on becoming the person you want to be, the actions that support your goals become part of who you are.

What keeps you moving when motivation fades? In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares why signing up for a challenging 150-mile gravel race is less about cycling and more about creating a goal that demands preparation. Sometimes the best way to build better habits is to put something meaningful on the calendar that pushes you outside your comfort zone. The same principle applies to dentistry and practice ownership. Whether it's mastering a new procedure, improving key metrics, or tackling a long-delayed challenge, having a clear goal with a deadline creates focus, accountability, and momentum. The goal itself matters, but the discipline it builds is what creates lasting growth.

Thank you to Killeen, Texas' own Spark Dawg for coming on my show for an interview! Spark Dawg discussed his new album The Hood Dentist, being a jeweler, and designing grillz for celebrities. He talked about being signed to Drumma Boy's Drum Squad Records, his time signed to Scarface, and working with Sauce Walka. Spark Dawg also spoke about his upcoming performances, wanting to work with Drake and Future, and more. Stay tuned! Spark Dawg's new album The Hood Dentist is available on all platforms, including Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-hood-dentist/6782959452. Follow Spark Dawg on Instagram: @spark_a_gram and X: @sparkdawgmusic Follow me on Instagram and X: @thereelmax Website: https://maxcoughlan.com/index.html. Website live show streaming link: https://maxcoughlan.com/sports-and-hip-hop-with-dj-mad-max-live-stream.html. MAD MAX Radio on Live365: https://live365.com/station/MAD-MAX-Radio-a15096. Subscribe to my YouTube channel Sports and Hip Hop with DJ Mad Max: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCE0107atIPV-mVm0M3UJyPg. Spark Dawg on "Sports and Hip-Hop with DJ Mad Max" visual on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1Dk450NljI. 

As a dentist, your time is your most valuable asset. In this episode, Dr. Killeen explores why so many practice owners spend too much of their day on tasks that could be handled by someone else, creating unnecessary bottlenecks that limit growth and increase stress. Learn why working at the top of your license is essential for both your practice and your quality of life. Dr. Killeen shares how effective delegation, team training, and trust can free you to focus on the work only you can do, while empowering your team to perform at their highest level.

Finding new patients is important, but what if some of your best opportunities are already sitting in your practice management software? In this episode, Dr. Killeen explains why inactive patients are one of the most overlooked growth opportunities and how reconnecting with people who already know and trust your practice can deliver a better return than constantly chasing new leads. He shares a simple system for identifying patients who have fallen off the schedule and reaching out with a genuine message that makes them feel welcomed back. Small efforts to reactivate existing relationships can strengthen patient care, fill the schedule, and help your practice grow without increasing your marketing budget.

In October 1991, a pickup truck crashed through the front window of a Luby's Cafeteria in Killeen, Texas. What followed was one of the deadliest mass shootings in American history (at the time).  In this episode, I examine the events of that tragic day, the victims whose lives were forever changed, and the lasting impact the massacre had on discussions surrounding public safety, concealed carry laws, and mass violence in the United States. This episode was previously released as a Patreon-exclusive bonus episode and is being shared with all listeners this week. If you'd like to hear more full-length bonus episodes like this one, join Military Murder on Patreon. Free members can listen ad-free through the end of August, and $5 members receive access to more than 60 exclusive bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and an entirely ad-free listening experience.  Listener discretion is advised. ⸻

This episode explores a simple lesson inspired by grilling steaks. While most people focus on the center cut, the best bites are often found around the edges. Dr. Killeen explains how the same idea applies to dental conferences, CE events, and study clubs, where the most valuable insights often come from conversations outside the lecture hall. He also shares why the Dental CEO Bootcamp in Lincoln, NE was intentionally designed to create those meaningful connections in a small group setting. Whether you're attending an event this year or considering one in the future, you'll learn why the relationships you build can have just as much impact as the education you receive.

Today, Dr. Killeen explains why one of the biggest opportunities for practice growth is often sitting right in the chair. When patients are already in the office and ready for treatment, offering same-day care can eliminate extra trips, reduce delays, and make it easier for patients to say yes. He also shares how creating a schedule with built-in flexibility allows your team to capture these moments without adding stress. Small operational changes can improve patient care, increase production, and help your practice grow without spending another dollar on marketing.

Talking about treatment costs doesn't have to be uncomfortable. In this episode, Dr. Killeen explains why the financial conversation is one of the most important moments in the patient journey and how the way your team presents fees can make the difference between a patient moving forward or walking away. Learn how confidence, empathy, and clear payment options can help patients feel comfortable saying yes to the care they need. A smooth handoff from the operatory to the front desk doesn't just improve case acceptance, it builds trust and creates a better experience for everyone involved.

What if one simple mindset could strengthen your relationships with patients, your team, and even complete strangers? In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares a lesson inspired by aerospace CEO Peter Coffman: "Go positive, go first." It's a simple idea that can transform the way you connect with the people around you. From dropping his son off at summer camp to greeting patients in the operatory, Dr. Killeen explains why taking the first step with kindness, encouragement, and genuine positivity often creates the same response in return. Small actions can build trust, create stronger relationships, and set the tone for a better day both inside and outside the practice.

For many potential patients, your Google Business Profile is the very first interaction they have with your practice. In this episode, Dr. Killeen explains why this free marketing tool plays such a critical role in attracting new patients and why keeping it updated can have a bigger impact than many paid advertising efforts. From photos and office hours to reviews and practice information, small details can make the difference between earning a new patient or being overlooked. Learn how a few simple updates can help your practice stand out when patients are searching for a dentist.

One of the most important marketing assets for your practice isn't your website or your advertising budget. It's your Google Business Profile. Today, Dr. Killeen explains why this often overlooked listing is the first impression many new patients have of your practice and how it can influence whether they call you or the office down the street. Keeping your profile complete and up to date, with accurate information, great photos, and strong reviews, is one of the easiest ways to attract more patients. A few simple updates can make a big difference in how your practice stands out when people are searching for a dentist.

The highest quality new patients usually aren't coming from ads or marketing campaigns. They're coming from the people who already love your practice. Dr. Killeen explains why patient referrals remain the most powerful form of marketing and how they create trust long before a new patient walks through the door. Discover how a genuine conversation can encourage more referrals without feeling awkward or salesy. By delivering a great patient experience and confidently asking for referrals at the right moment, you can build a practice that grows through trust, loyalty, and word of mouth.

In this episode, Dr. Killeen explains why your Google reviews have become one of the most important factors in attracting new patients and why they often have a bigger impact than your marketing budget. Before a new patient ever picks up the phone, they've probably already looked you up online. A simple, consistent process for asking happy patients to leave reviews can strengthen your online reputation and build trust before someone ever walks through your doors. Small daily habits can lead to hundreds of five-star reviews and help your practice stand out for years to come.

Not every problem in a dental practice is obvious. In this episode, Dr. Killeen highlights one of the biggest hidden drains on growth: patients leaving hygiene appointments without scheduling their next visit. While many practices focus on attracting new patients, keeping the ones you already have is often the highest return investment. He explains why tracking your hygiene reappointment rate is one of the most important metrics in your practice and how a simple, consistent pre-appointment process can create a healthier schedule, stronger patient retention, and long-term growth. Small improvements in this area can compound into big results over time.

Every new patient relationship begins with a phone call, and those first 90 seconds can determine whether someone schedules an appointment or calls the next office on their list. In this episode, Dr. Killeen explains why the new patient phone call is one of the highest value moments in your practice and why it deserves more attention than it often gets. Learn what makes a great first impression, from answering the phone warmly to guiding the conversation toward a scheduled appointment. A well-trained front desk team can turn every marketing dollar into long-term patient relationships and set the tone for an exceptional patient experience from the very first hello.

A great day at the practice often starts before the first patient walks through the door. In this episode, Dr. Killeen explains why the morning huddle may be the highest return meeting your team has and how just 10 to 15 minutes of preparation can prevent hours of confusion and stress. Learn what makes a morning huddle effective, from reviewing the schedule to identifying opportunities and setting the tone for the day. A simple, consistent routine can improve communication, strengthen teamwork, and help your practice stay proactive instead of constantly reacting.

Dr. Killeen explores how creating intentional constraints can sharpen your skills, improve your focus, and help you find smarter ways to deliver excellent patient care without sacrificing quality. What if becoming more efficient wasn't about working harder, but about working within better limits? From timing routine procedures to challenging yourself with realistic goals, small constraints can uncover wasted motion and streamline your workflow. A simple shift in mindset can benefit your patients, support your team, and make your practice more productive and enjoyable to run.

In this episode, Dr. Killeen reflects on why there is no universal timeline for growth, success, or change, and why comparing your current chapter to someone else's or to your own past can keep you from making the most of where you are today. Every dental practice and every life moves through different seasons. Whether your focus is hiring, improving your clinical skills, strengthening your finances, or simply navigating a challenging personal season, each stage has a purpose. Dr. Killeen encourages you to identify the season you're in, embrace it fully, and discover the lessons and opportunities it has to offer instead of always looking ahead to what's next.

A quick text can mean something very different to the person receiving it than it does to the person sending it. In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares a simple interaction with a hygienist that became a reminder of how easily tone can be lost in digital communication and why leaders need to be especially intentional with their words. Drawing on insights from Digital Body Language, Dr. Killeen explains how clear, thoughtful communication builds trust in a busy dental practice. We can learn why a few extra seconds spent adding warmth to a message can strengthen relationships, reduce misunderstandings, and help your team feel supported instead of second guessing your intent.

Where do you want your practice and your life to be 10 years from now? In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares why having a clear long-term vision is one of the most valuable things you can do as a practice owner. Without it, it's easy to spend your days reacting instead of intentionally building the future you want. A strong vision acts like a compass, making today's decisions much easier. He encourages you to step back, picture your ideal practice a decade from now, and start making choices that move you toward it, one day at a time.

