The Real Talk of Dental

Brandi Marzolino
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Real Talk of Dental is not your average industry podcast—it’s a soul-shaking, BS-busting, variety show for dental professionals who are done faking fine. Hosted by Brandi Marzolino—a 20-year dental vet, leadership coach, and cultural truth-teller—this show rips off the polite mask and digs into the real issues behind the front desk: burnout, boundaries, broken systems, and the human stories no one’s talking about. Expect sharp leadership insights, anonymous confessions, chaotic call-ins, sketch-style reenactments, and mic-drop moments that make you laugh, cry, cringe, and breathe a little deeper. This is for the dentists secretly, or not-so-secretly, in therapy, the OMs carrying too much, the hygienists questioning everything, the team members who just want to feel seen – and the industry partners, vendors, and DSO players navigating the business of dentistry while trying to make it a little more human. With weekly episodes that blend industry expertise, emotional intelligence, and unapologetic humor—plus recurring segments like X-Ray Vision, Trauma Drama Theater, and the Real Talk Hotline—this is where the dental world gets real. Because in this office? Truth is the treatment plan. And humor? That’s the local anesthetic. Hit play. We saved you a seat.

  1. 031: The Hardest Year of His Life. ADA Presidency, Fluoride Debate, and Leadership in Crisis with Dr. Brett Kessler

    2D AGO

    031: The Hardest Year of His Life. ADA Presidency, Fluoride Debate, and Leadership in Crisis with Dr. Brett Kessler

    What happens when you step into one of the most powerful leadership roles in dentistry just as the profession finds itself at the center of political controversy, anti-science narratives, and national scrutiny? In Episode 31 of The Real Talk of Dental, Dr. Brett Kessler reflects on his term as President of the American Dental Association and the unexpected intensity of leading dentistry through one of its most publicly challenged years. From national advocacy efforts to the fluoride debate, from legislative battles to anti-science narratives, Brett shares what it felt like to carry the weight of representing an entire profession. He describes the year as both the hardest and the best of his life, shaped by 18-hour days, 200+ presentations, 225 days on the road, and constant high-stakes decision making This conversation goes far beyond policy. It explores resilience, sobriety, mindfulness, purpose, burnout in dentistry, and what it truly means to lead under pressure without losing yourself. You’ll learn:Why the fluoride debate became a defining moment for dental advocacyWhat proactive legislative leadership looks like at a federal levelHow organized dentistry protects the profession from harmful policy decisionsWhy many dentists are burning out and how the benefit model contributesThe role of sobriety, mindfulness, and recovery principles in leadershipHow to lead under criticism without abandoning your valuesWhy dentistry may be entering a transformative eraThe importance of medical dental integration for the future of careWhat sustainable leadership looks like in dentistry 🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 🔗 Boundary Boss GPT: https://leadhershipexperience.com/boundaryboss We talk about: 00:00 Stepping into the ADA presidency during a volatile year 02:30 Proactive advocacy and the Washington Post initiative 05:00 Aligning dentistry with national health policy and legislative outreach 07:30 Being misunderstood in leadership and staying anchored in core values 10:00 The mental, emotional, and physical toll of 18-hour days 14:00 Why this year was harder than an Ironman 17:00 Why organized dentistry matters more than ever 21:00 Is dentistry under attack? Fluoride, funding, and public health threats 23:00 The loneliness of leadership and decision fatigue 27:00 People pleasing, triggers, and emotional regulation 31:00 Recovery, sobriety, and leading from purpose 35:00 Burnout in dentistry and the broken benefit model 39:00 Reconnecting oral health and overall health 42:00 What’s next for Dr. Kessler and the future

    44 min
  2. 030: When Caring Costs Too Much. Nervous System Regulation, Burnout, and Healing in Dentistry with Lori Bulloch

    FEB 13

    030: When Caring Costs Too Much. Nervous System Regulation, Burnout, and Healing in Dentistry with Lori Bulloch

