In this episode, we chat with Ashley Kear about starting her Etsy shop and what happens when you stop trying to niche yourself into a box—and instead combine everything you love.

Ashley shares how her journey began not just with creativity and curiosity, but with encouragement from friends who saw her talent and pushed her to go for it.

We explore letting ideas evolve, trusting your instincts, and allowing fun to be part of the process. Sometimes the magic comes from experimenting, playing, and building something that feels like you.

• How Ashley got started on Etsy—with a nudge from a colleague

• Blending multiple passions into one creative outlet

• The role of community and encouragement in taking creative risks

• Letting fun guide the creative and business process

Resources:

In this episode, we sit down with Shelley Brown to talk about what happens when creativity, clinical care, and advocacy collide.

Shelley shares the story behind her "side gig," Homebound Smiles, and how a simple idea grew into meaningful work serving patients who often fall through the cracks of traditional care models. We explore what it really takes to build a full professional life—without burning out or losing your spark.

This conversation goes beyond business. Shelley opens up about advocacy in dental hygiene, recognizing unmet needs, and staying creatively energized. Whether you're dreaming about a side project, craving more purpose, or simply trying to keep your creativity flowing, this episode will leave you inspired and grounded.

• How Homebound Smiles came to life—and why it matters

• Navigating side gigs while maintaining balance and boundaries

• Advocacy as both action and mindset in dental hygiene

• Giving yourself permission to evolve professionally

Resources:

The end of an era as Andrew hangs up the mic as host of A Tale of Two Hygienists after more than 10 years. But this isn't a sad day, it's a day to celebrate as we welcome in the two new co-hosts for 2026.. but you have to listen to find out who it is!

Spice/K2 is incredibly problematic. Not only is it unhealthy, it's also inconsistent and regularly laced with unknown additives and other drugs. Listen to Tom Viola as he explains the main concerns with this recreational drug!

Resources:

Be sure to reach out to him if you have any questions by emailing TomViola@tomviola.com, visit his website TomViola.com or check out his social media - @pharmacologydeclassified

We go through different phases of our life and sometimes we are very healthy and sometimes we aren't. Unfortunately, we humans judge books by covers - we think thin is health and heavy is not. In this episode with Machell Hoover she reminds us of what health really looks like, what her journey has been, and how to partner with the right providers to get exactly what your body needs to be healthy.

Resources:

machell@rdhhealth.com

What to see an alarming stat? 77% of OBGYNs report that their pregnant patients are declined routine dental care. There is plenty of stigma and misunderstanding swirling about in the dental community regarding pregnant patients, so give this episode with Katrina Sanders as she shares 8 important tips for treating pregnant patients!

Resources:

More Fast Facts: https://www.ataleoftwohygienists.com/fast-facts/
Katrina Sanders Website: https://www.katrinasanders.com
Katrina Sanders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenist/

Have you ever been in that weird in-between spot where you are in holiday mode but still have work but want the year to be over for a reset but still need to process the happenings of the previous 12 months? Of course you have, and many of us have been in that exact spot! In this episode we take a proactive approach to making 2026 just that much better with 5 steps you can start today!

Resources:

https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-stop-ruminating-on-the-past#rumination-vs-obsession

In this episode, we dive into the concept of burnout. Burnout has turned into a massive industry buzzword and quite frankly, its mostly misused. Additionally, the solutions that have been given to beat burnout are often addressing something that isn't getting to the root of the problem. Give this episode a listen to see where you stand on the topic!

Resources

https://news.mit.edu/2024/most-work-is-new-work-us-census-data-shows-0401

https://mhanational.org/resources/burnout-signs-causes-recover/

Screening For Depression vs Burnout with Mental Health America