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The Chief Psycho Podcast

Jonathan Bonannowww.chiefpsycho.com

Welcome to The Chief Psycho Podcast with Jonathan Bonanno a.k.a. Chief Psycho, where we dive into the human element of entrepreneurship. Each episode brings you closer to the extraordinary individuals who drive innovation in the industry, sharing their personal journeys, triumphs, and the real challenges they overcome.

Join us as we explore the heart of healthcare through candid conversations that reveal the human experiences fueling groundbreaking change. From inspiring breakthroughs to everyday struggles, we uncover what truly makes an impact - one brilliant mind to another.

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Episodes

Changing the Frequency

What if the thing holding you back isn’t your strategy—it’s your signal? In this episode of the Chief Psycho Podcast, Jonathan Bonanno sits down with Joe Garner, transformation guide and host of Changing The Channel, to unpack the neuroscience of burnout and the mindset shift most leaders never make. Together, they go deep into: Why burnout is an alarm—not a weakness How mindfulness isn’t about Zen—it’s about decision-making The 4 pillars of conscious transformation: mindset, mindfulness, intuit...

Jul 11, 202538 minSeason 4Ep. 7

Built to Mesh

In this explosive July 4th episode, we’re lighting up more than the sky—we’re firing off a conversation that’ll change the way you work forever. Meet Marcus Tipton: founder, disruptor, and visionary CEO of KaiMesh —a platform built from pure frustration with the clunky, disconnected chaos of modern workplace tech. We dive deep into what it really takes to build a product that actually serves people, not just processes. From tab fatigue to integration overload, Marcus breaks down why legacy platf...

Jul 04, 202525 minSeason 4Ep. 6

Rooted in Purpose

In this episode of the Chief Psycho Podcast , we sit down with the unstoppable Sonya Dunbar , better known as The Geriatric Toothfairy . With over 30 years of experience in dentistry, Sonya’s career spans clinical work, entrepreneurship, public speaking, and advocacy—particularly for elder oral health and access to care. Sonya opens up about her journey from Navy Veteran to nationally recognized thought leader, sharing how she built Mobile Dental Xpress , co-founded the National Mobile & Tel...

Jun 27, 202530 minSeason 4Ep. 5

Balancing the Imbalance

In this episode of the Chief Psycho Podcast, we welcome Kristin Evans, BS, RDH—national speaker, educator, and advocate known in the industry as “The pH RDH.” With over 30 years in dentistry, Kristin brings a powerful voice to the conversation around women's health, functional wellness, and the oral-systemic connection. We dive deep into the physiological and emotional impacts of hormone shifts, the overlooked links between pH balance and bone loss, and why dental professionals need to rethink w...

Jun 20, 202536 minSeason 4Ep. 4

Beyond the Brackets

In this powerful return episode, Dr. Zhanna Konovalenko joins us to explore what it means to lead a career beyond the brackets. A board-certified orthodontist and founder of NoStressDDS Mastermind , Dr. Zhanna is a trusted voice guiding women in dentistry through burnout, practice transitions, and the pursuit of balance. We dive into: The invisible pressure women face in practice ownership and career growth How to manage major life changes without losing yourself What it means to redefine succes...

Jun 13, 202532 minSeason 4Ep. 3

Next Level Leadership

In this episode of the Chief Psycho Podcast , we’re joined by the incomparable Denise Williams-Jones , a 30-year dental industry veteran, speaker, author, and humanitarian. From chairside assistant to national consultant and founder of Next Level to Success , Denise’s journey is built on heart, hustle, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of service-based leadership . Denise dives into what it really takes to elevate teams, culture, and customer service in modern dentistry—sharing practical str...

Jun 06, 202532 minSeason 4Ep. 2

Rewired for Purpose

Angela Holland built and sold her first company — a thriving dental insurance RCM firm — to a NASDAQ corporation in just four years. But what happens after the sale? When the mission that once lit you up now feels… dim? In this premiere episode of Season 4, Angela joins Jonathan to talk candidly about: Her journey from front desk to founder Building Preferred Dental Services from scratch and the path to acquisition Leaving the corporate world to rediscover her voice — and purpose How she’s helpi...

May 23, 202526 minSeason 4Ep. 1

DEWing the Most

To wrap up this transformative season, we’re closing with a woman who has not only witnessed the evolution of dentistry — she has been the evolution. In this episode, we sit down with the legendary Anne Duffy , a true matriarch in the dental space whose passion for empowering women became more than a mission — it became a movement. Anne is the founder of DeW Life (Dental Entrepreneur Woman) and Dental Entrepreneur: Business Beyond the Classroom , and she brings decades of industry experience, he...

Apr 25, 202531 minSeason 3Ep. 12

Staying In Mint Condition

In this week’s episode of the Chief Psycho Podcast, we welcome Dr. Karen Tindall and Dr. Laura Schwindt — two seasoned dentists, certified life coaches, and the visionary co-founders of The Mint Door . With decades of experience in clinical care, coaching, and entrepreneurship, these powerhouse women are transforming the way dental professionals approach wellness, leadership, and longevity. Together, they share the story behind The Mint Method — a program built to support high-achieving professi...

Apr 11, 202542 minSeason 3Ep. 11

Leading with Influence

What does it take to be a true thought leader in the dental industry? This week on The Chief Psycho Podcast , we sit down with Melissa K. Turner —a visionary executive, consultant, speaker, and industry disruptor who has reshaped the landscape of dentistry through innovation, advocacy, and influence. As the industry's first Chief Hygiene Officer and a driving force behind brands from startups to billion-dollar companies, Melissa has mastered the art of leading with influence . She co-founded The...

Apr 04, 202531 minSeason 3Ep. 10

DEI in Flux

The landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is evolving rapidly, leaving many leaders questioning how to navigate these shifts while maintaining inclusive and high-performing workplaces. As policies and administrative frameworks change, businesses must stay agile to ensure they are fostering cultures that are both compliant and genuinely impactful. In this episode of The Chief Psycho Podcast , Shawn Peers brings his expertise to the table to break down the recent changes to DEI polic...

Mar 28, 202547 minSeason 3Ep. 9

Legacy in Motion

In this episode of The Chief Psycho Podcast , we sit down with Jon Nierman , President of Nierman Practice Management , to dive into the powerful intersection of legacy, family, and innovation. Jon has been a driving force in the dental industry, particularly in the realms of dental sleep medicine and TMD , revolutionizing medical billing processes with cutting-edge software solutions. As a leader, Jon has successfully balanced continuing education with innovation, hosting hundreds of highly-rat...

Mar 21, 202533 minSeason 3Ep. 8

Bold Moves

What if confidence wasn’t something you were born with—but something you could build? This week on The Chief Psycho Podcast , we’re joined by Fred Joyal , entrepreneur, speaker, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Superbold: From Under-Confident to Charismatic in 90 Days. Fred is best known for co-founding 1-800-DENTIST , the most successful dental referral service in the country, and for his game-changing books on marketing and personal development. In this episode, we dive deep into ...

Mar 14, 202538 minSeason 3Ep. 7

Finding Your Why

What truly drives you? In this episode of The Chief Psycho Podcast , we’re joined by Naiara Wireman , a dynamic entrepreneur and strategist with a passion for helping businesses and individuals uncover their "why." With experience across dentistry, hospitality, and med spas , Naiara has mastered the art of blending data-driven strategy with the power of human connection to build impactful, purpose-driven brands. We dive deep into how aligning your business with your core purpose can transform th...

Mar 07, 202527 minSeason 3Ep. 6

Increasing Your Capacity

In this episode of The Chief Psycho Podcast , I sit down with my dear friend and powerhouse leader, Sheena Hinson, RDH , to explore what it truly means to increase your capacity —professionally, personally, and beyond. Sheena is more than a seasoned dental hygienist; she’s a mentor, speaker, and growth advocate who challenges professionals to break past their traditional limits . With a passion for leadership development, personal transformation, and expanding potential , Sheena has helped count...

Feb 28, 202532 minSeason 3Ep. 5

RAD Living

What if the key to better performance, stronger relationships, and more energy was as simple as optimizing your sleep? In this episode, Dr. Dar Radfar shares his personal journey from a life-changing car accident to pioneering The RAD Method —a holistic approach to improving sleep, reducing stress, and living a more connected life. Dr. Radfar, a leading expert in dentistry, sleep science, and overall well-being , dives into: 🛌 The surprising link between sleep and success ⚡ How energy optimizat...

Feb 21, 202540 minSeason 3Ep. 4

Aligned Actions

What does it mean to truly align your actions with your purpose? 💡 This Valentine’s Day, we’re bringing you a conversation all about alignment—not just in love, but in the way we show up in our careers, businesses, and daily lives. Dr. Camden Brown, an orthodontist turned coach and writer, joins us to explore how embodiment practices, nervous system regulation, and mindset work can help us break through blocks and create a more playful, connected, and impactful life. Whether you're a profession...

Feb 14, 202523 minSeason 3Ep. 3

Reignite Your Passion

This week on The Chief Psycho Podcast , we’re joined by none other than Dr. Alan Stern , a dentist, coach, and speaker who has dedicated his career to helping fellow dental professionals rediscover their passion, harness the power of words, and build thriving teams. 🔥 Feeling burned out? Struggling to keep your team engaged? Wondering how to fall back in love with your work? This episode is for you. In This Episode, We Cover: 💡 How to rekindle your love for dentistry and leadership 🗣️ The pow...

Feb 07, 202532 minSeason 3Ep. 2

Positive Pivots

We’re back! Season 3 of The Chief Psycho Podcast kicks off with none other than Michael Bonanno , diving into the power of Positive Pivots —how to navigate change, embrace uncertainty, and turn challenges into growth opportunities. Meet Michael Bonanno! Michael is a seasoned dental executive, entrepreneur, and business strategist with years of experience leading teams and scaling businesses. He has played an instrumental role in multiple dental start-ups, consulting firms, and operational leader...

Jan 31, 202526 minSeason 3Ep. 1

Alchemy in Action

We’re closing out an incredible season of the podcast with a can’t-miss episode: “Alchemy in Action” featuring the one and only @gregessenmacher ! 🎙️ Greg Essenmacher is a leading expert in Fixed Full Arch dentistry, helping transform implant practices into Full Arch powerhouses. As the founder of GnA Consult, Greg has been focused for over a decade on the Fixed Full Arch market, using tailored solutions and cross-functional collaboration; he maximizes clients’ potential with his expertise, whi...

Jan 10, 202538 minSeason 2Ep. 12

Courageous Conversations

Introducing... Katherine Eitel Belt, CSP, Dentistry’s Unscripted Communications Coach! 🥳 Founder and CEO of LionSpeak, Katherine is an international speaker, author, and performance coach, best known for helping professionals develop courageous, unscripted conversations with patients, clients, co-workers, and audiences. Whether communicating from a treatment room, consult room, boardroom, or stage, audiences love her simple yet powerful formulas for delivering messages with clarity, courage, an...

Dec 20, 202440 minSeason 2Ep. 11

Impact Origins

Meet this week's guest star... Sean Hamel! 🥳 Sean Hamel is a seasoned dental marketing professional and Founder & CEO at Art of Dental Marketing. Art of Dental Marketing (ADM) is dentistry's premier story-based marketing agency. Sean and his team specialize in crafting captivating narratives that help dental practices attract, engage, and retain patients. His team of skilled storytellers and marketers collaborates closely with each practice to uncover their unique stories and create emotion...

Dec 06, 202439 minSeason 2Ep. 10

Manifesting Change

Meet this week's guest star... Dr. Martin Mendelson! 🥳 Dr. Martin Mendelson is a former member of the Resident Faculty with Spear Education, and the Founder of Metamorphosis Coaching…..a speaking and consulting firm. After becoming medically disabled from clinical practice, Dr. Mendelson has had many ups and downs in his life. Today, he is a highly sought-after and currently works with private practice teams, DSOs, Study Clubs, and large association meetings. With multiple advanced certificatio...

Nov 29, 202433 minSeason 2Ep. 9

Culture Meets Innovation

Meet this week’s guest, Laura Maly! 🎙️ Behind the start-up culture, ping-pong table and beer fridge, you’ll find culture-maker and entrepreneur Laura Maly, the Co-Founder of Wonderist Agency. For the last 11 years, she’s been helping dentists generate new patients through marketing and growing Wonderist into one of the largest privately-owned dental marketing agencies with her husband and business partner, Michael Anderson. With a team of 57 in sunny San Diego, culture is at the heart of everyt...

Nov 15, 202430 minSeason 2Ep. 8

Building Belonging

Meet this weeks guest... 🥁 ...Laura Nelson!! 🥳 Laura is an esteemed entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of Front Office Rocks, an innovative online training platform that has elevated dental front office staff training to new heights. Her dedication to empowering dental teams has made her a transformative leader in the industry, ensuring practices deliver exceptional patient care and efficient management. Beyond her work in education, Laura is also committed to fostering inclusivity and well-be...

Nov 01, 202428 minSeason 2Ep. 7

Operational Resilience

Meet this weeks guest... 🥁 ...Brittany Rogars, CEO and Founder of SKF Practice Solutions! 🎙️ Brittany’s mission is to empower dental practices to not only survive but thrive, and she’s bringing her wealth of knowledge and passion to the show. As a keynote speaker, author of Dental Revenue Cycle Blueprint, DSN/FOA coach, and host of the The Dental Decoders podcast, Brittany’s leadership is transforming the dental industry. 🦷 Her journey is one of resilience and triumph—from overcoming personal...

Oct 25, 202429 minSeason 2Ep. 6

Humans First, Resources Second

🕺🏼 Meet this week’s returning guest… …Kara Kelley! 🎤 Kara is back with us to share more of her expertise in HR for dental practices. As the founder and CEO of @clinicalhrllc , she works with Dental Practice Leaders to create strategic HR systems that strengthen teams and drive practice success. From leadership development to building compliant HR structures, Kara has a wealth of knowledge to offer. 🚨 Tune in to hear her fresh insights on this week’s episode, “Humans First, Resources Second,”...

Oct 11, 202430 minSeason 2Ep. 5

Emotional Currency

Introducing… 🥁 …Kyle L. Summerford! 🥳 With more than 22 years of experience in dental, Kyle has a unique approach to case presentation and patient acceptance. As an OM and financial dental consultant, he leverages his knowledge to assist new and struggling dental practices. Through his education programs, Kyle empowers staff members with effective patient education skills and persuasion techniques. He has lectured at CE events and academic institutions. His expertise is further recognized thro...

Sep 27, 202434 minSeason 2Ep. 4

Creating a Legacy

Introducing… 🥁 …The Stewart’s! 🥳 It’s an extra special episode this week as I sit down with my dear friends and family, Katrina and Dale! This dynamic duo is changing the game in both the dental and business worlds — get a glimpse of their day-to-day below: 👩🏻‍🦰 Katrina Sanders-Stewart: A clinical dental hygienist, author, and international speaker, Katrina is passionate about elevating the dental profession by creating an undeniable movement that educates, encourages, and empowers the prof...

Sep 13, 202453 minSeason 2Ep. 3

Leading with Faith and Purpose

Introducing… 🥁 …Brenda McNulty! 🥳 Brenda McNulty has 30+ years of dental experience starting as a dental assistant and working through multiple positions in the dental space. She is the owner of DSO Facts, a fractional training officer company based out of Colorado that focuses on training, implementation, processes, and accountability. Brenda’s expertise is to build relationships with your patients and teams using a TRANSFORMATION, not transactional, approach. She creates increased profitabil...

Aug 30, 202433 minSeason 2Ep. 2
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