    Burnout in dentistry doesn’t always look like exhaustion or breakdown. Sometimes it looks like tight shoulders, shallow breathing, emotional numbness, or the constant feeling of being “on” for everyone else while slowly disappearing from yourself. In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, I sit down with Lori Bulloch, registered dental hygienist, certified yoga instructor, natural health educator, and founder of Breathe With Lori, to talk about the quiet, cumulative toll dentistry takes on the nervous system and what actually helps. This conversation centers on wellness in its most honest form. Not productivity hacks. Not expensive tools. But breath, boundaries, movement, and presence. Lori shares her personal journey through mental health challenges, discovering yoga and breathwork, and learning how simple, accessible practices can regulate the nervous system inside a profession built on constant care for others. We explore emotional labor in dentistry, secondary traumatic stress, and why so many dental professionals feel overwhelmed even when they’re doing everything “right.” If you’ve been feeling tense, depleted, or quietly burned out, this conversation is a place to take a breath and remember you’re not alone. You’ll learn: Why burnout in dentistry often shows up quietly rather than dramaticallyHow breathwork supports nervous system regulation during the workdayWhat secondary traumatic stress is and how it affects dental professionalsSimple routines to reduce dread, tension, and emotional overloadHow to protect your energy without losing compassion for patientsWhy foundational wellness practices matter more than complex solutionsHow movement, nature, and breath support sustainable careers in dentistry 🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ We talk about: 00:00 Why nervous system care matters in dentistry 02:00 Lori’s journey into wellness, yoga, and healing 06:00 Mental health, diagnosis, and accepting support 10:00 Emotional labor, burnout, and overstimulation 13:00 Grounding routines before and during the workday 16:00 Patient anxiety, energetic boundaries, and self-protection 19:00 Secondary traumatic stress in dental settings 23:00 Breathwork as a real-time regulation tool 26:00 Why wellness doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive 29:00 Final reflections on sustainability, care, and hope Connect with Lori YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@onewholeheartedhygienist3595 Email: a href="mailto:breathewithlori@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    33 min
  3. 029: Living Paycheck to Paycheck After 42 Years in Dentistry, Breaking Free from Burnout and Comparison | Dr. Alan Stern

    FEB 6

    029: Living Paycheck to Paycheck After 42 Years in Dentistry, Breaking Free from Burnout and Comparison | Dr. Alan Stern

    After 42 years in dentistry, Dr. Alan Stern found himself financially stretched, emotionally exhausted, and questioning the meaning of a career he once believed would bring fulfillment. In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, Dr. Stern shares his honest journey through burnout, comparison, financial stress, and the pursuit of significance, and how hitting rock bottom led him to redefine success. From living paycheck to paycheck and hiring the wrong advisors to therapy, grief, and discovering his “why,” this conversation is a powerful reminder that burnout isn’t about dentistry, it’s about alignment. If you’ve ever looked successful on the outside but felt empty on the inside, this episode will resonate. You’ll learn:Why dentist burnout is often rooted in identity, not workloadHow comparison and perfectionism quietly fuel miseryWhat living paycheck to paycheck after decades in practice really meansWhy asking for the right help changed everythingHow redefining success can restore joy and purpose 🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ We talk about:00:00 Why this conversation matters 03:00 Life after 42 years in practice 07:00 Financial stress and comparison 12:00 Therapy, humility, and asking for help 20:00 Grief, purpose, and defining success 35:00 Enjoying the ride and measuring impact Connect with Dr. AlanWebsite: https://betterricherstronger.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralanstern/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alansterndds/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralanstern/ Connect with meLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ https://courageandjoyatwork.com/ https://leadhershipexperience.com/ Phone: 616-682-6222

    36 min
  4. 028: The Mental Health Crisis in Dentistry and the Systems Causing It | Linda Kane

    JAN 30

    028: The Mental Health Crisis in Dentistry and the Systems Causing It | Linda Kane

