You know that feeling when a hospital shift (or a comedy set) starts with a plan and immediately turns lively? That’s the lane we live in today, and we brought the perfect guests for it.

Dr. Domenic joins us as an emergency medicine physician who’s now a Chief Medical Officer at a Level 1 Trauma Center in Nashville. He’s the doctor in the executive suite whose job is to keep the whole machine running safely when the pressure spikes.

Kristen Barzak brings fresh comedian energy and mom-life honesty as we bounce from pilots and DJs to scooters, ladders, and the surprisingly dangerous stuff people do every day.

We get concrete about what a CMO actually does: supporting physicians, solving hospital-wide problems, coordinating resources, meeting with leaders and partner facilities, and making sure patients get the right care at the right place.

Dr. Domenic also breaks down trauma center levels in plain English, from rural stabilization all the way up to Level 1 research and resident training. If you’ve ever wondered how hospitals prepare for worst-day scenarios while still handling the nonstop “mundane” ER volume, this conversation pulls back the curtain.

Then we swerve into the most surprising résumé in healthcare: pilot, former professional DJ, and a guy who conquered skydiving without ever making peace with ladders.

Kristen Barczak brings sharp, funny questions about balance, fear, and what real life looks like outside the job of comedy and writing. She shines a light on rescue animals, cat chaos, and the kind of household mayhem that feels weirdly familiar to anyone who’s worked a shift.

We also share practical Nashville safety tips for visitors, especially around electric scooters, alcohol-related injuries, helmets, wrist guards, and why “drink responsibly” signs don’t always reach the right people.

If you like smart laughs with real hospital insight, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What’s the most dangerous “normal” thing you’ve seen someone do?

THANK TO OUR GUESTS:

Kristan Barczak (Comedian, Writer, Mom)

Instagram: @kristanbcomedy

https://www.kristanbarczak.com/

Dr Domenic (Chief Medical Officer, Emergency Medicine Physician, Pilot, DJ)

https://www.staypositive.news/article/tristar-skyline-welcomes-new-chief-medical-officer-dominec-martinello-md

DR BEN AND FRIENDS PODCAST:

This episode was produced by Angie Debelak with post-production editing by Ben Hill Sound.

Thanks for listening to Dr Ben and Friends. Laughter is the best medicine...unless you're treating bowel or bladder incontinence. See you next time!

Team Dr Ben

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DISCLAIMER: Dr Ben and Friends Podcast

Quick heads-up folks: Dr Ben and Friends is your weekly dose of laughs and stories. We celebrate healthcare heroes and pro comics.

This is infotainment-- think popcorn, not prescriptions or medical advice.

If you're feeling funky, see your medical professional. Your health? That's on you. We'll stick to the punchlines.