Dental + Meaningful

The Cusp Collective

A podcast where high achieving women in dentistry get real. We go beyond the accolades and dive into the human experience. You can expect soulful conversations filled with laughter, insights, and fun! If you've ever felt like you're just surviving instead of thriving, this podcast is your space to feel seen, inspired, and empowered. Each episode leaves you with actionable strategies to shape a career (and life) that truly fits You. Because dentistry is about more than teeth, it's about how we show up, and how we impact those around us. Follow now and join the conversation!

  1. Feb 17

    12. Life in Art with Dr. Deborah Miller

    This Dental + Meaningful conversation feels different. I’m sitting on Deborah’s couch, we don’t just hear about her life, we see it. Creativity isn’t something she does on the side, it’s how she moves through the World. Deborah’s art spans from prints to shoemaking to sculptures, working with various mediums to capture her humour and unique take on life. We explore her time providing dental care in Aboriginal communities, the cultural experience, indigenous health gap, and what it means to show up with humility. She speaks with honesty about significant health challenges, including cancer and multiple strokes. Yet, what stands out is her humour. Her generosity. Her ability to keep her heart open. Deborah embodies lifelong learning, collecting degrees and certifications, methodically disproving a teacher who once told her she wasn’t smart enough. Dentistry gave her independence. Art gave her voice. She shares an important truth many women recognise: You must learn to stand for yourself. No one is coming to rescue you. A truly enjoyable conversation, Debbie reminds us that a life well lived is not monochromatic. It is bold. It is textured. And you’ll want to add your own colours to it. Learn more about Deborah and her art

    43 min

  2. Feb 13

    11. Living in the Moment with Dr. Ellie Borgelt

    This episode of Dental & Meaningful is one of the most candid and important conversations to date and a great one to open 2026 with! I’m joined by Dr Ellie Borgelt for an honest discussion about the lived realities of many women in dentistry. We discuss gender bias in clinical environments, including sexual harassment in the workplace (trigger warning), and the emotional toll of building a successful career in a patriarchal system. Dr Borgelt shares her journey as an immigrant dentist to Australia, rebuilding a professional identity from the ground up. We also explore her experience as a single parent to 3 teenagers, carrying the load of her career, business, motherhood, and her own health & happiness. A powerful part of this conversation centres on menopause, self-care, and the mindset shift that comes with choosing to finally prioritise yourself after years of putting everyone else first. Ellie brings a hopeful, energising perspective to this chapter of life, one that is truly infectious. This episode is a must-listen for women in dentistry seeking validation, solidarity, and reassurance that they are not alone, it’s never too late to start choosing yourself.

    51 min
  3. 10. Wisdom and Joy in Dentistry with Dr Purnima Kumar

    11/28/2025

    10. Wisdom and Joy in Dentistry with Dr Purnima Kumar

    If you need some powerfully uplifting energy and joyful grit in your life right now, this is for you. I sit down with Dr. Purnima Kumar in Vienna for this conversation. She is the head of department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan, School of Dentistry. She has built a wonderfully successful and accomplished career in research and academics, whilst also finding time for countless philanthropic pursuits and tangible initiatives to lift other women in dentistry. We cover her career experience through tertiary institutions, her passionate advocacy of the "He for She" movement, and countless insights and wisdoms hard-earned from a colourful career in dentistry. This is one not to be missed! Chapters 00:03:00 Experience as Immigrant- India to USA 00:09:00 Importance of Adapting to Change 00:15:00 Middle East and Challenges in Academia 00:21:00 Family and Support Systems 00:27:00 Advocacy and Women in Leadership 00:33:00 Innovations and Contributions 00:39:00 Wholeheartedly Embracing the Present

    43 min

  4. 11/18/2025

    9. Strength in Vulnerability with Dr Parul Bhatia

    This was a beautiful episode covering multiple facets of the lived experience of a woman in our profession. Dr Parul Bhatia's strength shines through as quiet fortitude and hope in the journey she shares with us. We open with the bittersweet experience of selling the practice she build from scratch but ultimately looks towards all the different possibilities in her next chapter with great anticipation and excitement. Parul shares her internal suffering from needing to re-sit her final year exams amidst difficult personal events, to the guilt of endometriosis pain and struggles of IVF, managing menopause, to the shame of almost failing in her business once but coming out stronger and more equipped. She had to find her own path to success and continues to do so. Through it all she remains connected to what brings her joy and inspiration- her creativity. Parul is determined to bring more empathy and ease to our fellow colleagues. Enjoy the episode! Chapters 00:01:00 Applying Business Skills to Dentistry00:03:00 Selling the Practice and Finding Balance00:05:00 Mental Health and Empathy in Dentistry00:07:00 Challenges of Practice Ownership00:09:00 The Impact of Perimenopause00:11:00 Creative Outlets for Professionals00:13:00 Building a Supportive Community00:15:00 Leadership and Growth in Dentistry

    1h 1m

  5. 09/22/2025

    8. Soulful Hustle: On Growth and Gratitude with Dr. Olan Hartley

    Episode Summary Ready to check in with yourself and come out feeling recharged? In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Olan Hartley for a soul-nourishing conversation that’s equal parts grounding and uplifting. We talk about redefining self-worth, recognising the quiet signs of burnout, setting boundaries with intention, and making gratitude more than just a passing thought. Olan’s grace, clarity, and fierce commitment to growth are magnetic. She inspires us to hold ourselves to accountability with compassion. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to re-align with your purpose, this one’s for you. Whether you're curious about mentorship, navigating burnout, or just craving space for honest self-reflection, Olan is that voice of calm you didn’t know you needed.

    43 min
  6. Part 1 of 6 - Speaker Recap - Assertive Communication with Annelise McCarthy

    09/22/2025

    Part 1 of 6 - Speaker Recap - Assertive Communication with Annelise McCarthy

    This is the first in a six-part bonus series where I’ll be bringing you into our Cusp Collective conference this year. These episodes are my personal reflections of each speaker's presentation, what I took from it, how I use it in my life and how it can be applied to your clinical practice.  First up is Annelise McCarthy, founder of Her Speaking Coach and an expert in public speaking and powerful communication. We talk confidence, presence, and assertive language; and how these skills take you from consult rooms to tough conversations. Communication shapes how we’re seen, how we lead, and how we thrive as clinicians. I'll share the 3 most impactful insights that I have been practising all year, and how correcting a drinks order reminded me of an important life lesson. This episode is for everyone who needs a strong nudge to start using their voice, as Annelise urges us all to do.

    8 min
  7. 7. Thriving in Adversity with Dr Suelen Cella

    09/10/2025

    7. Thriving in Adversity with Dr Suelen Cella

    In this episode, Dr. Tiffany Chen and Dr. Suelen Cella explore the profound journey of resilience, the challenges and triumphs Suelen has experienced in her dental and personal journey. Suelen shares her inspiring story of moving from a rural upbringing in Brazil to becoming a successful dentist in Australia, overcoming trauma, and navigating the complexities of family planning, IVF, and career aspirations. Our conversation highlights the importance of education for women, support systems, and the pursuit of happiness in both personal and professional realms. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Dr. Sue Ellen Cella 02:54From Rural Brazil to Dentistry 05:19Overcoming Adversity and Pursuing Education 07:41Experiences of Violence and Its Impact 10:06Finding Peace and Strength in Adversity 12:40Transitioning to a New Life in Australia 14:57The Joy of Working in a Gourmet Food Shop 17:19Returning to Dentistry and Career Growth 19:56Recognition and Achievements in the Dental Field 22:57The Importance of Mental Health and Support 25:33Innovative Marketing Strategies in Dentistry 28:04Conclusion and Reflections on the Journey of Achievements 36:46Finding Peace After Success 39:03The Importance of Physical Health 41:33Preparing for Motherhood 42:05Navigating IVF Challenges 45:34Balancing Work and IVF 48:50The Emotional Toll of Motherhood 52:03Perspective on Parenthood 55:01The Power of Communication 57:36Embracing Aging and Change 01:00:13The Role of Information in Health 01:03:16The Journey of Self-Improvement 1:04:15The Importance of Community in Dentistry

    1h 5m
  8. Cusp Collective 2025 Conference Wrap-Up

    09/01/2025

    Cusp Collective 2025 Conference Wrap-Up

    After our annual conference, the buzzing energy stays with me as I take a break from prepping for the event and continue post-event admin. I created this platform at a time when I needed support like this but couldn't find it. It was also a time perhaps I couldn't have made it to every event. This is why the podcast exists, to bring the much needed conversations and connections to you. In support of that, this bonus episode brings the conference experience to you and kicks off a short series where I share my reflections and the key ideas I took away from each speaker's presentation. My aim with our in person event is to ensure women in dentistry feel seen and heard, that you come away feeling energised, having formed meaningful connections with fellow colleagues, and inspired to make changes that will serve you better. If even just one new idea changes the way you show up in your work and life, that’s the biggest win for me. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes and subscribe on our website to be the first to know when early bird sales are open for our 2026 conference.

    6 min
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About

A podcast where high achieving women in dentistry get real. We go beyond the accolades and dive into the human experience. You can expect soulful conversations filled with laughter, insights, and fun! If you've ever felt like you're just surviving instead of thriving, this podcast is your space to feel seen, inspired, and empowered. Each episode leaves you with actionable strategies to shape a career (and life) that truly fits You. Because dentistry is about more than teeth, it's about how we show up, and how we impact those around us. Follow now and join the conversation!

Information

  • Creator
    The Cusp Collective
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Cusp Collective
  • Show Website
    Dental + Meaningful