Advertise on podcast: Crown Council Mentor of the Month

Dr. Guy Lewis has spent 42 years building one of the country's premier cosmetic dental practices — 8,000 square feet and 12 glass operatories overlooking the forest in The Woodlands, Texas. But he started by getting fired three months into his first job during the 1984 Houston oil recession. In this Mentor of the Month conversation with Stuart and Steve Anderson, Guy traces the path from a $30,000 startup loan he paid off in two months, to becoming one of the youngest accredited members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, to walking away from a clinic where "everything needed a crown." Along the way he shares what Tony Robbins told him that led to hiring his son as COO, why their attempt at a DSO didn't survive their own quality standards, how he's built 20-year staff tenure through culture rather than pressure, and how the credentials that create credibility have shifted from magazine features to social media influence. He closes with the Give Back a Smile patient he rebuilt in the '90s — and unknowingly sat behind at the Super Bowl years later, after her new smile helped make her Time Warner Cable's top salesperson in the country. A candid look at integrity, excellence, and building something that lasts.

In today’s episode, Steve Anderson and I sit down with Dr. Brett Titensor, one of the “young giants” of the Crown Council, to talk about what it really takes to build a modern dental practice that patients love and teams thrive in. You’ll hear how Brett’s unique upbringing in a “dental home,” his humanitarian experiences in places like Guadalajara and the Dominican Republic, and the mentorship of his parents and the Crown Council shaped the way he practices today. We’ll talk about: Building a brand that instantly communicates trust and quality Scaling a healthy culture where the team comes first—and patients feel the difference And how to create a dental experience that feels less like a chore and more like a visit to Disneyland. Brett is joining us from the middle of his new 15-operatory, state-of-the-art practice and learning centerin Flower Mound, Texas—a living example that you don’t have to race to the bottom in dentistry if you deliver an unforgettable experience. Stay tuned. You’re about to learn how to combine clinical excellence, team culture, and environment to build a thriving practice and a meaningful career.

In this Mentor of the Month episode, Crown Council founder Steve sits down with Birmingham cosmetic and implant dentist Dr. Paul Koch to explore nearly four decades of lessons in life, leadership, and esthetic dentistry. Dr. Koch shares his journey from a childhood calling to dentistry, through early career setbacks, divorce, financial strain, and even a plane crash in his backyard, to ultimately building a high‑end, judgment‑free, spa‑like practice from scratch in Birmingham, Alabama. Along the way he honors the mentors who shaped him (Pete Dawson, Bill Strupp, David Hornbrook, Carl Misch, and Walter Haley), unpacks his practice “non‑negotiables” like quality over volume and never showing up unprepared, and explains how culture, systems, and authentic communication transform both teams and patients. If you’re looking for real‑world inspiration on how to build a values‑driven, esthetically focused practice while staying true to your family and your faith, this conversation with Dr. Koch is a must‑listen.

If you would also like to build the new page here is a paragraph to describe the podcast: In this inspiring conversation with Dr. Jen Derse, hosted by Stuart and Steve Anderson, listeners get a candid look at how a small-town Wisconsin kid, “band geek,” and self-proclaimed “Jenergy” machine built a thriving career in cosmetic dentistry—and then had to reinvent herself when she could no longer practice clinically. Jen shares practical, immediately usable insights on leadership, culture, and case acceptance: how to bring patients into collaborative treatment planning, motivate teams through tiny gains and big celebrations, empower staff to design the systems they use, and weave “doing good” (like humanitarian trips and Smiles for Life) into the fabric of a practice so it builds trust and loyalty. Dentists and teams will walk away with a renewed vision of what it means to be a maker, not a taker, fresh language to communicate more clearly and compassionately, and concrete ideas to strengthen their practice culture, patient relationships, and personal resilience.   A few highlights worth mentioning: Founder and former Chief Clinical Director of Espire Dental, helping grow it into a large multi-location organization. Nationally and internationally recognized speaker, educator, mentor, and consultant. Mentor at the Kois Center and educator for dentists around the world. Graduate of Marquette University School of Dentistry with advanced leadership training through Harvard Business School Online, McKinsey Leadership Academy, and The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center. Founder of the Espiration Foundation, providing care and support to underserved populations in the Dominican Republic and Guatemala. Recently transitioned from full-time executive leadership to focus on what she loves most: mentoring, coaching, consulting, and teaching.

In this Mentor of the Month conversation, Dr. Saam “Dr. Z” Zarabi shares how he went from a disrupted childhood, an early failed internet startup, and a four‑week nightmare first job to co‑founding Rodeo Dental, a fast‑growing, purpose‑driven group practice serving mostly underserved and Medicaid families. He talks about the mentors and mastermind groups that shaped him, the origin of Rodeo’s “Disneyland‑level” patient experience, building and motivating a 1,000‑person culture, and why doing good in the community is central to long‑term success. Packed with real stories, hard‑won lessons, and practical insights on leadership, partnership, and culture, this episode is a roadmap for dentists and entrepreneurs who want to build something bigger than themselves.

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Michelle Jorgensen shares her remarkable journey from traditional dentistry to pioneering health-based dental care after a personal battle with mercury poisoning. Discover how her experience transformed her practice, led to the development of safer dental protocols, and inspired her to educate both patients and professionals about the vital connection between oral and overall health. Dr. Jorgensen discusses her book, “Living Well with Dr. Michelle,” and the innovative courses she offers to help dental teams provide holistic, patient-centered care. Tune in to learn how adversity sparked a movement that’s changing the face of dentistry.

Josh Wagner is a sales, marketing and channel leader who has spent 20 years selling to and through strategic partners and has helped start-ups scale from zero to twenty million in revenue. Josh is Co-Founder and Partner at In Revenue Capital, where he provides Go-to-Market operator expertise to support growth stage founders. Josh believes that ecosystem led growth is the “cheat code” to revenue, enabling leaders to tap into one to many partner relationships to create more scale with fewer resources.  Josh also serves as an advisory board member at CRE OneSource, hosts the Love Selling Hate Sales Podcast and Co-Host of the Go-to-Market Cheat Code Podcast.  Click here for information: https://lp.peerlogic.com/peerlogic-crown-council In this dynamic episode, Josh Wagner, Chief Revenue Officer of Peer Logic and author of "The Go-To-Market Cheat Code," reveals game-changing strategies for dental practices to build powerful ecosystems and drive growth. By focusing on meaningful relationships, providing unique value, and connecting with healthcare professionals, local businesses, and community partners, dentists can transform their practice's potential. Josh shares innovative approaches to cross-referrals, insights-sharing, and strategic partnerships that go far beyond traditional marketing, emphasizing the critical importance of giving before receiving and creating mission-driven collaborations that benefit everyone involved.

If you’re a marketing-savvy dentist, you know that having a strong online presence is becoming increasingly crucial to remain competitive. At the heart of that visibility is Search Engine Optimization (SEO), the strategy that helps patients find your practice when they search for services like “teeth whitening near me” or “emergency dentist in [Your City].” But with Google’s algorithm constantly evolving, keeping up can feel like chasing a moving target. That’s where AI for dental SEO comes in. By combining machine learning with real-time data analysis, artificial intelligence is transforming the way dental practices optimize their websites, attract patients, and stay ahead of competitors. In this post, we’ll explore how AI is reshaping dental SEO—from keyword research and content creation to on-page optimization and beyond Thanks for listening! In the Podcast I mentioned a few items, and here they are: Listen to patient phone calls with Annie AI Video explaining what Annie AI can do for your practice Get a demo of Annie AI

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson share their personal journeys and proven strategies to help dental professionals achieve sustainable success. Discover the top mistakes dentists make when it comes to their overall wellness, and learn practical tips for creating a balanced approach to clinical, business, and personal development. Get ready to unlock the secrets to thriving both in and out of the dental practice. Wellness in Dentistry Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wellness-in-dentistry/id1743260809  Light Side Live Gathering: https://lightsidedentistry.com/light-side-live  Use (customers who use the coupon code CROWN at checkout will receive a $150 discount on the course)

Debra Gray King, DDS, AAACD, is a renowned cosmetic dentist and leader in the dental industry. In this interview, Dr. King shares her inspiring journey into dentistry, the principles that have guided her practice's success over the past 37 years, and her passion for mentoring the next generation of dentists. She provides valuable insights on building a thriving team-based practice, delivering exceptional patient experiences, and the importance of continuous learning and improvement. Dr. King's insights offer a roadmap for young dentists looking to create a fulfilling and impactful career in dentistry.

In this inspiring leadership series episode, we sit down with Dr. Brett Titensor, a trailblazing dentist who is redefining the patient experience through his innovative, technology-driven practice. As the youngest ever lifetime qualified member of Crown Council, Dr. Titensor shares his remarkable journey - from his early influences and mentors to the challenges and triumphs of practice ownership. Listeners will gain invaluable insights into navigating the transition from dental school, building a high-performing team, and leveraging cutting-edge digital dentistry to deliver exceptional care. Dr. Titensor's passion for the profession and bold vision for the future of dentistry will leave you energized and eager to elevate your own practice. This is a must-listen episode for any dentist seeking to push the boundaries of what's possible in the industry.

Dr. Charlie Cooper, a prominent mentor in the Crown Council, discusses his journey from a general dentist to a cosmetic dentist, highlighting his 20-year practice and subsequent partnership with Dr. Deborah Gray King. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, particularly from Dr. Chiro and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Cooper advises young dentists to learn financial basics, stay within their expertise, and avoid being overly generous with patient payments. He also stresses the significance of treating patients like VIPs and creating a welcoming, family-like environment for staff. His practice, Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, is renowned for its high-quality care and patient experience. Here are the key topics and action items from the podcast: Topics: Introduction to the Crown Council's mentor of the month podcast and leadership series Dr. Charlie Cooper's background and the Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry Early influences and mentors that shaped Dr. Cooper's career Advice for young dentists starting their careers Building a successful and patient-focused dental practice Creating a positive work environment and treating staff like family Work-life balance and maintaining strong personal relationships Action Items: Learn financial basics like reading balance sheets and P&L statements Don't be the bank - collect payments upfront when possible Find mentors and emulate successful individuals in the field Consider getting accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Treat patients like VIPs and focus on providing a high-quality experience Foster a sense of family and camaraderie among your staff

Dr. David Rice, a mentor and leader in the dental profession, discusses his journey and advice for young dentists. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the right mentors, who should be cheerleaders, top-tier professionals, and contrarians. Rice shares his own experiences, including his first failed associateship due to insufficient vetting and the value of postgraduate programs. He advises young dentists to focus on building self-determined futures, managing debt wisely, and prioritizing people, process, and production in their practices. Rice also highlights the significance of having a vision and seeking mentors who can help achieve that vision.

Dr. Kerry Bryant shared his journey from a low-fat diet to a ketogenic lifestyle, which significantly improved his health metrics. He discussed the impact of diet on chronic diseases, emphasizing the importance of mitochondria and hormesis. Bryant's A1C levels improved from 7.2 to 5.5 after adopting a diet high in healthy fats and low in carbohydrates. He highlighted the role of ketones in brain health and the negative effects of fructose. Bryant also noted the correlation between diet and conditions like Alzheimer's and cancer, advocating for a low-carb, low-sugar, and low-vegetable oil diet to improve overall health and patient care. Introduction and Background of Dr. Kerry Bryant Steve Anderson introduces Dr. Kerry Bryant, highlighting his 24-year career in dentistry and his practice in Maine. Dr. Bryant is a fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. The topic of the discussion is Dr. Bryant's personal journey in health and wellness, rather than clinical dentistry. Steve Anderson emphasizes the importance of sharing personal experiences within the Crown Council. Dr. Bryant's Initial Health Journey Dr. Bryant recounts his early beliefs about low-fat diets and exercise, which he adopted in the 1960s and 1970s. He shares his health scares, including a heart stent in 2012, his mother's heart attack, and his father's cancer. Dr. Bryant's brother also passed away from pancreatic cancer, leading him to reevaluate his dietary habits. He began studying nutrition and neurology, shifting his focus to the importance of diet and other lifestyle factors. Shift in Dietary Beliefs and Health Metrics Dr. Bryant explains his new belief that diet is "king" and exercise is "queen," with sleep being crucial. He introduces the concept of hormesis, where exposure to certain stressors can have beneficial effects. Dr. Bryant shares his personal health metrics, noting a significant improvement in his A1C levels from 7.2 to 5.5. He discusses the importance of ketones and the role of insulin resistance in health. Impact of Ketosis and Dietary Changes Dr. Bryant describes his dietary changes, including a reduction in carbohydrates and an increase in healthy fats. He explains the science behind ketosis and its benefits for brain health, referencing Dr. Dale Bredesen's work. Dr. Bryant emphasizes the importance of avoiding fructose and its addictive properties. He shares his personal struggles with sugar addiction and the positive impact of his new diet on his health markers. Influence on Patient Care and Practice Dr. Bryant discusses how his new health focus has influenced his interactions with patients. He shares his approach to educating patients about nutrition and its impact on health. Dr. Bryant mentions the importance of maintaining an open mind about various health approaches. He reflects on the limited knowledge of nutrition among physicians and the need for better education. Challenges and Controversies in Health Advice Dr. Bryant acknowledges the controversies surrounding statin drugs and the importance of individualized approaches. He shares his experiences with other health professionals and their varying opinions on diet and health. Dr. Bryant emphasizes the need for continuous learning and staying updated on the latest health research. He highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of health issues, rather than just treating symptoms. Personal and Professional Growth Dr. Bryant reflects on his personal growth and improved quality of life since adopting a ketogenic diet. He shares his experiences with meditation, exercise, and other stress-reduction techniques. Dr. Bryant discusses the positive impact of his new health habits on his family and practice. He emphasizes the importance of sharing his knowledge with patients to help them improve their health. Advice for Beginners in Ketosis Dr. Bryant advises starting with a low-carb diet and gradually incorporating ketosis. He recommends resources like Dr. Steven Finney's YouTube videos for learning about ketosis. Dr. Bryant emphasizes the importance of eliminating processed foods, sugar, and vegetable oils from the diet. He shares his personal journey and the challenges he faced in adopting a ketogenic lifestyle. Broader Impact of Diet on Health Dr. Bryant discusses the broader impact of diet on health, including the role of inflammation and metabolic health. He shares statistics on the prevalence of metabolic diseases and their impact on healthcare costs. Dr. Bryant emphasizes the importance of preventing chronic diseases through dietary changes. He reflects on the challenges of changing dietary habits and the role of the food industry in health issues. Final Thoughts and Call to Action Dr. Bryant concludes by emphasizing the importance of fixing diet to improve health and reduce healthcare costs. He shares his belief that addressing dietary issues is crucial for preventing chronic diseases. Dr. Bryant encourages others to stay informed and continue learning about health and nutrition. Speaker 1 thanks Dr. Bryant for sharing his insights and experiences, highlighting the importance of personal health journeys.

Dr. Brian Harris is recognized as one of the nation's top cosmetic dentists. His process and unique approach to cosmetic dentistry is the reason why so many of his patients come from out of state to see him for their smile transformations. He has been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine, New Beauty, marthastewart.com, Allure, Health Magazine, Modern Day Living, Oprah Magazine, USA Today, Newsweek, INC Magazine and various other publications. He is known as The Virtual Dentist and a pioneer in tele-dentistry after his creation of Smile Virtual. He is also the creator of the Snow Whitening System and Klen Products. Dr. Harris and his wife Maury have been married for 24 years and have four children. “Building confidence is at the heart of everything I do. My main goal? To make everything as clear and simple as possible right from the start. I want you to know your options, the costs, and all the details without any stress, and all from the comfort of your own home. When we meet, we're ready to hit the ground running. Whatever your dental needs, I’m here to help, making sure everyone who walks through my door leaves with a smile they feel great about. Here's what sets me apart: I listen, I connect, I understand. There's no one-size-fits-all in my practice; there's just what works for you.”