In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, I sit down with CPA-turned-dental coach Doug Fettig to talk about what really happens when leadership and life collide, and how choosing curiosity, not perfection, can transform both your career and your joy.

Doug shares the pivotal moments that shaped his path. From losing everything on a backpacking trip in Europe to the devastating loss of his son Parker, and how that grief sparked a lifelong commitment to helping people live with more purpose. He opens up about the lessons he’s learned in business, leadership, and life that every dentist, and frankly, every leader, needs to hear.

This isn’t about QuickBooks entries, another piece of equipment, or the next big case acceptance strategy. It’s about the deeper truth: your mindset, your willingness to grow, and your courage to lead with authenticity are worth far more than dentistry’s “perfect” image.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to stop running on the hamster wheel, create a thriving team culture, or finally trust yourself enough to lead differently, this conversation is your sign.

You’ll learn:

• Why most dentists are thrust into CEO roles without leadership training—and how to break that cycle
• The surprising connection between grief, perspective, and living with joy
• What stops high-achieving dentists from asking for help (and how to get past it)
• Why outsourcing and coaching aren’t weaknesses, but acts of leadership
• How to trade perfectionism for curiosity and abundance—and why that mindset shift changes everything

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 

#DentalPodcast #DentistLeadership #DentalBurnout #DentistryLife #DentalCoach #DentalPracticeGrowth #DentalSuccess #MindsetMatters #AbundantMindset #CoachingForDentists #RealTalkDentistry #DentalCareerInspiration #LeadershipInDentistry #DentalBusinessTips #DentistLife

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 04:00: Backpacking Europe & lessons from losing everything
• 07:00: Grief, Parker’s legacy & creating a nonprofit
• 10:00: From accountant to speaker: finding joy in people, not debits
• 12:00: Why dentists struggle with leadership training
• 14:00: The seductive lie of money and “success”
• 17:00: Pivotal career risks that paid off
• 19:00: The power of mindset & choosing abundance
• 21:00: Daily routines, dogs, and building joy into your mornings
• 23:00: Brandi’s origin story: from geology to coaching dentists
• 29:00: The real gift of coaching (tennis, form, and growth)
• 33:00: Why leaders self-diagnose instead of hiring help
• 36:00: Therapy, safe spaces, and the hunger to be seen
• 37:00: Outsourcing ruthlessly & banishing perfection
• 38:00: Advice for young leaders: choose curiosity over fear

Connect with Doug

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fettigdoug/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-fettig-cpa-mba-7042006/
• Website: https://www.dentaldollarsandsense.com/

Connect with me

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ 
• https://courageandjoyatwork.com/ 
• https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 
• Phone: 616-682-6222

In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, I sit down with dentist-turned-coach Laura Schwindt to talk about what really happens when burnout takes over your career, and how choosing yourself can open the door to an entirely new life.

Laura opens up about the breaking point that led her from a thriving dental practice to a path of coaching, the messy middle of admitting she needed help, and the courage it took to rewrite her definition of success. From identity struggles to family health crises to learning how to pause for the first time in her life, her story is one that every dental professional, and frankly, every leader, needs to hear.

This isn’t about another CE course, another piece of equipment, or another associate hire. It’s about the deeper truth: your health, your values, and your life are worth more than the “perfect” image dentistry often demands.

If you’ve ever wondered what life could look like beyond the operatory, or how to finally listen to that inner voice telling you something has to change, this episode is your sign.