    In this deeply moving and necessary episode of The Real Talk of Dental, I sit down with Linda Kane—RCM expert, billing master, author, podcast host, and unapologetic advocate for mental health in dentistry. Linda has been in the dental industry since 1999, but her mission was forever changed after losing a doctor she worked closely with to suicide. What followed was three months of holding a practice together through grief, chaos, and community support—while witnessing firsthand how broken systems, financial stress, and isolation silently crush dental professionals. This conversation goes far beyond insurance and operations. It’s about the hidden emotional load dentists carry, the leadership gaps no one prepares them for, and why pretending everything is “fine” is costing lives. Linda shares the truth about what happens when practices lack systems, why front-office burnout is inevitable without support, and how fear, silence, and outdated models are fueling a mental health crisis in dentistry. She also makes a powerful case for outsourcing the right things, building ethical systems, and creating practices where leaders—and teams—can actually breathe. This episode is raw, honest, hopeful, and requires listening for anyone who owns, manages, or works inside a dental practice. If you’ve ever felt alone, overwhelmed, or afraid to ask for help—this conversation is for you. You’ll learn:Why dentistry’s mental health crisis is deeply tied to broken systemsHow financial chaos and front-office overload quietly burn teams outThe warning signs leaders miss before it’s too lateWhy “doing it the way we’ve always done it” is no longer safeHow outsourcing insurance protects practices legally and emotionallyThe real cost of isolation in leadershipWhy asking for help is not weakness—it’s responsibilityHow systems, truth, and support can literally save lives 🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ We talk about:00:00 Intro & why this conversation matters 02:00 Linda’s journey in dentistry since 1999 05:00 Losing a doctor to suicide—and the aftermath 09:00 Holding a practice together through grief 13:00 How broken systems create unbearable pressure 17:00 Why dentists feel isolated and trapped 21:00 Front-office burnout and the danger of “one person doing it all” 26:00 Insurance, compliance, and the legal risks practices don’t see 30:00 Why outsourcing is protection—not failure 34:00 The stigma around mental health in dentistry 38:00 Leadership, fear, and the cost of silence 42:00 Systems as a form of care and...

    42 min
  5. 027: When Dentistry Breaks You: Burnout, Anxiety, and Reclaiming Your Career (and why you should listen to the band Phish and hug a tree)

    JAN 23

    027: When Dentistry Breaks You: Burnout, Anxiety, and Reclaiming Your Career (and why you should listen to the band Phish and hug a tree)

    In this deeply honest and wide-ranging episode of The Real Talk of Dental, I sit down with Dr. Eric Block—practicing dentist, entrepreneur, author, podcaster, and co-founder of the International Academy of Dental Life Coaches. Eric shares his real, unfiltered journey through burnout, anxiety, and regret in dentistry, including the moment he hit rock bottom and questioned whether he could stay in the profession at all. What followed wasn’t a dramatic overnight fix, but a commitment to therapy, self-awareness, and taking responsibility for his own well-being. We explore how perfectionism, introversion, and the emotional labor of dentistry quietly fuel burnout, why so many high-achieving dental professionals struggle to ask for help, and how systems, leadership, and personal growth can radically change the day-to-day experience of practice ownership. Eric also shares how entrepreneurship reignited his passion, why creating systems like SOPs reduces mental overload, and how building community through coaching is saving careers—and lives—in dentistry. This conversation is equal parts reflective, practical, and hopeful. If you’ve ever felt trapped, exhausted, or wondered if it’s supposed to feel this hard, this episode is for you. You’ll learn:What dental burnout actually feels like when no one is talking about itHow perfectionism and introversion silently drain dentistsWhy asking for help is a strength, not a failureThe role therapy and coaching play in sustainable successHow systems and SOPs reduce daily stress and decision fatigueWhy entrepreneurship can reignite passion inside clinical practiceHow the International Academy of Dental Life Coaches supports struggling professionalsSimple mindset and lifestyle shifts that create real relief 🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ We talk about:00:00 Intro and meeting through the IADLC 03:00 Music, Phish, and creative inspiration 08:00 Eric’s origin story and path into dentistry 10:00 Hitting rock bottom and regretting the profession 14:00 Therapy, perfectionism, and self-awareness 18:00 Why burnout doesn’t go away on its own 22:00 The emotional labor of dentistry for introverts 26:00 Creating the International Academy of Dental Life Coaches 30:00 Systems, SOPs, and reducing daily overwhelm 34:00 Entrepreneurship as a burnout antidote 38:00 Staying energized with new techniques and modalities 41:00 Final reflections, hope, and taking action Connect with Eric:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eric.block.790 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-block-dmd Instagram: @thestressfreedentist Website & Podcast: https://www.thestressfreedentist.com/podcast/ Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ https://courageandjoyatwork.com/ https://leadhershipexperience.com/ Phone:...

    36 min
  6. 026: Imposter Syndrome in Dentistry: How to Build Confidence as a New Associate | Dr. Connie Wang

    JAN 16

    026: Imposter Syndrome in Dentistry: How to Build Confidence as a New Associate | Dr. Connie Wang

    In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, I sit down with Dr. Connie Wang—associate dentist, former pharmacist, and one of the most thoughtful voices for early-career clinicians navigating confidence, connection, and culture in dentistry. Dr. Connie shares her journey from pharmacy school to graduating from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and what it’s really like being a newer associate in a growing group practice. We dive deep into imposter syndrome, replacing long-tenured doctors, and how young clinicians, especially women, can build trust without trying to be someone they’re not. This conversation goes far beyond clinical skills. Dr. Connie breaks down practical, neuroscience-backed communication strategies that help dentists connect with patients, lower defenses, and improve case acceptance—without scripts or sales tactics. From mastering small talk to understanding mirror neurons and nervous system regulation, this episode is a masterclass in emotional intelligence for dental professionals. If you’re a newer associate, a leader mentoring young doctors, or anyone who wants to create more human, connected patient experiences, this episode will change how you walk into the operatory. You’ll learn: How to navigate imposter syndrome as a new associateWhy connection not confidence, builds trust with patientsSimple neuroscience principles that improve communicationHow to replace a beloved retiring doctor without “filling their shoes”Why being yourself is your greatest advantage in dentistryPractical strategies for difficult patients and tough roomsHow team relationships directly impact case acceptanceNervous system tools to reset before challenging appointments 🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ We talk about:00:00 Intro & why this conversation matters 02:00 Dr. Connie’s path from pharmacy to dentistry 05:00 Being a new associate in a growing group practice 08:00 Imposter syndrome and early-career confidence 11:00 Replacing a long-tenured doctor with authenticity 14:00 Trust transfer and patient connection strategies 18:00 “Be the brick, not the cathedral” communication mindset 22:00 Mirror neurons and the science of feeling seen 26:00 Handling difficult patients without shutting down 30:00 Team relationships and the power of the lunchroom 33:00 Creating a shared assistant–doctor “creed” 36:00 Nervous system regulation before hard appointments 39:00 Final reflections for young associates Connect with Dr. ConnieInstagram & TikTok: @drconniewang Instagram: @justaquickpinch Connect with meLinkedIn:...

    38 min
  7. 025: Through a Daughter’s Eyes: The Hidden Cost of Mom Building a Dental Practice | Olivia Woo

    JAN 9

    025: Through a Daughter’s Eyes: The Hidden Cost of Mom Building a Dental Practice | Olivia Woo

    In this deeply moving and refreshingly honest episode of The Real Talk of Dental, I sit down with Olivia Woo, a 20-year-old entrepreneurship student and the daughter of Dr. Valerie Woo (guest of Episode 19), to explore what it’s really like growing up as the child of a high-achieving dentist and entrepreneur. Olivia was literally along for the ride—her mom was pregnant with her while opening her first dental practice straight out of dental school. In this conversation, Olivia offers a rare and powerful perspective: the child’s view of ambition, sacrifice, absence, resilience, and love. She opens up about the grief she felt as a child when her mom wasn’t always available, the gratitude she holds today, and how those experiences shaped her own entrepreneurial drive. Olivia reflects on becoming “the oldest of four,” maturing early, learning through observation, and how kids absorb far more than parents realize—especially around money, stress, and self-talk. This episode is a must-listen for dentist parents, women leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone trying to build a meaningful life alongside a demanding career. It’s tender, insightful, and packed with wisdom well beyond Olivia’s years. If you’ve ever wondered: How your ambition impacts your kidsWhat children of entrepreneurs really experienceOr how to build success without losing connection This conversation will stay with you. You’ll learn:What it’s like growing up with a dentist parent building a practice from scratchHow children experience absence, stress, and ambition at homeWhy “kids are always listening” (even when you think they aren’t)The emotional cost—and unexpected gifts—of being the oldest childHow Olivia turned childhood grief into gratitude and purposeWhy non-negotiable family routines matterHow Olivia and her mom now bond through entrepreneurshipAdvice every working parent needs to hear from a child’s perspective 🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ We talk about:00:00 Introduction to Olivia Woo 02:00 Growing up alongside a dental practice 05:00 Childhood grief and missing moments 08:00 Reframing sacrifice with gratitude 11:00 Choosing entrepreneurship over dentistry 14:00 Creating space for children of entrepreneurs 18:00 Learning through observation — “kids are always listening” 21:00 Being the oldest of four and maturing early 25:00 The role of Olivia’s dad and family dynamics 28:00 What Olivia would do differently as a future parent 31:00 Advice to dentist parents building...

    32 min
  8. 024: Finding Your Voice: Storytelling, Marketing, and the Courage to Evolve | Marissa Gonzales

    JAN 2

    024: Finding Your Voice: Storytelling, Marketing, and the Courage to Evolve | Marissa Gonzales

    In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, I sit down with Marissa Gonzalez—the OG unicorn of Thrive Tribe and a powerful voice in dental marketing—to unpack what marketing really is when you strip away the noise, metrics, and performative strategies. With a background in journalism and a heart for storytelling, Marissa brings a refreshing, grounded perspective to branding, hiring, and personal voice. We talk about why marketing isn’t about being slick or salesy, but about finding the story that’s already there—and having the courage to tell it honestly. This conversation goes far beyond marketing tactics. We dive into identity, evolution, manifestation, burnout, pivoting without shame, and the seasons of life that shape how we show up professionally and personally. From building authentic brands to honoring when it’s time to change direction, this episode is an invitation to slow down, listen inward, and trust your voice. If you’ve ever felt boxed in by what you think your brand should be, struggled to articulate who you really are, or questioned whether changing your mind means you failed—this conversation is for you. You’ll learn: Why marketing is really about storytelling, not tactics How personal voice and brand identity evolve over time The connection between journalism, marketing, and advocacy Why clarity doesn’t mean rigidity—and pivots aren’t failures How seasonal changes (in life and business) shape creativity and energy What authenticity actually looks like in dental marketing Why leading with values builds connection—not discounts How Marissa’s hiring-focused marketing playbook supports dental teams Why listening to yourself is the most powerful branding strategy 🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Experience: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ We talk about: 00:00 Intro 02:00 Marissa’s journey into dental marketing 04:00 Marketing as storytelling, not selling 06:00 Why authenticity attracts the right people 08:00 Journalism, voice, and advocacy 10:00 Finding clarity without becoming rigid 12:00 Manifestation, mindset, and evolving goals 15:00 Why pivots are not failures 17:00 Burnout, seasons, and honoring transitions 20:00 Personal branding through real life moments 23:00 Animals, nature, and lessons in leadership 26:00 Marketing beyond metrics and algorithms 28:00 The DSM Marketing Sparkle Playbook 30:00 Using your voice for good 32:00 Final reflections and takeaways Connect with Marissa Instagram: @marketingwithriss Connect with me LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ https://courageandjoyatwork.com/ https://leadhershipexperience.com/ Phone: 616-682-6222

    31 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Real Talk of Dental is not your average industry podcast—it’s a soul-shaking, BS-busting, variety show for dental professionals who are done faking fine. Hosted by Brandi Marzolino—a 20-year dental vet, leadership coach, and cultural truth-teller—this show rips off the polite mask and digs into the real issues behind the front desk: burnout, boundaries, broken systems, and the human stories no one’s talking about. Expect sharp leadership insights, anonymous confessions, chaotic call-ins, sketch-style reenactments, and mic-drop moments that make you laugh, cry, cringe, and breathe a little deeper. This is for the dentists secretly, or not-so-secretly, in therapy, the OMs carrying too much, the hygienists questioning everything, the team members who just want to feel seen – and the industry partners, vendors, and DSO players navigating the business of dentistry while trying to make it a little more human. With weekly episodes that blend industry expertise, emotional intelligence, and unapologetic humor—plus recurring segments like X-Ray Vision, Trauma Drama Theater, and the Real Talk Hotline—this is where the dental world gets real. Because in this office? Truth is the treatment plan. And humor? That’s the local anesthetic. Hit play. We saved you a seat.

Information

  • Creator
    Brandi Marzolino
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Brandi Marzolino
  • Show Website
    The Real Talk of Dental