The DOC Podcast

Hosted by DeLuke Orthodontic Coaching, LLC

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Nov 2026

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The DOC Podcast brings you unique educational content taught by Dr. Mike DeLuke, a Board Certified Orthodontist with over 20 years of clinical and academic experience. Dr. DeLuke built his orthodontic practice from scratch in the early 2000s and grew it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise in less than 10 years. He was able to retire from his private practice at the age of 46 years old, and now devotes his energy to teaching his colleagues how to succeed both personally and professionally. He also provides locum tenens coverage for colleagues in South Florida. Dr. DeLuke has served as a faculty member at numerous hospitals and orthodontic residency programs around the country, including as the cleft craniofacial orthodontist at Albany Medical Center in New York, and as a clinical professor at The University of Connecticut in the Department of Orthodontics. He is presently an adjunct professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Healthcare Network and a Visiting Professor in the Department of Orthodontics at Montefiore Einstein Hospital in the Bronx. The DOC Podcast will bring you in-depth discussions and interviews with industry leaders and experts on a variety of topics, including clinical excellence, practice management, finance and wealth creation, health and wellness, taxes and accounting, fitness, and much more!

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November 5, 2026Episode 1811 hr 0 min

The Hidden Link Between Craniofacial Growth, Airway, and TMD (w/Dr. Priya Mistry) [Ep.181]

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Priya Mistry, a general dentist turned TMJ and TMD specialist who practices in Vancouver, Washington. After 11 years in general dentistry, Priya bought her mentor's TMJ practice in 2021 and has been on a mission ever since to educate both patients and colleagues about the connections between jaw health, airway, facial development, and overall wellness. We dive deep into how modern lifestyle changes, from formula feeding to soft diets to low tongue posture, are reshaping our jaws and contributing to an epidemic of TMJ disorders and sleep-disordered breathing. Priya explains her neuromuscular treatment approach, the pushback she faces from the dental community, and why she believes TMD is just the tip of the iceberg. We also get into the dogma and ego problems plaguing our profession, what "evidence-based" really means, and why early growth guidance in kids could prevent so much suffering down the road. This is a conversation about challenging orthodoxy, staying humble, and always keeping the patient first. Chapters: 0:00 — Welcome & Dr. Mistry's Background 1:33 — Building a TMJ Practice on Social Media 3:59 — Dogma, Ego & the Challenges of Speaking Differently 17:46 — The Evolution of Malocclusion: From Cavemen to Modern Jaws 18:41 — Tongue Position, Nursing & Facial Development 23:07 — TMD Is the Tip of the Iceberg: The OSA Connection 26:09 — Neuromuscular Dentistry vs. Orofacial Pain 30:21 — What "Evidence-Based" Really Means 35:39 — Diagnosing & Treating TMJ Patients 38:27 — Sleep Studies: Lab vs. Home Testing 43:30 — Treatment Approach: Orthotics, Hands-On Therapy & Results 50:05 — Early Intervention for Kids: Don't Wait for Straight Teeth 55:06 — Closing & Where to Find Dr. Mistry Links: Dr. Priya Mistry's website: tmjdentaldoc.com Instagram/TikTok/YouTube: @the_tmj_doc Dr. Mistry's TMD diagnosis & treatment course (beginner-friendly): https://tmjdentaldoc.com/tmj-course/ 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.com YouTube: @theorthocoach Instagram: @theorthocoach Email: drmike@theorthocoach.com (00:00) - Welcome & Dr. Mistry's Background (01:38) - Building a TMJ Practice on Social Media (04:04) - Dogma, Ego & the Challenges of Speaking Differently (17:36) - The Evolution of Malocclusion: From Cavemen to Modern Jaws (18:31) - Tongue Position, Nursing & Facial Development (22:57) - TMD Is the Tip of the Iceberg: The OSA Connection (25:59) - Neuromuscular Dentistry vs. Orofacial Pain (30:11) - What "Evidence-Based" Really Means (35:29) - Diagnosing & Treating TMJ Patients (38:17) - Sleep Studies: Lab vs. Home Testing (43:20) - Treatment Approach: Orthotics, Hands-On Therapy & Results (49:56) - Early Intervention for Kids: Don't Wait for Straight Teeth (54:56) - Closing & Where to Find Dr. Mistry

October 29, 2026Episode 1801 hr 37 min

Tax-Smart Strategies: How to Keep More of What You Earn! (w/John Vento, Jr.) [Ep.180]

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 & Introduction 4:00 — Tax Advisor vs. Tax Preparer 9:36 — Tax Evasion vs. Tax Avoidance 16:30 — Tax-Smart Strategies Explained 18:47 — Entity Selection Overview 27:59 — Independent Contractor vs. Employee 35:47 — Tax Advantages: Owner vs. IC vs. W2 42:08 — Employing Your Spouse 49:22 — Employing Your Children 1:02:01 — Retirement Plans Overview 1:09:52 — Profit Sharing & Team Incentives 1:22:32 — Common Tax Mistakes to Avoid 1:34:13 — Closing & Wrap-Up 1:36:48 — Disclaimer LINKS First Episode w/Vento Family: https://youtu.be/9sEzEto2mAM?si=P-0Nj007DWcvXUCz Second Episode w/John Vento Sr: https://youtu.be/UEXxh7DKJdQ?si=YOtpFvJcUk0xEm3y Third Episode w/Christine Vento: https://youtu.be/6DLfd8xBjHs?si=Vbmg9Ug5ZNrCJxEm Fourth Episode w/Nicole Vento: https://youtu.be/zllqo8EtGOk?si=wUowpmZc2p6p0bRr The Generational Wealth Code: https://a.co/d/0iHwEITG 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/ Connect w/Dr. Mike: Website: theorthocoach.com YouTube: @theorthocoach Instagram: @theorthocoach Connect w/John Jr.: Web: Ventotaxandwealth.com Email: johnjr@vtwmg.com Office: 718-980-9000

October 22, 2026Episode 1791 hr 25 min

The Importance of Normalizing Craniofacial Growth & Development (w/Dr. German Ramirez) [Ep.179]

Episode Summary In 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. Timestamps 0:00 — Introduction & Guest Background Introducing Dr. Ramirez and his credentials. 2:07 — Dr. Ramirez's Training Journey From Colombia to Brazil to early ortho training. 6:25 — Mandibular Condylar Cartilage & Bone Biology Growth potential persists into the 90s. 8:41 — Why Early Treatment Matters Mandible grows more in first five years. 10:55 — Sleep, Breathing & the Orthodontist's Role We 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 Breathing Identifying mouth breathers and cellular hypoxia effects. 26:47 — The Tongue as Palatal Expander Nasal breathing first, then tongue positioning. 29:57 — Collaborating with Medical Colleagues CBCT, ENTs, and a cleft palate story. 37:27 — Tonsils, Adenoids & Post-Surgery Relapse Why habits persist and relapse rates soar. 41:38 — AHI Limitations & Study Design Problems AHI is a flawed pediatric sleep metric. 47:47 — Bruxism & Airway Connection Tongue protrusion causes grinding — here's how. 51:47 — Resistance to Change in Orthodontics Technology-driven vs. biologically-driven education disconnect. 56:17 — Genetics vs. Environment in Craniofacial Growth Epigenetics and the genetic window concept. 64:56 — Muscle, Bone & Diet Muscle stimulation drives bone growth over time. 72:02 — Communicating with Child Patients "Nose for breathing, mouth for eating." 81:28 — Closing & Contact Info Books, 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

October 15, 2026Episode 1781 hr 27 min

The Diagnosis Problem: Why Conflicting Care Is Failing Kids and Frustrating Parents (w/Dr. Sadove-Lopez) [Ep.178]

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 Overview 3:21 — Welcome, Dr. Julia 4:16 — Julia's Career Journey: From Dental School to Holistic Practice 15:18 — Life After Clinical Practice: The Pivot 19:08 — Why Dental School Falls Short 23:07 — Sponsor Break: The Generational Wealth Code 27:37 — From Clinician to Coach: Understanding Parent Motivation 36:12 — What Parents Are Frustrated About 37:47 — Conflicting Treatment Options & The Diagnostic Problem 58:24 — Social Media's Impact on Parents and Providers 1:02:25 — Navigating Interdisciplinary Care 1:09:01 — The Coaching Model: Education, Not Diagnosis 1:14:47 — Advice for Parents & Providers 1:25:11 — Where to Find Dr. Julia Key Topics: Julia's path: from traditional dental education to holistic practice to career reinvention Why 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-making Why diagnostics, not treatment methods, are the real failure in our profession Social media's dual role: empowering parents while fueling confusion and anxiety The interdisciplinary challenge: navigating ENTs, allergists, myofunctional therapists, and dentists who don't always agree How Julia's coaching model works: education, advocacy, and helping families ask the right questions Advice for clinicians: stop disparaging colleagues, start listening to parents, and invest in comprehensive diagnostics Advice for parents: don't navigate this alone; find community, trust your voice, and expect to be heard LINKS: Oris Wellness: https://www.oriswellness.com/ Get Expanded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAQ91rq2OKA Tooth Seekers: https://www.oriswellness.com/toothseekers The Generational Wealth Code: https://a.co/d/0iHwEITG 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.com YouTube: @theorthocoach Instagram: @theorthocoach Email: drmike@theorthocoach.com

October 8, 2026Episode 1771 hr 13 min

The Truth Behind the Smiles - A Story of Dental Suicide (w/Melissa Methven) [Ep.177]

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 Warning 2:41 — Welcoming Melissa & Scott's Story 3:50 — The Pressures of Dentistry & Early Signs 9:33 — Hiding Behind the Smile & Physical Symptoms 13:28 — The Common Dental Struggle 16:19 — Why We Suppress — Roots & The Perfect Illusion 19:51 — Scott's Fear & Writing the Book 25:30 — Feeling Stuck, Faith & Moving Forward 34:50 — Faith vs. Religion & Signs from Beyond 42:41 — Dental Statistics & Solutions for the Profession 47:15 — Tools for Healing & Helping the Kids 57:59 — Being of Service, Fulfillment & Closing 73:06 — Outro LINKS 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.com YouTube: @theorthocoach Instagram: @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

October 1, 2026Episode 1761 hr 40 min

Building Wealth Through Discipline, Delayed Gratification, & Tax Strategy (w/Nicole Vento) [Ep.176]

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/0iHwEITG 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/ Connect w/Dr. Mike: Website: theorthocoach.com YouTube: @theorthocoach Instagram: @theorthocoach Connect w/Nicole: Web: Ventotaxandwealth.com Email: nicole@vtwmg.com Office: 718-980-9000

September 24, 2026Episode 1751 hr 50 min

Tragedy, Resilience, and a Mission to Transform Orthodontics (w/Dr. Bret Christensen) [Ep.175]

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 Open 0:13 — Introduction & Guest Bio 2:53 — Farm Kid Roots & Education 7:16 — Military Career & Orthodontics 11:32 — Building a Practice from Scratch 13:48 — 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 31:35 — Meeting Kevin Boyd & Airway Health Solutions 33:38 — Adult Expansion: Schwartz to MARPE 43:12 — Patient Transformations 56:34 — Host's Reflection on the Journey 68:46 — The AAO Pushback & Speaking Out 78:52 — Everly's Story: Treating Toddlers 89:58 — Orthodontists Need to Become Doctors 1:43:59 — Surprise Visit from Everly 1:49:34 — 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 | Dr.mike@theorthocoach.com Join 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

September 17, 2026Episode 1741 hr 27 min

Changing Trajectories: Disrupting the Status Quo in Pediatric Medicine (w/Dr. Erick Galindo) [Ep.174]

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.pediatra Register for the In-person Early Treatment Comprehensive: https://www.earlyorthotreatment.com/ The Generational Wealth Code: https://www.vtwmg.com/our-books 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.com YouTube: @theorthocoach Instagram: @theorthocoach

September 10, 2026Episode 1731 hr 12 min

The Impact of Sleep & Sleep Disorders on Patient Health (w/Dr. Saema Tahir) [Ep.173]

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 residencies Why sleep disorders are missed by traditional healthcare systems How sleep affects every aspect of health, from mood to chronic disease Recognizing Sleep Disorders Warning signs in children AND adults (headaches, jaw pain, teeth grinding, brain fog, irritability) Why children should NEVER snore The connection between sleep disorders and ADHD/behavioral issues How sleep problems manifest differently in kids vs. adults The Diagnostic Challenge Limitations of polysomnography (sleep studies) Why a normal AHI doesn't rule out sleep disorders Understanding upper airway resistance syndrome The importance of reviewing raw sleep study data The Multidisciplinary Approach Why "sleep takes a team" - collaboration between physicians, dentists, orthodontists, and specialists How dental providers can detect sleep and breathing issues The role of orthodontics in addressing airway problems Breaking down silos between medical and dental Sleep Quality vs. Quantity Why 7-9 hours isn't enough if quality is poor Understanding sleep architecture and circadian rhythms How weekend sleep schedule changes affect your entire week The one-hour-per-day recovery rule Practical Sleep Hygiene The importance of consistent sleep/wake times How hormones (especially in perimenopause) affect sleep Why waking up multiple times per night is NOT normal Red flags that indicate you need a sleep evaluation Perfect For: Healthcare providers (medical and dental) Parents concerned about their children's sleep Anyone experiencing chronic fatigue, brain fog, or sleep issues Professionals interested in the intersection of sleep and overall health Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro and highlight reel 3:35 – Welcome, Dr. Tahir's background and path to sleep medicine 5:08 – Life on the COVID front lines and how it changed her priorities 8:12 – Why she left the hospital system to open her own sleep practice 9:12 – Why sleep is multifactorial and requires a team-based approach 14:20 – The gap in sleep education in medical school and residency 19:09 – 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 miss 32:11 – Talking to skeptical dental colleagues about sleep and airway 35:00 – Why sleep studies (polysomnography) can miss real problems, especially in kids 38:07 – What to do when the sleep study says "normal" but symptoms persist 45:59 – 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) 57:33 – How sensitive your circadian rhythm really is 62:13 – Nighttime awakenings: what's normal and what's not 64:43 – Why snoring is never normal — in kids or adults 67:34 – The future of at-home sleep diagnostics and wearables for kids 69:31 – How to reach Dr. Tahir 71:22 – Closing thoughts LINKS 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.com YouTube: @theorthocoach Instagram: @theorthocoach Email: drmike@theorthocoach.com (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

September 3, 2026Episode 1721 hr 27 min

The Way You Breathe Today May Be Wrecking Your Sleep Tonight (w/Dr. Louise Oliver) [Ep.172]

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: @drolivertlc Website: 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.com YouTube: @theorthocoach Instagram: @theorthocoach Email: drmike@theorthocoach.com (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