Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward

Hosted by Mike MacKinnon and Joe Rodriguez

Business Entrepreneurship Health Fitness ScienceExplicit

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Latest episode

Apr 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Anesthesia Deconstructed: Unraveling the Complexities of Modern Anesthesia Practice Founded in 2018 by Mike MacKinnon, DNP, FNP, CRNA, FAAN, and later joined by co-host Joe Rodriguez, DNAP, CRNA, Anesthesia Deconstructed is an award-winning podcast that consistently ranks as the nation's top-downloaded anesthesia podcast, with two of the most well-known CRNAs in the country as hosts. We feature industry experts from across the spectrum, exploring scientific issues, policy matters, and the day-to-day realities of anesthesia practice. Our mission is to deconstruct complex topics, recognizing that the truth often lies in the nuanced middle ground rather than at extremes. We bring unique value to our listeners by examining the nexus of clinical practice, education, and policy, offering insights that go beyond any single perspective. Join us for thought-provoking discussions that bridge the gap between theory and practice in the world of anesthesia.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 20262 min

About The Rest Season 1 Trailer

Along life’s winding roads we’ve each worked tirelessly to hone our skills and ultimately become the excellent clinicians we are today. But what happens when being great in the OR isn't enough? Each week on About the Rest, Joe Rodriguez, DNAP, CRNA, gets into the weeds on the definitive podcast for fellow CRNAs and MDs who want to understand how our profession actually works behind the scenes… warts and all. The spiritual sibling of the award-winning podcast Anesthesia Deconstructed, About the Rest takes a commentary-driven approach to facing the infrastructural obstacles that keep holding us back. Because the hard truth is… although our clinical skills are essential, the business of healthcare far too often treats them as commodities. Unapologetically inside baseball, join the podcast where together we become leaders, gain influence, and hone the skills nobody taught in our programs to take control of our careers. To Learn More Visit: ww.abouttherest.com Got a Question? hello@abouttherest.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April 1, 202616 min

A New Chapter: Mike & Joe’s Big Announcement!

Anesthesia Deconstructed is sunsetting, but the conversation is just getting started. Joe and Mike announce Joe’s new podcast, “About the Rest!” Get ready for the next chapter of critical career-driven discussions exploring the leadership, performance, and business of a career in anesthesia. Simply stay subscribed to this feed to automatically follow as Season One begins May 2026 (don’t worry, old eps of Anesthesia Deconstructed aren’t going anywhere). As we navigate the systems, incentives, and power shifts that happen around the OR we want to know what you think! Visit abouttherest.com to join the community and share what you want to hear next. Get in Touch: hello@abouttherest.com A Human Content Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 21, 202554 min

Anesthesia Deconstructed: I Thought We Were Winning. Then, We Got Fired: Essentials of Anesthesia Leadership

In this powerful and unfiltered episode, Dr. Joseph Rodriguez — CRNA, former state and national leader, faculty member, and host of Anesthesia Deconstructed — takes us inside the real lessons of anesthesia leadership. From COVID-era disruption to contract losses, difficult boardroom conversations, and the relentless financial pressures of today’s anesthesia market, Joe shares stories that few leaders are willing to tell. Each story carries a hard-won lesson: why leadership is never just a title, how executive presence shapes outcomes, why data transparency can backfire, and how accountability transforms teams from fragile to high-performing. We also dive into the frameworks that shaped his leadership journey — from Crucial Conversations to The Four Agreements and Five Dysfunctions of a Team — and how every leader can apply them to grow themselves, their organizations, and the people they serve. This isn’t theory. It’s frontline leadership, with all the scars, pivots, and resilience required to survive in one of healthcare’s most disrupted specialties. Whether you’re a CRNA, SRNA, or a healthcare leader navigating change, this conversation is a masterclass in turning setbacks into systems, failures into frameworks, and words into lasting impact. Keywords: Anesthesia, CRNA Leadership, Healthcare Business, Executive Presence, Leadership Lessons, Nurse Anesthesiology, Organizational Growth, Accountability, Professional Development, Anesthesia Contracts, No Surprises Act, Healthcare Strategy, Team Building, Crucial Conversations, Five Dysfunctions of a Team Send us Fan Mail Follow us at:InstagramFacebookTwitter/X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 12, 202538 min

Anesthesia Deconstructed: What If the AANA Disappeared? Inside the CEO’s Role with Bill Bruce

