Aaron Werner, Brianna Rhue, and first-time Book Nerds guest Dr. Ben Thayil unpack Seth Godin’s Tribes through the lens of real-world practice leadership. They explore what separates leaders from managers, why tribes thrive on member-to-member communication, and how fear is often less about failure and more about blame. The conversation digs into innovation timing (and the penalty for being late), practical ways to evaluate risk, and how to empower teams through delegation, alignment, and freedom to make mistakes—plus tactical takeaways like daily KPI texts, the “rope theory,” and a simple question to spark ownership: What change do you want to lead, and why?

----------------------

https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-and-aoa-join-forces-launch-myopia-collective

Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts 

Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth

----------------------

https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-and-aoa-join-forces-launch-myopia-collective

Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts 

Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth

Aaron sits down with optometry leader, author, and podcast host Dr. Dave Kading to unpack The Invisible Team—a practical playbook for reducing burnout and building a sustainable practice through virtual support. They dig into the real pressure points hitting private healthcare (staffing shortages, missed calls, admin overload), how to lead your in-office team through change without fear, and why “going all in” with a virtual mindset is the difference between success and frustration. If your practice feels held together by duct tape and good vibes, this conversation is your roadmap to getting help, protecting culture, and getting home sooner.

----------------------

Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts Let's Connect! Follow and join the conversation! Instagram: @aaron_werner_vision

----------------------

https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-and-aoa-join-forces-launch-myopia-collective

Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts 

Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth

Aaron sits down with Dr. Chandler Mann—homebound during a Texas freeze—to unpack how Chandler cold-started a Vision Source practice in December 2022 and scaled from ~$1M to $2M by year three. They dig into what actually drove the growth: community-first “active” marketing, hiring ahead of the curve, smart space constraints (and a buildout timed to paternity leave), expanding to six days with a part-time associate, and delegating dry eye treatments through a well-trained team. Along the way, they bust the “specialist” myth (myopia ≈5% of clinic time, dry eye ≈15%) and land on Chandler’s real advantage: humble curiosity, intentional leadership, and an office culture built around impact.

----------------------

Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts Let's Connect! Follow and join the conversation! Instagram: @aaron_werner_vision

https://substack.com/@alexberenson

-------------------

For our listeners, use the code 'EYECODEMEDIA22' for 10% off at check out for our Premiere Billing & Coding bundle or our EyeCode Billing & Coding course. Sharpen your billing and coding skills today and leave no money on the table!

[email protected]

https://coopervision.com/myopia-management

Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts 

Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth

"Aaron sits down with pro soccer forward and author Christina Birkenroad to unpack the real journey behind the goals—from Mission Bay High School and Cal State Fullerton to the NWSL, Europe, and eventually becoming a key player for Rayadas de Monterrey and the Mexican national team. Christina shares what actually separates good from great: habits, resilience, mental toughness, and learning to handle the highs and lows of a public, cutthroat career. They dive into her book The Footballer’s Handbook and why it’s more than a soccer guide—it’s a blueprint for anyone chasing excellence, navigating burnout, and building a “champion mindset” in life and work

Get the Book: The Footballer's Handbook: A Player’s Journey: Lessons, Mindset, and Winning Moments (https://a.co/d/f43Bs9L)

Connect with Christina:

In this episode, Chris responds to a listener’s thoughtful question: “Do we really need to check blood pressure on every adult patient?”

What starts as a question about workflow becomes a much bigger conversation about how optometrists spend their time, what really changes patient outcomes, and how to break the habit of checking boxes just for compliance.

We unpack:

The clinical and administrative context behind routine BP checks

Why MIPS might not apply to your practice—and what that means

The opportunity cost of low-yield testing

How to rethink what “comprehensive” really means in your exam

The case for reclaiming time to do more of what matters

Bottom line: If it doesn’t change how you care for the patient, maybe it doesn’t belong in the exam.

📌 Want to explore ways to optimize your workflow and focus on high-value care?

-------------------

For our listeners, use the code 'EYECODEMEDIA22' for 10% off at check out for our Premiere Billing & Coding bundle or our EyeCode Billing & Coding course. Sharpen your billing and coding skills today and leave no money on the table!

[email protected]

https://coopervision.com/myopia-management

Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts 

Show Sponsors: CooperVision MacuHealth

"Aaron kicks off 2026 with practice manager and Working Genius coach Sophie Thune to unpack what changed in the second half of 2025—when capture rates dipped and the “cracks” in systems and leadership became impossible to ignore. Together they break down Werner Optometry’s leadership team Working Genius map (Wonder → Tenacity), what’s missing (hello, Galvanizing), and how each genius is fueled—or crushed—by specific leadership behaviors. A practical, vulnerable conversation on communication, accountability, team dynamics, and rebuilding stronger for the year ahead.

Learn more and contact Sophie: