Advertise on podcast: The DOC Podcast

This is the fifth and final episode in my financial series with the Vento family on creating generational wealth. I'm joined by John Vento Jr., president and managing partner of Vento Tax and Wealth Management Group, who leads the firm's accounting and tax advisory division. In this episode, we dig into the practical side of tax planning, including what it means to work with a true tax advisor versus a tax preparer, the critical difference between tax evasion and tax avoidance, and how to think about entity selection for your practice. John walks through the tax advantages available to practice owners, independent contractors, and W2 employees, and we spend a good amount of time on two of my favorite strategies: employing your spouse and employing your children.  John also gives a thorough overview of retirement plan options (from SEP IRAs to solo 401ks to defined benefit plans) and how profit sharing can be used to attract and retain top talent. We close out with the most common tax mistakes practice owners make, including why waiting until April 15th is already too late. As always, this episode is for educational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or investment advice. Please consult your own professionals before implementing any strategy. Timestamps 1:00 — Welcome & Introduction4:00 — Tax Advisor vs. Tax Preparer9:36 — Tax Evasion vs. Tax Avoidance16:30 — Tax-Smart Strategies Explained18:47 — Entity Selection Overview27:59 — Independent Contractor vs. Employee35:47 — Tax Advantages: Owner vs. IC vs. W242:08 — Employing Your Spouse49:22 — Employing Your Children1:02:01 — Retirement Plans Overview1:09:52 — Profit Sharing & Team Incentives1:22:32 — Common Tax Mistakes to Avoid1:34:13 — Closing & Wrap-Up1:36:48 — DisclaimerLINKS First Episode w/Vento Family: https://youtu.be/9sEzEto2mAM?si=P-0Nj007DWcvXUCzSecond Episode w/John Vento Sr: https://youtu.be/UEXxh7DKJdQ?si=YOtpFvJcUk0xEm3yThird Episode w/Christine Vento: https://youtu.be/6DLfd8xBjHs?si=Vbmg9Ug5ZNrCJxEmFourth Episode w/Nicole Vento: https://youtu.be/zllqo8EtGOk?si=wUowpmZc2p6p0bRrThe Generational Wealth Code: https://a.co/d/0iHwEITGJoin The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/Connect w/Dr. Mike: Website: theorthocoach.comYouTube: @theorthocoachInstagram: @theorthocoachConnect w/John Jr.: Web: Ventotaxandwealth.com  Email: [email protected]: 718-980-9000

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I sit down with Dr. German Ramirez for an in-depth conversation about early orthodontic treatment, craniofacial growth and development, bone biology, and the critical role of nasal breathing in facial development. Dr. Ramirez shares his remarkable training journey from Colombia to Australia to Tufts University, his pioneering research on the mandibular condylar cartilage, and his passionate case for treating children early rather than waiting until age seven. We dig into the six dimensions of diagnosis, the connection between bruxism and airway, why AHI is a flawed metric for pediatric sleep-disordered breathing, and how collaborating with ENTs and sleep physicians can transform patient outcomes. This is a must-listen for any orthodontist or dentist who wants to understand the biology behind proactive, functional orthodontic care. Timestamps0:00 — Introduction & Guest BackgroundIntroducing Dr. Ramirez and his credentials.2:07 — Dr. Ramirez's Training JourneyFrom Colombia to Brazil to early ortho training.6:25 — Mandibular Condylar Cartilage & Bone BiologyGrowth potential persists into the 90s.8:41 — Why Early Treatment MattersMandible grows more in first five years.10:55 — Sleep, Breathing & the Orthodontist's RoleWe normalize anatomy, not treat airway.15:06 — Responding to "No Need to Treat Before 7"Six-dimension diagnosis vs. isolated single-problem studies.21:05 — Functional Evaluation: Mouth Breathing & Nasal BreathingIdentifying mouth breathers and cellular hypoxia effects.26:47 — The Tongue as Palatal ExpanderNasal breathing first, then tongue positioning.29:57 — Collaborating with Medical ColleaguesCBCT, ENTs, and a cleft palate story.37:27 — Tonsils, Adenoids & Post-Surgery RelapseWhy habits persist and relapse rates soar.41:38 — AHI Limitations & Study Design ProblemsAHI is a flawed pediatric sleep metric.47:47 — Bruxism & Airway ConnectionTongue protrusion causes grinding — here's how.51:47 — Resistance to Change in OrthodonticsTechnology-driven vs. biologically-driven education disconnect.56:17 — Genetics vs. Environment in Craniofacial GrowthEpigenetics and the genetic window concept.64:56 — Muscle, Bone & DietMuscle stimulation drives bone growth over time.72:02 — Communicating with Child Patients"Nose for breathing, mouth for eating."81:28 — Closing & Contact InfoBooks, courses, and upcoming lectures worldwide. LINKS: Airway videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h0JgmmLj_Q&ab_channel=TMJ%26SleepTherapyCentre  Dr. Ramirez’ website: https://www.kidsmalocclusions.com/  Pediatric Airway-focused Myofunctional Orthodontics: https://a.co/d/b1wQhD9  Dr. DeLuke’s Early Treatment Course: https://theorthocoach.com/courses/phase-i-arch-development/?portfolioCats=99  (00:00) - Introduction & Guest Background (02:07) - Dr. Ramirez's Training Journey (06:25) - Mandibular Condylar Cartilage & Bone Biology (08:40) - Why Early Treatment Matters (10:55) - Sleep, Breathing & the Orthodontist's Role (15:06) - Responding to "No Need to Treat Before 7" (21:04) - Functional Evaluation: Mouth Breathing & Nasal Breathing (26:47) - The Tongue as Palatal Expander (29:56) - Collaborating with Medical Colleagues (37:26) - Tonsils, Adenoids & Post-Surgery Relapse (47:46) - Bruxism & Airway Connection (51:46) - Resistance to Change in Orthodontics (56:16) - Genetics vs. Environment in Craniofacial Growth (01:04:55) - Muscle, Bone & Diet (01:12:01) - Communicating with Child Patients (01:21:27) - Closing & Contact Info