You’ll learn:

• The real costs of “doing it all” in dentistry—and why burnout often goes unnoticed until it’s too late
• How Laura reframed her relationship with stress and why that shift changed everything
• What happens when success is built on other people’s definitions, not your own
• Why investing in a coach or guide is not a sign of weakness, but a radical act of leadership
• How to trust your intuition and create a version of success that feels good on the inside—not just on paper

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 

#DentalPodcast #DentistBurnout #DentalLeadership #WomenInDentistry #DentistToCoach #RealTalkDentistry #DentalCareerChange #MentalHealthInDentistry #CoachingForDentists #RedefiningSuccess

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 02:00 When “Doing It All” Turns into Burnout
• 04:45 The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything
• 07:15 Why Hiring a Coach Felt So Uncomfortable (and Why She Did It Anyway)
• 10:00 Learning the Power of Silence and Pausing
• 13:00 Doubt, Imposter Syndrome, and the Messy Middle of Change
• 16:30 Losing Her Team and Rebuilding with a Dream Team
• 18:30 Family Health Crises That Sparked a Bigger Life Shift
• 21:00 Letting Go of Other People’s Definition of Success
• 25:00 The People Who Tear You Down vs. The Ones Who Build You Up
• 28:30 Why Coaching Isn’t Failing—It’s Leading with Courage
• 33:00 The Ripple Effect of Choosing Yourself
• 37:00 Remembering Who You Are and What You Value
• 46:00 The Power of Belief and the Ripple Effect of Coaching
• 48:00 Embracing Challenges as Growth Opportunities

Connect with Laura

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauraschwindt/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraschwindt/ 
• Website: https://lauraschwindt.net/lauraschwindt 

Connect with me

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ 
• https://courageandjoyatwork.com/ 
• https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 
• Phone: 616-682-6222

In this unfiltered episode of The Real Talk of Dental, we get real about the double standards, hidden biases, and emotional toll women face in leadership – both in and outside of dentistry. Drawing from my own experiences and the stories of women across the industry, I talk about the quiet, persistent patterns that keep women undervalued, underpaid, and misunderstood.

From being labeled “emotional” for setting boundaries to watching male counterparts get paid more for the same roles, with all the resources you asked for and were denied, we don't just name the problem, we offer a path forward. This conversation is about waking up to what’s really happening, rooting yourself in confidence, and finding (or building) the community that will stand with you as you lead.

If you’ve ever been told you’re “too much,” “too emotional,” or “overthinking it,” this episode is your permission slip to reject those labels and lead unapologetically.

You’ll learn:

• The subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways women are treated differently in leadership roles
• Why emotional and physical burnout is often tied to toxic workplace culture—not just “life stress”
• How to set boundaries without guilt—and stand your ground when they’re challenged
• The connection between your leadership environment and your physical health
• Why community is essential for lasting empowerment and change

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 

#DentalPodcast #WomenInDentistry #DentalLeadership #EmpoweredWomenInDental #DentalTeamCulture #RealTalkDentistry #WomenInLeadership #BreakingBiasInDentistry #LeadHERship #DentalHygienePodcast

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 01:05 Underpaid, Overlooked, and Replaced in Leadership
• 03:02 When Setting Boundaries Gets You Labeled “Emotional”
• 05:00 The Hidden Health Toll of Toxic Work Environments
• 06:15 Why You Can’t “Green Smoothie” Your Way Out of Burnout
• 07:10 Building Roots in the Empowered LeadHERship Experience
• 08:25 The Cycle of Growth and Heartbreak in Women’s Careers
• 11:20 Pushing Back Against the “You’re Overthinking” Narrative
• 13:05 The Emotional Tax Women Leaders Pay
• 14:30 Holding the Line Without Apology
• 15:45 Waking Up Before Burnout Hits
• 16:50 Call to Action: Share Your Story and Join the Movement

Connect with me

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ 
• https://courageandjoyatwork.com/ 
• https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 
• Phone: 616-682-6222

In this raw, no-filter episode of The Real Talk of Dental, I’m joined by two powerhouse hygienists and founders of LD Coaching—Laura Bettencourt and Danielle Avila—for a conversation that puts words to what so many in the industry are feeling but can’t say out loud.

We talk about the silent epidemic of burnout, navigating toxic office dynamics, and the very real identity shift that happens when you realize clinical hygiene might not light you up anymore. Laura and Danielle aren’t just coaches—they’re still in the trenches, and they bring both compassion and fire to this conversation about reclaiming your voice, your standards, and your joy in dentistry.

This episode is for every hygienist who’s ever felt dismissed, misunderstood, or stuck in survival mode. From difficult patients to diva labels to the brutal truth about temp culture, we name it all—and remind you that autonomy and fulfillment aren’t luxuries… they’re necessities.

You’ll learn:

• Why burnout isn’t a weakness—it’s a signal
• The real reason so many hygienists are leaving the op
• How to navigate values misalignment with your doctor or team
• Tips for having hard conversations without burning bridges
• How LD Coaching is helping hygienists rewrite their careers
• The importance of self-awareness, growth, and choosing yourself—again and again

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 

#DentalPodcast #HygienistBurnout #DentalLeadership #DentalTeamCulture #LDCoaching #DentalHygienePodcast #RealTalkDentistry #EmpoweredHygienists #DentalBurnout

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 03:00 The Pivot from Hygiene to Coaching
• 05:45 Burnout, Autonomy, and Finding the Courage to Leave
• 08:10 Imposter Syndrome and Reclaiming Confidence
• 11:30 What Most Offices Get Wrong About Hygienists
• 14:00 Are Hygienists Really Divas? Let’s Talk About It
• 17:20 The Real Cost of Temp Culture in Dental Practices
• 20:00 Advice for Young Hygienists Entering the Field
• 24:15 Navigating Change When Your Identity is Tied to the Op
• 27:00 Serving Patients While Honoring Your Standards
• 30:40 Toxic Patients and Learning Not to Take it Personally
• 33:20 Standing Your Ground Without Losing Yourself
• 36:00 What’s Lighting Laura & Danielle Up in Dentistry Today
• 38:50 Final Words: You’re Allowed to Choose You

Connect with Laura and Danielle

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diamondgirlscoaching/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083261114766# 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diamond-dental-hygiene-career-coaching/ 
• Website: https://ldiamantecoaching.com/ 

Connect with me

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ 
• https://courageandjoyatwork.com/ 
• https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 
• Phone: 616-682-6222

In this deeply moving kickoff to The Real Talk of Dental, I'm joined by Dr. Brett Kessler—dentist, Ironman athlete, and the current president of the American Dental Association—for a conversation that cracked me wide open.

We talk about sobriety, burnout, addiction, and leadership in an industry that often demands perfection at the expense of our humanity. Brett’s recovery journey didn’t just transform his life—it helped give me permission to live mine out loud, too.

This episode is a soul-level invitation for every dentist, team member, and leader quietly struggling behind the scenes: you’re not alone, and help exists. We cover staggering mental health stats, the stigma around addiction, the power of peer support, and how real leadership begins with presence—not performance.

You’ll learn:

• The behind-the-scenes truth of addiction and mental health in dentistry
• Why I kept my sobriety hidden—and what changed after hearing Brett speak
• How Brett is pushing to normalize recovery, change licensing stigma, and lead with radical transparency though his personal missing and work at the ADA
• What the IDAA is and how it's helping professionals and families heal together
• Practical advice for team members worried about someone at work
• The 5 dimensions of wellness Brett uses to stay grounded in high-pressure roles

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.therealtalkofdental.com 

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 

#DentalPodcast #MentalHealthInDentistry #BurnoutRecovery #SoberLeadership #RealTalkDentistry #DentistWellness #WorkplaceBurnout #AddictionAwareness #EmpoweredLeadership

We talk about:

• 00:00 Welcome + Why This Podcast Exists
• 01:20 Why Sobriety Was My Secret
• 03:10 How I Met Brett & Why It Changed Everything
• 06:50 The Gift of Recovery & Brett’s Relapse Journey
• 10:30 Staggering Stats in Dentistry
• 13:00 Why There's Still So Much Shame
• 15:10 Enabling Culture in Dental Teams
• 17:30 Real Resources from the ADA
• 19:45 What to Do If You’re Concerned About a Colleague
• 22:00 How Brett’s Leadership Is Fueled by Recovery
• 26:00 IDAA, Family Healing & Sobriety as a Superpower
• 32:30 The 5 Pillars of Dentist Wellness
• 35:40 The Realest Answer to Burnout You’ll Ever Hear
• 38:50 Brett’s Final Message to Dentists Struggling Right Now

Connect with Dr. Brett

https://www.instagram.com/bikodds/

Phone: 720-989-7960

Email: [email protected]

Resources for help:

https://www.idaa.org/

https://www.ada.org/resources/practice/wellness

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcohol-drug-hotline

Connect with me

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ 
• https://courageandjoyatwork.com/ 
• https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 
• Phone: 616-682-6222

In this bold and unfiltered first episode, I’m sharing the real reason I started The Real Talk of Dental—and why this podcast isn’t just another surface-level industry show. From my journey from geologist to health coach to dental leadership coach, to my deep commitment to sobriety and women's empowerment, this episode lays the foundation for everything that’s coming.

I talk about the pain I’ve witnessed behind the polished smiles, the burnout that no one wants to admit, and why I believe it takes courage to lead with honesty—and even more to create joy at work. This isn’t about fixing people with quick hacks. It’s about getting honest, going deep, and doing the real work to feel whole again.

You’ll learn:

• Why I left holistic health coaching and found myself in the dental industry
• The emotional toll of leadership—and why most consulting doesn’t go deep enough
• Why shame, silence, and isolation are sabotaging real success
• What Courage and Joy at Work really means (and why it’s not just a brand)
• My vision for this podcast—call-ins, Kelly the Oracle and everything in between
• How we can normalize the hard conversations and build something more honest, human, and joyful

🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions: https://www.speakpipe.com/TheRealTalkofDental

🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Experience for Women in Dental: https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 

#DentalPodcast #RealTalkDentistry #WomenInDentistry #HolisticLeadership #BurnoutRecovery #MentalHealthInDentistry #SoberLeadership #ShameResilience #TraumaHealing #WorkplaceWellness

We talk about:

• 00:00 Welcome + Why This Podcast Exists
• 01:41 My Unusual Career Path (Geologist to Dental Coach?!)
• 06:45 The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything
• 10:00 Behind the Smiles: What No One Talks About in Dentistry
• 14:20 Courage, Joy, and Building Something Sustainable
• 17:00 What to Expect in Future Episodes
• 19:00 How You Can Get Involved

Connect with me

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ 
• https://courageandjoyatwork.com/ and https://leadhershipexperience.com/ 

The Real Talk of Dental is not your average industry podcast—it’s a soul-shaking, BS-busting, variety show for dental professionals who are done faking fine.

Hosted by Brandi Marzolino—a 20-year dental vet, leadership coach, and cultural truth-teller—this show rips off the polite mask and digs into the real issues behind the front desk: burnout, boundaries, broken systems, and the human stories no one’s talking about.

Expect sharp leadership insights, anonymous confessions, chaotic call-ins, sketch-style reenactments, and mic-drop moments that make you laugh, cry, cringe, and breathe a little deeper.

This is for the dentists secretly, or not-so-secretly, in therapy, the OMs carrying too much, the hygienists questioning everything, the team members who just want to feel seen – and the industry partners, vendors, and DSO players navigating the business of dentistry while trying to make it a little more human.

With weekly episodes that blend industry expertise, emotional intelligence, and unapologetic humor—plus recurring segments like X-Ray Vision, Trauma Drama Theater, and the Real Talk Hotline—this is where the dental world gets real.

Because in this office?

Truth is the treatment plan.

And humor? That’s the local anesthetic.

Hit play. We saved you a seat.

CONNECT WITH ME

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/
• https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino
• https://courageandjoyatwork.com/