In this powerful and personal episode, Derek welcomes Matt back to the Lifestyle Practice Podcast for a deep dive into his surreal week competing in the U.S. Open at Oakmont—his hometown course where he once caddied. Matt opens up about the emotional whirlwind of walking onto the grounds as a player, hitting the first tee shot of the championship, and rubbing shoulders with legends like Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau.

But this episode is more than just golf. Matt shares the real behind-the-scenes of managing nerves, handling media attention, staying composed under pressure, and staying true to who he is amidst the noise. He reflects on how this once-in-a-lifetime experience shaped his mindset, impacted his dental practice, and reinforced the importance of personal growth, self-image, and stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Whether you're a golfer, dentist, entrepreneur, or just someone chasing a dream, this episode is a masterclass in performance, humility, and living life with intention. Tune in for heartfelt stories, real lessons, and inspiration that lasts far beyond 18 holes.

This episode will help you rethink success, inspire your team, and align your practice around a shared vision of excellence.

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Staff is the #1 source of stress for most dentists. Steve shares pearls you can use right away to save yourself headaches and improve your team's performance.

This episode will help you rethink success, inspire your team, and align your practice around a shared vision of excellence.

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In this episode, Derek shares game-changing leadership insights from Bill Walsh’s legendary book, The Score Takes Care of Itself.

Drawing from the iconic 49ers dynasty era, Derek explores how Walsh’s management philosophy—focusing on process over outcomes—applies directly to growing and leading a successful dental practice. You’ll hear how excellence in every role, no matter how behind-the-scenes, contributes to winning results, and why communication becomes your greatest challenge—and greatest asset—as your organization scales.

This episode will help you rethink success, inspire your team, and align your practice around a shared vision of excellence.

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Matt qualified for the U.S. Open. Yes, that U.S. Open. And this conversation peels back every layer of what that moment—and the journey leading to it—has meant.

From the early days of picking up a club to the moment his name hit the national leaderboard, Matt shares a vulnerable, inspiring, and deeply reflective look at what it takes to chase a seemingly impossible goal while remaining a full-time dentist, business partner, father, and friend. This is about golf—but it's also about identity, mindset, purpose, and being present for the moments that matter.

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If you’ve ever felt stuck between where you are and where you really want to be, this episode gives you the mindset and examples you need to break through. Steve shares hard-won lessons and real talk on how grit, not genius, wins every time.

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In this moving episode, Dr. Derek Williams reflects on a life-changing conversation with a blind man he met on a flight—and how it reframed his understanding of adversity, gratitude, and growth.

After nearly two years living on the road in an RV, Derek shares what it's been like to return to a “sticks and bricks” home, and how small shifts—like being able to buy as many protein bars as he wants—have highlighted bigger mindset changes.

But the real heart of this episode is a powerful story of Steve, a man who lost his vision later in life and learned to see the world more clearly than ever before. From walking with a cane to navigating public transport alone, to processing grief over never seeing his granddaughter’s face—Steve’s story offers lessons every practice owner can take to heart.

Derek connects these insights to your journey as a dentist: how adversity shapes us, why resisting discomfort holds us back, and how to stop chasing “someday” and start living fully now.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re not where you “should” be—this one’s for you.

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As dentists, we are all different, but in some ways, we are all the same. Many of us struggle to leave work at the office, carrying stress and responsibility home, even when it's not urgent. In this episode, Matt explores how to set healthy boundaries, shift your mindset, and finally enjoy your time off without guilt.

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Steve shares simple, high-impact habits to protect your health and energy while building a thriving dental practice.

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In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Derek Williams responds to an anonymous email from a dentist in distress, facing a disastrous practice transition. With staff turnover, plummeting collections, and mounting stress, the situation offers a stark learning opportunity for all practice owners. Dr. Williams breaks down the details, evaluates the missteps, and provides actionable insights to steer clear of similar challenges. If you're navigating practice ownership or preparing for it, this episode is packed with essential advice to help you succeed. Tune in for a candid and educational discussion!

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Thinking about buying a dental practice? In this episode, Matt breaks down the key red flags and green lights to watch for when evaluating an acquisition, including real client examples and common pitfalls that could cost you big. Whether you're early in the search or deep in due diligence, this is a must-listen for making a confident, informed decision.

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