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Julia Sadove-Lopez - a dentist, parent advocate, and founder of Oris Wellness - to explore a side of pediatric airway health we haven't covered enough on this show: what it's actually like for the parents trying to navigate it.   We dig into Julia's personal journey from dental school through corporate dentistry, into holistic practice in Chicago alongside Dr. Kevin Boyd, and ultimately to a career pivot that took her to Portugal and led her to found Oris Wellness. She opens up about the mental health toll of clinical practice, the moment she realized she needed a change, and how she turned her passion for patient education into a coaching and advocacy business.   We also tackle some of the most frustrating problems in our field, including why parents are hearing completely conflicting recommendations from provider to provider, why our diagnostics are all over the map, and why the interdisciplinary nature of airway care makes things even harder for families. Julia shares what she hears from parents every day, how she helps them cut through the noise without ever telling them what to do, and what clinicians can do better to move families from fear and confusion toward clarity and action.   Chapters: 0:00 — Introduction & Episode Overview3:21 — Welcome, Dr. Julia4:16 — Julia's Career Journey: From Dental School to Holistic Practice15:18 — Life After Clinical Practice: The Pivot19:08 — Why Dental School Falls Short23:07 — Sponsor Break: The Generational Wealth Code27:37 — From Clinician to Coach: Understanding Parent Motivation36:12 — What Parents Are Frustrated About37:47 — Conflicting Treatment Options & The Diagnostic Problem58:24 — Social Media's Impact on Parents and Providers1:02:25 — Navigating Interdisciplinary Care1:09:01 — The Coaching Model: Education, Not Diagnosis1:14:47 — Advice for Parents & Providers1:25:11 — Where to Find Dr. Julia  Key Topics: Julia's path: from traditional dental education to holistic practice to career reinventionWhy dental school isn't preparing graduates for modern practice (and the new CODA airway/sleep requirement coming in 2028)The parent experience: conflicting diagnoses, competing treatment philosophies, and the emotional weight of decision-makingWhy diagnostics, not treatment methods, are the real failure in our professionSocial media's dual role: empowering parents while fueling confusion and anxietyThe interdisciplinary challenge: navigating ENTs, allergists, myofunctional therapists, and dentists who don't always agreeHow Julia's coaching model works: education, advocacy, and helping families ask the right questionsAdvice for clinicians: stop disparaging colleagues, start listening to parents, and invest in comprehensive diagnosticsAdvice for parents: don't navigate this alone; find community, trust your voice, and expect to be heardLINKS: Oris Wellness: https://www.oriswellness.com/Get Expanded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAQ91rq2OKATooth Seekers: https://www.oriswellness.com/toothseekersThe Generational Wealth Code: https://a.co/d/0iHwEITGJoin The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/Website: theorthocoach.comYouTube: @theorthocoachInstagram: @theorthocoachEmail: [email protected]

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Melissa Methven - a former flight attendant turned dental hygienist, widow, author, and breathwork facilitator - to discuss the hidden mental health crisis in dentistry. Melissa shares the story of her husband Scott, a beloved dentist in Wasilla, Alaska, who died by suicide in March 2022 after years of suppressing the pressures of the profession: student debt, perfectionism, emotional labor with patients, chronic pain, and escalating substance use. Melissa opens up about her own suppression and the physical toll it took on her body, the signs she wishes she'd seen sooner, and how she found healing through community, faith, and breathwork. She also reads from her book The Truth Behind the Smiles and offers actionable solutions for dental schools, including mental health education, peer communities, and a dental-specific crisis hotline. This is a raw, important conversation about breaking the silence around depression and suicide in the dental profession, and the hope that comes from living your truth. Timestamps: 0:00 — Introduction & Content Warning2:41 — Welcoming Melissa & Scott's Story3:50 — The Pressures of Dentistry & Early Signs9:33 — Hiding Behind the Smile & Physical Symptoms13:28 — The Common Dental Struggle16:19 — Why We Suppress — Roots & The Perfect Illusion19:51 — Scott's Fear & Writing the Book25:30 — Feeling Stuck, Faith & Moving Forward34:50 — Faith vs. Religion & Signs from Beyond42:41 — Dental Statistics & Solutions for the Profession47:15 — Tools for Healing & Helping the Kids57:59 — Being of Service, Fulfillment & Closing73:06 — OutroLINKS To Purchase Melissa’s Book: https://a.co/d/8nYzyTO Melissa on FB: https://www.facebook.com/tremblaymel/ Melissa on IG: https://www.instagram.com/melissamethven/Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/Website: theorthocoach.comYouTube: @theorthocoachInstagram: @theorthocoach (00:00) - Introduction & Content Warning (02:40) - Welcoming Melissa & Scott's Story (03:49) - The Pressures of Dentistry & Early Signs (09:33) - Hiding Behind the Smile & Physical Symptoms (13:27) - The Common Dental Struggle (16:18) - Why We Suppress — Roots & The Perfect Illusion (19:51) - Scott's Fear & Writing the Book (25:29) - Feeling Stuck, Faith & Moving Forward (34:49) - Faith vs. Religion & Signs from Beyond (42:40) - Dental Statistics & Solutions for the Profession (47:14) - Tools for Healing & Helping the Kids (57:58) - Being of Service, Fulfillment & Closing (01:13:05) - Outro

I'm excited to welcome Nicole Vento back to The DOC Podcast for the fourth installment of our five-part series with the Vento family on creating generational wealth. Nicole is a financial advisor, CPA, and CFP who leads the investment committee at her family's firm, and she brings a rare dual perspective with her CPA background combined with institutional trading experience at Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan Private Bank.  In this episode, we dig deep into the investment and tax-efficiency side of wealth planning, breaking down retirement accounts, ETFs vs. mutual funds, estate planning, 529 plans, the student loan crisis, Trump accounts, charitable giving strategies, and the discipline and mindset it takes to achieve financial freedom. Whether you're just starting out or you've been building wealth for decades, Nicole delivers practical insights you can apply to your own financial journey. Be sure to pick up a copy of the Vento family's book, *The Generational Wealth Code*, linked in the show notes below. **Chapters & Timestamps:**- 0:30 — Episode Intro- 3:06 — Welcome Back, Nicole- 11:09 — Why You Need a Fiduciary- 16:50 — Understanding Retirement Accounts- 47:02 — ETFs vs. Mutual Funds: Tax Treatment- 54:46 — Estate Planning & Step-Up in Basis- 1:03:35 — Education Planning & 529 Plans- 1:10:05 — The Student Loan Crisis- 1:22:44 — Trump Accounts: A New Savings Vehicle- 1:27:36 — Charitable Giving Strategies- 1:33:11 — Discipline, Delayed Gratification & the Margin Mentality- 1:37:39 — Closing & Contact Info- 1:38:54 — Disclosure **Links & Resources:** The Generational Wealth Code: https://a.co/d/0iHwEITGJoin The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/Connect w/Dr. Mike: Website: theorthocoach.comYouTube: @theorthocoachInstagram: @theorthocoachConnect w/Nicole: Web: Ventotaxandwealth.com  Email: [email protected]: 718-980-9000

Dr. Bret Christensen is an Army veteran, orthodontist, and one of only five orthodontists in the country board-certified in sleep medicine through the American Sleep & Breathing Academy. He owns and operates Christensen Orthodontics with locations in Lewiston, Grangeville, and Moscow, Idaho. In this emotional and wide-ranging episode, Bret opens up about losing his son, surviving a widow-maker heart attack at 45, undergoing open-heart surgery and getting a pacemaker, all while transforming his practice from traditional extraction-based orthodontics to a data-driven, airway-focused approach.  He shares thousands of patient records showing that skeletal expansion dramatically improves nasal airway volume, his discovery that toddlers as young as two-and-a-half can be treated, and why he believes the AAO is standing in the way of progress. Plus, a surprise visit from his granddaughter Everly - the child who changed everything. ⏱️ Timestamps / Chapters 0:00 — Cold Open0:13 — Introduction & Guest Bio2:53 — Farm Kid Roots & Education7:16 — Military Career & Orthodontics11:32 — Building a Practice from Scratch13:48 — The Shift from Extraction to Expansion17:05 — Discovering Sleep Apnea Through His Father21:02 — Surviving a Widow-Maker Heart Attack25:55 — Training in Sleep Apnea & The Rhinometer31:35 — Meeting Kevin Boyd & Airway Health Solutions33:38 — Adult Expansion: Schwartz to MARPE43:12 — Patient Transformations56:34 — Host's Reflection on the Journey68:46 — The AAO Pushback & Speaking Out78:52 — Everly's Story: Treating Toddlers89:58 — Orthodontists Need to Become Doctors1:43:59 — Surprise Visit from Everly1:49:34 — Closing & What's Next KEY TOPICS: Early orthodontic intervention • MARPE for adults • Rhinometry data on thousands of patients • Nasal volume changes (3-8 cubic centimeters) • Treating children as young as 2-3 years old • The connection between sleep apnea and heart disease • Overcoming professional opposition • The future of orthodontics   CONNECT: Dr. Brett Christiansen - Christiansen Orthodontics (Lewiston, Grangeville, Moscow, ID): https://christensenbraces.com/Dr. Mike DeLuke - TheOrthoCoach.com | [email protected] The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC website: https://theorthocoach.com/  (00:00) - Cold Open (00:13) - Introduction & Guest Bio (02:53) - Farm Kid Roots & Education (07:15) - Military Career & Orthodontics (11:31) - Building a Practice from Scratch (13:47) - The Shift from Extraction to Expansion (17:05) - Discovering Sleep Apnea Through His Father (21:02) - Surviving a Widow-Maker Heart Attack (25:55) - Training in Sleep Apnea & The Rhinometer (31:34) - Meeting Kevin Boyd & Airway Health Solutions (33:38) - Adult Expansion: Schwartz to MARPE (43:12) - Patient Transformations (56:33) - Host's Reflection on the Journey (01:08:45) - The AAO Pushback & Speaking Out (01:18:52) - Everly's Story: Treating Toddlers (01:29:58) - Orthodontists Need to Become Doctors (01:43:58) - Surprise Visit from Everly (01:49:33) - Closing & What's Next

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Erick Galindo, a pediatrician from Guadalajara, Mexico, whose approach to caring for children has evolved dramatically over his 20+ years in practice. After beginning as a traditional pediatrician focused on sick visits, vaccines, and growth charts, Dr. Galindo's discovery of the importance of tongue ties and oral function launched him down a rabbit hole that fundamentally changed how he sees his patients. Today, he works closely with dentists, orthodontists, myofunctional therapists, chiropractors, and other specialists to understand the whole child from their very first breath. The conversation covers why standard pediatric screening protocols omit airway and breathing assessments, how the current medical system prevents physicians from spending meaningful diagnostic time with patients, and what a truly comprehensive pediatric consultation looks like - from pregnancy and birth history through craniofacial evaluation, posture analysis, and nervous system regulation. Dr. Galindo shares powerful patient stories, including a one-month-old with fascial tension and a 12-year-old with chronic bedwetting linked to craniofacial dysfunction, illustrating how early detection and interdisciplinary care can change a child's entire health trajectory. The discussion closes with a deeply personal reflection on what it will take to transform pediatric medicine, not just systemically, but by reconnecting with our shared humanity. **Timestamps**0:00 — **Cold Open**Dr. Galindo highlights how young children are losing interdental space and why snoring is a late-stage sign of airway dysfunction.0:38 — **Introduction**Dr. Mike introduces the episode and Dr. Galindo's background, from traditional pediatrics to a holistic, interdisciplinary approach focused on breathing, sleep, and craniofacial development.3:22 — **Connecting Through Social Media**How an Instagram connection over a white paper review brought the two doctors together, and the power of social media to educate and empower patients.5:16 — **From Traditional to Transformational**Dr. Galindo shares his career journey from conventional pediatric training in Mexico City to a transformative discovery of the importance of tongue ties, oral function, and breathing.9:43 — **Seeing Patients Differently**The fear and excitement of learning new things mid-career, how early intervention with infants can prevent cascading dysfunction, and the emotional impact on families when their child's trajectory is changed.17:42 — **The Pediatric Screening Gap**Dr. Mike walks through the AAP's recommended well-child screening list and highlights what's glaringly missing.29:47 — **Breaking Free from the System**How private practice and opting out of insurance allows Dr. Galindo to spend 45–60 minutes per visit, and why conventional medicine's "prescribe and see what happens" model is losing ground.40:20 — **Inside the Consultation Room**A detailed walkthrough of what a first visit looks like.43:31 — **The Power of Bodywork**Why Dr. Galindo considers bodyworkers (chiropractors, craniosacral therapists, OTs, PTs) essential collaborators, and how fascial tension, torticollis, and container baby syndrome impact feeding, breathing, and nervous system regulation.56:50 — **Screen Time & Modern Parenting**The compounding effects of screen addiction, poor feeding practices, pacifier overuse, and lack of movement on children's neurodevelopment and sleep, and why being healthy has become a privilege.1:04:24 — **Colleague Pushback & Professional Isolation**Dr. Galindo's candid account of feeling isolated from his pediatric peers, facing skepticism and ego-driven resistance, and finding kinship instead with dental specialists and bodyworkers.1:08:10 — **Changing Trajectories: Outcomes & Early Detection**How treating root causes rather than symptoms leads to children tapering off ADHD medications, and why early detection matters more than chasing outcomes for already-complex cases.1:16:37 — **Reconnecting with Our Humanity**Dr. Galindo's deeply personal answer to how we change the system: by reconnecting with what makes us human, trusting our instincts, and finding the inspiration to keep learning and growing.1:23:17 — **Closing & Contact Info**Final thoughts and how to connect with Dr. Galindo on Instagram.1:26:26 — **Outro**Closing remarks and information on The Doc Podcast resources, CE courses, and community. LINKS: Contact Erik Galiendo on IG:  @drerick.pediatraRegister for the In-person Early Treatment Comprehensive: https://www.earlyorthotreatment.com/ The Generational Wealth Code: https://www.vtwmg.com/our-booksJoin The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/Website: theorthocoach.comYouTube: @theorthocoachInstagram: @theorthocoach

Episode Description:Join me for an in-depth conversation with sleep medicine specialist and quadruple Board Certified Physician (Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care Medicine, Sleep Medicine), Dr. Sima Tahir, as we discuss the critical role that sleep plays in overall health. Dr. Tahir shares her journey from working on the COVID-19 frontlines to opening her own boutique sleep practice in Manhattan, and why she believes sleep should be at the forefront of medical care. Key Topics Covered:Why Sleep Medicine Matters The lack of sleep education in medical schools and residenciesWhy sleep disorders are missed by traditional healthcare systemsHow sleep affects every aspect of health, from mood to chronic diseaseRecognizing Sleep Disorders Warning signs in children AND adults (headaches, jaw pain, teeth grinding, brain fog, irritability)Why children should NEVER snoreThe connection between sleep disorders and ADHD/behavioral issuesHow sleep problems manifest differently in kids vs. adultsThe Diagnostic Challenge Limitations of polysomnography (sleep studies)Why a normal AHI doesn't rule out sleep disordersUnderstanding upper airway resistance syndromeThe importance of reviewing raw sleep study dataThe Multidisciplinary Approach Why "sleep takes a team" - collaboration between physicians, dentists, orthodontists, and specialistsHow dental providers can detect sleep and breathing issuesThe role of orthodontics in addressing airway problemsBreaking down silos between medical and dental Sleep Quality vs. Quantity Why 7-9 hours isn't enough if quality is poorUnderstanding sleep architecture and circadian rhythmsHow weekend sleep schedule changes affect your entire weekThe one-hour-per-day recovery rulePractical Sleep Hygiene The importance of consistent sleep/wake timesHow hormones (especially in perimenopause) affect sleepWhy waking up multiple times per night is NOT normalRed flags that indicate you need a sleep evaluationPerfect For: Healthcare providers (medical and dental)Parents concerned about their children's sleepAnyone experiencing chronic fatigue, brain fog, or sleep issuesProfessionals interested in the intersection of sleep and overall healthTimestamps: 0:00 – Intro and highlight reel3:35 – Welcome, Dr. Tahir's background and path to sleep medicine5:08 – Life on the COVID front lines and how it changed her priorities8:12 – Why she left the hospital system to open her own sleep practice9:12 – Why sleep is multifactorial and requires a team-based approach14:20 – The gap in sleep education in medical school and residency19:09 – Do pediatricians get trained to spot sleep-disordered breathing?23:03 – Warning signs of sleep disorders in kids and adults (head-to-toe rundown)28:36 – The dentist's role in catching what pediatricians miss32:11 – Talking to skeptical dental colleagues about sleep and airway35:00 – Why sleep studies (polysomnography) can miss real problems, especially in kids38:07 – What to do when the sleep study says "normal" but symptoms persist45:59 – Hormones, aging, and why primary care doesn't ask about sleep52:35 – Why doctors reach for another prescription instead of asking about sleep55:23 – What "good sleep" actually means (quality vs. hours)57:33 – How sensitive your circadian rhythm really is62:13 – Nighttime awakenings: what's normal and what's not64:43 – Why snoring is never normal — in kids or adults67:34 – The future of at-home sleep diagnostics and wearables for kids69:31 – How to reach Dr. Tahir71:22 – Closing thoughtsLINKS Connect w/Dr. Tahir: https://drsaematahirmd.com/Register for the In-person Early Treatment Comprehensive: https://www.earlyorthotreatment.com/ (ONLY 1 SPOT LEFT!)Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/Website: theorthocoach.comYouTube: @theorthocoachInstagram: @theorthocoachEmail: [email protected] (00:00) - Intro and highlight reel (03:35) - Welcome, Dr. Tahir's background and path to sleep medicine (05:07) - Life on the COVID front lines and how it changed her priorities (08:12) - Why she left the hospital system to open her own sleep practice (09:11) - Why sleep is multifactorial and requires a team-based approach (14:19) - The gap in sleep education in medical school and residency (19:09) - Do pediatricians get trained to spot sleep-disordered breathing? (23:02) - Warning signs of sleep disorders in kids and adults (28:35) - The dentist's role in catching what pediatricians miss (32:11) - Talking to skeptical dental colleagues about sleep and airway (35:00) - Why sleep studies can miss real problems, especially in kids (38:06) - What to do when the sleep study says normal but symptoms persist (45:58) - Hormones, aging, and why primary care doesn't ask about sleep (52:35) - Why doctors reach for another prescription instead of asking about sleep (55:23) - What good sleep actually means (quality vs. hours) (57:32) - How sensitive your circadian rhythm really is (01:02:12) - Nighttime awakenings: what's normal and what's not (01:04:42) - Why snoring is never normal (01:07:34) - The future of at-home sleep diagnostics and wearables for kids (01:09:30) - How to reach Dr. Tahir (01:11:22) - Closing thoughts

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Louise Oliver, an NHS general practitioner, functional breathing practitioner, and founder of Breath Doc Programs, who discovered the profound impact of dysfunctional breathing after her own struggles with perimenopausal snoring. We dig into why physicians are rarely taught about airway and breathing dysfunction, the biochemistry of over-breathing and "air hunger," and how retraining your CO2 tolerance can be life-changing. We also explore how daytime breathing habits shape nighttime breathing, why puberty, pregnancy, and menopause reshape airway function, the troubling gaps in sleep apnea research for women, and a nuanced take on mouth taping. It's a wide-ranging conversation that challenges assumptions about one of the most basic things we do every moment of our lives: breathe. TIMESTAMPS- 0:00 – Introduction- 3:47 – Meet Dr. Louise Oliver- 3:49 – Dr. Oliver's journey to functional breathing- 9:59 – What actually counts as evidence-based medicine- 14:04 – Why traditional medicine overlooks breathing dysfunction- 19:28 – The mechanics of over-breathing and air hunger- 25:23 – How to retrain your breathing- 33:28 – How over-breathing affects the whole body- 38:42 – Breathing and the autonomic nervous system- 46:16 – Why daytime breathing habits shape nighttime breathing- 52:51 – Women's health, hormones, and breathing- 53:38 – Breathing through puberty, pregnancy, and menopause- 1:14:50 – The gap in women's sleep medicine research- 1:20:10 – The truth about mouth tape- 1:25:46 – Closing thoughts and where to find Dr. Oliver LINKS IG: @drolivertlcWebsite: https://www.drlouiseolivertherapeuticlifecoaching.com/Register for the In-person Early Treatment Comprehensive: https://www.earlyorthotreatment.com/ Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/Website: theorthocoach.comYouTube: @theorthocoachInstagram: @theorthocoachEmail: [email protected] (00:00) - Introduction (03:47) - Meet Dr. Louise Oliver (03:48) - Dr. Oliver's Journey to Functional Breathing (09:59) - What Counts as Evidence-Based Medicine (14:03) - Why Medicine Overlooks Breathing (19:27) - The Mechanics of Over-Breathing and Air Hunger (25:22) - Retraining Your Breathing (33:28) - How Over-Breathing Affects the Whole Body (38:42) - Breathing and the Autonomic Nervous System (46:15) - Daytime Breathing Habits Shape Nighttime Breathing (52:50) - Women's Health, Hormones, and Breathing (53:38) - Breathing Through Puberty, Pregnancy, and Menopause (01:14:50) - The Gap in Women's Sleep Medicine Research (01:20:11) - The Truth About Mouth Tape (01:25:46) - Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Dr. Oliver

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mark Cruz - general dentist, former assistant director of the UCLA Center for Aesthetic Dentistry, and a pioneer in airway-focused dentistry - for one of the deepest conversations we've had on the show. We get into the medical and dental comorbidities of pediatric sleep-disordered breathing, the ongoing debate over whether malocclusion is driven by genetics or environment, and why I believe orthodontists are uniquely positioned, yet often reluctant, to lead in airway health. Mark walks me through his personal journey, including the terrifying night his six-year-old son stopped breathing, and how that experience reshaped his entire clinical philosophy. We dig into the evidence (and lack thereof) behind long-held orthodontic dogma, the anthropological data showing just how dramatically our facial skeletons have changed in only 500 years, and the evolutionary story of why our jaws and airways are in crisis today. We close out by tackling the "no evidence" myth head-on, most notably the claim that tooth extraction and tongue space have nothing to do with airway, and Mark breaks down exactly where that argument falls apart. If you care about early intervention, craniofacial growth and development, or evidence-based practice, get ready to take notes. **Timestamps:**- 0:00 — Open- 0:51 — Meet Dr. Mark Cruz- 2:15 — Mark's Path to Airway-Focused Dentistry- 16:57 — Which Dental Specialty Has the Strongest Evidence?- 17:26 — Why Orthodontics Is Positioned to Lead on Airway- 18:25 — The Airway as the Keystone of the Face- 25:24 — The History of Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome- 27:34 — How Our Facial Skeleton Has Changed in 500 Years- 35:22 — Rethinking Medical and Dental Education- 43:46 — The Airway as the Nexus of Health- 56:07 — Why Is This So Common? The Anthropology of Malocclusion- 61:32 — The Evolutionary Story: From Hunter-Gatherers to Modern Jaws- 70:15 — Debunking the "No Evidence" Myth on Extractions and Tongue Space- 79:03 — Closing Thoughts- 81:53 — Outro and How to Reach Dr. Cruz Know someone who'd make a great guest, or want to be one yourself? Email me at [email protected], and don't forget to join The Doc Community on Facebook. Thanks for listening, and remember, you've been blessed with the ability to do amazing things. LINKS Contact Mark -  [email protected] Article Part I: https://www.orthotown.com/magazine/digital/649/march-2025 Orthotown Article Part II: https://www.orthotown.com/magazine/digital/652/may-2025Phase I Early Treatment Course: https://theorthocoach.com/courses/phase-i-arch-development/?portfolioCats=99   Register for the In-person Early Treatment Comprehensive: https://www.earlyorthotreatment.com/ Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/Website: theorthocoach.comYouTube: @theorthocoachInstagram: @theorthocoachEmail: [email protected] (00:00) - Cold Open (00:50) - Meet Dr. Mark Cruz (02:15) - Mark's Path to Airway-Focused Dentistry (16:56) - Which Dental Specialty Has the Strongest Evidence? (17:25) - Why Orthodontics Is Positioned to Lead on Airway (18:25) - The Airway as the Keystone of the Face (25:23) - The History of Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (27:34) - How Our Facial Skeleton Has Changed in 500 Years (35:21) - Rethinking Medical and Dental Education (43:45) - The Airway as the Nexus of Health (56:07) - Why Is This So Common? The Anthropology of Malocclusion (01:01:32) - The Evolutionary Story: From Hunter-Gatherers to Modern Jaws (01:10:14) - Debunking the "No Evidence" Myth on Extractions and Tongue Space (01:19:02) - Closing Thoughts (01:21:53) - Outro and How to Reach Dr. Cruz

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Funke Afolabi Brown, a triple board-certified sleep physician, founder of Restful Sleep MD, and best-selling author. We go way beyond the basics of sleep, exploring what "good sleep" actually means, why sleep medicine gets so little attention in physician and dental training, and why that has to change. Dr. Brown and I dig into the full spectrum of sleep-disordered breathing (it's so much more than just obstructive sleep apnea), the strengths and serious limitations of polysomnography versus home sleep testing, and why relying only on the AHI can cause us to miss patients who are genuinely struggling. We also spend a lot of time on the far-reaching effects of poor sleep in kids - behavior, learning, emotional regulation, and how sleep issues so often masquerade as ADHD. We talk candidly about why snoring and chronic mouth breathing should never be treated as "no big deal," why interdisciplinary collaboration between sleep physicians, pediatricians, ENTs, dentists, orthodontists, and myofunctional therapists is essential, and why I'm genuinely optimistic about where sleep medicine is headed. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 — Cold open: sleep's impact on children isn't benign0:38 — Podcast welcome1:02 — Guest introduction: Dr. Funke Afolabi Brown4:20 — Interview begins5:39 — Dr. Brown's background and path into sleep medicine7:13 — Sleep education gaps in medical/dental training10:19 — Defining good sleep: quantity, quality, timing14:42 — Wearables, sleep tracking, and orthosomnia20:24 — Acute vs. chronic sleep problems and recovery26:52 — In-lab polysomnography: strengths and limitations37:28 — The sleep-disordered breathing spectrum41:10 — Primary snoring: why it's never normal46:14 — Allergies, nasal airway, and root causes48:12 — Chronic mouth breathing debate54:23 — Why physicians and dentists avoid the topic1:00:10 — ADHD and sleep-disordered breathing overlap1:08:57 — Home sleep testing and treatment options1:09:48 — The future of sleep medicine1:16:00 — Closing thoughts and where to find Dr. BrownIf you found this conversation valuable, please share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, follow DOC Podcast on Instagram, and subscribe to the channel on YouTube so you never miss an episode. LINKS Connect w/Dr. Brown:Website: https://www.restfulsleepmd.com/ Beyond Tired Book: https://a.co/d/2aSRSQt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restfulsleepmd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drfunkebrown/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/funke.afolabibrown/ Register for the In-person Early Treatment Comprehensive: https://www.earlyorthotreatment.com/ The Generational Wealth Code: https://a.co/d/05TlkLJXJoin The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/Website: theorthocoach.comYouTube: @theorthocoachInstagram: @theorthocoachEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, I sit down again with Christine Vento Conway, Senior Vice President at Inland Securities, to dig into the real estate side of building generational wealth. We pick up where we left off with her family, this time focusing specifically on how real estate's tax advantages (1031 exchanges, DSTs, depreciation, and Qualified Opportunity Zones) can help investors defer, reduce, and even eliminate capital gains taxes. Christine breaks down the numbers, walks through real timelines and rules, and we compare these strategies to REITs so you know exactly which tool fits your situation. Whether you're a seasoned real estate investor or just getting started, this conversation will give you a clear framework for thinking about real estate as a tax strategy, not just an asset class. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Introduction and catching up with Christine3:59 – Christine's role at Inland Securities and her CPA background10:59 – The four key benefits of real estate as an investment vehicle14:02 – Duplex vs. institutional real estate: diversification and risk18:57 – Breaking down the tax consequences of selling a property36:36 – The 1031 exchange timeline: the 45-day and 180-day rules37:28 – What a qualified intermediary does (and why you need one)49:20 – The three phases of a DST investment56:32 – How DST income and distributions are taxed1:12:13 – DSTs vs. REITs: what's the difference?1:15:24 – Qualified Opportunity Zones and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act1:27:41 – Who qualifies: accredited investor requirements and minimums1:29:17 – How to get in touch with ChristineIf this conversation gave you a new way of thinking about real estate, please don't keep it to yourself.  Send this episode to your financial advisor or CPA, since many of them aren't familiar with DSTs. Pick up a copy of *The Generational Wealth Code* to go even deeper, and if you want to explore these strategies for your own portfolio, reach out to Christine directly at [email protected]. And if you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit from a smarter approach to real estate and taxes. LINKS Purchase The Generational Wealth Code: https://a.co/d/0cye2Lqu Email Christine: [email protected] Call Christine: 917-410-7725First Episode w/Vento Family: Second Episode w/John Vento Sr: Register for the In-person Early Treatment Comprehensive: https://www.earlyorthotreatment.com/ Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/Website: theorthocoach.comYouTube: @theorthocoachEmail: [email protected]: @theorthocoach

Overview In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Peter Catalano - an otolaryngologist, rhinology fellowship director, and pioneer of minimally invasive nasal surgery. Dr. Catalano has held appointments at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the Lahey Clinic, and Tufts University, and has spent over three decades developing and publishing on targeted nasal airway surgery. I've had the privilege of working with Dr. Catalano on a major article addressing mouth breathing, and our conversation here is one of the most important I've had on this platform. We go deep into the science of nasal airflow, the structural and institutional barriers preventing children from getting the care they need, and the very real consequences (neurological, behavioral, cardiovascular, and craniofacial) of untreated mouth breathing and sleep-disordered breathing. We also address the myths and dogmas that continue to persist in both the ENT and orthodontic worlds, and what it's going to take to break them down. If you've ever wondered why the two worlds of dentistry and medicine remain so siloed on this issue, or what it means for patients when they fall through the crack, this episode is for you. Timestamps0:00 – Introduction and Dr. Catalano's background: ENT, skull base surgery, academic appointments at Mount Sinai, Lahey Clinic, and Tufts University4:10 – How Dr. Catalano's career trajectory led him from engineering to medicine to rhinology — and the philosophy of fate and the "hidden angel" guiding his path9:12 – The MicroShaver revolution: meeting Dr. Setliff in South Dakota and the aha moment that changed everything about minimally invasive sinus surgery11:13 – The unexpected discovery: patients reporting they stopped snoring after sinus surgery, and how that led to a focus on nasal airway and sleep-disordered breathing13:18 – [Ad] Early Orthodontic Treatment Comprehensive — a two-day hands-on immersive course with Dr. Daniel Camacho, Fort Lauderdale, FL, November 13–14. Click the link in the show notes to register.14:27 – The 2009 Singapore breakthrough: Dr. Deyun Wang and computational flow dynamics — why no one actually knew how air moved through the nose until then19:32 – Why previous nasal surgeries failed for OSA, and what "follow the airflow" means for surgical targets between the eyes20:30 – Why making big holes in sinuses made things worse — and why the sinuses don't actually ventilate during breathing23:58 – How the superior airway and structures like the uncinate process and concha bullosa became key surgical targets, producing a 15–20% improvement in airflow26:08 – The insurance dilemma and medical-legal risks that prevent ENTs from performing airway surgery — even when the data is clear30:03 – The ferret studies and the "never operate under 16" dogma: how flawed 1980s animal models became entrenched standard of care for pediatric ENT surgery35:48 – Parallels to hormone replacement therapy and the rampant hypocrisy in academic medicine — how good studies get buried and bad ones persist40:55 – How Dr. Catalano fought back against an insurance company, changed their pediatric sinus surgery policy, and survived multiple attempts to have his medical license revoked47:12 – The Harvold monkey studies: why the obligate nasal breather argument is wrong, why the studies are foundational, and what it means that no one could repeat them today58:07 – Children don't just "outgrow" airway obstruction: why the lymphoid involution argument is true but dangerously misleading when 90% of craniofacial growth is complete by age 81:13:57 – CBCT in ENT and orthodontic practice: why orthodontists need to learn to read the full image, how Dr. Catalano and Dr. John Walker found hidden tumors, and why rhinology-focused ENTs already use equivalent imaging1:17:33 – Nocturnal enuresis and airway: the pituitary/ADH connection, why these children ask about bedwetting the moment they wake from surgery, and the anecdotal but compelling clinical evidence1:27:15 – Swell body reduction: how a novel procedure Dr. Catalano pioneered in 2015 went from being met with rotten tomatoes at conferences to becoming standard of care Closing If this conversation resonated with you, I want to encourage you to share it with your colleagues, your dental and medical partners, and anyone who works with young patients who struggle to breathe. This is exactly the kind of interdisciplinary dialogue that can change outcomes for kids who are being told to wait it out. LINKS Dr. Peter Catalano: Email: [email protected] Article on Mouth Breathing: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40057896/Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/)Register for the In-person Early Treatment Comprehensive: https://www.earlyorthotreatment.com/ Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/Website: theorthocoach.comYouTube: @theorthocoachEmail: [email protected]: @theorthocoach

In this episode, I sit down with a truly inspiring father-daughter team - Dr. Victor Avis, a recently retired general dentist and orthodontist of 38 years, and his daughter Sydney Avis, co-founders of the Airway Revolution Foundation. What begins as a deeply personal story about Sydney's lifelong, undiagnosed struggle with airway and sleep disorders quickly evolves into a powerful conversation about the systemic gaps in how medicine and dentistry recognize and treat airway-related health issues. From Sydney's childhood as a chronic mouth breather to her life-changing double jaw surgery in 2020, and from Dr. Avis' discovery of the Mews and orthotropics to the launch of a nonprofit digital learning platform, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and a whole lot of heart. Timestamps0:00 — Introduction & welcome0:23 — About today's guests: Dr. Victor Avis & Sydney Avis, co-founders of the Airway Revolution Foundation3:16 — Dr. Avis frames the conversation: what it's like to see patients transform through airway treatment, and why he didn't see it in his own daughter7:19 — Sydney begins her story: growing up without knowing something was wrong8:21 — Dr. Avis reflects: he didn't know mouth breathing wasn't normal, even watching home videos; the missed opportunity at age 610:43 — School struggles begin: from A student to C student despite extraordinary effort; asthma, inhalers, and cavities nobody connected to airway15:25 — Sydney's growing anxiety: first panic attack at prom; daily panic attacks escalating through her gap year15:57 — The breaking point: a 3 AM call from Thailand - Sydney in the hospital getting a brain scan20:29 — Dr. Avis discovers John Mew on YouTube; two weeks later he's in England studying orthotropics22:19 — Presenting Sydney's case to Bill Hang's study group: the recommendation for double jaw surgery, and Sydney's immediate answer: "Okay, let's do it"24:13 — The pre-surgery journey: sleep studies, DICE with Dr. Soroush Zaghi, MADs, CPAP, nothing helps; surgery delayed by COVID31:11 — Sydney shares life after surgery: REM rebound, finally feeling rested, and the lifting of the "fog"52:37 — Why they founded the Airway Revolution Foundation and built a free digital learning platform for parents, educators, and adults1:12:28 — Lessons from trying to change doctoral education and lobbying Capitol Hill and why they ultimately decided to go directly to the public1:22:51 — The danger of anti-airway commentary; 50–60% of kids on ADHD medications may have an undiagnosed sleep disorder; how to connect with the Foundation ClosingDr. Victor and Sydney Avis are doing something rare - turning personal pain into a movement that has the potential to change millions of lives. If their story resonates with you, visit airwayrevolution.org and follow @theairwayrevolution on social media to stay connected as their digital learning platform launches this fall. LINKS Airwayrevolution.orgConnect w/the Avis' on Social Media: @theairwayrevolution   Register for the In-person Early Treatment Comprehensive: https://www.earlyorthotreatment.com/ Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/Website: theorthocoach.comYouTube: @theorthocoachEmail: [email protected]: @theorthocoach

In this episode, I'm joined for the second time by Dr. Shereen Lim, an internationally recognized dentist whose work is reshaping how we think about oral tethered tissues and their role in craniofacial growth, airway health, and orthodontic outcomes. Since her first appearance on the show (Episode 34 - link below), Dr. Lim has pushed even further beyond tongue ties, focusing her clinical lens on lip ties, buccal frenum ties, and their profound influence on facial development, maxillary arch constriction, dental crowding, and orthodontic relapse.  This conversation is a masterclass in staying intellectually curious, remaining open to what the evidence in your own practice is telling you, and constantly reassessing your diagnosis and treatment approach as new information emerges. Timestamps0:00 – Introduction & episode overview3:12 – Welcome back: Dr. Lim returns to The DOC Podcast4:43 – Beyond tongue ties: Dr. Lim's evolving focus on lip and cheek (buccal) ties and their impact on latch, facial tension, and development8:46 – The lower lip tie discovery: how chin strain and mentalis tension led to a clinical breakthrough9:55 – Buccal ties, orthodontic relapse, and how cheek tension shapes the dental arch14:45 – Interdisciplinary collaboration: working with osteopaths, chiropractors, and lactation consultants15:59 – The emotional weight of realizing what we've missed — and why blinders happen19:01 – Case study: the patient with severe malocclusion and the tightest cheek ties Dr. Lim has ever seen22:03 – My talk on why orthodontists resist airway-focused care — and granting colleagues grace25:44 – Tongue ties without transverse deficiency: how cheek ties may explain the variation27:36 – V-shaped arches, orthodontic relapse, and the role of perioral restrictions29:39 – Historical perspective: the Frenkel appliance, lip bumpers, and treating the etiology33:03 – How to assess what's normal vs. abnormal: signs to look for across infancy, childhood, and adulthood36:41 – The procedure: CO2 laser technique, team-based approach, and what to expect after releases39:10 – When outcomes fall short — and why proper pre/post care changes everything41:34 – A remarkable case: releasing ties in an infant with Down syndrome against specialist advice44:19 – Challenging the 2020 AAO-HNS consensus statement and the misuse of evidence-based medicine46:53 – The real value of clinical observation and patient-reported outcomes50:19 – Pushback on social media vs. trust within the clinical community52:10 – Functional trainer appliances (Myobrace, Vivos, 2Pill): where they help and where they fall short56:18 – Post-release comfort: why oral releases may make functional appliances easier to tolerate57:54 – The journey approach: doing one thing at a time and building confidence incrementally1:00:46 – Vestibuloplasty technique: releasing multiple sites together for better outcomes1:03:46 – A message to overwhelmed clinicians: you don't have to do it all at once1:06:32 – Evidence-based practice in action: what Dr. Lim is actually doing in her clinic1:07:09 – Where to find Dr. Lim & closing thoughts This conversation reminded me of why I do this work. Dr. Lim's willingness to look critically at her own outcomes, stay open to what her patients are showing her, and continuously evolve her clinical approach is a model for all of us. Whether you're brand new to airway-focused dentistry or have been in this space for years, I hope this episode leaves you a little more curious, a little more humble, and motivated to ask whether there's a better way to serve the children and families we care for. LINKS Episode 34 w/Dr. Lim: LINKDr Lim’s Book: Breathe, Sleep, ThriveDr. Lim’s Website: https://www.drshereenlim.com.au/Dr. Lim’s IG: @dr.shereenlimDr. Lim on FB: LINKRegister for the In-person Early Treatment Comprehensive: https://www.earlyorthotreatment.com/ Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/Website: theorthocoach.comYouTube: @theorthocoachInstagram: @theorthocoachEmail: [email protected]