Awakened Anesthetist

Hosted by Mary Jeanne, Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant

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May 2026

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About the show

This podcast is for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants, AA students, and anyone hoping to become one. As a CAA, I know how difficult it can be to find guidance that truly reflects our unique perspective. I created Awakened Anesthetist to be the supportive community of CAAs I needed on my own journey. Every month, I feature CAA expanders in what I call my PROCESS interview series. I also create solo episodes that weave in themes of wellness, self-discovery, and mindful growth - offering insights and reflections that resonate with our high-pressure, high-responsibility lives. Through it all, you’ll discover the power you hold as a CAA to create a life by design, not by default. I know you’ll find yourself here at the Awakened Anesthetist podcast.

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60 recent

May 14, 2026Episode 9243 min

Your Dreams Are Closer Than You Think | Season 5 Finale LIVE @ AAAA 2026 ft. AAAA President Emily Mycyk

The 2026 AAAA* President had a marketing undergrad degree, years in hospitality as a bartender, one EMT night class, and a long stretch of prerequisites. This might not sound like the “perfect” route into the CAA profession, but it can be the exact training ground to build a great CAA and an even better leader. We recorded this LIVE Season 5 Finale on April 10th, 2026 from the AAAA National Conference main stage (my podcasting dream come true). It also ended up being one of my favorite conversations, not only because Emily openly discusses her imposter syndrome and test anxiety, but because it will make your big dreams feel possible again.*American Academy of Anesthesiologist AssistantsConnect with Emily Mycyk, 2026 AAAA PresidentA HUGE Thank You to my Season 5 PROCESS sponsor, Harmony Anesthesia Staffing.Harmony is CAA-owned, clinician-forward, and leading the way in the CAA locums market. Schedule your free 15-min consult and see how locums can work for you. Say 'hi' to Rad and Sasi for me when you do!Drop me a quick voice note!Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com or on IG @awakenedanesthetist

March 18, 2026Episode 9147 min

2025 AAAA Diversity Scholarship Winners On Code Switching and Belonging [AA STUDENT PROCESS]

In this AA student PROCESS episode, I sit down with 2025 AAAA Diversity Scholarship winners Brashe' Webster and Lindsey Glenn to tell the truth about underrepresentation, code switching, and what it costs to “perform” in the OR. We talk through access, mentorship, program fit, and the practical questions pre-AAs can ask so they choose AA school with their eyes open.Follow Lindsey Linkedin or glindsey.1010@gmail.comFollow Brashe' Linkedin or w.brashe@yahoo.comKey Links2024 Scholarship Winners PROCESS episode 60Email the 2025 Diversity Committee ChairJoin the AAAA (must be AAAA member to apply for Diversity scholarship)DONATE NOW Diversity Scholarship - AAAALEARN MORE Diversity Scholarship RequirementsDrop me a quick voice note!Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com or on IG @awakenedanesthetist

February 27, 2026Episode 9022 min

Pre-AA to CAA [PROCESS] Part 2. Britton's First Interview, an Acceptance and the Waiting Continues

This new Pre-AA to CAA PROCESS series follows Brittany Robinson as her journey unfolds from 2024 through 2028, an ongoing conversation that captures the growth, the pivots, the waiting, and the wins along the way. It is about honoring growth as it happens and having the courage to tell your story before you know how it will end. This is the Pre-AA to CAA [PROCESS] of Britton Robinson.New to this series?ep. 89 Britton's Pre-AA to CAA Journey PART 1A HUGE Thank You to my Season 5 PROCESS sponsor, Harmony Anesthesia Staffing.Harmony is CAA-owned, clinician-forward, and leading the way in the CAA locums market. Schedule your free 15-min consult and see how locums can work for you. Say 'hi' to Rad and Sasi for me when you do!Drop me a quick voice note!Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com or on IG @awakenedanesthetist

February 18, 2026Episode 8929 min

Pre-AA to CAA [PROCESS] Part 1. Meet Britton, Pre-reqs, Application ft. Britton Robinson

This new take on the PROCESS series is at the core of what I love to share, the messy middle. What if you could witness the making of a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant in real time, not as a polished highlight reel, but as it is actually unfolding? In all things, I care far less about the end result and far more about who you are in the becoming.This Pre-AA to CAA PROCESS series follows Brittany Robinson as her journey unfolds from 2024 through 2028, an ongoing conversation that captures the growth, the pivots, the waiting, and the wins along the way. It is about honoring growth as it happens and having the courage to tell your story before you know how it will end. This is the Pre-AA to CAA [PROCESS] of Britton Robinson.A HUGE Thank You to my Season 5 PROCESS sponsor, Harmony Anesthesia Staffing.Harmony is CAA-owned, clinician-forward, and leading the way in the CAA locums market. Schedule your free 15-min consult and see how locums can work for you. Say 'hi' to Rad and Sasi for me when you do!Drop me a quick voice note!Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com or on IG @awakenedanesthetist

January 30, 2026Episode 881 hr 2 min

[PROCESS] Making the Right Call ft. CAA + Professional Referee Genesis Perrymond

I am thrilled to introduce, Genesis Perrymond, a practicing Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant and professional referee?!?! (think NBA) If you are in this CAA community and have been looking for inspiration to pursue your own very niche dream, then you have come to the right place! Lean in because this is the PROCESS of Genesis Perrymond. Connect with GenesisA HUGE Thank You to my Season 5 PROCESS sponsor, Harmony Anesthesia Staffing.Harmony is CAA-owned, clinician-forward, and leading the way in the CAA locums market. Schedule your free 15-min consult and see how locums can work for you. Say 'hi' to Rad and Sasi for me when you do!Drop me a quick voice note!Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com or on IG @awakenedanesthetist

January 23, 2026Episode 8739 min

CAA Millionaire’s 2025 Financial Review and Pursuit of Enough

Ever wonder how a “rich life” as a CAA millionaire really looks? In this 2025 financial transparency episode, Mary Jeanne pulls back the drape and breaks down her CAA income vs her entrepreneurial income, and choosing time over her desire for more. She shares every detail on where her money goes and how she is a millionaire but still left 2025 in the red. This is real numbers, real talk and I hope you leave feeling seen. Mentioned in the episode:@hallease.mp4@caalifestyle@anesthesia_anonymous@financiallyfreecaaRamit Sethi Book Drop me a quick voice note!Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com or on IG @awakenedanesthetist

January 16, 2026Episode 8637 min

Enneagram for CAAs ft. Dr. Jodi Jackson | Wellness Wednesday

START HERE -> 2-part FREE Enneagram TestWhether you are new or old to the Enneagram, I am honored to introduce you to Certified Enneagram Teacher and my personal mentor, Dr. Jodi Jackson. CAAs, have you ever searched for wellness resources that truly understand what it means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant? You're not alone. Wellness Wednesday are candid conversations about the unique challenges and opportunities facing CAAs in their pursuit of sustainable wellbeing.Whether you're a practicing CAA, AA student, or prospective applicant, this episode marks the beginning of a community-centered approach to wellness that finally names and validates your experience. Welcome in. Connect with Dr. Jodi Jackson EmailFREE Resources + Events MentionedSTART HERE -> 2 part FREE Enneagram Test Find a Certified Enneagram TeacherIEAThe Enneagram InstituteNarrative InterviewsIntro to Enneagram Webinars by Dr. JacksonIn Person 2-day Workshop (KC locals)Attention AA Program Leaders and Educators. Learn More about bringing CAA Matters to your AA program HEREDrop me a quick voice note!Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com or on IG @awakenedanesthetist

December 12, 2025Episode 8538 min

True Life: I Have OCD ft. The Awakened Anesthetist

Episode best if WATCHED on YouTube ;)In this much anticipated episode, I finally open up about my lifetime battle with OCD. How its devastation shifted from childhood "just right" rituals to religious and sexuality obsessions to relationship OCD, and how naming it led to therapy, medication, and a gentler way to live. I share the tools that helped and why this CAA community matters so much to me.Resources from this episode:When are intrusive thoughts normal vs abnormal: A short blog article “What are intrusive thoughts and are they normal?” by Dr. Lauren T. Edwards Basics about OCDOCD 20-question quizListen to Podcast ‘We Can Do Hard Things’ by Treat Media and Glennon Doyle, Episode: “The Truth of OCD: Therapist Alegra Kastens on Living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder” Apple Podcasts link Spotify linkPodcast ‘Armchair Expert’ by Dax Shepard, Episode: “Alegra Kastens (OCD Specialist)” Apple Podcasts linkSpotify linkPodcast ‘Speaking of Psychology’, Episode: “OCD myths and realities, with Dean McKay, PhD, and Uma Chatterjee“Apple Podcasts linkSpotify Podcast linkWays to find more information/mental health resources: Check your personal insurance to determine mental health benefits and coverageLook into your employer’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if available, to see what mental health resources they may offerFind a Therapist that fits your needs: https://www.psychologytoday.com/usDrop me a quick voice note!Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com or on IG @awakenedanesthetist

December 3, 2025Episode 8429 min

Neuroplasticity for Compassionate Care | Wellness Wednesdays

What if the most powerful tool you carry into patient care isn’t a device or a protocol, but the way your brain has been trained to pay attention? I sit down with one of my mentors, Dr. Cassie Ferguson, pediatric emergency physician, medical educator, and architect of The Good Doctor well‑being curricula, to unpack how neuroplasticity, mindfulness, and self‑compassion can make medicine more humane and more sustainable. CAAs, have you ever searched for wellness resources that truly understand what it means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant? You're not alone. Wellness Wednesday are candid conversations about the unique challenges and opportunities facing CAAs in their pursuit of sustainable wellbeing.Whether you're a practicing CAA, AA student, or prospective applicant, this episode marks the beginning of a community-centered approach to wellness that finally names and validates your experience. Welcome in. Connect with Dr. Ferguson on LinkedinAttention AA Program Leaders and Educators. Learn More about bringing CAA Matters to your AA program HEREDrop me a quick voice note!Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com or on IG @awakenedanesthetist

November 28, 2025Episode 8328 min

[Your Complete Guide to Understanding Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants] Pt. 6 POV: CAA Hosting a Shadower

Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how much money we make, no topic is off limits. Whether you're an aspiring AA student or simply exploring a career in medicine, this guide equips you with the insights you need to understand the CAA profession.In Part 6 I'm pulling back the drape to share what it's really like hosting a shadower as a CAA. FREE SHADOWING GUIDEOther Popular Episodes in this SeriesPt. 5 How to Land + Leverage Those Darn Shadowing HoursPt. 4 How Much Do CAAs Make?Pt. 3 Where Can CAAs Work?Totally New to the Pre-AA Journey? Start Here with AspiringCAA.comPrevious episodes with Sarah Whitfield, CAA HERE and HERESarah's IGSarah's LinkedinDrop me a quick voice note!Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- for more CAA specific resources, exclusive content and offers.Watch episodes of Awakened Anesthetist Now on YouTube!Let's Chat! awakenedanesthetist.com or on IG @awakenedanesthetist