Curious what it actually takes to change hearts and minds when advocating for the CAA profession? Turns out, advocacy is a skill like anything else in this field, and it starts with the right mental model. Whether you're a practicing CAA facing pushback in the OR, an AA student finding your voice online, or a pre-AA just starting to understand our profession's fight for recognition, this episode gives you a framework you can actually use.

In this episode I sit down with Adrienne Evans, SLP-turned-Pre-AA and co-host of the Pre-AA Pathways Podcast, to break down her original V.O.I.C.E. Framework for advocacy.

In this episode we discuss:

• The V.O.I.C.E. Framework: Validate, Own, Identify, Cite, End with inclusion
• How to respond to misinformation and disinformation about the CAA profession without escalating
• Why validation is a form of psychological grounding that lowers defensiveness in hard conversations
• How to identify the root cause of a misconception before you try to correct it
• Applying the framework in both online comment sections and in-person conversations
• Why most advocacy conversations won't change a mind on the spot — and how repetition and small efforts build relationships and long-term change

Resources Mentioned:

• Adrienne Evans' VOICE advocacy framework — SLPtoCAA.com/advocacy
• Adrienne Instagram, TikTok
• Contact Adrienne
• Non Traditional Pre-AA Club
• Pre-AA Pathways Podcast

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• 2 hr interview workshop
• Insights from current AA students
• On camera practice
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This new take on the PROCESS series is at the core of what I love to share, the messy middle. What if you could witness the making of a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant in real time, not as a polished highlight reel, but as it is actually unfolding? In all things, I care far less about the end result and far more about who you are in the becoming.

This Pre-AA to CAA PROCESS series follows Britton Robinson as her journey unfolds from 2024 through 2028, an ongoing conversation that captures the growth, the pivots, the waiting, and the wins along the way. It is about honoring growth as it happens and having the courage to tell your story before you know how it will end. This is the Pre-AA to CAA [PROCESS] of Britton Robinson.

Need to Catch up?

• ep. 89 Britton's Pre-AA to CAA Journey PART 1
• ep. 90 Britton's Pre-AA to CAA Journey PART 2

Drop me a quick voice note!

Interview Prep School for $97, you receive

• Step-by-step interview prep guide (themed)
• 2 hr interview workshop
• Insights from current AA students
• On camera practice
• Interview questions bank
• Tons of feedback
• Confidence 

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The 2026 AAAA* President had a marketing undergrad degree, years in hospitality as a bartender, one EMT night class, and a long stretch of prerequisites. This might not sound like the “perfect” route into the CAA profession, but it can be the exact training ground to build a great CAA and an even better leader. We recorded this LIVE Season 5 Finale on April 10th, 2026 from the AAAA National Conference main stage (my podcasting dream come true). It also ended up being one of my favorite conversations, not only because Emily openly discusses her imposter syndrome and test anxiety, but because it will make your big dreams feel possible again.

*American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants

Connect with Emily Mycyk, 2026 AAAA President

A HUGE Thank You to my Season 5 PROCESS sponsor, Harmony Anesthesia Staffing.

Harmony is CAA-owned, clinician-forward, and leading the way in the CAA locums market. Schedule your free 15-min consult and see how locums can work for you. Say 'hi' to Rad and Sasi for me when you do!

Drop me a quick voice note!

Interview Prep School for $97, you receive

• Step-by-step interview prep guide (themed)
• 2 hr interview workshop
• Insights from current AA students
• On camera practice
• Interview questions bank
• Tons of feedback
• Confidence 

Enroll Now

Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- 
for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.

Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!

Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com  or on IG @awakenedanesthetist

In this AA student PROCESS episode, I sit down with 2025 AAAA Diversity Scholarship winners Brashe' Webster and Lindsey Glenn to tell the truth about underrepresentation, code switching, and what it costs to “perform” in the OR. We talk through access, mentorship, program fit, and the practical questions pre-AAs can ask so they choose AA school with their eyes open.

