Best Operating Room Nurses Podcasts (2025)

1
Operating Room Nursing with the OR RN Mentor, Yasmin Sharifi 52:21

Play Pause

15d ago52:21

52:21

Send us a text My guest this week is Yasmin Sharifi, an operating room nurse with many decades of experience. She’s here to give us a glimpse into, as she says, “what really goes on behind that red line.” Yasmin didn’t initially set out to be an OR nurse. She started her career in med-surg but quickly encountered burnout due to a nursing shortage a…

1
12 Financial Gifts That Should Be On Every CRNA’s Christmas List 37:21

5h ago37:21

37:21

As the year comes to a close, many CRNAs find themselves focused on family, travel, and well-deserved rest. But year-end is also one of the most important times to pause and take stock of your financial picture. Small, intentional decisions made before December 31 can have an outsized impact on your long-term success. In a special holiday episode o…

1
Christmas Eve in the OR 2:35

1d ago2:35

2:35

In this playful poem, Melanie highlights the hard work of those in the operating room, especially during the holiday season, and reminds us all that what we do every single day makes a difference in the lives of our patients. Happy Holidays! ------- Articles On-the-Go presents perioperative insights from written articles in a creative, easy to list…

1
Grade 1 View – Ep. 28 – Year One is a Wrap! 32:41

2d ago32:41

32:41

After a full year of conversations, shared experiences, and hard-earned lessons, the first season of Grade 1 View has reached the finish line. In this final wrap-up episode with our first four hosts, we’re reflecting on what it truly takes to survive and grow through nurse anesthesia school, clinicals, graduation, and the transition into practice. …

1
Thriving Through Uncertainty: Modern Approaches to Change Management 31:18

3d ago31:18

31:18

Happy Holidays! As we celebrate the season, we're giving you a special bonus episode of First Case featuring Phyllis Quinlan, RN, President and CEO of MFW Consultants. In this timely conversation, Phyllis shares powerful insights on navigating persistent uncertainty, reframing "change" as growth and evolution, and leading teams with empathy, clarit…

1
The Anesthetic Implications of Vaping with Beth Wilkes 36:18

7d ago36:18

36:18

Vaping has exploded in popularity among teens, young adults, and even surgical patients who don’t think of themselves as “smokers.” But for anesthesia providers, vaping is not harmless. It brings new airway, cardiovascular, and pharmacologic challenges to the OR. This week we’re joined by Beth Wilkes, DNAP, CRNA, CHSE, FAANA to break down what CRNA…

1
Founding Dean of the College of Nursing at Columbia Southern University, Dr. Bonny Kehm, Ph.D 49:58

8d ago49:58

49:58

Send us a text Dr. Bonny Kehm is the Founding Dean and Assistant Provost of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Columbia Southern University. She’s an accomplished nurse educator, researcher, and leader whose work has had a substantial influence at both the state and national levels. Appointed to the Missouri State Board of Nursing back i…

1
Top 10: Orthopedic Surgery 6:31

8d ago6:31

6:31

Orthopedics is one of the busiest, and most equipment-intensive, service lines in health care. In this First Case Articles on the Go episode, Lindsay Joyce and Melanie Perry break down the Top 10 (plus one) foundational things every perioperative professional should know about working in orthopedic surgery. From nerve blocks and imaging to implants…

1
Airway Exchange – Ep. 7 – Cultivating Wellness in CRNA Programs 43:36

10d ago43:36

43:36

As our wellness theme continues, today we’re focused on student wellness, which is essential to producing competent, confident, and emotionally healthy CRNAs. Erin and Greg welcome Matthew Zinder, DNAP, CH, CRNA, practice owner, educator, wellness researcher, and co-founder of Program Prep, to break down the realities of stress inside anesthesia pr…

1
What is Infection Prevention? Discovering the Role of Infection Preventionists 37:19

10d ago37:19

37:19

Have you ever wondered just what the Infection Preventionist (IP) was doing when they came into your Operating Room? Well, you're not alone! In this season premiere of Season 9, we speak to Jill Holdsworth, Manager of Infection Prevention at Emory University Hospital Midtown. In this episode, we're going to learn about the role of the IP in the hos…

1
Protect Your Scope of Practice by Understanding Legal and Political Challenges 31:09

14d ago31:09

31:09

The political and legal landscape of nurse anesthesia is constantly shifting for CRNAs and the threats to our autonomy are real. But so are the opportunities, and that’s why we wanted Elizabeth Bamgbose, PhD, CRNA to join us for this conversation. She’s a CRNA, educator, practice owner, and a fierce political advocate, and we’re going to break down…

1
Grade 1 View – Ep. 27 – Financial Impact of the Big Beautiful Bill on CRNAs 44:04

19d ago44:04

44:04

The “Big Beautiful Bill” has created some concerns in the nurse anesthesia community, especially for future CRNAs who were left wondering what it means for their education, their financial reality, and the future of the profession. In this special episode of Grade 1 View, Greg Collins, DNP, CRNA and Michelle Canale, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA join Oliv…

1
Stop, Communicate, and Listen: Mastering the Art of Active Listening 34:06

17d ago34:06

34:06

While we wait for Season 18, here's a throwback to Season 8! How do our body language, our situational awareness, and our ability to listen play into our ability to communicate? Find out in today's interview with Kristy Wheeler, RN and OR Nurse Leader! Listening is a critical component of communication, and we can't communicate effectively if we ca…

1
The Hormone Reset: Perimenopause, Thyroid & Testosterone with Dr. Prudence Hall 52:12

20d ago52:12

52:12

This episode dives into the world of women’s hormonal health with Dr. Prudence Hall, who shares how her career shifted from gynecological surgery to integrative medicine after realizing how poorly menopause was being addressed in conventional care. She breaks down why individualized treatment matters, especially when it comes to bioidentical hormon…

1
Direct Laryngoscopy vs Video Laryngoscopy – The Great Airway Debate 37:08

21d ago37:08

37:08

Direct laryngoscopy vs. video laryngoscopy — which one should be the standard? In this lively and highly practical clinical debate, Sharon and Jeremy are joined by CRNA leaders Laura Ardizzone, MS, MBA, DNP, CRNA and Karen Maresch, DNAP, CRNA to explore the evidence, training differences, outcomes, technology trends, and real-world experiences behi…

1
Top 10: Gynecology 6:33

22d ago6:33

6:33

Gynecology surgery presents unique challenges that require preparation, precision, and strong clinical awareness. In this new First Case: Articles on the Go episode, Lindsay Joyce, MSN, RN, CNOR, shares 10 essential insights every perioperative professional should know before stepping into a GYN case, from preventing nerve injuries and ensuring pri…

1
Pulmonary Critical Care Intensivist, Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim, M.D. 1:01:22

22d ago1:01:22

1:01:22

Send us a text Today’s guest is someone who brings compassion, intellect, and a genuine love for medicine to everything he does. Dr. Mahmoud Ibraheem is a Pulmonary and Critical Care physician whose medical journey has taken him from Bahrain to New York, Florida, and Texas. Those experiences shaped who he is as a physician. Beyond medicine, Dr. Ibr…

1
If Leggings Could Talk: Everything You Want to Know About Labiaplasty 26:11

24d ago26:11

26:11

She’s keeping her name private, but not her story. Dr. Shannon Kuruvilla’s patient joins the podcast for an honest conversation about an experience most women never hear spoken out loud—what it’s really like to research, consult for, and ultimately choose to have a labiaplasty. After three decades of discomfort and constant “adjusting,” she finally…

1
Airway Exchange – Ep. 6 – Faculty Wellness and Work-Life Balance 40:48

23d ago40:48

40:48

Faculty members are the backbone of every nurse anesthesia program, yet their own wellness is often overlooked. Over the next month, we’re shining the spotlight on wellness, and the first of three episodes features two special nurse anesthesia educator guests. Today, hosts Louisa Martin, PhD, CRNA and Erin Martin, APRN, CRNA, DNP sit down with Leig…

1
Your Personalized Self: Understanding the Importance of Self-Advocacy in the Interview Process 42:41

24d ago42:41

42:41

Season 17 has come to an end, but while we wait for Season 18, here's a throwback to Season 8! What should I include on my resume? What questions should I be asking? Discover the answer to these questions and more in today's interview with Krista Whiting, VP of healthcare recruitment at Parkwood International. As an experienced healthcare recruiter…

1
Thanksgiving Special with New AANA Foundation CEO John Yauger 39:01

28d ago39:01

39:01

This Thanksgiving, Beyond the Mask celebrates gratitude, giving, and the CRNAs who make a difference every day. Joining us for this special episode is John Yauger, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, the new CEO of the AANA Foundation, to discuss how the Foundation is shaping the future of nurse anesthesia through research, scholarships, and community support. It’s …

1
Grade 1 View – Ep. 26 – Tackling Ageism in Anesthesia with Dr. Cynthia Farina 28:02

1M ago28:02

28:02

Ageism might not be the first ‘ism’ that comes to mind in healthcare, but it’s one that affects every provider eventually. Today’s guest, Cynthia Farina, DNP, CRNA, RN, CNE, is an educator who has devoted much of her life to advocating for wellness, inclusion, and professional longevity. She joins Kevin and Charity to break down the subtle ways age…

1
Blue Towels, Dirty Loupes, and… Perineal Fallout?! 32:57

1M ago32:57

32:57

In our season finale of First Case, we unpack two OR practices that many of us have seen (or done!), from adjusting surgical loupes with blue towels to the truly legendary myth of "perineal fallout." This episode blends humor, history, and evidence-based practice as we talk about why some habits stick, how outdated ideas persist, and what it means …

1
Unpacking Mast Cells, Parasites and Athlete Burnout with Dr. Steph & Dr. Leah 58:16

1M ago58:16

58:16

In this episode of What Happens in Vagus, Dr. Stephanie Canestraro is joined by Dr. Leah Barbaro for a deep dive into the hidden health challenges affecting athletes today. Together, they unpack why so many professionals struggle with lymphatic stagnation, gut dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and the growing burden of environmental toxins. They e…

1
Profits Over Patients: Exposing the Impact of Private Equity in Healthcare 29:26

1M ago29:26

29:26

Private equity is reshaping healthcare—but at what cost? In this eye-opening episode of Beyond the Mask, Sharon and Jeremy welcome back Daniel King, DNP, MNA, CRNA, CPPS, CNE and Jennifer Banek, MSN, MHA, CRNA for a candid conversation about how private equity ownership affects anesthesia and beyond. They explain how investor-driven models prioriti…

1
Thanksgiving Top 10 2:52

1M ago2:52

2:52

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next week! As we head into the holiday, it's a good time to reflect on the many things we're grateful for, both personally and professionally. In the latest First Case Articles on the Go, Melanie highlights a thoughtful (and relatable) Top 10 list of things we appreciate most about working in the operating …

1
Fighting for the Underdogs, Lia Xiong-Ratley, MSN, FNP-C, RNFA 1:01:41

1M ago1:01:41

1:01:41

Send us a text Meet Lia Xiong-Ratley, a Family Nurse Practitioner, women’s health advocate, and rescuer of the underdogs, literally. Lia has worn many hats over the years, from pediatric ICU to cardiothoracic surgery, but after becoming a family nurse practitioner, she has found her place at Planned Parenthood. If you think the only services offere…

1
The Real Reason You Look So Tired 13:05

1M ago13:05

13:05

“Tired eyes” aren’t always caused by lack of sleep. Dr. Taylor DeBusk reveals the real culprits—dark circles, puffiness, and thinning skin—and what actually helps. From the basics of skin care to office treatments like fillers, lasers, and eyelid surgery, he shares how to refresh your eyes for a brighter, more awake appearance. Learn how long each …

1
Airway Exchange – Ep 5 – Faculty Mentorship: Transitioning from Clinician to Educator 45:28

1M ago45:28

45:28

In this episode of Airway Exchange, the team explores the transition from clinician to educator and the role mentorship plays in the process. Becky Motykiewicz, DNAP, CRNA joins Nickie Damico, Erin Martin, and Greg Collins to discuss what drew her to teaching, how mentorship shaped her journey, and the emotional realities that come with stepping in…

1
The Truth About Instrument Reprocessing Times 32:40

1M ago32:40

32:40

This week on First Case, we're joined by Bobby Parker from Beyond Clean to tackle a major perioperative myth: instrument reprocessing is quick and easy. Using real workflow examples and years of SPD leadership experience, Bobby breaks down the full lifecycle of an instrument tray, from decontam to assembly to sterilization, and explains why a safe,…

1
Expanding Nurse Anesthesia Education and Practice in Low-Income Countries 1:00:09

1M ago1:00:09

1:00:09

What does it take to deliver anesthesia in a hospital with no ventilator, scarce medication, and power that cuts out mid-surgery? Today we’re joined by Dr. Mark Newton, pediatric anesthesiologist and longtime medical missionary, Mary Mungai, one of Kenya’s first licensed nurse anesthetists and a leader in anesthesia education across East Africa; an…

1
Simulation Specialist, Dr. Christine Heid 1:03:01

2M ago1:03:01

1:03:01

Send us a text Today’s guest is someone whose work sits right at the intersection of education, innovation, and human connection. Dr. Christine “Christy” Heid is a nursing educator, simulationist, innovator, and healthcare advocate with more than two decades of experience. As a Nursing Simulation Specialist, she brings an invaluable perspective as …

1
Grade 1 View – Ep. 25 – The Backbone of Rural Anesthesia 42:25

1M ago42:25

42:25

This week we’re shining a light on the critical role that CRNAs play in rural healthcare, especially in honor of National Rural Health Month (November). Hosts Kevin and Olivia are joined by two dedicated CRNAs, Pete Hext and Hayden Hayes, who share their personal experiences and the unique challenges they face while providing anesthesia care in rur…

1
NPO After Midnight: Fact or Fiction? 32:21

2M ago32:21

32:21

We've all heard it: "Nothing to eat or drink after midnight." But what if that long-standing rule isn't the best thing for our patients? In this week's episode of First Case, we sit down with Lisa Spruce, Senior Director of Evidence-Based Perioperative Practice at AORN, to challenge one of the most ingrained habits in surgical care. Together, we'll…

1
When Your Body Feel Hijacked: The Truth About Histamine and Anxiety with Dr. Steph 36:38

2M ago36:38

36:38

In this solo episode, Dr. Steph dives deep into the complex world of mast cell activation, histamine intolerance, and anxiety that isn’t really “just anxiety.” She explains how toxins, infections, mold, and even environmental factors like 5G and chemicals can hijack your body’s immune and nervous systems, creating a cascade of symptoms that often g…

1
Fighting for a Cure: A CRNA’s Mission Against Type 1 Diabetes 55:07

2M ago55:07

55:07

What happens when a CRNA’s professional expertise meets a parent’s fight for their child’s life? In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Sharon and her daughter Danielle—who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age five—sit down with Devin Holt, CRNA, advocate, and father to a young daughter living with type 1 diabetes. Here’s some of what you’ll…

1
Surgical Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Kim Kish 1:11:08

2M ago1:11:08

1:11:08

Send us a text "Life is a journey, not a destination." This quote perfectly describes the path of my guest this week, Kim Kish, a surgical oncology nurse practitioner. Kim's journey started as a lab research associate where she learned valuable skills and even got published. From there, she moved into cardiovascular circulatory support, where she f…

1
The 3 Pillars of Facial Rejuvenation 9:56

2M ago9:56

9:56

Face lift surgery, eyelid lift, or brow lift can turn back the clock, but that’s only one piece of the puzzle. Dr. Taylor DeBusk outlines the three essentials of facial rejuvenation—surgery, skin management, and injectables—and how they work together to keep you looking great. From the right time to start a thorough skin care routine to his go-to a…

1
Airway Exchange – Ep 4 – Building a Sustainable Nurse Anesthesia Workforce 36:31

2M ago36:31

36:31

In this episode of Airway Exchange, we explore the state of the nurse anesthesia educator workforce with a special focus on faculty stabilization. We’re spending time with Terrica Durbin, DNP, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, who is the Director of the School of Nursing at Western Carolina University and a Fellow in the AANA. A passionate advocate for rural …

1
Surgeons, Supplies, and the Myth of Unlimited Choice 41:06

2M ago41:06

41:06

Behind every product on the OR shelf is a story of collaboration, evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making, not just a surgeon's request. This week we sit down with Joe Chua, OR Nurse and Value Analysis Professional from Dallas, Texas, to unpack the complex process of how surgical products make it from idea to implementation. Together, we'll …

1
Who Really Leads in Anesthesia Care? 32:49

2M ago32:49

32:49

What happens when a CRNA challenges one of the most controversial questions in anesthesia: Who really leads anesthesia care? That’s the title of the new book by Yana Krmic, MSN, CRNA, APRN, who returns to the show to discuss a topic that cuts to the heart of one of the most important and often misunderstood questions in our profession. Today, she w…

1
The Creators of Get Vitals, Kevin Dickinson and Amber Smith 1:08:16

2M ago1:08:16

1:08:16

Send us a text Today’s episode is one that really hits close to the heart — because it’s about the people who spend their lives caring for others, and what happens when no one’s caring for them. You’re about to meet Kevin Dickinson, the founder of GetVitals, and his co-founder and clinical advisor, Amber Smith. They developed a mental health app bu…

1
Grade 1 View – Ep. 24 – CRNA School Recap: The Real Journey 48:17

2M ago48:17

48:17

What does it really take to make it through CRNA school, and what happens after the boards are over? Today, Kevin reconnects with former classmates Madison Martin and Nicole Strickland to reflect on their long journeys to becoming CRNAs. Every path to an anesthesia career is unique, and the joy is often found in the process of growth and learning. …

1
#137: Beyond the Operating Room: Reclaiming Dignity and Advancing Personalized Leadership in Healthcare 50:52

2M ago50:52

50:52

“Hard things are worth doing.” In this powerful episode of the Special 2025 Healthcare in the Age of Personalization Series, pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Amanda Saratsis shares why purpose, grit, and leadership are essential to reclaiming dignity in healthcare — especially for our most vulnerable patients. Here’s what Dr. Saratsis reveals: • Why surg…

1
#134: Scaling Purpose: Why Capitalism 3.0 Begins with You 47:01

2M ago47:01

47:01

"Purpose isn’t soft. It’s your most powerful energy source." In this eye-opening episode of the special HAOP Podcast Series, strategist and CEO Rob Craven explains why purpose is no longer a spiritual concept—it’s a strategic advantage. From scaling companies to transforming leadership culture, Rob shares how tapping into personal purpose can unloc…

1
#135: The Silent Crisis of Caregiving: How AI and Empathy Are Reshaping Home Care 53:03

2M ago53:03

53:03

"Everyone is in the healthcare business now — whether they realize it or not." In this compelling episode of the Personalization Outbreak podcast, Honor Technology CEO Seth Sternberg reveals why caregiving is one of the most urgent — and overlooked — challenges facing the healthcare system and the workforce. With 1 in 5 employees silently caring fo…

1
#136: Invisible Care: The Untold Burden Women Carry in Healthcare and at Home 46:09

2M ago46:09

46:09

What’s really behind the burnout crisis in nursing leadership? In this powerful new episode of the Personalization Outbreak Podcast, part of our special 2025 Healthcare in the Age of Personalization (HAOP) Forum Series, Glenn Llopis sits down with Lori Gunther (CEO, Sunova Associates) and Nancy Travis (Executive Nurse Consultant) for an honest conv…

1
#138: Reimagining Leadership: The Shift from Authority to Authenticity 51:14

2M ago51:14

51:14

“Leadership isn’t about control anymore — it’s about connection.” What if everything you thought about leadership was based on outdated assumptions? In this special episode from the 2025 HAOP Forum Series – part of our Design-Thinking Program for Health System, Clinical, and Nursing Leaders – I’m joined by Dana Greenberg and Scott Taylor of Babson …

1
Who Do Scrubs Really Work Under? Busting A Common OR Myth 24:31

2M ago24:31

24:31

A long-standing myth in the operating room continues to circulate is that surgical technologists work under the license of the OR nurse. In this week's episode of First Case, we're setting the record straight. Tune in as we speak with Angel Pickett, Surgical Technology Program Director at Connecticut State Community College, Gateway Campus. Togethe…

1
Operating Room to Root Cause: A Brain Surgeon Turned Neuroimmune Specialist’s Take on Genetics, Inflammation, and Truly Healing Your Brain 54:55

2M ago54:55

54:55

In this episode of What Happens in Vagus, Dr. Stephanie Canestraro sits down with Dr. Kendal Stewart, a board-certified neurotologist who made the remarkable transition from neurosurgery to functional medicine. Together, they unpack how understanding root causes, not just symptoms, can transform patient outcomes. Dr. Stewart dives deep into the las…