Abandoned by the side of the road in southern Missouri, without a nickel in his pocket. That's where 9-year-old Frank Patterson found himself many decades ago, along with his 8-year-old brother.

How would he survive? How could he provide for his brother? Where would all those open, unfamiliar roads lead him? What kind of man could he possibly become under these impossible circumstances?

The path Frank ultimately chose was paved with grace, grit, and gratitude. His amazing story is a hardscrabble account of the kind of determination that is often rewarded with life's greatest gifts...Gifts Frank ultimately left those gifts for the generations that would follow him.

This episode is the perfect reminder that "Thanksgiving" is not a single holiday, but a mindset we should all live in year round. Gather your family and loved ones for the story of Frank Patterson, hosted by Samantha Jones.

Dr. Chris Majors remembers the case like it was yesterday, though it happened more than 20 years ago.

The procedure was an implant restoration... his very first one! All the hard work and expense of dental school was really starting to pay off. Or so he thought. After all was said and done with the crown, abutment, lab fees and expenses, Dr. Majors wound up owing $90 for that procedure. For the young doctor who had just treated a patient with the highest level of skill and expertise, this was indeed a kick in the teeth. Sound familiar? Are you tired, frustrated and just worn out by all the headaches, complications and cost around insurance? Dr. Chris Majors hears you loud and clear, and he's asking you to join the movement.

As the Senior Advisor for Fair market Health (fairmarkethealth.com) he and his partners want to transform America's healthcare system using technology. They aim to connect patients directly with providers, making healthcare more affordable, and more transparent for patients.

Dr. Majors explains it all in this eye-opening episode, a must-listen for anyone concerned with the powerful control insurance has over all of us.

You can learn more about the mission of Dr. Majors and Fair Market Health at fairmarkethealth.com.

If you've ever heard the term "money doesn't grow on trees," and felt the deflation that goes along with that saying, Certified Financial Planner Shannon Blackmon is here to tell you, "That's OK!"

Shannon is a CFP with Thomas Doll, where she helps all kinds of professionals (including dentists) get past anxieties around money. It starts, she says, with flipping your "money script". That means turning those negative philosophies (like money not growing then on trees), and turning them into an abundance mindset. She's here to tell you how to do it!

Shannon also talks about how uncertain times require a bit of rethinking when it comes to your financial strategies. If you are concerned with your financial well-being, give this episode a listen to put you at ease. If you'd like to reach Shannon directly, her email is shannonb@thomasdoll.com

Branding. We all know it's important, but what does it really mean? Is your branding on point? Have you even thought about it? Dr. Angela Mulrooney certainly has. This former dentist is a master of the concept of branding.

In plain English, Dr. Mulrooney breaks it down to a box of crayons. What is your color? What is it about you that attracts your best patients? This Is what is called your brand "archetype". It's a technical word that might be the key to how you attract (or repel) the patients you want to serve.

In this episode, get some great insight on the branding mindset you need to set your practice apart. Once you listen, you'll be ready to open that box of crayons, and choose the ones that best color the style of your practice.

If you've ever wanted to build a base of patients you enjoy seeing every day, Dr. Mulrooney's thoughts are invaluable. You can reach read more about her at her website, www.unleashinginfluence.com. Enjoy the episode!

Every dentist wants to grow...whether within a single practice, or with a goal of adding multiple locations. Dr. Peter McClellan and his group in Kansas City have done it efficiently in the Kansas City area, expanding from a single practice eight currently.

Dr. McClellan says their vision and strategy for growth may not be for everyone, but there are several factors you should consider in any growth mindset.

First, you must have a clear and articulate vision that you share with your team. Every decision must be in line with that vision. Another consideration is who do you have in each critical role in your practice. It's hard to move forward if everyone isn't in the right seat and rowing in the same direction! Dr. McClellan also says the ability to pivot in decisio- making is key.

Give a listen for the details, and get some perspective as you consider your own growth strategy!

During her 45 years in dentistry, Anne Duffy realized something important was missing: Women in leadership. Anne decided to do something about it.

She created DeW life magazine, and founded Dental Entrepreneur Woman. Her goal is to help women in dentistry shine, inspire, empower and connect. And for young women just entering the profession, she wants to help them discover all the real opportunities that exist in dentistry. In other words, she encourages them to "Just DeW it!!!"

Listen in for how you can "DeW" it too! You can read more about Anne's efforts and offerings at her website, https://dew.life

For all dentists do to prevent decay in the mouth, have you ever thought about how much all the single-use plastics in dentistry are decaying the planet?

Here are a couple of alarming statistics:

• Only about 9% of recyclable plastic actually gets recycled.

• By the year 2050, the amount of plastic in the Earth's oceans will outweigh the fish!

Lynda Sherman has spent 30 years in dentistry, and decided something must be done about dentistry's contribution to this problem. She has learned that all those single use plastics...from prophy paste, to gloves, to light handle covers are not only hurting the planet... they're also a drain on your pocketbook.

That's why you will often hear her spirited refrain, :"JUST GREEN THE FREAKIN' OPERATORY!!!"

In this episode, she breaks down the many ways dentists can do just that...Green up their operatories while putting a little green back in their pockets. You will be shocked to hear how much money (and trash) going green in just one of your operatories will save.

Aside from her decades as a CDA and EFDA (and the fact that she is FREAKIN' hilarious), Lynda is passionate about her own non-profit organization, The Dental Oral Care Project (The DOC Project). The project is funded in part by Linda's other passion called "The Mouthy Box." This subscription based oral care kit is made completely of biodegradable products. You can learn more about Lynda and her many contriubtions to dentistry and the planet by clicking here, or visiting her website, www.lyndasherman.com

Enjoy this high energy episode, and come away with some sustainable ideas that will benefit you, your practice, and your planet!

Do you ever suffer an attack of the "Sunday Scaries?" It's that end of weekend anxiety that sets in when you begin to think about the daunting work week ahead.

For Dr. Laura Brenner, the Sunday Scaries became a daily battle...Coming home from her practice feeling intense stress, isolation, and anxiety around her dental career.

After practicing for 10 years, Dr. Laura realized she needed an out from the profession she no longer enjoyed. That's when the blog bug bit. Having come across the blog "10 Reasons I Hate the Dentist", she responded with her own tongue in cheek response: "10 Reasons Your Dentist Probably Hates You Too." It was an instant success, going viral overnight!

Dr. Brenner's venture into blogging opened a new door, as she realized she wasn't alone in her quiet battle in the stressful career of dentistry. That realization led to the founding of Lolabees Career Coaching (lolabeescareercoaching.com).

In her work there, Dr. Brenner has helped dental professionals find joy in their lives again,..leading them in journeys of self-discovery. She is also of course, a huge fan of finding side gigs!

Take a listen, and learn how you do can escape the destructive grips of perfectionism, and people pleasing, and focus on yourself (is there a blog in your future?!)

Time to put an end to the "Sunday Scaries" for good!