This special Pride Month episode of Open Wide with Julio features the incredible Al an RDH from Canada who traded the operatory for the Pilates studio and found the courage to fully step into his authentic self.

Al opens up about his coming out journey, navigating cultural expectations, finding acceptance, and discovering the freedom that comes with living honestly. From dentistry to movement, identity to resilience, this conversation is full of laughter, vulnerability, and reminders that it's never too late to choose yourself.

Whether you're celebrating Pride, supporting someone you love, or simply enjoy real conversations that inspire, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🏳️‍🌈

Disclaimer, this episode is very QUEER.

In this episode I interview the fabulous Dr. Lisa Creaven who is the co founder of made by dentists. This incredible brand who is changing oral health care for the good. We go over the story behind the making of this company, and what it takes to get there. We also break down why you should consider made by dentists toothpaste, and the importance of label reading. She also shares the creative side of this company and what we should expect. Thank you Dr. Lisa for coming on open wide with Julio podcast. Hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did.

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all platforms @ juliothefutureguygienist and @ made by dentists

On today's episode we go over the not so talked about mental health crisis during rigorous programs like dental hygiene school. I host the amazing Shelby, RDH and her truth on how she survived this extensive program, while holding on to her mental health. This episode is designed for the dental hygiene student or future dental hygiene students who struggle with similar issues, and how you can overcome such a dark time. In honor of mental health awareness month, we tackle it all today for you. Thank you again to Shelby for being so vulnerable on today's episode and sharing her story. This is why I love what I do, because I want to provide as much help as I can for a profession I absolutely love, and for something that I myself am working towards.

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@shelby.rdh and @juliothefutureguygienist

Hey pookie, welcome back to another episode of open wide with Julio, today's episode we talk about the life of an orthodontic dental hygienist, and how she started her business smile lab apparel. This episode is very informative and interesting, because ortho hygienists are not a thing here in California, which we need to get on that. Thank you for supporting this podcast and I ,and we truly love every single one of you.

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@smilelabca and @juliothefutureguygienist

Welcome back to another episode of open wide with Julio, today we sit with the CEO of QUIP, Meredith, to tackle everything you need to know about the company and how she navigates running a successful brand. She gives us some insight into quips famous products and chat about the vision they would like you to understand.. Thank you for supporting this show, and follow for more future episodes.

follow quip @quip on socials and Julio @juliothefutureguygienist on all platforms .

In this episode of Open Wide with Julio, we sit down with Kolbi, a restorative dental hygienist who’s redefining what it means to work in clinical dentistry. From placing fillings to balancing patient care with expanded responsibilities, Kolbi shares what it’s really like to step beyond the traditional hygiene role.

We dive into how she manages her day-to-day duties, navigates the mental and physical demands of dentistry, and creates a sustainable work-life balance in a fast-paced clinical environment. Whether you’re a pre-dental hygiene student, a current RDH, or just curious about the future of dentistry, this episode gives you a real, behind-the-scenes look at a career that’s evolving in real time.

Think of it as your inside pass to what hygiene can look like when you level up. 

In this episode of Open Wide with Julio, I sit down with the incredible Fiona RDH, widely known online as Mouthboxx. Fiona has built a powerful presence across multiple social media platforms where she shares honest, educational, and empowering content for dental hygiene students and new grads navigating the profession.

We talk about how she built her platform, the realities of becoming a dental hygienist, and the challenges many students face on the journey to licensure. Fiona also shares exciting news about her upcoming mentorship initiative designed to support and guide new graduate RDHs as they transition into clinical practice.

This conversation also gets real. We open up about the pressures of the profession, the vulnerable moments behind the scenes, and why community and mentorship matter so much in dentistry.

If you’re a future RDH, current hygiene student, or a new grad trying to find your footing, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and real talk from someone who’s passionate about helping the next generation succeed.

A Valentine’s special on Open Wide with Julio dives into the beautifully chaotic world of gay dating. From hookup culture and commitment fears to modern love, loneliness, and everything in between. Julio explores why connection can feel complicated in a swipe driven era, shares real talk about expectations vs. reality, and reflects on what it truly means to build something meaningful in today’s dating landscape. Equal parts honest, humorous, and heartfelt, this episode reminds us that while dating may be messy, the desire for love, stability, and genuine connection never goes out of style.

This week on open wide with Julio, I’m joined by Florie Mancilla, a seasoned dental hygienist with 16+ years of experience in the field.

We have an honest, insightful conversation about career longevity in hygiene, navigating school vs. real-world practice, protecting your body and mental health, and finding work-life balance in a profession that can be both rewarding and demanding. Florie shares real advice, lessons learned the hard way, and wisdom every student, new grad, and practicing hygienist needs to hear.

If you’re in hygiene or thinking about it—this episode is packed with gems you’ll want to save, share, and replay. 

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@juliothefutureguygienist and @Thedentalflygienist_

In this episode, Julio sits down with Ani “Floss Fairy” Aniston

to unravel the real journey from dental hygiene student to

brand-new grad navigating life beyond school. The temping life and why it sounds so scary, Ani shares the

wins, the curveballs, and the raw stories that don’t always

make it into the textbooks from clinical rotations to first days

on the job, managing nerves, building confidence behind the

chair, and thriving in professional life after graduation.

Whether you’re grinding through prerequisites, prepping for

boards, or stepping into your first hygienist role, this

conversation is your real-talk roadmap to success, balance,

and finding your groove in the dental world. Tune in for

actionable insights, motivational gems, and that raw open

wide moment.