This might be the most philosophical episode we’ve ever done—but stay with us.

In Episode 32, we’re diving into a wild little internet clip that blew our minds and perfectly explains something we’ve both experienced as leaders, dentists, and just regular dudes trying to figure it all out: your reality isn’t always real.

From funny stories about patient delusions (and yes, a surprising amount of cat hair) to the mindset shift that can change your entire experience as a dentist, this episode explores how what you see is often what you’re looking for. And how shifting that lens can change everything—from toxic team culture to your own happiness.

🎧 Hit play now to hear:

• The internet clip that made us question everything (look up “That is Embarrassing” if you’re curious)
• Why your “truth” at work might be clouded by your mindset
• How we accidentally (but intentionally) create September
• The power of choosing your reality—even when your day sucks
• Plus, some hilarious patient stories and unexpected wisdom about Mountain Dew, hair loss, and cat ladies 🐱

If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated with your team, your schedule, or even your own reflection—it might be time to shift what you're looking for.

LINKS:

https://www.thedentistsshow.com

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 32 + cat lady definitions
• 03:00 – The “That is Embarrassing” clip + what your brain hears
• 05:00 – Perception vs. reality: the science behind how we process things
• 07:00 – Inter-office drama and how we create our own frustration
• 09:00 – Learning to reflect before reacting (and firing)
• 10:30 – We create what we look for—positivity or problems
• 13:00 – Why September is a myth (unless you believe it’s not)
• 15:30 – Patient delusions and dental misunderstandings 😂
• 18:00 – Leadership mindsets: curiosity vs. judgment
• 19:30 – Joy is a skill, not a default
• 21:00 – The secret to a happier team and better culture
• 22:00 – Gratitude, homeschooling daughters, and Tuesday podcast breaks
• 25:00 – Reframing patient experiences and building trust
• 27:00 – Final takeaway: See what you want to see. Choose joy.

This one’s a little different… and a lot more fun.

For the first time ever, The Dentists Show is coming to you LIVE (well, sort of). We sat down in front of a room full of incredible team members and fellow dentists to answer real, unscripted questions about practice ownership, partnerships, leadership, fee-for-service dentistry, and everything in between.

From the unexpected benefits of buying a “run-down” practice… to navigating associate relationships… to how we really feel about scaling too fast—this episode pulls back the curtain on what it takes to build a thriving dental business without losing your mind (or your passion).

If you’re growing a practice, leading a team, or just wondering if this dental thing is supposed to feel this hard… this one’s for you.

🧠 You’ll hear:

• Why fee-for-service isn’t about better margins—it’s about better relationships
• The hard truths about team fit, culture, and letting people go
• What makes a partnership work (and what causes them to crash)
• Why more offices ≠ more happiness (trust us)
• And how to find your passion again—even if it’s not clinical work

🎧 Hit play to listen now—and don’t forget to share it with another dentist who could use some clarity.

LINKS:

https://www.thedentistsshow.com

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Welcome to our first live audience episode
• 01:30 – Why we started the show + Spokane love
• 03:00 – What the show is really about: clarity, ownership, impact
• 05:00 – First audience Q: Fee-for-service fears and skillset doubts
• 08:00 – Why building patient relationships is the real secret
• 10:00 – Associates who do less and make more (and how)
• 12:00 – Is it a mindset or a system problem?
• 14:00 – How our partnership started + our failed verbal contract 😂
• 17:00 – Why most partnerships don’t work
• 19:00 – Ryan’s reflections on choosing the right partner
• 21:00 – What we wish we knew: team misalignment and firing too late
• 24:00 – The compounding cost of keeping the wrong person
• 26:00 – Clinical growth + finding your lane
• 27:00 – What brings you passion? It's not always more money
• 29:00 – How we choose new practices (and mistakes we’ve made)
• 33:00 – Why you shouldn’t scale until your first office is maxed out
• 36:00 – Multi-practice mistakes to avoid
• 38:00 – The truth about money, stuff, and happiness
• 39:30 – Wrap-up: Let us know if you liked this format!

In this heartfelt and hilarious episode, Chase and Ryan reflect on the lessons they’ve learned from a humble old-school veterinarian whose simple advice left a lasting impression. The guys explore what it means to lead a values-driven dental practice in a world obsessed with upsells and upgrades. From nostalgic stories about their early days in dentistry to bold commentary on modern business models, this episode is a call back to service, simplicity, and genuine patient care.

They unpack why the best practices might not always be the biggest, why culture still beats convenience, and what it looks like to “make smiles about more than teeth.” Whether you’re growing a multi-location practice or dreaming of a chill one-chair setup with a dog by your side (no cats allowed, sorry), this one is for you.

👉 You’ll hear:

• The hilarious origin story of The Dentist Show
• Why the “vet mindset” might be the future of great dentistry
• Thoughts on nickel-and-dime businesses and how to avoid becoming one
• How growing a practice doesn’t have to mean losing your heart
• A passionate debate on dogs, cats, and why wet noses might make or break your practice 😂

If you’re ready to rethink what success in dentistry really looks like, hit play now—and then forward it to your team lead, your ops manager, or that front desk MVP who’s ready to level up. Or better yet, send it to another dentist who needs to hear it.

LINKS:

https://www.thedentistsshow.com

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:00 – Welcome back to The Dentist Show
• 1:30 – The show almost had a way worse name
• 3:15 – Chase’s dog Boxer and a testicle story you didn’t expect
• 6:00 – Life during dental school + poor pet parenting
• 8:00 – The OG vet who inspired this episode
• 10:00 – Hamburger + rice and the power of simple care
• 12:15 – Why today's businesses always want more money
• 14:20 – Could the one-man-show model still work today?
• 16:10 – Overhead, profits, and what we owe our team
• 17:40 – Efficiency vs. Connection: Striking a balance
• 19:00 – Painting walls after long days and loving the grind
• 21:30 – “If this all ends, I want a dog in the office”
• 23:00 – Dogs = cool, Cats =...internal resorption?! 😅
• 25:00 – Cat herpes, cat people, and accidental science
• 27:15 – The real message: Be the good. Be like the vet.
• 28:30 – Why memories and experiences matter more than money
• 29:00 – Wrap up: Share the episode, especially if you love dogs 🐶