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. 046: Think ChatGPT Is Your HR Department? Think Again. | Kara Kelley

    3d ago

    046: Think ChatGPT Is Your HR Department? Think Again. | Kara Kelley

    Think AI is helping you make smarter HR decisions? It might actually be creating evidence against you. In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, Brandi sits down with HR compliance expert Kara Kelley for a candid conversation about the growing risks of using AI for hiring, firing, employee relations, and workplace compliance. From AI-generated employee handbooks and employment law advice to the legal implications of what practice owners type into ChatGPT, Kara breaks down where AI can help, where it absolutely cannot, and why relying on it for HR decisions could put your business at serious risk. The conversation also explores leadership, recruiting, workplace culture, employee retention, and the common mistakes dental practices make when trying to shortcut complex people problems. If you've ever used AI to write a policy, navigate a difficult employee situation, or help make hiring decisions, this episode may completely change the way you think about compliance. You’ll learn: Why AI should never replace HR expertiseHow AI-generated employee handbooks can create compliance risksWhat employers need to know about AI chats becoming legal evidenceThe hidden dangers of using ChatGPT for employment decisionsWhy hiring and leadership are often confused in dental practicesThe biggest recruiting mistakes dental offices makeWhy working interviews can expose practices to legal liabilityHow to evaluate candidates more effectivelyThe role of self-awareness in leadership successWhat dental practice owners should focus on before scaling their teams 🔗 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: 0:00 Why AI is creating new HR risks for employers 4:45 The legal reality of AI prompts and employment decisions 9:15 How AI-generated policies and handbooks go wrong 13:10 Leadership, self-awareness, and team turnover 17:45 Why Kara disagrees with working interviews 22:40 Hiring mistakes dental practices continue to make 27:15 Recruiting, reference checks, and candidate evaluation 31:10 The limits of DIY HR solutions 34:00 Why expert guidance matters more than ever Connect with Kara LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karadkelley/ Website: http://www.clinicalhr.com 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 #DentalLeadership #AuthenticityInDentistry #DentalIndustry

    37 min
  2. 045: Why “Pick Me” Thirsty Energy Is Hurting Dentistry More Than Helping It | Beverly Wilburn

    May 29

    045: Why “Pick Me” Thirsty Energy Is Hurting Dentistry More Than Helping It | Beverly Wilburn

    What happens when influence becomes more important than integrity? In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, Brandi sits down with Beverly Wilburn, longtime dental leader, practice owner, and former ADOM Office Manager of the Year, for a brutally honest conversation about authenticity, scarcity, and the “pick me” culture taking over dentistry. From speakers and consultants chasing visibility, to social media performativity and AI-generated content that all sounds the same, Beverly shares why trust, reciprocity, and genuine connection matter more than ever in today’s dental industry. This conversation dives deep into leadership, entrepreneurship, burnout, influence, and why people can instantly feel the difference between someone who wants to serve… and someone who just wants attention. If you’ve ever struggled with authenticity, comparison, visibility, or building a name for yourself in dentistry without losing who you are in the process, this episode will hit home. You’ll learn: Why “pick me” energy is becoming a problem in dentistryThe difference between authentic leadership and performative influenceHow scarcity mindset impacts business, speaking, and consultingWhy trust matters more than visibilityHow AI is affecting authenticity onlineThe dangers of unvetted experts and transactional networkingWhy entrepreneurship is harder than most people expectWhat real leadership and reciprocity actually look like 🔗 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: 0:00 The “taker” culture happening in dentistry 5:20 Authenticity, trust, and transactional relationships 11:10 Why AI content is making everyone sound the same 17:30 The obsession with influence and visibility 24:15 The rise of unvetted experts in dentistry 30:40 Entrepreneurship, burnout, and scarcity mindset 36:00 Beverly’s advice for future leaders in dentistry Connect with Beverly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverlywilburn/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearbevvie_/ Website: https://dentalspousesinbusiness.com/ 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 #DentalLeadership #AuthenticityInDentistry #DentalIndustry

    38 min
  3. 044: The AI Tool Changing Dentistry Forever (And Why Human Connection Matters More Than Ever) | Danny Bessonov

    May 22

    044: The AI Tool Changing Dentistry Forever (And Why Human Connection Matters More Than Ever) | Danny Bessonov

    AI is not replacing dentistry. It’s exposing where dentistry has been overwhelmed all along. In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, Brandi sits down with Danny Bessonov, founder of Avora, the voice AI platform helping dental practices automate documentation, improve patient communication, and create more human-centered experiences inside the operatory. But this conversation is about much more than technology. Danny shares how growing up in Silicon Valley, teaching himself to code as a child, and building viral apps as a teenager eventually led him into healthcare, where he realized one major thing: The biggest problem in dentistry is not a lack of skill. It’s cognitive overload. Because when providers are balancing notes, treatment planning, patient education, scheduling issues, handoffs, and constant interruptions… connection starts to disappear. And patients feel that. Danny breaks down how voice AI can eliminate administrative friction, improve coaching and communication inside practices, and allow dental teams to become more present, more effective, and less burned out. This episode challenges the fear around AI and reframes it as something much more powerful: A tool that gives people their attention back. If you’ve ever wondered where dentistry is headed, how AI is changing patient experience, or what the future of leadership and communication inside practices could look like… this conversation is going to shift your perspective. You’ll learn: Why dental teams are overwhelmed even when they love what they doHow AI can improve patient experience instead of replacing human connectionThe hidden impact documentation has on burnout and communicationWhy most practices are sitting on valuable patient data they never useHow voice AI helps improve coaching, handoffs, and case acceptanceThe real reason communication consistency matters in dental practicesWhy leadership visibility becomes easier with AI-supported systemsHow Avora automates documentation and supports operational efficiencyThe difference between good technology and technology that actually gets adoptedWhy the future of dentistry will belong to practices that embrace both innovation and humanityWhat Danny believes most tech companies still misunderstand about dentistryHow AI can help practices create better experiences for both teams and patients 🔗 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: 0:00 Danny’s unbelievable Alcatraz swim story at nine years old 3:00 Growing up in Silicon Valley and learning to code as a child 8:00 Building viral apps as a teenager and early entrepreneurship 12:00 Working in voice technology and discovering AI’s potential 15:00 Why Danny and his co-founder chose healthcare and dentistry 19:00 The real problem Avora was built to solve inside practices 22:00 How AI improves human connection instead of replacing it 25:00 Using voice AI to coach communication and improve patient experience 28:00 Why leadership and coaching in dentistry are evolving 31:00 The biggest mistakes tech companies make in dental 34:00 What dental practices misunderstand about AI adoption 36:00 Burnout, business building, and what keeps Danny motivated 37:30 The future of dentistry, voice technology, and human-centered care Connect with Danny LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dbessonov Website: https://getavora.ai/ Website: https://danielb.co/ 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 #DentalAI #AIInDentistry #DentalTechnology

    39 min
  4. 043: She Turned Dental Hygiene Into a $40K/Month Business (And Rewrote the Rules) | Sade Morel

    May 15

    043: She Turned Dental Hygiene Into a $40K/Month Business (And Rewrote the Rules) | Sade Morel

