In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Steven Olmos, a world-renowned expert in craniofacial pain and sleep-related breathing disorders, and founder of TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centres International. 

With over 40 years in dentistry, Dr. Olmos shares his journey from general practice to becoming a global leader in airway and pain management, and why he believes dentistry must evolve to address root causes, not just symptoms.

We discuss:

• How Dr. Olmos built a worldwide network focused on treating pain and sleep disorders 

• The critical connection between airway health, sleep, and chronic pain 

• Why current dental education and insurance models need to change 

• The importance of holistic, patient-centered care 

• Practical advice for both dental professionals and parents seeking better health outcomes

• And much more!

If you’re passionate about the future of dentistry or want to understand how airway and sleep impact overall health, this conversation is a must-listen!

LINKS:

Learn more: https://tmjtherapycentre.com
Contact: [email protected]

The DOC Website: https://theorthocoach.com/

Overview:
In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I sit down with M.C. Laubscher—business owner, investor, financial freedom strategist, and host of the acclaimed Cashflow Ninja podcast. Together, we dive into the strategies the wealthy use to build generational wealth, the concept of becoming your own bank, and actionable steps for professionals and business owners to take control of their financial future.

Guest Bio:
MC Laubscher is the founder of Producers Wealth, a bestselling author, and the creator/host of Cashflow Ninja. He specializes in helping clients develop alternative wealth strategies and is a member of the Forbes Finance Council and the Million Dollar Round Table.

Key Topics & Highlights:

• MC’s journey from South Africa to the US and his early influences (including the impact of "Rich Dad Poor Dad")
• The concept of financial freedom and how it can be achieved by building a family office
• How to become your own bank using the Infinite Banking Concept
• The power of life insurance as an asset and a tool for generational wealth
• Practical steps for business owners and professionals to implement these strategies
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid scams in the insurance and wealth-building space
• The importance of financial education, cash flow management, and legacy planning
• M.C.’s experience as a podcaster and the growth of Cashflow Ninja

 Resources & Links:

• M.C. Laubscher’s website: Producers Wealth
• Free eBook & audiobook: Get Wealthy For Sure
• M.C.’s podcast: Cashflow Ninja
• Dr. Mike’s custom balance sheet: TheOrthoCoach.com
• DOC Podcast on Cashflow: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-numbers-you-need-to-know-to-achieve-financial/id1689703392?i=1000642958320
• Listeners of The DOC Podcast can receive a $500 discount on registration for Airway Palooza 2025 in Fort Lauderdale by using code DOCPALOOZA at checkout. https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza
• Contact M.C.: [email protected]
• Contact Dr. Mike: [email protected]

 Calls to Action:

• Like, subscribe, and share if you found this episode valuable!
• Comment below with your questions or topics you’d like to hear more about.
• Check out the links above for free resources and to connect with our guest.

 Join the Community:

• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/)

Thank you for tuning in to The DOC Podcast! Remember, you have been blessed with the ability to do amazing things.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Staci Whitman, a board-certified pediatric, integrative, and naturopathic dentist.  Dr. Staci is one of the few dentists certified by the Institute of Functional Medicine, is the founder of a leading functional pediatric dental practice, co-founder of the Institute for Functional Dentistry, and a passionate educator on the oral-systemic connection.  She recently appeared on the Huberman Lab Podcast and did an outstanding job representing the dental profession!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Dr. Staci’s personal journey from traditional dental training to pioneering a holistic, root-cause approach to pediatric dentistry.
• The challenges and limitations of current dental education and practice models.
• How burnout affects dental professionals—and how a functional approach can restore purpose and satisfaction.
• The truth about fluoride, the latest research, and why open-minded discussion is critical.
• The oral and gut microbiome: what it means for your health, how it connects to systemic wellness, and why it’s the next frontier in dentistry.
• Actionable steps for parents, patients, and providers to improve oral health, including nutrition, hydration, airway health, stress management, and hygiene.
• The importance of individualized care, patient education, and shifting away from a “one-size-fits-all” model.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Listeners of The DOC Podcast can receive a $500 discount on registration for Airway Palooza 2025 in Fort Lauderdale by using code DOCPALOOZA at checkout. https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza
• Oral microbiome testing resources: https://www.viome.com/products/oral-health-intelligence; https://www.bristlehealth.com/
• Cochrane Review on Fluoride (2024): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39362658/
• The Institute for Functional Dentistry: https://functionaldentistry.com/
• Episode with Beth Lambert: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-causing-the-chronic-disease-epidemic-in-our/id1689703392?i=1000716655495

Connect with Dr. Staci:

• https://doctorstaci.com/
• Dr. Staci on Instagram: @doctor_staci

Connect with Dr. Mike:

• theorthocoach.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Join the DOC Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/

On this episode of The DOC Podcast, I host visionary orthodontist Dr. Ilya Lipkin. Dr. Lipkin discusses his groundbreaking work with Mini Screw Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion (MARPE) and shares his journey, from overcoming academic challenges in the Soviet Union to becoming a pioneer in airway-focused orthodontics. 

Learn about the clinical and academic divide in the field, the importance of comprehensive patient care that goes beyond aligning teeth, and practical advice for implementing MARPE in a busy practice. Dr. Lipkin also touches on the vital role of diagnostic processes and offers insights into the future of orthodontic treatment. 

Whether you're an orthodontist, dental professional, or just curious about the advancements in orthodontics, this episode is packed with invaluable information. Enjoy the show!

00:27 Meet Dr. Ilya Lipkin: A Visionary in Orthodontics

02:36 Dr. Lipkin's Journey: From the Soviet Union to Orthodontics

05:26 The Impact of Sleep and Airway on Orthodontics

09:38 Clinical vs. Academic Perspectives in Orthodontics

14:16 Challenges and Changes in Orthodontic Practices

35:12 The Role of Dentists in Airway Screening & Health

35:34 Orthodontic Residency and Airway Issues

35:43 TMJ and Orthodontics: A Controversial Topic

36:36 The Importance of Comprehensive Diagnosis

38:02 Challenges in Orthodontic Practices

41:55 Diagnostic Ability and Patient Health

42:32 The Evolution of Orthodontic Technology

43:56 Determining the Right Treatment Approach

53:59 Implementing MARPE in Practice

01:00:17 The Need for Change in Orthodontic Education

01:10:48 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Special Offer:
Listeners of The DOC Podcast can receive a $500 discount on registration for Airway Palooza 2025 in Fort Lauderdale by using code DOCPALOOZA at checkout. https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza

SHOW NOTES
-Contact Dr. Lipkin: https://www.gotbraces.com/

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I welcome Mr. Erik Brenner, a private wealth advisor with over 30 years of experience and the President and CEO of Hilltop Wealth and Tax Solutions. Erik is also the author of the Amazon bestseller, "The Personal CFO Revolution: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Your Retirement." Together, we break down the often overwhelming world of personal finance, offering practical advice for every stage of your career and life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Importance of Having a Financial Plan: Why everyone, regardless of career stage, needs a plan—and how to revisit and update it as your life evolves.
• Understanding the Role of a Fiduciary Advisor:
  What it means to work with a fiduciary, and why it matters for your financial security.
• Breaking Down Financial Planning by Life Stage:
  Dr. Mike and Erik discuss four key periods:

Early Career (School to 5 Years Out):

• Building an emergency fund
• Managing and understanding debt
• The value of starting to save and invest early (time value of money)
• Basics of insurance and budgeting

Mid-Career (5–20 Years):

• Growing wealth and managing taxes
• Maximizing retirement plans (401k, HSA, backdoor Roth strategies)
• Asset protection, estate planning, and insurance updates
• The importance of accurate bookkeeping and proactive tax planning

Late Career (20 Years to Retirement):

• Increasing complexity: business ownership, real estate, and advanced tax mitigation
• Planning for college expenses and balancing support for children with retirement goals
• Regular estate plan checkups and preparing for the “walkaway” number

Retirement:

• Transitioning from accumulation to distribution
• Managing multiple income streams and ongoing tax mitigation
• Emotional and lifestyle considerations for a fulfilling retirement
• Insurance needs, self-insuring, and long-term care planning

Actionable Advice for Every Listener:

• The value of assembling a trusted advisory team
• Why intentional planning and flexibility are the true keys to building wealth
• How to ask the right questions and be proactive with your advisors

 Resources & Links:

• Get Erik’s Book:
  The Personal CFO Revolution: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Your Retirement
  Visit the link for a free copy and to schedule a no-obligation introductory call with Erik’s team.
• Connect with Dr. Mike DeLuke:
  • Email: [email protected]
  • The Ortho Coach – CE Courses & Coaching
  • Join the DOC Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/

Special Offer:
Listeners of The DOC Podcast can receive a $500 discount on registration for Airway Palooza 2025 in Fort Lauderdale by using code DOCPALOOZA at checkout. https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza

Thank You for Listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with colleagues, friends, or family who could benefit from these insights. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join us next time for more conversations to help you lead a happier, healthier, and more prosperous life.

In this episode, I welcome Dr. Becca Bockow, a renowned orthodontist, periodontist, and educator, for a deep dive into the evolving world of interceptive (Phase I) orthodontic treatment. Dr. Bockow shares her unique journey from restorative dentistry to dual specialty training and how her interdisciplinary background shapes her approach to pediatric airway health and early intervention.

Key Topics Covered:

• The science and evidence behind early orthodontic expansion and its impact on long-term health
• The relationship between airway, sleep-disordered breathing, and craniofacial development
• Why traditional orthodontic training often overlooks early intervention—and how to bridge the gap
• The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration with ENTs, pediatricians, sleep specialists, and therapists
• Practical screening tools and questionnaires for identifying pediatric sleep issues
• The role of 3D imaging (CBCT) in modern orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning
• Addressing common misconceptions and stigma around Phase I treatment
• How early intervention can help prevent surgery and improve quality of life for children

Actionable Takeaways:

• Early orthodontic evaluation is about more than just teeth—it's about whole-body health.
• Orthodontists can play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing pediatric airway issues.
• Collaboration and ongoing education are key to advancing patient care and professional growth.

Resources & Links:

• Airway Palooza 2025: An upcoming conference focused on airway health, with a special $500 discount code for listeners (DOCPALOOZA) - https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza
• Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Pediatric-Sleep-Questionnaire_fig1_347054293
• Ferris 6 Sleep Study: https://www.fairest.org/tools/
• Rethinking Rhinoplasty – Howard Stupak: https://www.amazon.com/Rethinking-Rhinoplasty-Facial-Surgery-Re-Analysis/dp/3030446751
• DeLuke Orthodontic Coaching Website:  www.theorthocoach.com

Tune in for an inspiring and practical conversation that challenges the status quo and empowers clinicians to make a lasting impact on their patients’ lives.

Episode Overview: In this episode, I welcome Dr. Vincenzo Recine, a physical therapist and founder of Prime Physio, to discuss a holistic approach to health, wellness, and pain management. Dr. Recine shares his journey from athletic training to specializing in physical therapy for TMJ, TMD, and orofacial pain, and explains how his practice integrates advanced manual therapy, movement re-education, and a whole-person perspective.

Key Topics Covered:

• Dr. Recine’s background and what inspired his career in physical therapy
• The prevalence and impact of TMJ/TMD pain in the U.S.
• Comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans for pain, dysfunction, and performance
• The connection between airway health, sleep, and orofacial pain
• Collaboration between physical therapists and dental professionals to improve patient outcomes
• The importance of considering orofacial musculature in malocclusion and TMD
• Strategies for staying healthy and pain-free, especially for those with sedentary or repetitive work (e.g., dental professionals)
• The value of proactive, diagnostic-focused care over symptom-based treatment
• Advice for clinicians on being open-minded, self-reflective, and collaborative

Actionable Takeaways:

• Seek comprehensive evaluations that look beyond symptoms to root causes
• For providers: invest time in diagnostics and patient education for better outcomes
• Don’t hesitate to reach out to specialists or collaborate across disciplines
• Move regularly and find ways to incorporate “exercise snacks” throughout your day
• Prioritize sleep, hydration, and nutrition as foundational to healing and performance

Resources & Mentions:

