Daily Dental Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Killeen reflects on the teachers, mentors, and leaders who shape us—and why the real way to honor them is by paying it forward. He talks about how teaching and mentoring don’t just help others grow, but actually sharpen your own skills, clarity, and leadership. Sharing what you’ve learned keeps the cycle going—and makes you better in the process.

In this episode, Dr. Killeen invites you to imagine a quick but powerful conversation with your 80-year-old self. What would they beg you to stop postponing? From practice decisions to personal health and family time, this episode is a gentle nudge to stop waiting for the “perfect” moment and take a small step forward now. A reminder that progress beats perfection—and future you is counting on wha...

In this episode, Dr. Killeen reflects on a favorite Muhammad Ali quote: “It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe,” and why it matters so much in dentistry, leadership, and life. Big goals and “mountains” get our attention, but it’s often the small, nagging issues we tolerate that quietly wear us down. Dr. Killeen talks about identifying those pebbles—h...

In this episode, Dr. Killeen talks about a counterintuitive leadership idea: agreeing too quickly can actually shut down great conversations. Using a classic psychology study as a backdrop, he explains how pressure to agree can keep teams from sharing what they really think. In a dental practice, that often shows up as quiet meetings, polite nodding, and missed opportunities. Dr. Killeen shares a...

In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares a set of practical “rules to live by” inspired by Ryan Holiday—perfect for anyone stepping into a new season or fresh chapter. From protecting your best hours and thinking smaller than you think you should, to doing less but better, asking for help, and getting serious about sleep, this conversation is all about sustainable growth. No big overhauls or overnight...

On today’s episode, Dr. Killeen sits down with his friend Dr. Nick Cudney, an oral surgeon from the Chicago area. They have a relaxed, wide-ranging conversation about oral surgery, what great communication between general dentists and surgeons really looks like, and how collaboration improves patient care. Dr. Cudney also shares his experience running a study club. Why he started it, how it works,...

In this episode, Dr. Killeen digs into core values — not the kind that live on a poster in the break room, but the kind your team and patients experience every single day. Inspired by a blunt (and pretty funny) Reddit post, he talks about why values only matter when they cost you something, how people can spot “fake values” instantly, and why real values are always shown through behavior. This is...

In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen talks about why 1-on-1 conversations are one of the most underrated leadership tools in a dental practice. With a simple mindset shift—seeing thoughtful questions as an act of generosity—these quick check-ins can build trust, strengthen relationships, and help your team feel truly seen and heard. No fixing, no rushing—just real listening, and the impact it can have...

In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen breaks down a simple but powerful idea: willpower alone isn’t enough — your environment matters more than you think. After a long day in the clinic, motivation fades, but smart setup can carry you through. This episode dives into how small changes the night before — packing lunch, setting out workout clothes, clearing friction — can make healthier, more productive d...

In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen takes a fresh look at our relationship with our phones as we continue building better habits for the year. What if we’re not truly “addicted” — but instead trying to escape noise, stress, and constant stimulation? From grayscale screens to charging phones in another room, this conversation explores attention, the modern attention economy, and how small boundaries ca...

As the new year gets rolling, Dr. Killeen revisits a simple but powerful idea: the difference between big rocks, pebbles, and sand. Using this classic metaphor, he talks about how easy it is to let distractions and busywork fill our days — especially in dentistry — and why the most important things in life and leadership have to come first. This episode is a reminder to slow down, get intentional,...

A long line at Chipotle turns into a leadership lesson. Today, Dr. Killeen shares why even great people can struggle when they’re in the wrong role—and how this shows up all the time in dental practices. From the front desk to treatment presentations, it’s not about having bad employees, it’s about fit. A relaxed, practical reminder to match your team’s strengths to the right seats so your practic...

As the new year kicks off, Dr. Killeen shares a simple (and funny) story that turns into a powerful reminder about focus and presence. From dentistry to leadership to life at home, we’re often doing one thing while mentally being somewhere else. In this episode, he talks about why being “where your feet are” matters—and offers a few practical ways to slow down, stay present, and actually enjoy the...

Today on the Daily Dental Podcast, Dr. Killeen shares a leadership insight inspired by the former CEO of Panera—and it flips the usual script on accountability. Instead of checking in to see if your team is doing a good job, what if you checked in to see how  you’re  doing as a leader? Dr. Killeen talks through how this mindset shift builds trust, lowers defensiveness, and helps teams perform bett...

In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen shares a simple but powerful communication idea that can completely change how conversations feel—with patients, team members, and even at home. It all comes down to listening well enough to earn one word: “Exactly.” When people feel truly understood, walls come down, trust goes up, and real connection happens. This episode breaks down how to practice accurate empat...

Today on the Daily Dental Podcast, Dr. Killeen shares insights from a fascinating article about facial expressions—and why we so often misread what people are actually feeling. He connects the science to everyday moments in the dental office, from patient interactions to team communication, and explains how a “neutral” face can sometimes send the wrong signal. It’s a relaxed, practical conversatio...

Dr. Killeen shares the incredible story of two women who rowed nonstop across the Pacific—and why their journey is a powerful lesson for dentistry, leadership, and life. From broken rudders to improvised repairs, this episode is a reminder that big goals always come with setbacks. If you’re setting bold goals for the year ahead, this is a motivating nudge to expect the chaos, lean on your people,...

On this Christmas episode, Dr. Killeen reflects on love—what it really means, and why it’s far more powerful than approval, respect, or playing it safe. From history and business to leadership and dentistry, he explores why the people, brands, and cultures that inspire genuine love tend to win, even when they aren’t universally liked. It’s a thoughtful, grounding reminder to stop chasing approval,...

In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares a timely reminder for the holidays: not every argument is worth engaging in. Using a classic saying and a few common logical fallacies, he breaks down how some conversations pull you into emotional “mud” with no real upside. A guide to spotting bad arguments, protecting your peace, and choosing connection—or a second slice of pie—instead of pointless debate. To...

In this episode, Dr. Killeen reflects on a simple but powerful question: what are you actually reading these days? He looks at how some of history’s most effective leaders built their thinking through books—and why deep reading still matters in a world built on scrolling and shortcuts. It’s a relaxed reminder that even a few minutes a day with the right book can sharpen your thinking, fuel creativ...

In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares a simple (and funny) story about a donkey, a tiger, and a lion that carries a surprisingly powerful lesson. He connects it to modern life, especially social media, where arguments are loud, endless, and often pointless. The takeaway is a reminder that wisdom isn’t about winning every debate—it’s about protecting your peace and knowing when to disengage. A calm,...

In this episode, Dr. Killeen rewinds to 1903, when the Wright Brothers took flight just weeks after being told humans probably never would. From there, he draws a parallel to the “rules” many of us live by in dentistry and leadership—beliefs repeated so often they start to feel like facts. He breaks down the Illusory Truth Effect and challenges you to question the assumptions shaping your practice...

In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen shares why time spent off the clock—whether on a pickleball court or flying down a mountain bike trail—isn’t wasted time at all. He walks through a few simple questions about energy, excitement, connection, and laughter, and how different activities fill different buckets. Balance doesn’t come from one perfect hobby—it comes from doing things that recharge you in di...

In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen reflects on turning 40 and what birthdays look like when you start measuring life a little differently. He talks about how joy doesn’t disappear with age—it just shifts—and how gratitude can bring back that childlike spark we often save for once a year. A reminder that acknowledging the simple things we often overlook can reshape how we live, lead, and show up for t...

In this episode, Dr. Killeen breaks down a simple but powerful trust formula from  The Trusted Advisor  by Charles H. Green and explains why trust is something you build on purpose, not by accident. He connects credibility, reliability, and approachability to your practice’s brand—and shares a quick story that shows how one misaligned marketing move can quietly erode trust. It’s a reminder that co...