The Mindful CRNA Podcast

Have you ever felt like life completely derailed your plans? Like the dream was finally within reach, only for everything to fall apart? This may be one of the most powerful conversations we've ever had on The Mindful CRNA Podcast. In this deeply honest episode, Amanda sits down with current NAR Shana Dagny—a former professional actress, singer, competitive athlete, ICU nurse, and one of the most...

What does it really take to get into—and through—CRNA school? In this episode of The Mindful CRNA Podcast , Amanda sits down with CRNA and content creator Bilal Mohammad for an honest conversation about leadership, perseverance, social media, and the realities of becoming a nurse anesthetist. Bilal shares his unique journey from aspiring aerospace engineer to CVICU nurse to CRNA, including how he...

After a few weeks away from the mic, I'm finally back — and this episode marks the beginning of an entirely new season. Since we last talked, I competed in my first bodybuilding competition, took 4th place, turned 40 and realized something that completely shifted the way I view success, purpose, CRNA school, leadership, and life itself: The stage was never the point. We spend so much of our lives...

What if the hardest part of the CRNA journey isn't your intelligence… but your nervous system?  In this episode, we're disrupting the narrative that burnout, chaos, brute force, constant hustle and enduring constant suffering are just "part of the process" in becoming a CRNA. Because let's be honest… Some of what's been normalized in healthcare is not excellence but survival mode. And you were not...

Becoming a CRNA isn't just an academic challenge. It's an identity transformation . In this episode of The Mindful Aspiring Nurse Anesthesia Podcast , I introduce a powerful framework that explains something many aspiring CRNAs experience but struggle to put into words: Why is this so hard? And why does this journey sometimes feel so bad?  Welcome  The 7 Identity Crises of the CRNA Journey! At eve...

Welcome back to The Mindful Aspiring CRNA Podcast . In this episode, I'm diving into a conversation that's long overdue in healthcare: mentoring vs. coaching — what they are, what they aren't, and why the distinction actually matters more than we think. If you've ever wondered: "Why would I pay for coaching when I can get advice for free?" "Is coaching even legit?" "Isn't this just mindset fluff?"...

What happens to the version of you who survives CRNA school… once life keeps evolving? In this honest and deeply reflective episode of The Mindful Nurse Anesthesia Resident Podcast , Amanda sits down with Sarah, CRNA and founder of Mooxli, for a conversation about growth, identity, resilience, and the many seasons of a CRNA career. From starting in the ER and traveling with her nurse husband… to n...

What if the path you think is  non-traditional is actually your greatest advantage? In this episode of The Mindful Nurse Anesthesia Resident Podcast , Amanda sits down for an honest, grounding conversation about letting go of the "shoulds" surrounding CRNA school, clinical training, and life after graduation—and learning to trust the path that's uniquely yours with Kendall CRNA, the creator of Vit...

In this episode of  The Mindful SRNA/RRNA Podcast , I sit down with Amber CRNA for one of the most honest, human conversations we've ever had about the CRNA journey—and what happens when life doesn't wait for your plans. We talk about the deep connection CRNAs share, the truth that everyone has a story , and how Amber's path to nurse anesthesia wasn't linear: retaking classes, applying to schools,...

It's a new year—and we're starting with a truth every CRNA needs to hear: you don't have to have it all figured out. In this return-to-the-podcast episode, Amanda Kay dives into a question flooding her DMs: "Did I get enough regional experience?" "What if I lose my skills?" "What job should I take so I don't fall behind?" But the real conversation isn't just about nerve blocks—it's about what they...

You asked & I answered!   I recently did a LIVE on IG and there were a TON of questions in the chat so I thought I'd do something different and answer them in this episode. Whether you're applying to CRNA school, in the thick of school, or a new grad navigating your first job, I've got practical tips, encouragement, and honest insight to help you thrive. Here's what I cover:  Is it worth it to do...

In this episode, I sit down with Kiki CRNA Founder & CEO of The Society of Future Nurses Anesthetists for an honest and inspiring conversation about her unconventional path to becoming a CRNA . From cosmetology and engineering to surgical tech and ICU nursing, Kiki's journey proves that there's no one "right" way to get into CRNA school. Kiki shares raw and honest insights about: ✨ Our biggest li...

In this episode of The Mindful SRNA/RRNA Podcast , I sit down with Sara Frey BSN ,  RN, CGRN and   clinical shift coordinator of endoscopy , to talk about leadership, teamwork, communication and the power of continuous learning in the perioperative environment. Sara's diverse nursing journey has given her a  unique perspective on leadership, teamwork, and growth —and she's sharing practical insigh...

In this episode, I sat down with Kate Bekken, SRNA/RRNA, and her husband, Zach, to dive deep into what it really takes to balance love, finances, and sacrifices while navigating CRNA school. From managing career shifts to staying connected as a couple, they dropped some GEMS you won't want to miss! We Cover It All, Including: ❤️ Kate's journey to CRNA school – from NP aspirations to landing a spot...

Are CRNA recruiters really as bad as people say? 🤔 In this episode, I sit down with Keith Evola , President of KTE Services , an anesthesia recruiting company with 24+ years of experience , to spill all the tea on CRNA job hunting, contracts, and recruiters . We're diving into: ✅ The bad rep recruiters get & how Keith handles hate comments  ✅ How new grads can protect themselves from bad job de...

💡 CRNA School Didn't Go as Planned? You're Not Alone. In this episode of The Mindful SRNA/RRNA Podcast , we're diving into a tough but necessary conversation—what happens when CRNA school doesn't work out? Whether you had to take a leave of absence, withdrew, or were dismissed , I want you to know this: Your journey isn't over. 🔹 The fear of failing or being found out as an "imposter" is real....

In this episode, I sit down with my former colleague and friend, Nicole Kellogg, CRNA , as she shares her inspiring journey of balancing CRNA school, motherhood, and marriage. Nicole opens up about the challenges she faced, from navigating difficult conversations with her husband to managing the demands of school with two kids— all during a pandemic! In this episode, we cover: 👉 Nicole's journey...

In this episode, I sat down with Angelica Wiggins, an SRNA/RRNA momma, who's proving that CRNA school and parenting  can coexist! Angelica took time during her break to chat with me about her inspiring journey from pre-med to CRNA student, how she balances school and family life, and her best tips for success. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ Angelica's journey from pre-med to CRNA student ✅ Her top...

Welcome back to the podcast! I'm thrilled to be here with you again after an unexpected hiatus. Life happens, and sometimes we need to pause, breathe, and reset—and that's okay. In today's episode, I'm tackling one of the most frequently asked questions: "I got into CRNA school—now what?" We'll dive deep into: The 5 most common struggles SRNAs face in their first semester. The journey of entering...

This episode was a blast & you will have so many takeaways no matter where you're at in your CRNA journey.  We explored the path to & through CRNA school with our special guest, Victoria Leigh Adamson CRNA. From dealing with rejections to succeeding in CRNA school, Victoria shares invaluable insights that are sure to inspire and guide current and prospective SRNAs. Whether you're just starting you...

 Tune into this transformative episode of The Mindful SRNA where we delve deep into the financial world tailored specifically to align with the unique needs and challenges faced by aspiring CRNAs & CRNAs. I sit down with Brett Fellows, Certified Financial Planner® and the visionary behind Oak Park Capital, who has dedicated his career to helping CRNAs achieve financial independence. Brett brings a...

Welcome to the latest episode where I delve deep into a pressing question for aspiring CRNAs when they feel stuck, hopeless, or just plain frustrated with the CRNA application process. And that question is:  "When should I stop applying to CRNA school & quit on my CRNA dreams?" If you've ever wondered this, then this episode is for you. I will explore the emotional rollercoaster of repeated reject...

Dive into this enlightening episode where I discuss a fresh new approach to your CRNA school applications. Learn how to transform the process from a daunting task into an empowering journey of strategy. Forget the traditional approach of questioning your worthiness and instead embark on a business-minded adventure to showcase the unique brand that is you. In this episode you'll: Discover an array...

Dive into my tried & tested approach to CRNA School applications so you can start or re-start your journey to CRNA with confidence! I will unveil my 4 step-process which will help guide you through the challenges and triumphs of CRNA applications. From making a decisive commitment to your dreams, to crafting a foolproof plan, taking action, and then refining your approach based on feedback, we cov...

Dive into an episode filled with raw insights and profound wisdom as we delve into Kyle Credle's remarkable journey to CRNA school. From his first shaky steps in the ICU to almost quitting nursing to his decision-making process to CRNA Kyle's story illuminates the path for others facing doubts in their capabilities or direction in life. He also unpacks the universal challenges of interviews and an...