Stimulating Stuff

Melissa Hanley, co-founder and CEO of Veridical RCM, joins Rich for a deep dive into revenue cycle management for IONM. From coding certifications and hospital contracts to billing mistakes and fair pricing, this episode covers what every neuromonitorist should know—but probably doesn’t—about how the money flows.

Rich talks with Marti Lau and Lindsey Akers about ABRET’s new CNIM-CS micro-credential—what it is, why it matters, and howit aims to strengthen competency and professionalism in neuromonitoring. If you’re a CNIM or supervise technologists, this is the episode you need to hear.

The OIG just issued a bombshell advisory on neuromonitoring business practices—and Rich breaks it all down. From shell companies to surgeon kickbacks, learn what’s legal, what’s not, and why this matters for the future of IONM.

With over 25 years in neurodiagnostics and executive leadership, Erica Seagrave shares her journey from technologist to founder of a successful IONM company. In this episode, she and Rich discuss risk-taking, building businesses, mentoring others, burnout, emotional intelligence, and how great leadership starts with listening.

From must-read articles and textbooks to webinars and online tools—Rich shares his go-to resources for mastering IONM. Whether you're new to the field or prepping for the CNIM, this episode is your study guide.

In this episode, Rich reads and responds to listener feedback—highlighting praise, pushback, and new perspectives on training quality, surgeon expectations, oversight roles, and the state of IONM. A candid, community-driven conversation you don’t want to miss.

Rich sits down with Danielle Stewart—founder of Stick 'Em IONM and neuromonitoring’s queen of memes—for a candid talk on working long hours, balancing single motherhood, building community online, and using humor to survive tough OR days. From career advice to funny stories, this episode is both insightful and entertaining.

What’s it like to be an oversight professional in IONM today? In this episode, Rich explores the realities faced by neurologists and non-physician doctors like DABNMs—burnout, billing, concurrency, medicolegal risk, and collaboration gaps—and offers practical insights to strengthen the entire care team.

What’s it really like to be a neuromonitorist today? In this episode, Rich unpacks the daily grind, growing burnout, training gaps, and shifting expectations in IONM—and offers straight talk on how technologists can find purpose, earn respect, and level up.

What are the biggest issues keeping IONM executives and managers up at night? In this episode, Rich explores burnout, isolation, employee retention, reimbursement struggles, and the tough financial realities shaping the future of neuromonitoring leadership.

Rich Vogel kicks off a 4-part series exploring the biggest issues facing IONM today—from burnout and workforce shortages to declining reimbursements and leadership strain. Hear what’s really happening across every level of the field.

Before diving into neuromonitoring, Rich reflects on a life-changing solo road trip, falling in love, finding purpose, and the wonder of being alive on this “pale blue dot.” A personal, thoughtful intro to the voice behind the mic—and a teaser for what’s coming next.

Rich Vogel makes his return—this time behind the mic. In this short intro, he shares why he started Stimulating Stuff , what you can expect from future episodes, and why neuromonitoring professionals (and curious minds) should tune in. Whether you're a longtime colleague or a first-time listener, welcome to the pod.