Mind Movers brings things home this week as Rhona has a heart-to-heart with her father, Dr Alex Eskander, a renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist. Dr Eskander shares his inspiring journey from Egypt to the UK, his experiences as a junior doctor in the NHS, and his transition to private practice. The conversation delves into important topics such as the importance of egg freezing, increasing rates of fertility issues, the psychological impact of infertility, and the option of adoption. Enjoy! I...
Mar 28, 2024•1 hr 47 min
Selvaraj Balaji shares his journey from growing up in rural South India to the UK, where he is now a successful implant dentist at the helm of a small group of practices and implant training academy. Selvaraj discusses the challenges of getting started in the UK, the philosophy behind his Academy of Soft and Hard Tissue Augmentation (ASHA) Club UK for advanced implant training and finding a healthy work-life balance. Enjoy! In This Episode 0:02:05: Backstory 00:04:00: Moving to the UK 00:24:00: ...
Mar 26, 2024•1 hr 31 min
Take a deep breath and tune in as Jamie Clements explores the transformative power of breathwork Jamie shares his journey from the tech industry to breathwork coach and founder of The Breath Space, discussing the scientific and therapeutic aspects of breathwork for improving physical, mental, and emotional well-being. He offers practical advice for integrating breathwork into daily routines and insights into how it could improve focus and reduce stress in dentistry. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:00:...
Mar 22, 2024•1 hr 26 min
Pete Niesiolowski provides a glimpse into a dental journey that has taken him from the UK to Australia, and back. Pete discusses life down under, the challenges of transitioning from NHS to private care, and thoughts on the overlap between implant provision and cosmetic dentistry. Enjoy! 01.20 - Backstory 15.20 - NHS to private practice 21.15 - Australia 27.00 - Discovering cosmetic dentistry 29.30 - Practice ownership 31.30 - Implant journey, training and experience 51.15 - Blackbox thinking 01...
Mar 20, 2024•1 hr 23 min
Payman Langroudi sits down with Zak Kara, co-founder of Bounemoputh-based Smile Stories, to explore the philosophy and practices behind his success. Zak shares insights into the importance of teamwork, thoughts on patient communication and why some conventional dental words and phrases off limits during patient consultations. Zak also explores patient journeys, creating a practice ambience and his practice-growth philosophy. Enjoy! In This Episode 01.00 - Private dentistry and the patient journe...
Mar 14, 2024•2 hr 24 min
Emma Marshall, the CEO of Movement is Medicine, chats about the profound impact of movement on mental and physical health. Emma shares her journey from facing severe health challenges and exploring various mainstream and alternative therapies to discovering the healing power of movement and dance. She discusses the importance of integrating physical with mental health support and using movement as a vehicle for catharsis and trauma recovery. Emma also touches on the societal pressures and miscon...
Mar 08, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Laura Horton relates her journey from dental nurse and TCO to practice owner and growth consultant. Laura gives a clinic-eye view on the invaluable role of TCOs in shaping patient experience within the practice, shares wisdom on team growth and development, and discusses the highs and lows of practice ownership. Enjoy! In This Episode 00.50 - Backstory 07.00 - Nursing, TCO and consultancy 12.00 - Practice workflow insights 17.20 - Practice ownership 29.25 - Professional relationships and career ...
Mar 06, 2024•2 hr 2 min
Mindset coach, charity founder, model and former boxer Paul Sculfor discusses the challenges of transitioning from the ring to the catwalk and thoughts on self-acceptance, sobriety and the pressure of being in the spotlight. Reflecting candidly on his struggles with addiction, Paul talks reveals how sobriety has transformed his life and relationships, arguing passionately for the need for genuine self-discovery. In this Episode 01.00 - Backstory 11.50 - From boxing to modelling 23.55 - Coping me...
Mar 01, 2024•1 hr 23 min
Sarika Shah shares her journey from childhood in Kenya to becoming the principal of a successful Docklands-based practice. She discusses her transition to the UK for education, her decision to pursue dentistry, and the highs and lows of practice growth. Sarika explores the importance of patient care, team management, and overcoming obstacles, with insight into the unique challenges faced by women in dentistry. In This Episode 02.25 - Backstory 08.20 - Discovering dentistry 11.35 - University 18....
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr 12 min
Yolande Fisher shares her compelling journey from early childhood in Cameroon to successful practice in Bristol. Her story unfolds from her early education and influences to the challenges and revelations she faced within the NHS and her transition to private practice. Alongside her clinical pursuits, Yolande delves into the balance of motherhood, continuous learning, and the pursuit of personal fulfilment. amidst the evolving landscape of dentistry. In This Episode 01.30 - Back story 06.00 - Di...
Feb 21, 2024•1 hr 47 min
Ellie Bratt joins Payman and Rhona for a chat about generational trauma, gender dynamics in the workplace and society, and the challenges and biases faced by women. Ellie shares her personal and professional so far, discussing her entrepreneurial spirit and the founding of Sirens social media marketing agency. In This Episode 02.00 - Background 03.40 - Generational trauma 09.45 - School 12.00 - Gender dynamics and societal expectations 19.00 - Entrepreneurial journey 26.05 - Gender pay gap and w...
Feb 16, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Chris Tavares delves into philosophical and ethical aspects of dentistry, his experience as a member of The Jesuit Order, and its impact on his personal and professional development journey. Chris also shares perspectives on teaching and mentorship, NHS Vs private practice, and the a-ha moments that have informed his practice. In This Episode 01.45 - Discernment, justification and philosophy 18.15 - Coming to the UK 22.39 - Vocation, study, first job 26.34 - The Jesuit Order 30.30 - Ethics and e...
Feb 14, 2024•1 hr 37 min
The second part of our conversation with Len D’ Cruz delves into the emotional impact of clinical errors and explores the role of the BDA in supporting dental professionals when things go wrong. Len also discusses his practice-growth journey so far and reveals why he still feels an affinity for NHS practice and patients. In This Episode 01:30 - BDA—role and challenges 14.16 - Stress, errors and impact 24:25 - Blackbox thinking 37:00 - Practice growth 45.46 - NHS practice 48.37 - Fantasy exit 53....
Feb 07, 2024•1 hr 17 min
Payman Langroudi presents part one of a deep conversation with Len D'Cruz, a distinguished figure in dental legal affairs. Len shares his journey from Nairobi to London, his unexpected path into dentistry, and his perspectives on the evolving field of dental law. Len talks about childhood, academic choices, and his approach to handling dental complaints and claims with empathy, detailed record-keeping, and a cool head in the face of pressure. In This Episode 02:15 - Backstory 04:10 - Entry into ...
Jan 31, 2024•52 min
Specialist endodontist Aram Navai says the number one skill for endo nurses is staying awake. In this week’s episode, Aram chats with Payman about the value of skilled nurses and the stigma around endodontics. Aram also recounts his journey to specialism in what is perhaps one of dentistry’s most intimidating disciplines and puts forward his nomination for the world’s greatest living endodontist. Enjoy! In This Episode 01.47 - The road to dentistry 10.04 - Study 16.46 - From A&E to specialis...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 33 min
Content creator Sophie Milner shares her journey from journalism student to online influencer, touching on themes of mental health, social media's impact, and the challenges of online life. The discussion also explores the nuances of online expression, gender identity, and the complexities surrounding cosmetic procedures and mental health treatments. In This Episode 00:30 - Backstory 02:10 - From journalism to content creation 05:45 - Social media and mental health 15:30 - Cosmetic procedures an...
Jan 19, 2024•1 hr 13 min
Hygienist and therapist Lorena Pivoda chats with Payman about the view from the hygienist-therapist. Lorena talks about studying at Plymouth University, her first impressions of London after moving from Romania, and the friendly rivalry with her sister. In This Episode 01.16 - Backstory 06.03 - London and Romania 10.45 - Discovering dental hygiene 14.40 - Dentist-nurse relationship 19.25 - Study 22.58 - Attention to detail 27.49 - Plymouth 30.07 - First post 32.23 - A day in the life 37.32 - Awa...
Jan 17, 2024•1 hr 11 min
An encounter with a mushroom tea master led brothers Simon and Andrew Salter deep into the mycology rabbit hole. Simon chats with Payman and Rhona about how the brothers’ DIRTEA brings ancestral adaptive medicine into the 21st century. Enjoy! In This Episode 01.43 - Backstory 17.12 - Discovering mushrooms 23.24 - Vision, action and effort 27.52 - Brotherhood and partnerships 32.49 - DIRTEA 36.37 - Psychedelic mushrooms 49.23 - Availability and community 58.35 - Scaling and growth About Simon Sal...
Jan 12, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Prav welcomes 2024 with a special solo show exploring teamwork, health and wellness, and thoughts on improving the sales process and patient journey. Prav also discusses ‘the wheel of life’ strategy for balancing family, friendships, work-life, and more, inviting listeners to set and share goals for the year ahead. In This Episode 00.49 - Team 02.31 - Health and wellness 10.43 - Business journeys, sales processes 18.59 - Congruency and filtering 35.17 - The wheel of life About Prav Solanki Prav ...
Jan 10, 2024•46 min
Amy Neville chats about her work as a model, influencer and fashion blogger. She describes her experience with hyperemesis gravidarum—an extreme form of morning sickness—and how her social media followers rallied when she needed support. In This Episode 01.58 - Backstory 11.48 - Motherhood and identity 19.56 - Hyperemesis gravidarum 25.55 - Privilege 28.42 - Work-life balance 31.27 - Social media, modelling and ageing 37.20 - Ambition, relationships and goals About Amy Neville Amy Neville is a m...