Follow Lindsey Linkedin or [email protected]

Follow Brashe' Linkedin or [email protected]

Key Links

• 2024 Scholarship Winners PROCESS episode 60
• Email the 2025 Diversity Committee Chair
• Join the AAAA (must be AAAA member to apply for Diversity scholarship)
• DONATE NOW Diversity Scholarship - AAAA
• LEARN MORE Diversity Scholarship Requirements

Drop me a quick voice note!

Interview Prep School for $97, you receive

• Step-by-step interview prep guide (themed)
• 2 hr interview workshop
• Insights from current AA students
• On camera practice
• Interview questions bank
• Tons of feedback
• Confidence 

Enroll Now

Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- 
for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.

Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!

Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com  or on IG @awakenedanesthetist

This new take on the PROCESS series is at the core of what I love to share, the messy middle. What if you could witness the making of a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant in real time, not as a polished highlight reel, but as it is actually unfolding? In all things, I care far less about the end result and far more about who you are in the becoming.

This Pre-AA to CAA PROCESS series follows Britton Robinson as her journey unfolds from 2024 through 2028, an ongoing conversation that captures the growth, the pivots, the waiting, and the wins along the way. It is about honoring growth as it happens and having the courage to tell your story before you know how it will end. This is the Pre-AA to CAA [PROCESS] of Britton Robinson.

New to this series?

• ep. 89 Britton's Pre-AA to CAA Journey PART 1

A HUGE Thank You to my Season 5 PROCESS sponsor, Harmony Anesthesia Staffing.

Harmony is CAA-owned, clinician-forward, and leading the way in the CAA locums market. Schedule your free 15-min consult and see how locums can work for you. Say 'hi' to Rad and Sasi for me when you do!

Drop me a quick voice note!

Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- 
for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.

Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!

Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com  or on IG @awakenedanesthetist

This new take on the PROCESS series is at the core of what I love to share, the messy middle. What if you could witness the making of a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant in real time, not as a polished highlight reel, but as it is actually unfolding? In all things, I care far less about the end result and far more about who you are in the becoming.

This Pre-AA to CAA PROCESS series follows Britton Robinson as her journey unfolds from 2024 through 2028, an ongoing conversation that captures the growth, the pivots, the waiting, and the wins along the way. It is about honoring growth as it happens and having the courage to tell your story before you know how it will end. This is the Pre-AA to CAA [PROCESS] of Britton Robinson.

A HUGE Thank You to my Season 5 PROCESS sponsor, Harmony Anesthesia Staffing.

Harmony is CAA-owned, clinician-forward, and leading the way in the CAA locums market. Schedule your free 15-min consult and see how locums can work for you. Say 'hi' to Rad and Sasi for me when you do!

Drop me a quick voice note!

Interview Prep School for $97, you receive

• Step-by-step interview prep guide (themed)
• 2 hr interview workshop
• Insights from current AA students
• On camera practice
• Interview questions bank
• Tons of feedback
• Confidence 

Enroll Now

Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- 
for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.

Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!

Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com  or on IG @awakenedanesthetist

I am thrilled to introduce, Genesis Perrymond, a practicing Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant and professional referee?!?! (think NBA) 

If you are in this CAA community and have been looking for inspiration to pursue your own very niche dream, then you have come to the right place! Lean in because this is the PROCESS of Genesis Perrymond. 

Connect with Genesis

A HUGE Thank You to my Season 5 PROCESS sponsor, Harmony Anesthesia Staffing.

Harmony is CAA-owned, clinician-forward, and leading the way in the CAA locums market. Schedule your free 15-min consult and see how locums can work for you. Say 'hi' to Rad and Sasi for me when you do!

Drop me a quick voice note!

Interview Prep School for $97, you receive

• Step-by-step interview prep guide (themed)
• 2 hr interview workshop
• Insights from current AA students
• On camera practice
• Interview questions bank
• Tons of feedback
• Confidence 

Enroll Now

Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- 
for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.

Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!

Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com  or on IG @awakenedanesthetist

Ever wonder how a “rich life” as a CAA millionaire really looks? In this 2025 financial transparency episode, Mary Jeanne pulls back the drape and breaks down her CAA income vs her entrepreneurial income, and choosing time over her desire for more. She shares every detail on where her money goes and how she is a millionaire but still left 2025 in the red. This is real numbers, real talk and I hope you leave feeling seen. 

Mentioned in the episode:

• @hallease.mp4
• @caalifestyle
• @anesthesia_anonymous
• @financiallyfreecaa
• Ramit Sethi Book 

Drop me a quick voice note!

Interview Prep School for $97, you receive

• Step-by-step interview prep guide (themed)
• 2 hr interview workshop
• Insights from current AA students
• On camera practice
• Interview questions bank
• Tons of feedback
• Confidence 

Enroll Now

Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- 
for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.

Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!

Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com  or on IG @awakenedanesthetist

START HERE -> 2-part FREE Enneagram Test

Whether you are new or old to the Enneagram, I am honored to introduce you to Certified Enneagram Teacher and my personal mentor, Dr. Jodi Jackson. 

CAAs, have you ever searched for wellness resources that truly understand what it means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant? You're not alone. Wellness Wednesday are candid conversations about the unique challenges and opportunities facing CAAs in their pursuit of sustainable wellbeing.

Whether you're a practicing CAA, AA student, or prospective applicant, this episode marks the beginning of a community-centered approach to wellness that finally names and validates your experience. Welcome in. 

Connect with Dr. Jodi Jackson Email

FREE Resources + Events Mentioned

• START HERE -> 2 part FREE Enneagram Test 
• Find a Certified Enneagram Teacher
• IEA
• The Enneagram Institute
• Narrative Interviews
• Intro to Enneagram Webinars by Dr. Jackson
• In Person 2-day Workshop (KC locals)

Attention AA Program Leaders and Educators. Learn More about bringing CAA Matters to your AA program HERE

Drop me a quick voice note!

Interview Prep School for $97, you receive

• Step-by-step interview prep guide (themed)
• 2 hr interview workshop
• Insights from current AA students
• On camera practice
• Interview questions bank
• Tons of feedback
• Confidence 

Enroll Now

Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- 
for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.

Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!

Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com  or on IG @awakenedanesthetist

Episode best if WATCHED on YouTube ;)

In this much anticipated episode, I finally open up about my lifetime battle with OCD. How its devastation shifted from childhood "just right" rituals to religious and sexuality obsessions to relationship OCD, and how naming it led to therapy, medication, and a gentler way to live. I share the tools that helped and why this CAA community matters so much to me.

Resources from this episode:

• When are intrusive thoughts normal vs abnormal: A short blog article “What are intrusive thoughts and are they normal?” by Dr. Lauren T. Edwards 
• Basics about OCD
• OCD 20-question quiz
• Listen to Podcast ‘We Can Do Hard Things’ by Treat Media and Glennon Doyle, Episode: “The Truth of OCD: Therapist Alegra Kastens on Living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder” 
  • Apple Podcasts link 
  • Spotify link
• Podcast ‘Armchair Expert’ by Dax Shepard, Episode: “Alegra Kastens (OCD Specialist)” 
  • Apple Podcasts link
  • Spotify link
• Podcast ‘Speaking of Psychology’, Episode: “OCD myths and realities, with Dean McKay, PhD, and Uma Chatterjee“
  • Apple Podcasts link
  • Spotify Podcast link
• Ways to find more information/mental health resources: 
  1. Check your personal insurance to determine mental health benefits and coverage
  2. Look into your employer’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if available, to see what mental health resources they may offer
  3. Find a Therapist that fits your needs: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us

Drop me a quick voice note!

Interview Prep School for $97, you receive

• Step-by-step interview prep guide (themed)
• 2 hr interview workshop
• Insights from current AA students
• On camera practice
• Interview questions bank
• Tons of feedback
• Confidence 

Enroll Now

Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- 
for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.

Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!

Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com  or on IG @awakenedanesthetist