    Most hygienists aren’t underpaid because they lack skill. They’re underpaid because they don’t understand the numbers. And once you see it… you can’t unsee it. In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, Sade Morel shares how she went from working inside corporate dentistry to building a multi-provider hygiene business that generates tens of thousands per month, on her terms. This is not just a conversation about money. It’s about autonomy, ownership, and what happens when you stop waiting for permission and start understanding your value. Because here’s the truth most people avoid: you can be incredible at your job and still be operating inside a system that was never designed to reward you properly. Sade breaks down exactly how she learned to read production numbers, take control of her schedule, and eventually step into independent practice, creating a model that blends hygiene, wellness, and business in a way the industry hasn’t caught up to yet. If you’ve ever felt stuck, undervalued, or unsure of what’s actually possible for you in this field, this episode will shift something. You’ll learn: Why hygienists are often underpaid, even when they’re producing high revenueHow understanding production numbers changes everythingThe real reason your schedule determines your incomeWhy relying on the front desk can limit your earning potentialHow to take ownership of your schedule and productionThe mindset shift from employee to business ownerWhat it takes to open an independent hygiene practiceHow Sade built a mobile service into a full wellness-based businessWhy patient education directly impacts case acceptance and revenueThe truth about autonomy, burnout, and staying in dentistry long-term 🔗 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: 0:00 The real state of dental hygiene and why the system feels broken 2:30 From corporate dentistry to questioning income and value 5:00 Production goals, tracking numbers, and what they really mean 8:00 How scheduling impacts hygiene revenue and daily production 11:00 Taking control of your schedule and eliminating “ghost appointments” 14:00 Knowing your worth through data, not feelings 17:00 Patient education strategies that increase treatment acceptance 20:00 Why avoiding money conversations holds hygienists back 22:30 The limitations of traditional dental practice structures 25:00 Discovering the RDHAP path and independent practice 28:00 Transitioning from employee to mobile hygiene business 30:30 Setting pricing, building demand, and replacing income 33:00 Opening a physical practice and navigating regulations 35:30 Scaling into a multi-provider wellness model 37:30 Redefining hygiene, autonomy, and what’s actually possible Connect with Sade TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@saderdhap Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smilesbysade_rdhap/ Website: https://www.saderdhap.com/ 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 #DentalHygiene #DentalBusiness #WomenInDentistry

    40 min
  5. 042: The Hidden Cost of Success, Panic Attacks, Pressure, and the Truth Dentists Don’t Say Out Loud | Dr. Eric Recker

    May 8

    042: The Hidden Cost of Success, Panic Attacks, Pressure, and the Truth Dentists Don’t Say Out Loud | Dr. Eric Recker

    Dentist burnout is real, and many high performers don’t see it until it’s already affecting their health, relationships, and work. If you’ve been feeling constant pressure, anxiety, or exhaustion in your career, this episode will hit close to home. In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, Dr. Eric Recker shares what burnout actually looks like behind the scenes of a successful career. After more than 20 years in dentistry, he found himself dealing with panic attacks, chronic stress, and the weight of always needing to be “on.” We talk about the patterns that drive high performers, the pressure to prove you’re enough, and why success doesn’t always feel the way you expected it would. Eric also shares how a forced pause during COVID changed everything, and how his “win the now” mindset helped him rebuild a more sustainable way of living and working. This conversation is a reminder that burnout isn’t just about workload, it’s about how you’re operating day to day, and what needs to shift if you want to keep going without burning out. You’ll learn: Why high-performing dentists are more prone to burnoutWhat constant pressure and being “on” actually does to your mind and bodyHow the need to prove you’re enough drives overworkWhy Sunday anxiety never really goes awayWhat panic attacks can look like in high achieversWhy leaving your career won’t fix burnout on its ownThe idea of “false urgency” and how it shows up dailyHow to shift from focusing on problems to recognizing winsA simple way to create more sustainability in your work and life 🔗 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: 0:00 Dentist burnout and why success still feels overwhelming 3:30 High performer mindset and the need to prove you’re enough 7:00 The pressure of being “always on” in dentistry 10:00 Sunday anxiety and early signs of burnout 13:30 Dental practice growth and ignoring burnout warning signs 17:00 Stress symptoms, anxiety, and panic attacks in dentists 20:30 When burnout turns into emotional and physical exhaustion 23:30 COVID impact on dentists and forced burnout reset 26:30 Wanting to quit dentistry and career burnout thoughts 29:00 “Win the now” mindset for burnout recovery 32:00 Breaking the cycle of urgency and chronic stress 35:00 Losing the exit plan and staying in dentistry 38:00 Rebuilding a dental career after burnout 41:00 Creating work-life balance in dentistry 44:00 Identity, purpose, and life after burnout 46:30 Asking for help and mental health support for dentists Connect with Dr. Eric LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-recker-583849278/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/docrecker/ Website: https://ericrecker.com/ 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 #DentistBurnout #MentalHealthInDentistry #BurnoutRecovery

    49 min
  6. 041: There’s No Hygiene Shortage… There’s a Culture Problem | Jennifer Steadman

    May 1

    041: There’s No Hygiene Shortage… There’s a Culture Problem | Jennifer Steadman

    What if the “hygiene shortage”… isn’t a shortage at all? In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, we pull back the curtain on one of the most talked-about issues in dentistry right now, and challenge everything you think you know about hiring, retention, and what’s really happening inside dental practices. Jennifer Steadman brings a rare, full-spectrum perspective, former hygienist, operator, and VP of Ops, to unpack the truth behind why hygienists are stepping away, what practices are getting wrong, and how leadership, culture, and compensation are all colliding in real time. This conversation doesn’t play it safe. It gets honest about toxic environments, unrealistic expectations, rising wages, and the quiet shift happening across the industry. Because this isn’t about a talent shortage. It’s about alignment, standards, and whether your practice is a place people actually want to stay. You’ll learn: Why the “hygiene shortage” might actually be a retention and culture issueWhat hygienists are no longer willing to tolerate in today’s practicesThe real impact of toxic environments, micromanagement, and outdated leadership modelsHow COVID accelerated a massive shift in expectations, flexibility, and wagesThe difference between production-driven care and patient-first outcomesWhy shortening appointment times is not the solution (and what to do instead)The 3:1 production ratio every healthy hygiene department should hitHow to structure compensation, including base + commission models that actually workWhy transparency around business finances builds stronger, more aligned teamsThe role of leadership in creating autonomy without losing standardsWhat a “waterfall” of expenses really means for profitability and payHow to prevent team resentment when hiring at higher wagesWhy calibration, training, and clear standards of care are non-negotiableThe communication gap that’s quietly breaking teams (and how to fix it)What great practices are doing differently to retain top hygienistsHow to spot underperformance vs. system failureWhy culture, not compensation, is the long-term retention strategy 🔗 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:0:00 The “truth bomb” about the hygiene shortage 2:45 Why hygienists are choosing to step away from practices 5:00 Toxic environments, outdated expectations, and lack of support 7:30 Autonomy vs. control, what hygienists actually want 10:00 Why standard of care needs to be collaborative, not dictated 12:30 The biggest mistake practices make with appointment timing 14:00 The 20-20-20 model for effective hygiene appointments 16:00 Production vs. patient care, what actually drives revenue 18:30 Compensation models, hourly vs. base + commission 21:00 Why financial transparency changes everything 23:30 The hiring gap, wage inflation, and internal team tension 26:00 COVID’s lasting impact on hygiene and flexibility 29:00 Leadership, communication, and why most teams struggle 32:00 Handling difficult conversations as a practice owner 35:00 What defines a healthy, high-performing hygiene department 38:00 Culture, loyalty, and what’s been lost in dentistry 41:00 The one leadership habit that changes everything Connect with Jennifer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifercsteadman/ Website: https://www.jensos.com/ 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

    45 min
  7. 040: What’s Really in Dental Waterlines? The Safety Risk That Could Shut Down Your Practice | Landon Hilliard

    Apr 24

    040: What’s Really in Dental Waterlines? The Safety Risk That Could Shut Down Your Practice | Landon Hilliard