• Airway Palooza 2025: An upcoming conference focused on airway health, with a special $500 discount code for listeners (Enter: DOCPALOOZA at checkout) - https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza
• The Ortho Coach CE Course: A comprehensive course on interceptive orthodontic treatment and airway-focused care. (https://theorthocoach.com/courses/phase-i-arch-development/?portfolioCats=99)
• Article on postural adaptations in rats: https://www.felicefesta.it/document/The%20Influence%20of%20an%20Experimentally%20Induced%20Malocclusion%20On%20Vertebral%20Alignment.pdf
• Article on Dental Distress Syndrome: https://stamforddentist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ddsquantified.pdf

Connect with Dr. Recine:

• DM on Instagram: @primephysio_ 
• Website: https://www.prime-physio.net/
• Open to questions from both patients and professionals

Contact the Show:

• Email Dr. Mike DeLuke: [email protected]
• Join the DOC Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19conYSiL6/

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with your colleagues and friends.

Don’t miss this AMAZING conversation with Dr. Marianna Evans!  As a dual-trained orthodontist/periodontist and expert in anthropology, she offers a unique perspective on the etiology of malocclusion, the periodontal consequences of the traditional approach to orthodontic treatment, and the numerous benefits of initiating orthodontic treatment in younger children.  She is also very knowledgeable about how airway patency impacts craniofacial growth and development and is passionate about the role the orthodontist can and should play in airway management. 

Dr. Evans and I discuss:

• Why and how she decided to open her own practice from scratch in 2011, and how it’s going now.
• Her educational background, including why she decided to obtain degrees in both orthodontics and periodontics, and how it has helped her be a better orthodontist.
• How she developed an interest in, and eventually a passion for, anthropology by studying the Morton Skull Collection while at UPenn.
• The problem with using transverse norms based on post-industrial skulls.
• Why humans today can no longer accommodate 32 teeth, and why that is a bigger problem than we may realize.
• How diet and obstructed nasal breathing are turning malocclusion into a pandemic.
• The role of the orthodontist’s ego in the prevention of the advancement of our profession.
• Marianna’s advice to residents and young docs regarding questioning what they learn in their orthodontic residency.
• What the research says about providing orthodontic treatment to patients in the primary dentition.
• How the refusal of orthodontists to treat patients at a younger age will lead to the death of our specialty.
• The thinning of the alveolar bone that inevitably occurs during all orthodontic tooth movement.
• Why we should be more focused on developing the jaws in the primary dentition to allow the teeth to erupt into the center of the ridge.
• The need for orthodontists to look at their cases 20 years after treatment, and how that could change their perspective.
• The numerous flaws with the literature stating that early treatment is not effective.
• How to communicate to parents that their young child is in need of orthodontic treatment.
• Why we should be referring to the orthodontic treatment of younger patients as “preventative,” not “early.”
• The story of how she got connected with James Nestor and what it was like to be featured in his bestselling book, Breath.
• And much, much more!!

LINKS:
-Airway Palooza 2025: An upcoming conference focused on airway health, with a special $500 discount code for listeners (DOCPALOOZA) - https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza

-Email Dr. Evans: [email protected] 

-Email Dr. Mike:  [email protected]

-Breath by James Nestor: https://a.co/d/1JGxJa8 

Episode Overview:
In this episode, I’m joined by three leaders in dentistry and airway health—Drs. Stacy Becker, Tracey Nguyen, and  Michelle Weddle, founders of the ASAP Pathway. Together, we discuss the evolution of airway-focused dental care, the importance of nasal breathing, and the challenges and progress in integrating airway health into mainstream dental and orthodontic practice.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Raising awareness about airway health and its role in craniofacial and neurocognitive development.
• The journey of airway health in dentistry: where the field started, current challenges, and future goals.
• The importance of collaboration between general dentists, orthodontists, pediatric dentists, and medical professionals.
• Barriers to change in dental and orthodontic practice, including education gaps, workflow challenges, and financial considerations.
• The role of evidence-based medicine in airway dentistry and the limitations of current research.
• The need for respectful dialogue and teamwork across specialties to improve patient outcomes.
• Empowering parents and patients to advocate for airway health and seek the right care.
• The value of community, ongoing education, and practice-based research networks.

Special Mentions:

• Airway Palooza 2025: An upcoming conference focused on airway health, with a special $500 discount code for listeners (DOCPALOOZA) - https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza
• The Ortho Coach CE Course: A comprehensive course on interceptive orthodontic treatment and airway-focused care. (https://theorthocoach.com/courses/phase-i-arch-development/?portfolioCats=99)
• Contact information for research collaboration: [email protected]

Resources & Links:

• TheOrthoCoach.com – For CE courses and coaching
• ASAP Pathway – Educational resources and community.
• DOC Podcast Facebook Community – For ongoing discussion and support.

Calls to Action:

• Share the episode with colleagues and friends interested in airway health.
• Consider attending Airway Palooza or enrolling in the Ortho Coach CE course.
• Reach out to the hosts or guests for collaboration or to share your story.

Closing Thoughts:
The episode wraps up with a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about the realities of changing dental practice, the importance of humility and open-mindedness, and the power of community in driving progress for airway health.

Thank you for listening to The DOC Podcast! For guest suggestions or to connect, email Dr. Mike at [email protected].

Episode Summary:
In this episode, I welcome Dr. Kevin Boyd, a renowned pediatric dentist and expert in early orthodontic intervention, anthropology, and evolutionary oral medicine. Together, we explore the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of malocclusion, the interplay between genetics and environment, and the need for a paradigm shift in orthodontic education and practice.

Key Topics Covered:

• Dr. Boyd’s unique career journey: from cardiology research to pediatric dentistry and anthropology
• The historical divide between orthodontic and pediatric dental departments
• The critical role of behavioral sciences in treating young patients
• Why many orthodontists are hesitant to treat children under age 8, and how training and practice models contribute to this reluctance
• The impact of early intervention on long-term oral health and overall well-being
• The evolutionary and anthropological perspective on malocclusion: why it’s a modern problem
• The role of diet, breastfeeding, and environmental factors in craniofacial development
• The importance of collaborative, multidisciplinary care (including ENTs, pediatricians, myofunctional therapists, and more)
• Addressing common myths: genetics vs. environment, and the evidence for early treatment
• How to advocate for proactive, patient-centered care and overcome resistance within the profession

Notable Quotes:

• “We are hardwired to have the capability of epigenetically producing a beautiful craniofacial structure—if we get the right environmental inputs.”
• “You don’t have to treat every child, but you do have to perform a validated risk assessment.”
• “It only takes one case to see the life-changing impact of early intervention.”

Resources & Links:

• Airway Palooza 2025 – [https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza] - Use code DOCPALOOZA for $500 off registration
• TheOrthoCoach.com – Free educational content, CE courses, and coaching
• DOC Community on Facebook – Search “DOC Community” to join
• Recommended reading: “Ultra-Processed People” by Chris van Tulleken, “The Human Respiratory Apparatus” (1953), and works by Melvin Moss, Enlow, and others
• Harvard study by Silver: Silver EI. American Journal of Orthodontics and Oral Surgery. 1994;30(12):635:659.
• Link to AADSM Article: https://aadsm.org/journal/special_article_1_issue_112.php
• Dunedin Study: Richmond-Rakerd LS et al. PNAS. 2021;118(3):1-12
• Ultra-Processed People by VanTullican:  https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Processed-People-Science-Behind-Food/dp/1324036729/ref=asc_df_1324036729/?gad_source=1&hvadid=693449522341&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl&hvlocint&hvlocphy=9012267&hvnetw=g&hvpone&hvpos&hvptwo&hvqmt&hvrand=12253883059461682792&hvtargid=pla-1960574051028&linkCode=df0&mcid=f479b78a5ba03190bbb7f73789672dc7&psc=1&tag=hyprod-20
• Email Dr. Mike ([email protected]) to get a copy of Dr. Boyd’s letter to the Primary Care Physician

Contact:

• Email Dr. Mike: [email protected]
• Guest suggestions: Reach out via email or Facebook group

Thank you for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues. Remember, you have the ability to do amazing things!!