In this candid and wide-ranging episode, we sit down with Bill Bruce — CEO of the AANA, representing over 65,000 CRNAs and SRNAs nationwide — to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to lead the profession’s largest and most influential organization. From balancing the competing demands of members, boards, and limited resources, to navigating constant political, clinical, and industry noise, Bill explains how the CEO’s role is equal parts strategist, mediator, and pressure point. We explore how the AANA sets priorities, allocates resources, and adapts to both internal ambitions and external threats — and why the organization’s absence would have an almost immediate impact on CRNAs across the country. Bill also shares his perspective on maintaining focus in an environment of relentless change, the leadership qualities that matter most in high-stakes healthcare advocacy, and how the AANA is positioning the profession for the future. Whether you’re a CRNA, SRNA, or simply curious about the forces shaping nurse anesthesia, this conversation offers a rare inside look at the operational, strategic, and political realities of leading at the top. Keywords: Anesthesia, CRNA Leadership, Healthcare Advocacy, Professional Associations, Strategic Planning, Workforce Advocacy, Organizational Leadership, AANA, Healthcare Policy, Nursing Leadership Send us Fan Mail Follow us at:InstagramFacebookTwitter/X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 4, 202547 min

Anesthesia Deconstructed: Inside Anesthesia - What (Really) Broke the Anesthesia Market

In this bold and revealing episode, we sit down with Randy Moore — former military CRNA, past CEO of the AANA, and now a top executive at one of the country’s largest anesthesia organizations — to explore how the anesthesia market unraveled, and why no one stopped it. From workforce blind spots to failed strategic planning, Randy walks us through the early warning signs that went unheeded, the flawed assumptions that fueled collapse, and the slow-motion crises that turned into full-blown disruption. We break down the shift from hospital dominance to ASC migration, the chilling effects of the No Surprises Act, and how private equity’s playbook fell apart. But we don’t stop at systems. Randy also gets personal — reflecting on the cost of unchecked ambition, the value of thoughtful leadership, and the non-negotiables he now looks for in partners and teams. Whether you lead a group, manage hospital operations, or just want to understand the business forces reshaping anesthesia, this conversation pulls no punches — and offers rare clarity from someone who’s led on every side of the table. Keywords: Anesthesia, CRNA Leadership, Healthcare Strategy, No Surprises Act, Workforce Crisis, Private Equity, Surgical Services, Hospital Operations, ASC Growth, Healthcare Leadership Send us Fan Mail Follow us at:InstagramFacebookTwitter/X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 17, 202553 min

Anesthesia Deconstructed: One Anesthesiologist, 108K Followers, and Zero Filters

In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, we sit down with Dr. Brian Schmutzler — anesthesiologist, social media educator, and Executive Vice President of Medical Affairs at CCI Anesthesia — to unpack what it really means to lead in modern anesthesia. From the realities of staffing rural hospitals without anesthesiologists to fighting burnout, navigating private equity, and fiercely defending provider scope and safety, Brian shares hard-earned insights from both clinical and corporate perspectives. We also dive into the power of humor and education on social media, his 108K-strong Instagram following, and how his content brings awareness, advocacy, and levity to patients and practitioners alike. If you're a CRNA, MD, administrator, or just someone trying to understand where anesthesia is headed — and how to lead within it — this is an episode you can’t miss. Keywords:Leadership, Anesthesia, Social Media, Burnout, Independent Practice Send us Fan Mail Follow us at:InstagramFacebookTwitter/X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 8, 20251 hr 2 min

Anesthesia Deconstructed: I Got Sued for Malpractice. Here’s What Really Happens.

What REALLY happens when you’re named in a malpractice lawsuit? In this eye-opening episode, Joe Rodriguez sits down with Paul Lefebvre, lead claims professional and risk advisor, and Andrew Clark, head of business development at Physicians Preferred Medical — an anesthesia-specific malpractice carrier — to pull back the curtain on malpractice litigation. From the first call after an adverse event to depositions, defense strategies, and courtroom realities, this conversation is packed with must-know insights for every CRNA, anesthesiologist, and anesthesia group leader. We talk about why most anesthesia lawsuits are defensible, how to avoid career-derailing mistakes, the truth behind insurance carriers and legal strategy, and what separates providers who bounce back from those who don’t. This is not just about risk — it’s about resilience, smart choices, and protecting your future. Keywords: Malpractice, Anesthesia, Risk Management, Litigation, Informed Consent Send us Fan Mail Follow us at:InstagramFacebookTwitter/X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June 6, 20251 hr 1 min

Anesthesia Deconstructed: Anesthesia Leadership Is Changing - and Not Everyone Will Make the Cut

Anesthesia is evolving — and so are its leaders. In this special episode of Anesthesia Deconstructed, we dive into the dynamic shifts happening across the anesthesia landscape, where Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and anesthesiologists are stepping into new leadership roles across clinical, operational, and educational domains. Our expert panel — including leaders from Norstar Anesthesia, Rutgers University, Sound Physicians, Guide Anesthesia, and BPI Anesthesia — explores what it takes to lead in today's high-pressure, resource-constrained environment. From managing subsidy pressures and navigating insource vs. outsource models, to developing provider culture, expanding service lines, and building sustainable clinical partnerships — this discussion gets candid about the real challenges and the bold leadership required to address them. Whether you're a CRNA aiming for a leadership role, a physician looking for collaborative models, or a healthcare administrator tasked with rebuilding an anesthesia department, this episode offers practical insights, real-world experiences, and a clear call to action: it's all about the culture, the teamwork, and the long-term vision. Check your politics at the door — this is about building the future of anesthesia, together. Keywords: Leadership, Collaboration, Culture, Anesthesia, Innovation Send us Fan Mail Follow us at:InstagramFacebookTwitter/X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March 12, 202551 min

Anesthesia Deconstructed: From ICU to CRNA - How Social Media is Transforming Nursing Education

Keywords CRNA, nursing education, TikTok, Confident Care Academy, mentorship, cardiac anesthesia, online learning, healthcare, nursing community, media impact Summary In this engaging conversation, Joseph Rodriguez speaks with Chrissy Massaro, a prominent CRNA and founder of Confident Care Academy. They discuss the evolution of nursing education in the age of social media, the challenges faced by new nurses transitioning to CRNAs, and the importance of mentorship. Chrissy shares her journey from being a nurse to creating an online platform that bridges the educational gap for nurses. They also explore her clinical practice in cardiac anesthesia and her aspirations for the future of Confident Care Academy, including the development of an app and a mentor network. Takeaways Chrissy Massaro is a pioneer CRNA on TikTok, using social media to educate and connect with aspiring nurses. Confident Care Academy was created to address the educational gap for ICU nurses transitioning to CRNA roles. The importance of mentorship in nursing and CRNA education is emphasized throughout the conversation. Chrissy's clinical experience in cardiac anesthesia showcases the evolving role of CRNAs in high-stakes environments. The conversation highlights the impact of new media on nursing education and professional development. Chrissy's journey reflects the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a career in nursing against societal expectations. The future vision for Confident Care Academy includes developing an app for easy access to clinical education. Chrissy aims to advocate for policy changes in healthcare through her research and future PhD studies. The discussion reveals the significance of community support among CRNAs and nursing professionals on social media. Chrissy's story inspires others to take action and pursue their passions in nursing and education. Chapters 00:00The Birth of Confident Care Academy 02:17Creating an Educational Service Business 03:13Intro to Chrissy Massaro 05:29The Impact of COVID-19 on Nursing Education 08:02Personal Journey and Overcoming Barriers 11:04The Growth of Confident Care Academy 13:56Future Aspirations and Educational Innovations 21:05The Impact of Social Media on Professional Perception 23:07Mentorship and Accessibility in Healthcare 26:56Navigating the Path to a PhD 31:03Clinical Practice and Cardiac Anesthesia 38:00Future Aspirations and Policy Advocacy Send us Fan Mail Follow us at:InstagramFacebookTwitter/X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

January 10, 20251 hr 11 min

Anesthesia Deconstructed: Navigating the Future - Do Those Prep Courses Work? Will Locums Stick Around? And More for 2025

In this conversation, Joseph Rodriguez and Mike MacKinnon discuss the evolution of CRNA programs, the impact of prep courses, and the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people for career success. They critique the economics of anesthesia services, explore fair market value in compensation, and address regulatory challenges faced by CRNAs, particularly in California. The dialogue emphasizes the need for critical thinking in the interview process and the implications of high compensation offers in the field. In this conversation, Mike MacKinnon and Joseph Rodriguez discuss the complexities of anesthesia practice, focusing on the roles of anesthesiologists and CRNAs, the legal challenges they face, and the implications of recent trademark disputes. They explore the future of anesthesia in light of healthcare consolidation, the impact of AI, and the evolving professional identity of CRNAs. The discussion also touches on leadership roles within professional organizations and the commitment required to effect change in the field.00:00Introduction 02:48The Impact of Prep Programs on Interview Processes 09:21Fair Market Value and CRNA Compensation 17:09Red Flags in High Compensation Offers 18:41The State of CRNA Practices 24:04Regulatory Challenges in Anesthesia 38:00Legal Battles and Professional Value 42:36Trademark Disputes in Anesthesiology 48:28Challenges Ahead for CRNAs 55:05The Role of AI in Healthcare 01:02:57Future of Anesthesia Practice Send us Fan Mail Follow us at:InstagramFacebookTwitter/X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices