Straight Up With Steph

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined by Dr. David Rice—dentist, coach, and founder of Ignite DDS—for a real, honest conversation about leadership, practice ownership, hygiene value, and the future of dentistry.

Dr. Rice shares what he would do differently if he were starting over as a practice owner, why leadership is the missing link in most dental practices, and how both dentists and hygienists can create practices that are profitable and healthy to work in.

We also dive into:

• Why leadership (not production) is the real driver of practice success
• The biggest mistakes new practice owners make—and how to avoid them
• Whether the hygiene department is truly a “loss leader”
• The truth behind the hygiene shortage and rising wages
• Why production-based hygiene pay can be ethical and empowering
• How AI is changing patient trust and case acceptance
• What the next 5–10 years of dentistry may look like
  
  

This episode is a must-listen for dentists, hygienists, and practice owners who want sustainable growth, stronger teams, and less tension inside their practices.

👉 Listen to the full episode now and share it with a colleague who needs this perspective.

To watch on YouTube, click here

About David

Connect with David:

Website

@ignitedds @futuredentists @drdavidrice

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.  

🌟Click here for my free intro course

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 To connect with me: 

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined again by registered dietitian and perimenopause expert Laura Berger for a deeper dive into muscle, metabolism, fat loss, and the biggest mistakes women are making with nutrition and training—especially in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.

We unpack why muscle truly is the organ of longevity, why women are not “bulking up” from strength training, and how hormonal shifts during perimenopause change the way we need to eat and exercise. Laura also breaks down why calorie counting, macro tracking, and “eating less” often backfire—and what to focus on instead if you want sustainable fat loss and long-term health.

We also tackle a hot topic that many women are curious (and conflicted) about: GLP-1 medications. Laura explains when they may be appropriate, when they’re likely doing more harm than good, and why preserving lean muscle is non-negotiable for aging well.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why muscle is critical for longevity, metabolism, and hormone health
• The myth of women “bulking up” from lifting weights
• Strength training vs yoga & Pilates—and why most women need a blend
• What functional strength training actually looks like
• Why protein alone doesn’t build muscle without the right stimulus
• How meal timing and protein distribution change in perimenopause
• The biggest problems with calorie counting and macro tracking
• What GLP-1 medications do—and what most people aren’t being told
• How to start the new year strong without all-or-nothing thinking

Ep 79: Why Your Old Diets Don’t Work Anymore: The Real Reason Women Gain Weight

About Laura


Connect with Laura:

Instagram and TikTok: @theperimenopausediet

Website

Free Masterclass

Easy Sheet Pan Recipe

Easy Smoothie Recipe

To watch on YouTube, click here

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.  

🌟Click here for my free intro course

🌟Click here for my operator positioning course

🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

 To connect with me: 

🦷Polished Posture Club
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, hearing instrument specialist Madison joins me to unpack the surprisingly deep connection between hearing, cognition, memory, balance, and longevity.

We talk about why hearing loss sneaks up on people, the common early signs that get ignored, and how untreated hearing loss dramatically increases the risk of dementia, falls, and social withdrawal. Madison also explains why dental clinicians are especially vulnerable to high-frequency noise exposure and the right way to use hearing protection.

You’ll learn:

 ✔️ How the auditory system feeds the brain
 ✔️ Why background noise is exhausting
 ✔️ When noise becomes dangerous (real decibel numbers!)
 ✔️ Why hearing aids are not “just for old people”
✔️ The difference between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder
✔️ The research linking hearing loss and dementia
✔️ How to protect your hearing — at work, at the gym, and at concerts

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in loud places, relied on captions, or struggled in restaurants, this episode will make so much sense

About Madison

Connect with Madison:

@madisonlistens on Instagram 

Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/dFRvJcm6KKQ?si=_cZXHGjITFnaQaZI  

Website

To watch on YouTube, click here

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes. 

🌟Click here for my free intro course

🌟Click here for my operator positioning course

🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

 To connect with me: 

🦷Polished Posture Club
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined by registered dietitian and creator of The Perimenopause Diet, Laura Berger, for a deeply validating and eye-opening conversation about body changes in your 30s and 40s, perimenopause, weight fluctuations, insulin resistance, and why traditional “eat less, move more” advice stops working during this chapter of life.

Laura breaks down:

• Why fat gain and “fluffiness” can happen even when diet and exercise haven’t changed
• How declining estrogen, stress, sleep, and insulin resistance interact
• What most women misunderstand about intermittent fasting
• Why strength training is non-negotiable and how to do it correctly
• The real reason women feel out of control around food (hint: it’s not willpower)
• How to structure meals to stabilize blood sugar, reduce cravings, and improve sleep
• Holiday eating strategies that don’t derail progress or trigger guilt

This episode is full of reassurance, clarity, and truly empowering education for women navigating midlife shifts. If you’ve been feeling frustrated, confused, or stuck in your body…this one will feel like a breath of relief.

👉 Listen now and connect with Laura’s programs + masterclass in the show notes!

About Laura

Connect with Laura:

Instagram and TikTok: @theperimenopausediet

Website

Free Masterclass

To watch on YouTube, click here

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.  

🌟Click here for my free intro course

🌟Click here for my operator positioning course

🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

 To connect with me: 

🦷Polished Posture Club
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with clinical trichologist Dorian White to talk about all things hair and scalp health. We cover everything from tight hairstyles and traction alopecia to the science behind scalp care, proper shampoo techniques, and what really causes hair loss.

You’ll learn:

• The real difference between scalp serums and oils
• How to properly wash your hair for optimal scalp health
• Why you might be losing hair at your temples or crown
• The truth about supplements like biotin and collagen
• Science-backed ingredients that actually help with regrowth
• Dorian’s top tips for maintaining healthy hair as hormones shift
  
  

This conversation is full of myth-busting advice, practical tips, and reassurance for anyone struggling with hair changes or loss.

About Dori

Connect with Dori:

@dorian_marie_hair on instagram and titktok

To watch on YouTube, click here

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.

🌟Click here for my free intro course

🌟Click here for my operator positioning course

🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

 To connect with me: 

🦷Polished Posture Club
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m diving into the most common ergonomic mistakes dental clinicians make — and the exact corrections that will help you start the new year with less pain, better posture, and more confidence in the operatory.

This solo episode breaks down years of assessment experience and everything I personally struggled with early in my career—the same habits that led me straight into chronic pain. If you want to feel better in 2025, these are the habits to stop today.

In this episode, I cover:

• The #1 posture mistake fueling neck and back pain
• Why the wrong clock positions are wrecking your body
• The exact height your patient’s mouth should be
• How death-gripping your instruments leads to injury
• Why circulation is everything (and what instantly improves it)
• Microbreaks, movement, standing, walking & blood flow
• Out-of-operatory habits: sleep, diet, protein, inflammation & exercise
  
  

If you want to start feeling better, working safer, and building a body that lasts throughout your career, this episode is your roadmap.

To watch on YouTube, click here

Links for mentioned resources:

Free Posture Mini-Course

Ergo Courses + Monthly Club Membership

Microbreak Download

Corrective Exercise Specialist (for clinicians)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.  

🌟Click here for my free intro course

🌟Click here for my operator positioning course

 To connect with me: 

🦷Polished Posture Club
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Gary Bird, founder and CEO of SMC National, to talk all things marketing in dentistry. 

Gary shares eye-opening insights on where dental practices lose potential patients, how to track what’s actually working, and all about AI being used in marketing.

We cover:

• The #1 marketing metric most practices ignore (and how it’s costing you new patients)
• Why 35% of dental calls go unanswered — and what that means for your ROI
• The real difference between good marketing and good operations
• The truth about AI marketing, social media, and the future of practice growth

Gary’s candid takes will make you rethink how your front desk, systems, and social strategy all connect to practice profitability.

About Gary

Connect with Gary:

https://www.facebook.com/smcnationalinc 

https://www.instagram.com/smcnational/ https://www.youtube.com/user/SMCNational/videos

Trackable App

To watch on YouTube, click here

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.  

🌟Click here for my free intro course

🌟Click here for my operator positioning course

🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

 To connect with me: 

🦷Polished Posture Club
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Sofie, a dental hygienist who transitioned from clinical care to the world of dental technology and AI. Now working at Overjet, Sofie shares her journey from the operatory to dental sales, what it’s like being the only clinician on her team, and how AI is transforming patient communication, diagnosis, and insurance efficiency in dentistry.

We talk about:

• Sofie’s transition from hygiene to dental tech and sales
• How Overjet helps clinicians present treatment and improve case acceptance
• Common misconceptions about AI in dentistry
• How Overjet supports both providers and insurance communication
• Why clinicians should stay curious about opportunities beyond the operatory

🦷 Whether you’re a dental clinician curious about career transitions or a practice looking to streamline efficiency and accuracy, this episode gives you a real-world look at how AI can elevate your workflow.

This episode is sponsored by Overjet:

Overjet helps dental professionals elevate patient care, streamline diagnostics, and simplify insurance communication with advanced AI technology.

👉 Learn more about Overjet

About Sofie

Connect with Sofie:

Book a Demo

Book A Discovery Call with Sofie

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn

To watch on YouTube, click here

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes. 

 To connect with me: 

🦷Polished Posture Club
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph — part two of my two-part series with Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH, co-founder of Hygiene Edge — we dive into what life looks like after dental hygiene school.

From first-day nerves to finding the right office fit, we cover everything new grads wish someone had told them before starting. Whether you’re just entering private practice or a few years in and still finding your rhythm, this one’s packed with wisdom, laughter, and encouragement.

We discuss:

• What to expect in your first year as a new grad
• How to find an office that supports you (and your ergonomics!)
• Building confidence and learning to ask for help
• Managing time, burnout, and the steep learning curve
• Why your education doesn’t stop at graduation
• The importance of networking, continuing education, and staying curious

If you’re a new grad, this one’s for you!

To watch on Youtube, click here

Episodes mentioned in this podcast:

 Top Tips on Thriving in Dental Hygiene School

About Melia

Connect with Melia:

@hygieneedge

@meliardh

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes. 

🌟Click here for my free intro course

🌟Click here for my operator positioning course

🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

 To connect with me: 

🦷Polished Posture Club
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined by Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH, co-founder of Hygiene Edge, to talk all things dental hygiene students. From dealing with perfectionism to navigating stress and keeping perspective, Melia shares her top five tips to help students not just survive, but thrive in hygiene school.

We discuss:

• How to handle self-doubt and negativity while in school
• The importance of kindness and professionalism with instructors
• Top 5 student tips that make a big difference
• The value of honesty, networking, and reading your syllabus!
• Using video learning and social media wisely in dental hygiene education
• Why learning never stops once you graduate

💡 Whether you’re in school, teaching, or supporting a student, this one’s packed with relatable insight and encouragement.

About Melia


Connect with Melia:

@hygieneedge

@meliardh

To watch on YouTube, click here

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.  

🌟Click here for my free intro course

🌟Click here for my operator positioning course

🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

 To connect with me: 

🦷Polished Posture Club
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup