Best Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants Podcasts (2024)

1
a little update + CAA mindfulness practice 20:24

2d ago20:24

20:24

Hello from my summer break! I am in the midst of a mindfulness teacher training through Dharma Moon and Tibet House and was challenged by my 1:1 teacher to lead a group practice on the pod. Unfortunately, I realized (after edits) that I forgot to tell you what to do with your eyes! For this practice you want to keep your eyes open, and softly gazin…

1
Season 3 Finale: Reflections and Interviews LIVE from AAAA 2024 56:13

2M ago56:13

56:13

In the Season 3 finale of Awakened Anesthetist Podcast wander with me through the buzzing AAAA 2024 conference halls and catch my takeaways after I return home. You'll get to eavesdrop on spontaneous chats with CAAs from all points along the journey. From the student who shares the resilience needed to thrive in the OR, to a practicing CAA's insigh…

1
What To Do Before You Do a BIG Thing 26:59

3M ago26:59

26:59

As a CAA I know you have faced many make or break moments. But, how did you make it through? When I reflect on my near 2 decades as a CAA and all the challenges I have overcome, I can see a framework develop as my "pre-game" ritual if you will. Of course your hard thing is not always about professional challenges- weddings, babies, coming out journ…

1
Finding Balance and Overcoming Addiction: A Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant's Journey ft. Kelsey Koehler 1:03:11

4M ago1:03:11

1:03:11

Kelsey Koehler, CAA bravely shares the darker moments of her life, including a personal struggle with alcohol that led to 2 DUIs a week apart. Her story is a beacon for CAAs, illuminating the stark reality of substance misuse in our community. Her proactive approach to recovery and commitment to transparency with the Missouri state medical board an…

1
BONUS: Mastering AA School Admissions: Expert Advice for Aspiring Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants 18:24

5M ago18:24

18:24

Happy CAA Week 2024 to all my fellow CAAs, AA students and those who hope to be one soon! As a special gift to this community I am answering your most frequently asked questions- spoiler* they are always about the AA admissions process! This is not my area of expertise, so I asked my latest PROCESS guest, Sarah Whitfield, to stick around after her …

1
[PROCESS] Embracing Career Transitions ft. Aspiring CAA founder Sarah Whitfield, CAA 46:50

5M ago46:50

46:50

Sarah Whitfield is a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant, full time faculty instructor, blogger, wife, mother and entrepreneur. Sarah's story from her initial veterinary ambitions to her leadership in the anesthesiologist assistant field, illustrates that the road to career satisfaction isn't always a straight line. In this episode we explore the …

1
Transatlantic Tales of a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant ft. Mark Leonard, CAA 1:27:57

6M ago1:27:57

1:27:57

In this first PROCESS interview of 2024, I sit down with the extraordinary Mark Leonard, whose career leap from the UK's Anesthesia Associate to an American Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant is nothing short of inspirational. Mark candidly shares his insider knowledge on his significant roles within the CAA profession, from his hands-on clinical…

1
What's Coming in 2024 15:57

7M ago15:57

15:57

One of the main themes of my adult life has been learning to release my strangle hold on what I am "meant to do" when it is clear the thing is not meant for me right now. In summary- learning to have some trust and patience! My still small voice (aka my intuition) has been repeating the same message over and over again for years-"nothing meant for …

1
[PROCESS] Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant to Tech Startup Founder: Kathryn Farrell's Permission to Find What's Missing 1:08:45

7M ago1:08:45

1:08:45

Imagine standing at what you thought would be the pinnacle of your career and being hit with the feeling that "this isn't it". Kathryn Farrell, a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) moves beyond the confines of her first professional aspiration, her second, and now her third in a journey to find her true passion. Kathryn candidly shares her …

1
BTS: 28-year-old Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant makes over $210K ft. Chabely Rodrigez 30:28

8M ago30:28

30:28

If you are a CAA or AA student you likely already know this amount of money is common as a full- time CAA. And, if you knew about the profession while in undergrad or earlier it is also likely that you know starting your CAA career in your mid 20s is totally possible. Our profession's ability to make 6 figures this early without going to medical sc…

1
SERIES: Part 3. A Road Map to Self-Discovery- Going to Therapy 36:32

8M ago36:32

36:32

My road to self-discovery was laid over many years, and spoiler alert* the work is on going. But I can identify 3 pivotal moments in my journey that created a profound shift towards a deep sense of knowing who I am and what I am meant to be in this world. In this 3 part series I recount how a shift in my mindset gave me the permission to appreciate…

1
BONUS [PROCESS] Student Stories: A Medical Missions Journey to Uganda 43:50

8M ago43:50

43:50

If you are an AA student and loved hearing the knowledge bombs dropped in Sabena's episode #40, then you will really love this student focused episode. Have you ever wondered how it would feel to take your developing skills to an entirely new environment? Experience the stress and the thrill of autonomy? Embark on a mission of hope, healing, and ed…

1
[PROCESS] Exploring Medical Missions as a CAA with Sabena Kachwalla, CAA 1:00:24

8M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

Navigating the intricate world of medical mission work can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve never sat down with a CAA who has gone on one. That all changes with this episode. Sabena Kachwalla, CAA has been on nearly 20 clinical and educational medical missions and shares with us her practical insights, including the need for supervision, li…

1
SERIES: Part 2. A Road Map to Self-Discovery- Gratitude 19:43

9M ago19:43

19:43

My road to self-discovery was laid over many years, and spoiler alert* the work is on going. But I can identify 3 pivotal moments in my journey that created a profound shift towards a deep sense of knowing who I am and what I am meant to be in this world. In this 3 part series I recount how a shift in my mindset gave me the permission to appreciate…

1
[PROCESS] Exploring the Expanding Field of Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants with Shane Angus, CAA 51:28

9M ago51:28

51:28

As the program director for the Case Western Reserve University-DC Anesthesiologist Assistant program and a fervent advocate for the CAA profession, Shane's story is one of exploration, personal growth, and the power of a tiny 3x5 card. We explore Shane's fascinating path from aspiring med student to influential figure in the rapidly expanding fiel…

1
NEW SERIES: Part 1. A Road Map to Self-Discovery- Wanting More 30:54

10M ago30:54

30:54

My road to self-discovery was laid over many years, and spoiler alert* the work is on going. But I can identify 3 pivotal moments in my journey that created a profound shift towards a deep sense of knowing who I am and what I am meant to be in this world. In this 3 part series I recount how a shift in my mindset gave me the permission to appreciate…

1
[PROCESS] Lindsey Diaz, CAA on fear, anger and her right to practice in New Mexico 48:06

10M ago48:06

48:06

In 2021 Lindsey Diaz was the first CAA to join a large private practice in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Even before she set foot in the operating room she was fighting false narratives and stigma about CAAs but she made it her mission to prove her worth and win over her CRNA colleagues and staff. Then, just months after her job started, in Lindsey’s words…

1
[PROCESS] The Stars Align in Nevada ft. CAAs Stephanie Zunini, Jada Wabanimkee and Joey Parrish 1:07:52

11M ago1:07:52

1:07:52

Nevada bill AB 270 was signed into law on June 9th, 2023 thereby giving CAAs legal status to practice anesthesia in the state of Nevada. Pause for cheering! In this season 3 premiere you will meet 3 CAAs, Stephanie Zunini, Jada Wabanimkee, and Joey Parrish who each played a unique role in passing the bill. You will get a behind the scenes look at w…

1
Season 3 Coming Soon! 3:56

11M ago3:56

3:56

Season 3 begins September 1st with a new PROCESS interview. I can't wait to share it! You can now text me! Questions/Suggestions Want more? Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect. Let's Chat! Contact me: awakenedanesthetist@gmail.com IG @awakenedanesthetist…

1
Short Body Scan for Beginners: 5ish mins of Mindfulness for the Busy Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant 11:54

1y ago11:54

11:54

Mindfulness is for everyone, yes, even CAAs. Though, it can be helpful to see mindfulness as a muscle that needs to be strengthened with practice. The body scan is a very common mindfulness practice, especially in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). This short body scan was created with a beginner in mind. It can be daunting to start yet ano…

1
[PROCESS] Epitome of Perseverance: Military Wife Finds Career Fulfillment ft. Jen Donoso, CAA 48:01

1y ago48:01

48:01

Jen Donoso is a uniquely non traditional CAA. In addition to entering AA school at 35, Jen is a military wife, mom of two and former respiratory therapist of 15 years. Jen's story has so many twists and turns that military families will immediately relate to, and if you are unfamiliar with that lifestyle you will be awed by Jen's perseverance. Jen …

1
4 Habits to Beat Overwhelm- 5ish mins of Mindfulness for the Busy CAA 10:10

1y ago10:10

10:10

Our human bodies are designed to tackle hard moments and then return to a physiologic baseline. Unfortunately, CAAs tend to have an overwhelmed baseline and lots of hard moments. In this episode I share 4 evidence based habits that encourage your body to return to a calm physiologic baseline even in the midst of chaos. I hope these short mindfulnes…

1
[PROCESS] Navigating AA School as an International Student with Bill Ding, SAA 44:32

1y ago44:32

44:32

This is the 3rd and final installment in the 3- part AA Student [PROCESS] series. These student [PROCESS] episodes are meant to expand future and existing AA students, and re-energize you along your path towards a practicing CAA. Bill Ding, SAA is the chief student in the 2023 graduating class of CWRU-Cleveland MSA program. He is also an internatio…

1
[PROCESS] AA Students LIVE @ 2023 AAAA 30:20

1y ago30:20

30:20

This is the 2nd installment in a 3- part AA Student [PROCESS] series. These student [PROCESS] episodes are meant to expand future and existing AA students, and re-energize you along your path towards a practicing CAA. These live impromptu interviews occurred during the 2023 AAAA conference in Dallas, TX. Thank you to all the AA students who humored…

1
[PROCESS] Real Stories of Substance Use Disorders in Anesthesia Providers 11:23

1+ y ago11:23

11:23

Did you know that 10-15% of anesthesia providers will suffer from a substance use disorder over the course of their career? This suggests 1 in 10 CAAs. The power of hearing a true and vulnerable story from someone whom you can identify with is unmatched. It can reveal things that you never could have seen otherwise. I hope Jack and Jodi's story of …

1
April is Addiction Awareness month-5ish Mins for the Busy CAA 8:03

1+ y ago8:03

8:03

April is National Addiction Awareness month. Did you realize that as a CAA you are at an increased risk of having a substance use disorder (SUD)? Unfortunately, 10-15% of anesthesia providers will suffer from a SUD during their career. Join me in embracing our common humanity with those in our anesthesia community who are struggling with substance …

1
[PROCESS] The Person Behind the 2023 AAAA Presidency ft. Jenn Stever, CAA 48:31

1+ y ago48:31

48:31

Jenn Stever, CAA is the 2023 President of the AAAA (American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants). She graduated from the Emory CAA program in 2006 and currently lives and works in Atlanta, Georgia. Hear her personal journey to become our AAAA President in this BONUS [PROCESS] episode. Connect with Jenn at President@anesthetist.org Resources men…

1
Remembering your "why"- 5ish mins of Mindfulness for the Busy Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (Student) 7:15

1+ y ago7:15

7:15

In this short mindfulness episodes, Charlie Chase, CAA shares a personal voice note he made for himself circa 2017. He was taking pre-reqs to enter CAA school and never wanted to forget his "why", especially during the hard times. I hope it leaves you feeling nourished, encouraged and connected to yourself and our community. You deserve to feel goo…

1
[PROCESS] Finding a Good Fit as a New Grad Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant with Charlie Chase, CAA 43:40

1+ y ago43:40

43:40

This is the first of 3 new episodes in a CAA Student [PROCESS] series. These student [PROCESS] episodes are meant to expand future and existing CAA students, and re-energize you along your path towards a practicing CAA. In this first interview I spoke with newly graduated Charlie Chase, CAA. Charlie graduated from the University of MO Master of Sci…

1
You are capable- 5ish Mins of Mindfulness for the Busy Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant 8:18

1+ y ago8:18

8:18

This practice will help you recognize your innate resilience. Whether you just got fired, called out or diagnosed. You are capable of handling more than you give yourself credit for. I hope these short mindfulness episodes leave you feeling nourished, encouraged and connected to yourself and our community. You deserve to feel good behind the drape.…

1
[PROCESS] That time I got fired. Pt. 3/3 My Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Full-Time to Part-Time Journey 32:35

1+ y ago32:35

32:35

You probably have heard whisperings of anesthesia groups being bought out or replaced by agency over night. These stories could be chalked up to urban legends except for the fact that sometimes they actually happen. In the third and final installment of my full-time to part-time story, hear how I was fired, how it felt, and what I did next. New to …

1
It's Science- 5ish mins of Mindfulness for the Busy Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant 13:37

1+ y ago13:37

13:37

I hope these short mindfulness episodes leave you feeling nourished, encouraged and connected to yourself and our community. You deserve to feel good behind the drape. @ 9:25 Mindful breathing begins Additional Resources What is EMDR? The No-Nonsense Meditation Book: A Scientist's Guide to the Power of Meditation Why practice mindfulness? Dr. Rick …

1
[PROCESS] BTS of a Locums Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant w/ Jenny + John Nolan 1:17:55

1+ y ago1:17:55

1:17:55

If you don’t completely understand what "working locums" means as a CAA. Or, if you are a CAA and unsure if it's even a possibility in your future, this episode is for you. Jenny and John Nolan take us behind the scenes of their lives and careers. One is a CAA who has made locums work their full time income and the other runs a successful locums ag…

1
5ish Holiday Hacks for the Busy Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant 18:13

1+ y ago18:13

18:13

I hope this fun 5ish episode leaves you feeling nourished, encouraged and connected to yourself and our community this holiday/4th quarter season. You deserve to feel good behind the drape. Additional Resources: Join Lindywell and receive $20 off HERE Meal subscription services I have used before include Hello Fresh, Blue Apron, Green Chef, Sunfres…

1
[PROCESS] Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Setting Intentions Instead of Goals 17:39

1+ y ago17:39

17:39

I share how and why I implemented the game changing mindset of setting New Year's intentions instead of goals. This was a pivotal shift on my journey away from perfectionism (and our never enough culture) and towards a more sustainable, patient and peaceful dream life. Inspired to submit your own CAA journey (or suggest a friend) for our next PROCE…

1
[PROCESS] How it Feels to Retire after 5 Decades as a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant with Dan Hladky 1:17:07

1+ y ago1:17:07

1:17:07

Dan Hladky graduated as a CAA with the second class, ever, out of the Case-Cleveland program in 1974. Dan shares his journey into and out of the profession to which he dedicated 48 years of life. Inspired to submit your own CAA journey for our next process episode? Contact me to book a 15 min discovery call. During which I will share more about the…

1
Using Transition Moments- 5ish mins of Mindfulness for the Busy Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant 7:31

1+ y ago7:31

7:31

***The next [PROCESS] episode will release on November 15th. I am working on something really personal that I can't wait to share. You may even recognize a voice or two! I hope these short mindfulness episodes leave you feeling nourished, encouraged and connected to yourself and our community. You deserve to feel good behind the drape. You can now …

1
Mindful Relaxation- 5ish mins of Mindfulness for the Busy Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant 7:58

2y ago7:58

7:58

I hope these mindfulness episodes leave you feeling nourished, encouraged and connected to yourself and our community. You deserve to feel good behind the drape. @ 4:10 Mindful Relaxation* practice begins *Relaxation practice adapted from Barlow, D. H., & Craske, M. G. (2007). Mastery of Your Anxiety and Panic, Fourth Edition. Oxford University Pre…

1
[PROCESS] Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Shifting Her Career to Fit Her Shifting Life w/ Maggie Munn 38:25

2y ago38:25

38:25

In memory of Caleb Hopkins, CAA. Maggie Munn, CAA is a clinician, educator and mom. Her process episode will expand any CAA who is navigating their own career shift after becoming a parent, any anesthetists who are trying to design their own interpretation of work/life balance, and any CAA student who hopes to one day become an educator. Contact Ma…

1
Gratitude- 5ish mins of Mindfulness for the Busy Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant 8:13

2y ago8:13

8:13

I hope these mindfulness episodes leave you feeling nourished, encouraged and connected to yourself and our community. You deserve to feel good behind the drape. The science behind "retraining your brain" using gratitude @ 1:23 3 Tips to Get Started @ 4:56 Personal examples from my gratitude journal @ 6:48 You can now text me! Questions/Suggestions…

1
[PROCESS] Failing Forward, Mentorship and Creating a Life by Design with Jason Franco, Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant 1:01:46

2y ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Jason Franco is the chief CAA at his hospital in Vero Beach, FL. Jason’s process episode will be super expansive to any CAAs who may one day open a new practice location, any CAAs who feel passionately about mentoring or teaching students, and any anesthetists who are struggling to prevent their limiting beliefs and past failures from impeding thei…

1
Follow Your Heart's Lead to Wellness- 5ish mins of Mindfulness for the Busy Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant 9:35

2y ago9:35

9:35

Welcome back, and welcome to this new format and direction of the Awakened Anesthetist podcast. I hope these mindfulness episodes leave you feeling nourished and connected to yourself and our community. You deserve to feel good behind the drape. Intro new format @ 0:44 "Follow Your Heart's Lead to Wellness" @ 2:27 Mindful Breathing exercise @ 5:52 …

1
BIG Announcement: Next step for this podcast! 8:25

2y ago8:25

8:25

Inspired to submit your own CAA journey for our next process episode? Contact me to book a 15 min discovery call. During which I will share more about the podcasting process and we can get a sense of your episode's theme. I am so excited to begin this journey together. You can now text me! Questions/Suggestions Want more? Stay in the know by subscr…

1
[PROCESS] Pt 2/3. My Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Journey from Full-Time to Part-Time 32:46

2y ago32:46

32:46

Part 2 of this first ever process episode was recorded in December of 2021. I openly shared my journey from giving anesthesia full time to part time. Because we are a close knit community of CAAs, students and other anesthesia providers, I feel safe speaking candidly about the money, what quitting really looks like and my 3 key takeaways. I hope th…

1
[PROCESS] Part 1/3. My Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Journey from Full-Time to Part-Time 17:24

2y ago17:24

17:24

Part 1 of this first ever process episode was recorded in December of 2021. Everything was still so fresh as I openly shared my journey from giving anesthesia full time to part time. Because we are a close knit community of CAAs, students and other anesthesia providers, I feel safe releasing this episode in which I speak candidly about the money, t…

1
"Just Like Me" [Mindfulness Practice] 9:42

2+ y ago9:42

9:42

[This episode supports the work I do as an adjunct professor for the University of Missouri-Kansas City Master of Science in Anesthesia program where I teach a 5-part course titled "Understanding Substance Use Disorder in Our Profession".] If you like this episode and want to see more like this please subscribe and leave me a rating and review. And…

1
A Simple Breathing Practice- 5ish mins of Mindfulness for the Busy CAA 8:32

2+ y ago8:32

8:32

I hope you find this meditation a welcomed break in your busy day as a CAA professional or CAA student. You can return to this episode again and again, whenever you need to be reminded that you are enough. 00:45 Brief introduction to the meditation 02:15 Meditation begins Much love to my anesthesia community, ~The Awakened Anesthetist If you like t…

1
Common Humanity [Mindfulness Practice for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Students] 17:54

2+ y ago17:54

17:54

This common humanity mindfulness practice will help you connect to the truth that you are not alone in your pursuit of CAA school and training. I hope this episode speaks directly to CAA students and reminds them that someone else, right now, is feeling exactly as they are. We can rest assured that someone else "gets it" and will be there to suppor…

1
What is Deep Listening? 17:41

2+ y ago17:41

17:41

[This episode supports the work I do as an adjunct professor for the University of Missouri-Kansas City Master of Science in Anesthesia program where I teach a 5-part course titled "Understanding Substance Use Disorder in Our Profession".] In this episode I briefly share what I am up to at the moment and then I break down deep listening and its abi…

1
Whole Body Breathing - [Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Mindfulness Practice] 14:22

3y ago14:22

14:22

As CAAs we are highly susceptible to the risks and triggers of substance use disorder. In my 5 part in-person course I teach my anesthesia students how connection is the opposite of addiction. This whole body breathing practice will help you connect to your own body as a whole. Connecting and further accepting our whole true selves is step 1 in the…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide