The Uncaged Clinician

Hosted by David Bayliff, Kevin DeGroot, Nathan Navas

Business Health Fitness

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Episodes

441

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

This is the Uncaged Clinician Podcast. Our goal is simple: to help you become an Uncaged Clinician. What does that mean? That means being free from corporate healthcare and having the freedom to practice as you always envisioned. If that is your goal, this podcast will be your guide to get there.

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60 recent

September 28, 2026Episode 43849 min

From Clinician to CEO: The Mindset Shift Every Practice Owner Needs with Amber Rice and Liz Ajello

What happens when you're an incredible clinician—but suddenly find yourself buried in HR, compliance, collections, phone calls, hiring, bookkeeping, and everything else that comes with owning a practice? In this episode of the Uncaged Clinician Podcast, David Bayliff sits down with Amber Rice and Liz Aiello of Summited Solutions to talk about the behind-the-scenes challenges that can keep clinicians from actually growing their businesses. Amber and Liz share why practice owners need to make the mindset shift from working in the business to working on the business, and how fractional support can give smaller and growing practices access to expertise without immediately adding full-time overhead. They unpack practical strategies for identifying the gaps in your business, tracking the right KPIs, finding cash-flow leaks, improving operational workflows, delegating administrative tasks, and knowing when it's time to bring support in-house. The conversation also dives into hiring and culture—why finding someone with the right skills isn't enough, why mission and values matter, and why relationships and word-of-mouth can be powerful tools for finding the right people. Whether you're a solo clinician, a growing practice owner, or building toward multiple locations, this episode will challenge you to stop trying to do everything yourself and start building the infrastructure, team, and systems that allow your practice to grow with intention. In this episode, you'll learn: Why clinicians need to shift from working in the business to working on the business How fractional support can help growing practices without the cost of a full-time executive How to identify operational and financial leaks in your practice Which KPIs actually matter—and why you don't need to track 25 different numbers How missed phone calls and poor intake systems can cost more than a single patient Why delegation can create mental space for the work you're actually gifted to do The difference between revenue, net income, and healthy margins How to build the right infrastructure as your practice grows Why culture and values should play a major role in hiring decisions How compliance, HIPAA, and cybersecurity become increasingly important as you grow If you're ready to build a practice that supports your life instead of requiring your life to support the business, this conversation is for you. Want to connect with Amber and Liz at Summited Solutions? Visit summitedsolutions.com

September 19, 202647 min

Think Differently About College Scholarships and Business with Matt Phillips

What does asking better questions have to do with growing a successful physical therapy practice—and helping your kids pay for college? On this episode of the Uncaged Clinician Podcast , David Bayliff sits down with Matt Phillips to talk about leadership, business growth, problem-solving, asking for help, and serving people before selling to them . Matt shares the story behind Your Scholarship Finder , a platform created after his family experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to find relevant college scholarships. Along the way, David and Matt uncover powerful lessons for PT practice owners, clinicians, entrepreneurs, leaders, and parents . You'll hear why you don't have to know everything, how surrounding yourself with the right people can accelerate your vision, why humility matters in leadership, and how asking questions can completely change the way you serve your clients. Plus, learn how thinking differently about college scholarships and financial aid can help families uncover opportunities they may otherwise miss. Think differently. Do differently. Go Uncaged. Learn more at YourScholarshipFinder.com . Be one of the FIRST 50 to sign up and become a FOUNDING MEMBER! Use promo code FOUNDING50 at checkout and receive a $50 savings off the regular price!

August 30, 2026Episode 43744 min

Is The Future of Cash-Based Practices Under Threat with Ray Berardinelli

Is the future of cash-based physical therapy under threat? In this episode of the Uncaged Clinician Podcast, David Bayliff is joined by fellow physical therapist and entrepreneur Dr. Ray Berardinelli, DPT, PT to unpack a growing conversation surrounding cash-based PT practices, prepaid packages, discounts, and recent guidance coming out of North Carolina and Texas. Ray shares his perspective on letters and statements from state physical therapy boards and why the language and interpretation have raised serious questions among cash-based clinicians. Together, David and Ray discuss the difference between legal opinion and law, concerns around prepaid visit packages, patient pressure to use unused visits, and the importance of seeking clarity when regulatory guidance could impact how clinicians operate their businesses. They also explore a powerful shift in how cash-based physical therapists communicate their services: stop selling visits and start focusing on outcomes. Instead of confusing patients with packages and visit counts, David and Ray discuss helping patients understand the transformation they want—whether that's getting back on the golf course, returning to the activities they love, or simply living a healthier life. This episode is an important conversation for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and healthcare entrepreneurs who own or are considering starting a cash-based, hybrid, or private practice. While David and Ray make it clear that they are not attorneys and this episode is not legal advice, their goal is to raise awareness, encourage clinicians to stay informed, and challenge the profession to seek greater clarity around issues that could affect the future of private practice. If you're a cash-based clinician, private practice owner, or healthcare entrepreneur, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. In this episode, we discuss: Recent concerns surrounding cash-based PT practices in North Carolina and Texas Prepaid physical therapy packages and potential patient concerns The difference between a regulatory board's interpretation and established law Why clinicians should seek clarification rather than operate from fear Selling outcomes instead of predetermined numbers of visits How outcome-based messaging can improve sales conversations Why confusing patients creates objections and reduces clarity The importance of speaking the patient's language and focusing on their goals What cash-based and hybrid practice owners should watch for moving forward Why clinicians across the country should stay informed and proactive Tune in for an honest, passionate conversation about the changing landscape of cash-based healthcare, clinical entrepreneurship, patient-centered care, and the freedom to think differently about how physical therapy is delivered.

August 24, 2026Episode 43623 min

How Introverts Can Build Relationships, Market Their Practice, and Grow Their Business

Uncaged Clinician Podcast Description How Introverts Can Build Relationships, Market Their Practice, and Grow Their Business Think you have to be an extrovert to be great at marketing, networking, or building a successful healthcare practice? Think again. In this episode of the Uncaged Clinician Podcast , David Bayliff speaks directly to the introverts—the clinicians and business owners who may dread cold calling, struggle with small talk, or feel pressure to be "interesting" when meeting new people. David shares practical strategies for overcoming the fear and pressure that can come with marketing and working one-on-one with patients. The key? You don't have to be interesting—you need to be interested. David breaks down how to: Make marketing conversations less intimidating Stop feeling like you have to sell yourself or prove how great you are Replace cold calling with intentional, scheduled conversations Ask better questions that naturally open the door to relationships Use curiosity to build stronger connections with potential referral partners Become more comfortable communicating with patients and clients Turn conversations into opportunities to learn, serve, and build relationships Find confidence as an introvert without pretending to be someone you're not Whether you're a physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, athletic trainer, massage therapist, or another healthcare professional, these principles can help you communicate more confidently and build a business around relationships. You don't need to become an extrovert. You don't need to entertain everyone. You simply need to become genuinely interested in the people in front of you. And sometimes, all it takes is five minutes of imperfect courage to take the next step. If you're an introverted clinician who has ever thought, "I don't know what to say," "I'm not good at marketing," or "What if I mess this up?" —this episode is for you. Listen in, take action, and go make a great day.

August 17, 2026Episode 43948 min

Uncage Your Income: 5 Ways Clinicians Can Create Passive Income with Santi Villamil

Uncage Your Income: 5 Ways Clinicians Can Create Passive Income What if you could make more money without simply adding more patients, more hours, or more stress to your schedule? In this episode of the Uncaged Clinician Podcast , David Bailiff is joined by Santi Villamil, the "Physio Sensei," to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing physical therapists and healthcare professionals today: how to stop trading all of your time for money. After years of working inside traditional healthcare systems, Santi shares how he learned to think differently about compensation, business, relationships, and the way he serves his clients. David and Santi break down practical ways clinicians can create additional income while building a business that gives them more freedom, flexibility, and time. You'll hear five outside-the-box strategies, including: Creating affiliate relationships and earning income from products you already recommend Turning treatments, protocols, resources, and memberships into scalable offers Renting unused clinic space to complementary healthcare and wellness providers Creating recurring revenue through monthly memberships and office hours Thinking differently about how you get paid and considering alternative forms of compensation But this conversation goes far beyond passive income. David and Santi challenge clinicians to move away from a scarcity and competition mindset and toward collaboration, relationships, abundance, and serving the client first. They discuss why building relationships with other professionals can create both referrals and new revenue opportunities—and why your business doesn't have to follow the traditional healthcare playbook. If you're a physical therapist, healthcare professional, clinic owner, or clinician who feels stuck trading time for money, this episode will challenge you to think differently and do differently. It's time to uncage your mind, uncage your business, and create a career that gives you more freedom—not more burnout. Listen in and discover how you can start thinking uncaged today.

May 27, 2026Episode 42830 min

the Real Reason Your Marketing Isn't Working

In this heartfelt episode of the Uncaged Clinician Podcast , David Bayliff takes a deeper and more personal approach to entrepreneurship, identity, and purpose. Speaking directly to clinicians, practice owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs, David challenges listeners to reflect on a powerful question: Are you building a business from a place of calling, or are you chasing validation, escape, or comparison? Through honest stories and spiritual insight, this episode explores the difference between running from burnout and frustration versus running toward fulfillment, freedom, and purpose. David unpacks how many clinicians unknowingly tie their identity to achievement, business success, income, or external recognition — only to discover that those things can never fully satisfy. Listeners will hear encouraging examples of clinicians who found peace, confidence, and renewed joy after reevaluating their path — whether that meant continuing to grow their practice, simplifying their business, or stepping away from entrepreneurship altogether. This conversation is a reminder that your worth is not determined by the size of your clinic, your income, or your title. Your gifts, purpose, and impact remain valuable regardless of the arena you work in. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, burned out, discouraged, or uncertain about your next step, this episode will give you permission to pause, reflect, and rediscover your true identity beyond business ownership. In this episode, you'll learn: Why identity should come before business success How comparison and misplaced expectations create burnout The difference between purpose and validation Why simplifying your path may actually increase your impact How confidence grows when you operate from your gifts instead of external pressure Practical encouragement for clinicians navigating entrepreneurship, burnout, or career transitions This episode is for physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and healthcare entrepreneurs who want to build a meaningful life and career rooted in purpose rather than pressure.

May 20, 2026Episode 43718 min

Permission Re-Broadcast from March 4, 2026

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't strategy… but permission? In this episode of the Uncaged Clinician Podcast , Kevin DeGroot shares a powerful message that has been coming up repeatedly in coaching conversations with clinicians and practice owners: the need to give yourself permission to do things differently. Too often, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and healthcare professionals feel stuck because of expectations placed on them by their profession, their employers, or even the broader business world. But building a business—and a life—that aligns with your values sometimes requires stepping outside those expectations. Kevin breaks down three important permissions that many clinicians need to hear: 1️⃣ Permission to stop trying to fix the entire profession You don't have to carry the weight of elevating an entire field. Sometimes the best thing you can do is build something better and let your results speak for themselves. 2️⃣ Permission to build the practice you actually want Not every clinic needs to be a seven-figure empire. It's okay to design your business around your priorities, your family, and the lifestyle you want. 3️⃣ Permission to leave someone else's business You are not responsible for keeping someone else's clinic alive. If it's time to move on and pursue something different, you're allowed to make that decision. Sometimes the biggest breakthrough isn't learning a new strategy—it's realizing that you're allowed to take a different path. If you've ever felt stuck between what you want and what you feel like you "should" do, this episode is for you. Learn more about Uncaged Clinician: https://www.uncagedclinician.com

May 13, 2026Episode 42726 min

Finding Peace Beyond The Grind

On this episode of the Uncaged Clinician Podcast, David Bayliff takes a deeply personal and encouraging look at identity, purpose, and the pressure many clinicians feel when building a business or pursuing private practice ownership. David challenges listeners to ask an important question: Are you building a business from a place of calling and identity, or from burnout, comparison, and the need for validation? Through honest reflection and powerful stories from clinicians who discovered peace and confidence by reevaluating their path, this episode offers permission to pause, reflect, and redefine success. Whether you are starting a practice, scaling a business, considering a pivot, or simply feeling overwhelmed by expectations, this conversation will encourage you to separate your worth from your title and reconnect with who you truly are. In this episode, you'll learn: Why identity should come before purpose How comparison and misplaced expectations create burnout The difference between running from something versus running toward something Why success does not always mean building a massive business How confidence and peace can come from embracing your gifts Why your value is not tied to your clinic, title, or income This episode is a reminder that your gifts, impact, and purpose remain the same no matter what arena you are working in. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on personal growth, entrepreneurship, fulfillment, and finding freedom in your true identity.

May 6, 2026Episode 42723 min

Hiring Right As You Grow: The Power of Humble, Hungry, and Smart

Title: Hiring Right as You Scale: The Power of Humble, Hungry, and Smart Description: Scaling your business comes with one of the most important—and often most challenging—responsibilities: hiring the right people. In this episode of the Uncaged Clinician Podcast , David Bayliff takes a different approach to the hiring conversation. Instead of focusing on where to find candidates or what interview questions to ask, he dives into the core characteristics that truly define a great team member. Drawing inspiration from leadership expert Patrick Lencioni, David breaks down the three essential traits every business owner should look for when building a strong, aligned team: humble, hungry, and smart . You'll learn: Why hiring slow (and firing fast) protects your culture The importance of clearly defining your company's mission, vision, and values before hiring What humility really looks like in a team setting (and why it's not weakness) How to identify hungry team members who take initiative without burning out Why being smart is less about credentials—and more about emotional intelligence and "reading the room" Practical ways to evaluate these traits during the interview process Whether you're a clinic owner, healthcare provider, or entrepreneur in any field, this episode will challenge you to rethink your hiring strategy and focus on what truly matters when building a team that lasts. If you've ever struggled with finding the right people—not just available ones—this episode is for you. Enjoy the episode? Be sure to share it with a colleague, friend, or fellow business owner who's in the trenches of building their team. As always, go out there and make it a great day.

April 29, 2026Episode 42617 min

Navigating Uncertainty: How to Face the Giant in Front of You

What do you do when life feels uncertain—and the future feels impossible to predict? In this episode of the Uncaged Clinician Podcast, Kevin DeGroot gets real and personal, sharing a raw look into a season of life filled with waiting, unknowns, and big decisions. Instead of presenting polished answers, Kevin walks through the exact mindset strategies he leans on when clarity is hard to find and the weight of uncertainty starts to take over. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed by the future, or unsure of your next move—this episode is for you. Kevin breaks down three powerful strategies to help you regain control and move forward with confidence: Define the Giant: Stop letting vague fears grow out of control. Learn how to clearly identify and quantify the real problem in front of you so you can face it head-on. Find Your Anchors: In seasons of chaos, your routines, values, and core habits matter more than ever. Discover how to stay grounded when everything around you feels unstable. Focus on What You Know for Sure: When uncertainty clouds your thinking, reconnect with the truths that guide your decisions—and eliminate distractions that pull you away from who you are. This episode is a powerful reminder that even in the middle of uncertainty, you can create clarity, build confidence, and take meaningful steps forward. If you're navigating a challenging season right now, hit play—this conversation might be exactly what you need.