The Bloom Effect with Cassie Kellner

Cassie Kellner
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The Bloom Effect with Cassie Kellner is a podcast for teams who care about how they lead and how they grow along the way. Each week, Cassie sits down with guests to talk about the things that don’t always get said out loud: the messiness of leadership, building culture from the inside out, and learning to show up in a way that feels like you. These conversations are honest, unpolished, and rooted in real experience. If you're building something you believe in and want a space that feels steady, this is it. New episodes drop bi-weekly.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Rethinking Efficiency with Dr. Brandon Owen

    “Indirect bonding is a hurdle you have to clear to get the benefit of custom.” In this candid and thought-provoking conversation, host Cassie Kellner sits down with Dr. Brandon Owen, an orthodontist, innovator, and founder of KLOwen Braces, to talk about why orthodontics is overdue for change. Dr. Owen shares the frustration that led him to build a custom braces system designed to reduce stress, eliminate unnecessary detailing, and remove the doctor bottleneck that slows down so many practices. What began as a search for work-life balance turned into a deep dive into biomechanics, efficiency, and the hidden cost of outdated systems. Cassie and Dr. Owen unpack why indirect bonding alone is not the solution, why dabbling in custom systems often leads to failure, and what full commitment actually looks like inside a practice. They also explore how reducing repos, wire bends, and unnecessary appointments shifts the energy of an entire team. This episode is a challenge to the orthodontist who feels behind, overworked, or stuck in inefficiency. It is an invitation to lead differently. We talk about:→ Why indirect bonding is not the win→ The real reason dabbling breaks momentum→ How the doctor becomes the bottleneck→ Reducing repos, wire bends, and stress→ Why custom systems require full commitment→ Creating efficiency that protects your team About Dr. Brandon OwenDr. Brandon Owen, DDS, MS, is President and Founder of KLOwen Braces and a practicing orthodontist at Owen Orthodontic Center in Lakeway, Texas. He received the AAO Ortho Innovator Award in 2019 and honorable mention in 2024 and 2025. A Board-Certified Orthodontist and member of the Angle Society, he holds nine original patents along with multiple continuation patents and consults for over a dozen digital orthodontic companies. Dr. Owen named KLOwen in memory of his oldest son, Keller Logan Owen, who passed away suddenly in 2011. 🎧 Listen + SubscribeTune in on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube. If this conversation resonates, share it with your team or an associate who is ready to think differently about efficiency. Ready to grow, lead, and bloom? Visit DiscoverEverbloom.com. Episode Links & ResourcesVisit Owen Orthodontic Center Connect with EverbloomVisit EverbloomFollow on InstagramSubscribe to The Bloom Effect Episode Chapters00:00 Welcome and the efficiency conversation03:20 The frustration that sparked innovation08:40 Why indirect bonding is not enough14:10 The cost of dabbling in new systems21:00 The doctor as the bottleneck28:10 Reducing stress across the team35:00 Staffing challenges and burnout42:15 What full commitment looks like47:00 Final encouragement to lead differently Topics we explore in this episode include:orthodontic efficiency, custom braces systems, reducing repos and wire bends, indirect bonding limitations, orthodontic leadership, practice scalability, workflow optimization, burnout prevention in orthodontics, digital orthodontic innovation

    48 min

  2. 24 FEB

    Building Your Brand with Dr. Sable Staller

    “It's only embarrassing until you're famous.” In this real and energizing conversation, host Cassie Kellner sits down with Dr. Sable Staller, an orthodontist at Eastside Orthodontics in New York City, to talk about what it looks like to build your voice before you feel fully ready. Dr. Staller shares her journey from small-town Indiana to practicing orthodontics in Manhattan, and how posting on TikTok during residency quietly changed the trajectory of her career. What started as a creative outlet became a powerful tool for connection, confidence, and opportunity. Cassie and Dr. Staller unpack the fear of being seen, the cringe that comes with putting yourself out there, and the mindset shift that helps you move anyway. They also explore how social media can open doors far beyond patient acquisition, from professional relationships to job opportunities, and why young orthodontists are thinking differently about brand ownership in today’s landscape. The conversation takes a meaningful turn as Dr. Staller shares her decision to freeze her eggs and why protecting her future self felt just as important as building her practice today. It’s an honest reminder that ambition and personal life are not competing forces — they can coexist with intention. This episode is a nudge for the orthodontist who has something to say but hasn’t pressed post yet. We talk about:→ Why social media is more than marketing→ Pushing past embarrassment and believing in yourself→ Building a brand as an associate orthodontist→ Using authenticity to create trust→ Expanding your network beyond your zip code→ Making decisions today that honor your future About Dr. Sable StallerDr. Sable Staller is a New York City orthodontist at Eastside Orthodontics who leads with compassion and prioritizes each patient’s chief concerns. Originally from Indiana, she began sharing orthodontic education and glimpses of life in NYC online during residency. Today, she has built a strong social presence that connects patients, colleagues, and young professionals navigating their ortho journeys. 🎧 Listen + SubscribeTune in on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube. If this conversation resonates, share it with an orthodontist or teammate who needs a reminder that visibility starts with courage. Ready to grow, lead, and bloom? Visit DiscoverEverbloom.com. Episode Links & ResourcesVisit Eastside OrthodonticsFollow Dr. Staller on InstagramFollow Dr. Staller on TikTokConnect on FacebookConnect on LinkedIn Connect with EverbloomVisit EverbloomFollow on InstagramSubscribe to The Bloom Effect Episode Chapters00:00 Welcome from Manhattan02:10 From Indiana to NYC orthodontics06:15 Posting on TikTok during residency10:40 It’s only embarrassing until it works15:30 Social media beyond patient marketing20:50 Building a brand as an associate26:00 Expanding your professional circle31:20 Freezing your eggs and honoring your future37:30 Final encouragement to just start Topics we explore in this episode include:orthodontic leadership, building a personal brand in dentistry, social media for orthodontists, associate orthodontist growth, authenticity in healthcare, women in orthodontics, career development in dentistry, networking through social platforms, mindset, and visibility

    41 min

  3. 10 FEB

    Busy Isn’t the Same as Healthy with Mandy Madeline

    “Busy teams are often compensating for broken systems.” In this honest and practical conversation, host Cassie Kellner sits down with Mandy Madeline, Champion of Practice Transformation and founder of Bite Sized Solutions, to talk about what is really happening inside busy dental practices and why effort alone is rarely the issue. Mandy shares her journey from chairside dentistry into operations and leadership, and how years of working inside practices revealed a common pattern. Production was strong, teams were working hard, but systems were unclear. Handoffs broke down, expectations lived in people’s heads, and leaders quietly carried the weight of keeping everything together. This episode also marks a major milestone for Everbloom. Cassie officially announces the expansion of Everbloom into the general dentistry space, bringing the same people-first, systems-driven approach that has supported orthodontic teams to dental practices ready to grow with clarity and intention. Mandy joins the Everbloom team to lead this new division, helping practices build sustainable systems that support both growth and team well-being. Cassie and Mandy explore why “busy” often masks deeper operational gaps, how miscommunication creates unnecessary stress in admin and clinical teams, and why clear playbooks are essential for sustainable growth. From personality tools like the Enneagram to simple, searchable systems teams can actually use, this episode offers a grounded look at how practices can scale with clarity instead of chaos. We talk about:→ Why busy does not equal healthy→ How unclear handoffs create hidden inefficiencies→ The cost of systems living in people’s heads→ Culture as a daily behavior, not a poster on the wall→ Using personality tools to improve communication→ Building playbooks teams use beyond onboarding About Mandy MadelineMandy Madeline is the founder of Bite Sized Solutions and a dental operations strategist who helps practices simplify systems, strengthen team communication, and scale without chaos. With over 18 years of hands-on experience from clinical roles to operating dental practices, Mandy brings practical, people-first solutions that reduce burnout and elevate both patient and team experiences. She is known for translating complexity into clarity and helping leaders build systems that support growth, culture, and long-term sustainability. 🎧 Listen + SubscribeTune in on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, and if this episode resonates, share it with a leader or teammate who feels the weight of holding everything together. Ready to build systems that actually support your team? Visit DiscoverEverbloom.com. Episode Links & ResourcesLearn more about Bite Sized SolutionsFollow Mandy on InstagramConnect with Mandy on LinkedInDownload the 2026 Vision Setting Workbook Connect with EverbloomLearn more about EverbloomFollow on InstagramSubscribe to The Bloom Effect Episode Chapters00:00 Welcome and setting the conversation02:45 Mandy’s background and path into operations06:30 When production is strong but systems fail10:15 Busy versus healthy inside dental practices14:40 Where handoffs and expectations break down19:10 Personality tools and communication gaps24:20 Why playbooks must live beyond onboarding29:40 Leadership responsibility and modeling systems34:50 Final reflections and how to connect with Mandy Topics we explore in this episode include:dental operations, practice growth, team communication, leadership development, practice systems, playbooks, culture building, scaling dental practices, patient experience, burnout prevention

    32 min

  4. 27 JAN

    Caring for Your Body Matters with Stephanie Botts

    “Pain is your body’s way of telling you something needs to change.” In this candid and eye-opening conversation, host Cassie Kellner sits down with Stephanie Botts, BS, RDH, CEAS, founder of Polished Posture, to talk about a topic that quietly affects nearly every orthodontic and dental team: ergonomics, pain, and the long-term cost of pushing through. Stephanie shares her personal journey as a clinical dental hygienist who loved her work but found herself struggling with chronic pain, and how a breaking point during COVID led her to rethink what “normal” had become in dentistry. What started as a search for answers became a calling to help dental professionals protect their bodies, extend their careers, and feel better at the end of the day. Cassie and Stephanie explore why pain has been normalized in dental settings, how women-specific challenges like pregnancy, hormonal shifts, and equipment design factor into injury rates, and why small, practical changes can make a meaningful difference. From micro-breaks and positioning to advocacy and awareness, this episode invites leaders and team members alike to rethink how we care for the people behind the chair. We talk about:→ Why pain is not “just part of the job”→ The hidden cost of reactive ergonomics→ Women-specific challenges in dentistry→ Simple shifts that reduce strain and burnout→ Preventive ergonomics for long-term career health→ Advocating for yourself and your body at work About Stephanie BottsStephanie Botts, BS, RDH, CEAS, is a clinical dental hygienist and Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist with over 17 years of experience. She is the founder of Polished Posture, where she provides in-office and virtual ergonomics consulting, coaching, and continuing education for dental professionals. Stephanie also hosts the podcast Straight Up With Steph and creates educational content through her courses and memberships, helping clinicians optimize ergonomics in and out of the operatory to support pain-free practice and career longevity. 🎧 Listen + SubscribeTune in on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, and if this episode resonates, share it with a teammate or leader who might need this conversation. Ready to support your team in practicing longer and feeling better? Visit DiscoverEverbloom.com. Episode Links & ResourcesLearn more about Polished PostureFollow Stephanie on InstagramConnect with Stephanie on LinkedInExplore on-demand ergonomics coursesListen to Straight Up With Steph Connect with EverbloomLearn More About EverbloomFollow on InstagramSubscribe to The Bloom Effect Episode Chapters00:00 Welcome + setting the conversation02:30 Stephanie’s clinical background and early pain06:40 The breaking point that changed everything10:20 Why pain has been normalized in dentistry14:30 Women-specific challenges and equipment design19:10 Preventive ergonomics and small daily shifts24:40 Micro-breaks, positioning, and blood flow29:30 Advocacy, awareness, and career longevity34:40 Final reflections and where to find Stephanie Topics we explore in this episode include:dental ergonomics, orthodontic team health, women’s health in dentistry, preventive ergonomics, career longevity, burnout prevention, practice leadership, workplace wellness, musculoskeletal health

    37 min

  5. 13 JAN

    Your Practice Will Only Grow at the Rate of Your Clarity

    "Your word of the year only works if your team actually uses it." In this first solo episode of 2026, Cassie talks about why most words of the year start with excitement and quietly disappear by spring, and what to do differently if you want real change. This episode is about slowing down, reflecting honestly on the year you just lived, and choosing a shared word that helps your team make better decisions, communicate more clearly, and stay aligned when things feel busy or messy. "You don't need a perfect word. You need one your team can come back to." Cassie shares:– Why words of the year often fade once the year gets busy– How reflecting on peaks and pits builds trust and alignment– Why choosing a word together matters more than choosing the right word– How clarity reduces repetition and frustration– Simple ways to bring your word into meetings, systems, and daily decisions 💡 Sponsor Spotlight: The Ortho SocietyThis episode is sponsored by The Ortho Society, a small, in-person meeting for orthodontic leaders. Cassie co-hosts alongside practice management expert Lindsay Quinn, guiding practices through team growth planning, workflows, dashboards, and practical systems you can actually use. The next cohort meets June 4 and 5 in San Diego. Applications are open, and space is limited. About Cassie KellnerCassie Kellner is the founder of Everbloom and host of The Bloom Effect. A former chairside assistant turned team coach, she works with orthodontic practices across the country to strengthen leadership, communication, and team culture through practical systems and honest conversations. Episode Links & Ways to ConnectFree leadership resources from EverbloomLearn more about working togetherFollow along on InstagramSubscribe to The Bloom Effect Listen on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube. If this episode resonates, share it with your team or another practice leader. Leaving a review helps more teams find these conversations. Episode Chapters00:00 Welcome and setting the tone for 202602:45 Why most words of the year fade06:10 Reflecting on the full year, not just the ending10:25 Peaks and pits with your team14:10 Turning a word into daily practice17:40 Clarity, communication, and alignment20:20 Final thoughts Topics we explore in this episode include:orthodontic leadership, team communication, practice culture, leadership clarity, word of the year, practice systems, intentional leadership

    28 min

  6. 23/12/2025

    Breaking the Resentment Cycle with Cassie Kellner

    "Reactive leadership always, 100% of the time, leads to resentment." In this final solo episode of the year, Cassie gets honest about a pattern she sees again and again in orthodontic practices — leaders who feel exhausted, frustrated, and quietly resentful of the very business they worked so hard to build. This conversation is about what happens when clarity is missing, systems fall behind growth, and leaders slowly become the bottleneck without realizing it. Cassie breaks down why resentment rarely comes from your team, and almost always comes from reactive leadership, unclear roles, and tolerating chaos for too long. “You are not necessarily resenting your team. You’re actually resenting the structure, or lack of it.” Cassie talks about:– The signs you’re leading reactively instead of intentionally– Why resentment builds when systems don’t keep pace with growth– How leaders unknowingly become the bottleneck– The difference between burnout and lack of clarity– Why tolerating chaos slowly erodes pride and joy– Simple ways to reset without overhauling everything 💡 Sponsor Spotlight: The Ortho SocietyThis episode is sponsored by The Ortho Society, an intimate, in-person meeting in San Diego on May 15–16. Cassie will co-host alongside practice management expert Lindsay Quinn, guiding attendees through Asana workflows, AI systems, CEO dashboards, and team growth pathways. Day one focuses on learning; day two is hands-on implementation. Apply at DiscoverEverbloom.com. About Cassie KellnerCassie Kellner is the founder of Everbloom and host of The Bloom Effect. A former chairside assistant turned team coach, she brings real, behind-the-scenes perspective on leadership, culture, and what it takes to build orthodontic practices that truly thrive. Cassie works with orthodontic teams across the country through coaching, leadership programs, and team development that put people first. Episode Links & Ways to ConnectGet free resources and leadership tools from Everbloom Learn more about Everbloom and how we work with teams Follow along on Instagram for leadership insight and behind-the-scenes Subscribe to The Bloom Effect so you never miss an episode Tune in on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube. If this episode resonates, share it with your team or a fellow practice leader, and leave a review to help more leaders find these conversations. Episode Chapters00:00 Welcome + why this conversation matters02:35 The quiet build of resentment06:05 Signs you’ve become the bottleneck09:50 Reactive leadership vs. intentional leadership13:40 Why systems — not people — create burnout17:30 Choosing clarity over chaos20:45 Final thoughts + closing out the year Topics we explore in this episode includeleadership in orthodontics, reactive leadership, practice ownership mindset, orthodontic team structure, leadership burnout, practice systems, team clarity, sustainable leadership

    24 min

  7. 16/12/2025

    Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be with Dr. Melanie Wang

    “Discomfort is the tuition for growth.” In this thoughtful and refreshingly honest conversation, host Cassie Kellner sits down with Dr. Melanie Wang, DDS, MSD, to explore what she calls her “midlife practice season” — the chapter where clarity deepens, courage expands, and life experience becomes your greatest leadership tool. Melanie shares what it has meant to grow a practice while raising three kids, evolve through multiple seasons of identity, and learn to build a culture rooted in trust, safety, and genuine care. From creating buffer systems to protect her team to making the bold decision to purchase commercial real estate in San Diego, she opens up about the moments that stretched her, steadied her, and ultimately shaped the leader she is today. Cassie and Melanie also talk about the quiet space running gave her — 11 marathons’ worth — and how training for Boston became both a metaphor and a mirror. What emerges is a portrait of a woman in her stride: grounded, growing, and deeply connected to what matters. This episode offers a heartfelt perspective for anyone navigating big decisions, shifting seasons of life, or becoming the leader their own story has prepared them to be. We talk about:→ Finding clarity in your midlife practice season→ Building trust, safety, and sustainable culture→ Leadership that evolves alongside motherhood and life shifts→ Taking bold steps like buying commercial real estate→ Running as reflection, rhythm, and personal grounding→ Redefining success after nearly two decades in practice Sponsor Spotlight: The Ortho SocietyThis episode is sponsored by The Ortho Society, an intimate, in-person meeting in San Diego on May 15–16. Cassie will co-host alongside practice management expert Lindsay Quinn, guiding attendees through Asana workflows, AI systems, CEO dashboards, and team growth pathways. Day one focuses on learning; day two is hands-on implementation. Apply at DiscoverEverbloom.com. About Dr. Melanie WangDr. Melanie Wang is a board-certified orthodontist and practice owner based in San Diego, where she leads two thriving locations with a focus on trust, teamwork, and elevated patient experience. With more than 18 years in the field, she is known for her passion for digital innovation, mentorship, and creating cultures where teams feel supported and empowered. A mom of three and an 11-time marathon runner — including the Boston Marathon — Melanie brings a grounded, real-life perspective to leadership, growth, and the evolving seasons of practice ownership. 🎧 Listen + SubscribeTune in on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube — and if this episode resonates, share it with another leader. Your support helps more practices find the show and grow with intention. Ready to bring this kind of energy into your practice? Visit DiscoverEverbloom.com. Episode Links & ResourcesLearn more about Dr. Melanie OrthodonticsConnect with Dr. Melanie on InstagramFollow Dr. Melanie’s community on Facebook Connect with EverbloomLearn more about EverbloomFollow Everbloom on InstagramSubscribe to The Bloom Effect podcast Episode Chapters00:00 Welcome + sponsor message01:10 Early years, family life + her evolving identity04:20 Opening her practice straight out of residency07:00 Creating trust, safety + buffer systems10:40 Leading through motherhood + life transitions14:20 Building culture through presence + daily connection18:00 Midlife clarity + buying commercial real estate22:40 Discomfort as tuition for growth26:10 Running, solitude + the Boston Marathon journey31:40 Perspective, balance + redefining success37:30 Parenting, checklists + what keeps her grounded41:00 Closing reflections Topics we explore in this episode include:midlife leadership, orthodontic culture, practice growth, team trust, leadership evolution, women in orthodontics, mindset shifts, work-life balance, personal development, marathon mindset

    42 min

  8. 09/12/2025

    Mindset Shifts with Janna Nelson

    “There’s a moment when everything shifts — when you realize you’re allowed to choose what serves you and let go of what doesn’t.” In this honest and grounded conversation, host Cassie Kellner reconnects with longtime friend and former lead assistant Janna Nelson, now an integration specialist with Ulab. Janna shares her two-decade journey in dentistry — from becoming a young mom and finding her way into the dental field, to building a career in ortho, to stepping into a role she once never imagined she could hold. Cassie and Janna talk about the self-doubt so many assistants carry, the pressure in high-volume practices, and the turning point that comes when you hit your 40s and start seeing your life and priorities with new clarity. Janna reflects on the mindset shifts that helped her grow, the moments she questioned her path, and the work-life balance she now advocates for teams across the country. This episode is warm, real, and deeply relatable for anyone who has ever wondered what’s next for them — in leadership, in their career, or in the way they show up for their own life. We talk about:→ The evolution from ortho assistant to integration specialist→ Confidence, imposter syndrome, and trusting your experience→ How your 40s bring a new perspective on balance and growth→ What teams really need to feel supported→ Why culture and clear training make or break a practice Sponsor Spotlight: The Ortho SocietyThis episode is sponsored by The Ortho Society, an intimate, in-person meeting in San Diego on May 15–16. Cassie will co-host alongside practice management expert Lindsay Quinn, guiding attendees through building Asana workflows, AI systems, CEO dashboards, and team growth pathways. Day one focuses on learning and systems; day two is dedicated to hands-on implementation with peers. Spots are limited — apply at DiscoverEverbloom.com. About Janna NelsonJanna has been in the dental field for more than 20 years, with over 15 years in orthodontics as a clinical assistant and lead. She now works with Ulab as an integration specialist, helping practices streamline workflows, build confidence with digital systems, and create more balanced, sustainable days for their teams. She is passionate about work-life balance, personal growth, and empowering orthodontic assistants to see their full value. 🎧 Listen + SubscribeTune in on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube — and if this episode resonates, share it with another leader. Your support helps more practices find the show and grow with intention. Ready to bring this kind of energy into your practice? Visit DiscoverEverbloom.com. Connect with EverbloomLearn more about EverbloomFollow Everbloom on InstagramSubscribe to The Bloom Effect podcast Episode Chapters00:00 Welcome + sponsor message01:10 Janna’s early days in dentistry04:30 Becoming an ortho assistant08:10 The transition to Ulab12:15 Confidence, doubt + learning something new16:40 The mindset shift that comes with turning 4021:00 Work life balance and what teams need26:40 Training, culture + compassion32:10 Growth, perspective + what matters now38:10 Final reflections Topics we explore in this episode include:career evolution, orthodontic teams, mindset shifts, work life balance, leadership growth, confidence building, practice culture

    42 min
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The Bloom Effect with Cassie Kellner is a podcast for teams who care about how they lead and how they grow along the way. Each week, Cassie sits down with guests to talk about the things that don’t always get said out loud: the messiness of leadership, building culture from the inside out, and learning to show up in a way that feels like you. These conversations are honest, unpolished, and rooted in real experience. If you're building something you believe in and want a space that feels steady, this is it. New episodes drop bi-weekly.

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