    What if the biggest risk inside your dental practice… isn’t what you can see? In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, we dive into a topic that isn’t flashy, but could change everything, dental waterline safety. Landon Hilliard from Dentist Safe breaks down the hidden dangers inside dental unit waterlines, why over 80% of practices aren’t testing them, and how contaminated water can impact both patients and staff. From real outbreak cases to the science of biofilm and bacteria growth, this conversation reveals the gap between what we assume is safe… and what actually is. This isn’t about fear. It’s about awareness, ownership, and raising the standard of care across the industry. You’ll learn: Why dental waterlines are one of the most overlooked infection control risksThe shocking statistic, over 80% of dentists don’t test their waterWhat really happens when water sits stagnant in dental linesHow bacteria like Legionella and E. coli can form and spreadThe real story behind a major outbreak that hospitalized childrenWhy aerosol spray reaches far beyond what you can seeHow contaminated water impacts not just patients, but your entire teamThe role leadership plays in setting safety standardsWhy every practice needs a “waterline champion”Simple, actionable steps to start testing and improving immediately 🔗 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: 0:00 The hidden risk inside dental offices 2:10 Why waterline safety is often ignored 4:15 What Dentist Safe actually does 5:30 The shocking truth about testing rates 6:40 How aerosol spreads throughout a room 8:00 The science of bacteria and stagnant water 9:30 Why dental education misses this topic 11:00 How practices can start improving today 13:00 The role of leadership in safety protocols 14:30 Real outbreak cases and patient impact 16:00 Why symptoms can take months to appear 18:00 Where to start if you feel overwhelmed 20:00 Creating a waterline champion in your office 22:00 Landon’s story and how he got into this work 25:00 Why the dental community matters 27:00 Practical next steps to test your water Connect with Landon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/landon-hilliard-a0995615b/ Website: https://dentisafe.com/ 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
  8. 039: Why Dentists Lose Money in Practice Deals. The Real Estate Truth No One Tells You | Kyle Wheeler

    Apr 17

    039: Why Dentists Lose Money in Practice Deals. The Real Estate Truth No One Tells You | Kyle Wheeler

    What if the biggest financial mistake in your dental career… has nothing to do with dentistry? In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, Brandi sits down with Kyle Wheeler, a commercial real estate expert who exclusively represents buyers and tenants in dentistry, to unpack the hidden risks, missed opportunities, and costly misconceptions that happen every day in practice acquisitions, leases, and startups. From new grads walking into deals without leverage… to seasoned practice owners unknowingly leaving hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table, this conversation exposes the side of dentistry no one teaches you. Kyle breaks down why commercial real estate is nothing like residential, why “handling it yourself” can cost you more than you think, and how timing, strategy, and representation can completely change the outcome of your next move. If you’re thinking about buying, leasing, expanding, or even just renewing your space, this episode will shift how you approach every decision. You’ll learn: Why dental practice real estate is completely different from residential dealsThe biggest mistake dentists make when buying a practiceHow lack of representation can cost you tens to hundreds of thousandsWhy leverage is everything in negotiations, and how to create itThe critical timing window (18–24 months) most dentists ignoreWhat you can actually negotiate in a lease (hint, almost everything)How tenant improvement allowances can save you six figuresThe hidden risk of relying on brokers who represent the sellerWhy working with specialists, not generalists, changes outcomesHow to approach startups, acquisitions, and lease renewals strategically 🔗 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 The overlooked risk in dental practice deals 03:00 Why dentists walk into negotiations with no leverage 06:00 The difference between residential vs. commercial real estate 10:00 Practice acquisitions and the real estate trap 14:00 When to bring in representation (and why it matters early) 18:00 What you can negotiate in a lease (and what most miss) 22:00 The cost of waiting too long to start the process 25:00 How time creates leverage and better deal outcomes 28:00 Lease vs. buy, when ownership actually makes sense 29:00 Kyle’s background and the mindset behind his approach 34:00 Final advice for protecting your future in dentistry Connect with Kyle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthcare-realty-michigan/ Website: https://carr.us/commercial-real-estate-agents/kyle-wheeler/ 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

    36 min
See All (47)

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
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Brandi Marzolino
  • Show Website
    The Real Talk of Dental

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