For years, Fort Hood has been plagued by an unsettling string of murders, disappearances, suspicious deaths, and allegations of institutional failure that have left grieving families searching for answers. This week, we dive into the history of one of America's largest military installations, explore the cases that brought it under national scrutiny, and examine the competing theories—from leadership failures and violent crime to cartel rumors and even whispers of something more sinister. What's been going on at  Fort Hood... and why? Merch and more: www.badmagicproductions.com  Timesuck Discord! https://discord.gg/tqzH89v Want to join the Cult of the Curious PrivateFacebook Group? Go directly to Facebook and search for "Cult of the Curious" to locate whatever happens to be our most current page :) For all merch-related questions/problems: store@badmagicproductions.com (copy and paste) Please rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and elsewhere and follow the suck on social media!! @timesuckpodcast on IG and http://www.facebook.com/timesuckpodcast Wanna become a Space Lizard? Click here: https://www.patreon.com/timesuckpodcast. Sign up through Patreon, and for $5 a month, you get access to the entire Secret Suck catalog (295 episodes) PLUS the entire catalog of Timesuck, AD FREE. You'll also get 20% off of all regular Timesuck merch PLUS access to exclusive Space Lizard merch. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Killeen builds on the idea of deep versus surface knowledge by exploring an important question: what happens when we begin outsourcing not just our tasks, but our thinking? As AI becomes a bigger part of everyday life, it's worth asking which skills we should delegate and which ones we need to keep strengthening ourselves. Using examples from dentistry, leadership, and technology, he explains why tools like AI should amplify good judgment, not replace it. Just as a bicycle or motorcycle makes a rider more capable, the value of AI depends on the person using it. In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares why protecting your ability to think critically may be one of the most important habits you build. The best tools can make you faster, but only if you're the one steering.

In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares a memorable story about Nobel Prize-winning physicist Max Planck and his chauffeur to illustrate the difference between sounding knowledgeable and truly understanding your craft. In a world filled with endless information and AI-generated answers, real expertise comes from depth, not memorization. Whether it's clinical dentistry, practice leadership, or understanding your business, lasting success is built through experience, curiosity, and consistent learning. Surface knowledge may look convincing, but it's deep understanding that helps you adapt, solve problems, and grow with confidence. Dr. Killeen encourages listeners to identify one area where they can move beyond knowing the right answers and begin developing true mastery.

Today, Dr. Killeen shares a refreshing perspective on problem-solving that can change the way you approach your workday. Instead of trying to eliminate every item on your to-do list, he explains why real progress comes from identifying and solving the one or two problems that are actually holding your practice back. From leadership challenges to operational bottlenecks, it's easy to stay busy with small tasks while avoiding the bigger issues that require more time and attention. Learning to prioritize what truly matters is often the difference between staying busy and moving forward. It's discussed why success isn't about solving every problem. It's about focusing on the ones that clear the path ahead and create momentum for everything else.

Dr. Killeen explores a simple but powerful idea: big failures rarely happen all at once. More often, they're the result of countless small compromises that slowly pull us away from the practice, leadership style, and life we originally set out to build. Whether it's hiring someone who doesn't fit your culture, avoiding a difficult conversation, or saying yes to commitments that don't align with your priorities, those small decisions add up over time. The clearer your goals are, the easier it becomes to recognize the compromises that are quietly steering you off course. In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares why defining your goals is one of the best ways to protect your time, your culture, and your future. When you know what you're building, it becomes much easier to say no to what doesn't belong.

Today, Dr. Killeen explores the idea that most real growth in dentistry does not happen in front of anyone. It happens in what he calls the “dark hours,” those quiet moments when no one is watching, no one is praising, and no one even knows the work is happening. From late nights refining clinical skills to early mornings thinking through leadership decisions, these unseen hours are where true talent is built. What looks like natural ability is often just the result of consistent, unglamorous effort repeated over time.mHe breaks down why dark hours matter more than we realize and how they quietly shape skill, confidence, and leadership. The good news is that anyone can invest in them, and they compound over time into visible results in practice and life.

Dr. Killeen shares a story from a family trip rock climbing in Custer State Park and how it sparked a simple but powerful leadership insight. Out on the rocks, no one was competing with others. The only focus was personal progress, getting a little higher and a little cleaner than the last attempt. That same mindset applies directly to dentistry and practice ownership. Instead of measuring success against other offices or outside circumstances, real growth comes from looking inward at your own systems, habits, and results. The most meaningful competition is the one against your last version of yourself. Dr. Killeen breaks down why “average looks out, elite looks in” and how shifting your focus to internal benchmarks can create steady, sustainable improvement in your practice.

In July 1990, a 13-year-old girl disappears in the early hours after sneaking out to see her twin sister in Killeen, Texas. When she is reported missing, police quickly classify her as a runaway and the case receives little to no investigation, leaving her family without answers and her case to fade into obscurity. But as the years pass, a troubling pattern emerges - one involving abuse allegations, inconsistent witness accounts, and a system that failed to properly follow through. With every new detail, the question of what really happened that night becomes more urgent, and more complicated. Decades later, her younger sister begins digging into the truth, uncovering long-buried information and reigniting an investigation that had gone cold for years. In episode 408, Jac and Lex explore the disappearance of Deanna Merryfield, and her sister Melissa's relentless fight to finally uncover what happened to her.