The Bloom Effect with Cassie Kellner

Cassie Kellner
  • 5.0 (12)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. JAN 27

    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

  2. JAN 13

    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

  3. 12/23/2025

    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

  4. 12/16/2025

    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

  5. 12/09/2025

    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

  6. 12/02/2025

    Listening Inward When Life Gets Loud with Dr. Baker Rawlins

    “You can create your own reality if you want it… you just have to reset your priorities to understand what’s authentic to you.” In this moving and deeply real episode, host Cassie Kellner reconnects with longtime friend and former colleague R. Baker Rawlins II, DMD, MS, for a conversation that spans more than a decade of growth, trust, and transformation. From their early days working side by side in a small, outdated practice to the health scare that reshaped Baker’s entire perspective, this episode reveals what leadership really looks like behind the scenes. Cassie and Baker share stories from their three years working together — the laughs, the mistakes, the renovation dust, the blueprint sessions in the basement, and the shared belief that a practice can become something extraordinary when the right people trust each other. They explore the emotional realities of ownership, the weight leaders silently carry, and the moment Baker thought he might lose the ability to practice altogether. What began as a professional chapter became a lifelong friendship, and what started as burnout turned into clarity, gratitude, and a new foundation for life and leadership. This episode is filled with heart, humility, and hard-won wisdom for every orthodontic leader building something meaningful while trying to stay grounded in what matters most. We talk about:→ Building a practice on trust, shared vision, and strong team culture→ How a sudden health scare reshaped Baker’s leadership and priorities→ The emotional weight of ownership — and how to carry it with integrity→ Why gratitude and presence create sustainable growth→ The ripple effect of authentic relationships in life and 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 Dr. Baker RawlinsR. Baker Rawlins II, DMD, MS, is the owner of Rawlins Orthodontics and a people-first leader shaped by his small-town upbringing in Unionville and Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Penn State, the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and Columbia University’s orthodontic residency, Baker has been practicing for nearly 15 years and leads with warmth, connection, and a deep commitment to patient confidence. He lives in Delaware with his wife, Renee, and their two sons, who continue to inspire his approach to gratitude, balance, and meaningful leadership. 🎧 Listen + Subscribe Tune 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 & ResourcesConnect with Dr. Baker RawlinsVisit Rawlins OrthodonticsFollow on InstagramFollow on TikTokConnect on FacebookFind the practice on LinkedIn Connect with EverbloomLearn more about EverbloomFollow Everbloom on InstagramSubscribe to The Bloom Effect podcast Episode Chapters00:00 Welcome + sponsor message01:15 Cassie and Baker’s origin story05:30 The interview that changed everything10:30 Rebuilding a practice from the ground up14:10 Trust, teamwork + the decade-long ripple effect17:50 The health scare that shifted everything25:20 Gratitude, presence + renewing priorities33:40 Leadership lessons from resilience42:30 Fatherhood, balance + being truly present50:10 Final reflections + heartfelt closing Topics we explore in this episode include:orthodontic leadership, resilience, practice culture, personal growth, trust in teams, burnout recovery, gratitude in leadership, emotional wellbeing, work-life integration, ownership lessons

    57 min

  7. 11/25/2025

    The Power of Female Friendship with Devin Lombardi

    “You don’t have to cancel friendships. You can work it out if both people want to solve it.” In this heartfelt and unfiltered episode, host Cassie Kellner sits down with lifelong friend Devin Lombardi for a conversation 40 years in the making. From kindergarten to motherhood, trauma to therapy, and everything in between, Cassie and Devin open up about what it really takes to sustain a friendship through every season of life. They talk about growing up in a small town, navigating grief and change, setting boundaries, and doing the work, individually and together, to build something that lasts. It’s honest, funny, emotional, and deeply relatable for anyone who’s ever loved a friend like family. We talk about:→ The real meaning of sisterhood and showing up through change→ How shared experiences can strengthen lifelong bonds→ The power of self-reflection and therapy in friendship→ Why laughter, honesty, and forgiveness keep relationships thriving Sponsor SpotlightThis episode is brought to you by ISORetract, the gold standard in comfort and isolation. Designed by orthodontic professionals, ISORetract eliminates the need for cotton rolls, sharp corners, and constant adjustments. The built-in suction keeps the field dry and clear, making bondings faster, easier, and more comfortable for your patients. ✨ Bloom Effect listeners get 10% off with code BLOOM-10 at isoretract.com. Trust us — you’ll wonder how you ever practiced without it. About Devin LombardiDevin Lombardi is a California native, wife, mother, and lifelong friend whose story reminds us that growth, laughter, and vulnerability can coexist. Her friendship with Cassie spans four decades — from playgrounds and heartbreaks to weddings, babies, and healing — proving that when women show up for each other, they create the kind of connection that stands the test of time. Listen + SubscribeTune in on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube — and if this episode moved you, share it with a friend who’s been there through it all. Subscribe to the show and leave a review. Want to bring this kind of energy into your practice? Visit DiscoverEverbloom.com. Episode Links & ResourcesLearn more about EverbloomFollow Everbloom on InstagramSubscribe to The Bloom Effect podcast Episode Chapters00:00 Welcome + sponsor message01:22 Kindergarten beginnings + lifelong friendship05:00 Growing up in Colusa + early memories09:10 Shared trauma + how it shaped connection13:40 Grief, growth + protecting each other through pain18:00 The break, the work, and the reconnection27:00 Therapy, self-reflection + setting boundaries36:30 Choosing friendship again and again45:00 Laughter, motherhood + soul-level friendship53:00 Rapid-fire questions + heartwarming finale Topics we explore in this episode include:female friendship, lifelong connection, personal growth, emotional healing, boundaries in relationships, small-town life, leadership through empathy, gratitude and growth

    1h 5m

  8. 11/18/2025

    AI and the Future of Society with Lindsay Quinn

    “You’re not aging, you’re maturing. And that means becoming more of something, not less.” In this inspiring reunion episode, host Cassie Kellner welcomes back her longtime friend and collaborator, Lindsay Quinn, founder of Heartwise Collective. From their early days side by side in a high-standard San Diego ortho practice to building their own thriving companies, Cassie and Lindsay share the lessons, pivots, and leadership moves that continue to shape their work and lives today. They talk about how investing in yourself changes your business, what it really means to evolve as a leader, and why their new collaboration — The Ortho Society — is the meeting they’ve always wished existed. You’ll hear stories of growth, grit, and full-circle moments as they announce an exclusive two-day experience for orthodontists and their leaders in beautiful San Diego, May 2026. We talk about:→ How AI and automation are reshaping modern ortho practices→ The power of investing in yourself and betting on your growth→ Why maturity (not age) defines great leadership→ What it takes to evolve your systems, your mindset, and your team→ The story behind The Ortho Society and how it’s changing the game Sponsor SpotlightThis episode is brought to you by ISORetract, the gold standard in comfort and isolation. Designed by orthodontic professionals, ISORetract eliminates the need for cotton rolls, sharp corners, and constant adjustments. The built-in suction keeps the field dry and clear, making bondings faster, easier, and more comfortable for your patients. ✨ Bloom Effect listeners get 10% off with code BLOOM-10 at isoretract.com. Trust us, you’ll wonder how you ever practiced without it. About Lindsay QuinnLindsay Quinn is the founder of Heartwise Collective, an orthodontic consulting firm helping practices align their systems, leadership, and operations. With more than two decades in the industry, she’s known for transforming operational chaos into streamlined clarity through efficient workflows, conscious team development, and modern tools from AI systems built for orthodontic teams to astrology-based team workshops that turn even skeptics into believers. She partners with growth-minded practices ready to lead better, collect more, and finally feel in control of their business. 🎧 Listen + SubscribeTune in on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, and if this episode inspired you, share it with your team or a fellow ortho leader. Subscribe to the show and leave a review. Want to bring this kind of energy into your practice? Visit DiscoverEverbloom.com. Episode Links & ResourcesLearn more about Heartwise CollectiveFollow Lindsay on InstagramConnect with Lindsay on LinkedIn Connect with Everbloom and The Bloom EffectLearn more about EverbloomFollow Everbloom on InstagramSubscribe to The Bloom Effect podcast Episode Chapters00:00 Welcome + sponsor message01:22 Catching up with Lindsay Quinn03:30 The conversation that reframed aging vs. maturing07:15 How AI and automation are transforming ortho practices11:45 What makes “your AI show” — and how to fix it15:50 Why maturity, not age, drives true leadership19:30 Investing in yourself + evolving your mindset23:40 How The Ortho Society came to life27:50 What makes this experience different from any other meeting31:45 Building systems, dashboards + automations in real time36:00 Leadership growth, personal expansion + next steps Topics we explore in this episode include:orthodontic consulting, leadership development, AI and automation in orthodontics, practice systems and dashboards, The Ortho Society, orthodontic team culture, leadership growth, mature mindset, practice efficiency, orthodontic business strategy

    31 min
See All (28)

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

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.

Information