Jan 05, 2024•43 min
Dipesh Parmar introduces a special podcast originally broadcast in June 2022 with guest Louis Mackenzie who tragically passed away in December. With Louis’ passing, the dental community has lost one of its most engaging, inspirational, and well-loved figures. Our thoughts are with Louis’ family, friends, and all who knew him. In This Episode 05.18 - Being an inspiration 09.53 - Talent spotting and training 15.14 - Specialising Vs generalism 17.26 - Treatment longevity 25.52 - The new generation ...
Jan 03, 2024•1 hr 49 min
A glittering career as a bingo caller and entertainer looked like fate written in stone for Miranda Steeples—until someone dared to suggest she might be better suited to dental hygiene and therapy. Miranda chats about the road from entertainment to therapy and the presidency of the British Society of Dental Hygienists and Therapists (BSDHT) via a near-miss as a Disney Princess. She also sets out her wishlist for changes and reform to her profession and tackles the often complex relationship betw...
Dec 27, 2023•1 hr 29 min
If you hang around the dental community on Instagram, you’ll probably have come across this week’s guest. Known online as @GeorgeTheDentist, George Cheetham’s down-to-earth educational content has earned him an army of loyal followers. George chats with Payman about balancing his prolific social output with running three practices. He also reveals his superpowers, talks about plans for the future, and discusses why the NHS is an ideal training ground for ambitious dentists. Enjoy! In This Episod...
Dec 20, 2023•2 hr 7 min
Payman chats with Hasham Ali about his journey from the Middle East to Manchester, UK, where he now practices as a specialist orthodontist. Hesham discusses the value and challenges of professional networking, what it takes to turn GDPs into competent orthodontists, and why the term specialist orthodontist will always be a secondary identity. In This Episode 02:00 - Specialising 08.04 - The UK, NHS and private work 12.15 - Networking, communication and social media 24.57 - Teaching and events 28...
Dec 13, 2023•1 hr 42 min
In this week’s Mind Movers, Tara Francis recounts a tumultuous year of study at dental school while struggling to live up to her parents' high expectations, followed by the eventual realisation that dentistry wasn’t her calling. Tara also explores the challenges of delegating and letting go in business, career lows and highs, and the many links between her passion for facial aesthetics and mental health. In This Episode 01.46 - Leaving dentistry 05.44 - The Middle-Eastern Experience 13.47 - Tran...
Dec 08, 2023•1 hr
Mydentist associate Luisa Mateescu says she inherited a can-do attitude from her father—a shrewd entrepreneur with a head for numbers. Not content to stay in her native Romania, Luisa followed her heart to the UK, diving headfirst into mastering new skills and tech. Luisa recounts her story so far, chatting about the contrast between UK and Romanian dentistry, achieving a healthy work-life balance, and thoughts on where her burning ambition may take her next. Enjoy! Oana Luisa Mateescu 00.46 - B...
Dec 06, 2023•1 hr 36 min
Sahil Patel says he was disillusioned with dentistry by his first year in dental school. But finding a dusty old scanner in the technician’s room at his university changed everything, igniting his curiosity to venture off the curriculum and delve into digital dentistry. In this episode, Sahil recounts the ups and downs of his journey from associate dentistry in Cornwall to the proud owner of Harley Street’s Marylebone Smile Clinic. In This Episode 02.29 - Backstory and training 22.06 - Into prac...
Nov 29, 2023•1 hr 34 min
If you had a feeling in your gut that today’s podcast is for you, you’d be right. Sunni Patel’s journey from optometrist to leading wellness, lifestyle and nutrition coach was the result of a brush with ill health. Sunni chats with Rhona and Payman about the challenges of getting and giving diagnoses, the links between nutrition, gut health and well-being, and why love is just a four-letter word! Enjoy! In This Episode 03.12 - Medical gaslighting 06.19 - Backstory 12.02 - Patients, practitioners...
Nov 24, 2023•1 hr 25 min
FMC’s Craig Welling discusses his journey from sales rep to managing director at the leading dental communications organisation. Craig gives the lowdown on the equity-backed management buy-out at FMC, gives his view on the group’s hotly debated awards and Top-50 list, and reveals why you should never play ping pong with Payman Langroudi. In This Episode 03.56 - Backstory 09.50 - Education Vs experience 13.54 - Starting at FMC 22.18 - The media landscape 25.10 - FMC buyout 51.23 - Awards and Dent...
Nov 22, 2023•1 hr 34 min
Fitness fashion and lifestyle content creator Henry Wade chats with Rhona about his journey to being a successful content creator and leading a life in the social spotlight. Henry also chats about navigating controversy online, the search for validation, and why kindness is the best antidote to haters and trolls. 02.05 - Henry’s story 04.21 - Learning Vs real-life experience 07.45 - Being a twin 15.09 - Starting in content creation 24.59 - Validation 30.41 - Social media, openness and mental hea...
Nov 17, 2023•1 hr 32 min
