This podcast is for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants, AA students, and anyone hoping to become one. As a CAA, I know how difficult it can be to find guidance that truly reflects our unique perspective. I created Awakened Anesthetist to be the supportive community of CAAs I needed on my own journey. Every month, I feature CAA expanders in what I call my PROCESS interview series. I also create solo episodes that weave in themes of wellness, self-discovery, and mindful growth - offering in ...
…
continue reading
Student Anesthesiologist Assistant Podcasts
1
3 Undetectable Ways to Regulate in the OR | Wellness Wednesdays
17:12
17:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:12***@ 14:42 my podcast software thinks "voo-ing is a "removable background noise" so this episode may be best experienced on YouTube Have you ever searched for wellness resources that truly understand what it means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant? You're not alone. Wellness Wednesday are candid conversations about the unique challenges …
…
continue reading
1
[PROCESS] Walking Through the Fire with author Kate Novinc, CAA
55:25
55:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:25In this episode, we trace Kate’s path from engineering to CAA, the messy middle of finding her voice, and the work of turning loss into a children's book about anesthesia. Along the way, we unpack her New Mexico CAA advocacy journey and what it means to live by design. Hear Kate's CAA story and be expanded in this Season 5 PROCESS episode. and a HU…
…
continue reading
1
You Can't Do Everything | Wellness Wednesdays
20:28
20:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:28Have you ever searched for wellness resources that truly understand what it means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant? You're not alone. Wellness Wednesday are candid conversations about the unique challenges and opportunities facing CAAs in their pursuit of sustainable wellbeing. In this episode, we discuss the quiet tug-of-war between bo…
…
continue reading
1
[PROCESS] Pom-Poms & Propofol: Defying Stereotypes in Anesthesia ft. Brooke Ferris, CAA
1:06:12
1:06:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:12What happens when you refuse to choose between two seemingly opposite dreams? Brooke Ferris, CAA knows firsthand. As both a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant and a six-season veteran of the Atlanta Falcons cheerleading squad, she's lived in two worlds that many insisted couldn't coexist. Hear her story and be expanded in this Season 5 PROCESS pr…
…
continue reading
1
Finding Yourself in CAA Wellness | Wellness Wednesdays
17:22
17:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:22Have you ever searched for wellness resources that truly understand what it means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant? You're not alone. Wellness Wednesday debuts with a candid conversation about the unique challenges and opportunities facing CAAs in their pursuit of sustainable wellbeing. As I share my personal journey from burnout to bal…
…
continue reading
1
Season 5 Premiere | CAA Life by Design (an update)
36:16
36:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:16Can you believe we are starting the 5th season?! I am honored to host the first ever podcast for the CAA community, thanks for being! If you want more, listen to my 3 original PROCESS episodes to hear all the nitty gritty details of my journey. [PROCESS] Part 1/3. My Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Journey from Full-Time to Part-Time [PROCESS]…
…
continue reading
yayayay! Season 5 of Awakened Anesthetist podcast launches September 12th with exciting new features including YouTube videos and a dedicated website. The upcoming season showcases extraordinary CAAs breaking boundaries as professional athletes, entrepreneurs, educators, and content creators, along with CAA-centered wellness episodes for a nervous …
…
continue reading
During this mid summer break check-in I announce the launch of CAA Matters, the first comprehensive professional development and wellness curriculum designed specifically for the Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant profession. After years of development, I'm piloting the program with 4 NSU AA programs and expanding offerings to both AA programs an…
…
continue reading
1
LIVE Season 4 Finale @ AAAA 2025: [PROCESS] The AAAA Presidency and a Life by Design with Nicole Moore, CAA
56:21
56:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:21Nicole Moore, Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant and 2025 AAAA* President, shares her journey from discovering the CAA profession through a Google search to becoming a pivotal leader in CAA advocacy and education. *American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants In this LIVE Season 4 Finale recorded @ AAAA 2025 you will hear how Nicole: Balances …
…
continue reading
1
Want a New Job? A Deep Dive with LocumTenens.com
41:54
41:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:54Are you a CAA looking for a new job? Discover how Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) can revolutionize their careers with the growing number of locums opportunities. I sit down again with Sabrina Strange from LocumTenens.com to break down the exact process to land your dream job. In this episode we discuss: common fears surrounding locums…
…
continue reading
1
[PROCESS] Listening to Life's Whispers: A Journey of Passion and Persistence ft. Yulanda Greene, CAA
52:04
52:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:04Step into the world of Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants with Yulanda Greene as she shares her remarkable PROCESS to become a prominent CAA educator and leader. As the 2025 president of the Georgia Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, Yulanda passionately advocates for the profession while offering insight into the challenges and rewards of …
…
continue reading
1
Your Complete Guide to Understanding Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants Pt. 4 How Much Do CAAs Make?
59:37
59:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:37Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how …
…
continue reading
1
2025 Life Update: Embracing Intentional Breaks for Fulfillment
24:23
24:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:23Reflecting on recent experiences, I share how taking an intentional break has rejuvenated my commitment to living life by my design. From unexpected snow days to exciting new projects like CAA Matters, this episode emphasizes the importance of balance and self-care in both personal and professional realms. In this episode I talk about: • Personal u…
…
continue reading
1
[PROCESS] Her Untold Path to Empowerment and Influence ft. Chabely Rodrigez, CAA
56:53
56:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:53Get to know Chabely Rodriguez, a trailblazing Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant and social media influencer. As a first-generation Mexican-American woman, Chabely's story is one of resilience and triumph over adversity. Her story highlights not just the allure of financial stability, but also the profound impact of connecting with underrepresent…
…
continue reading
1
Your Complete Guide to Understanding Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants Pt. 3 Where Can CAAs Work?
36:44
36:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:44Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how …
…
continue reading
1
REPLAY: 5ish Holiday Hacks for the Busy Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant
20:45
20:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:45Originally aired December 2022. I hope this fun 5ish episode leaves you feeling nourished, encouraged and connected to yourself and our community this holiday/4th quarter season. You (still) deserve to feel good behind the drape. Additional Resources: Try out Lindywell at home Pilates for Free Meal subscription services I have used before include H…
…
continue reading
1
Embracing Resilience: Self-Compassion Meditation for CAAs
20:34
20:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:34Join me for a 10-minute meditation, designed to fit into your busy day whether you're on a work break or commuting, learn how to embrace your natural source of resilience. Meditation begins around 4:33 This isn't just about managing stress; it's about nurturing an inner resilience that's often overlooked. By allowing positive qualities to infiltrat…
…
continue reading
1
Revolutionizing CAA Careers: Exploring Locums Work with LocumTenens.com
30:18
30:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:18Discover how Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) can revolutionize their careers with the growing number of locums opportunities. I sit down with Sabrina Strange from LocumTenens.com to break down exactly what "working locums" means for CAAs, and what you need to have in place before considering a locums position. LocumTenens.com has recen…
…
continue reading
1
UPDATE: Trailblazing the CAA Licensure Movement in Nevada ft. Stephanie Zunini, CAA
28:41
28:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:41This is an update to Stephanie Zunini's original PROCESS episode 35 released September 1st, 2023. We catch up with Stephanie more than a year later to discuss the arduous process required to actually practice in a new state after passing a CAA licensure bill. Stephanie's experience in Nevada highlights the emotional and physical toll of this long, …
…
continue reading
1
Your Complete Guide to Understanding Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants Pt. 2 Why You Should NOT be a CAA
29:18
29:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:18Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how …
…
continue reading
1
Part 2 of 2. Building a Diverse Future in the CAA Profession PROCESS ft. DEI AAAA Scholarship Winners, Ellen Fleurival, SAA and Tekiah McClary, SAA
53:31
53:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:31In this joint PROCESS episode, 2024 DEI AAAA scholarship winners, Ellen Fleurival and Tekiah McClary, share their unique paths to become Anesthesiologist Assistant students. Together, we uncover the challenges and triumphs they’ve faced, navigating through the demands of AA school while breaking barriers in a predominantly homogenous field. Ellen a…
…
continue reading
1
Part 1 of 2. Building a Diverse Future in the CAA Profession ft. DEI AAAA Committee Chair, Arielle Knafel-Bellian, CAA
18:45
18:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:45In this episode, the 2024 AAAA DEI Committee chair, Arielle, and I, dive into the goals and selection process for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion AAAA scholarship. This scholarship is designed to create a more inclusive CAA community by valuing each applicant's unique story. With criteria that emphasize student involvement and contributions to…
…
continue reading
1
Thriving Through Mindfulness as a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant
23:02
23:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:02Gain the confidence to make decisions aligned with your true desires and embrace a compassionate approach to life. We'll explore how mindfulness can help break the cycle of equating worth with productivity, fostering inherent worthiness and resilience. I'll also share my personal experiences with obsessive-compulsive disorder, illustrating how mind…
…
continue reading
1
Your Complete Guide to Understanding Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants: Pt. 1 What is a CAA?
17:02
17:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:02Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how …
…
continue reading
1
[PROCESS] Breaking Barriers in The Evergreen State ft. Sarah Brown, CAA
1:09:24
1:09:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:24Discover how Washington Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants President, Sarah Brown, paved the way for CAAs in Washington State. Hear her PROCESS from Georgia to Seattle, balancing career & family, and breaking legislative barriers in this 2024 CAA victory. Do you want CAAs licensed in all 50 states? Then you should 1. Join the AAAA (American Aca…
…
continue reading
1
Going Viral Changed My Life (but not how you expect)
26:22
26:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:22If you missed the viral video mentioned in this episode you can watch (or rewatch) it HERE ~credit @CAALifestyle In this Season 4 premiere I share how going viral in May 2024 changed my life. I give you all the juicy details and my final take away is something you won't expect. I FINALLY learned a big lesson, once and for all. You can now text me! …
…
continue reading
1
LIVE REPLAY: On Leadership, Professional Growth and the Naysayers ft. AAAA 2024 President Danny Mesaros, CAA
47:50
47:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:50Join me for my first LIVE podcast interview featuring our 2024 AAAA President, Danny Mesaros. This episode was recorded in April 2024 in front of an intimate audience at the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) conference in Orlando, FL. During this candid conversation Danny discusses the demands of his presidency and what he envi…
…
continue reading
Season 4 is launching on Friday, September 13th, and I’m thrilled to share the episodes I’ve been working on this summer. This season, we’ll dive into what it means to be a healthy and thriving Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant, and for those of you curious about the profession, I’ll be giving you an insider’s look each month. Of course, I’ll co…
…
continue reading
1
a little update + CAA mindfulness practice
20:24
20:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:24Hello 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…
…
continue reading
1
Season 3 Finale: Reflections and Interviews LIVE from AAAA 2024
54:08
54:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:08In 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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
1
Finding Balance and Overcoming Addiction: A Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant's Journey ft. Kelsey Koehler
1:03:11
1:03:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:11Kelsey 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…
…
continue reading
1
BONUS: Mastering AA School Admissions: Expert Advice for Aspiring Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants
18:24
18:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:24Happy 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 …
…
continue reading
1
[PROCESS] Embracing Career Transitions ft. Aspiring CAA founder Sarah Whitfield, CAA
47:38
47:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:38Sarah 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 …
…
continue reading
1
Transatlantic Tales of a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant ft. Mark Leonard, CAA
1:28:44
1:28:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:28:44In 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…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
1
[PROCESS] Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant to Tech Startup Founder: Kathryn Farrell's Permission to Find What's Missing
1:09:33
1:09:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:33Imagine 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 …
…
continue reading
1
BTS: 28-year-old Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant makes over $210K ft. Chabely Rodrigez
31:15
31:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:15If 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…
…
continue reading
1
SERIES: Part 3. A Road Map to Self-Discovery- Going to Therapy
34:27
34:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:27My 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…
…
continue reading
1
BONUS [PROCESS] Student Stories: A Medical Missions Journey to Uganda
44:38
44:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:38If 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…
…
continue reading
1
[PROCESS] Exploring Medical Missions as a CAA with Sabena Kachwalla, CAA
1:01:12
1:01:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:12Navigating 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…
…
continue reading
1
SERIES: Part 2. A Road Map to Self-Discovery- Gratitude
19:42
19:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:42My 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…
…
continue reading
1
[PROCESS] Exploring the Expanding Field of Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants with Shane Angus, CAA
52:16
52:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:16As 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…
…
continue reading
1
NEW SERIES: Part 1. A Road Map to Self-Discovery- Wanting More
28:49
28:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:49My 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…
…
continue reading
1
[PROCESS] Lindsey Diaz, CAA on fear, anger and her right to practice in New Mexico
48:53
48:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:53In 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…
…
continue reading
1
[PROCESS] The Stars Align in Nevada ft. CAAs Stephanie Zunini, Jada Wabanimkee and Joey Parrish
1:08:39
1:08:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:39Nevada 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…
…
continue reading
Season 3 begins September 1st with a new PROCESS interview. I can't wait to share it! You can now text me! Leave your email if you need a response! Pre-AA Matters 2026 PRESALE is now OPEN. Save $100, Plus 2 exclusive bonuses when you register by October 31st. Learn More HERE Stay Connected by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter- for …
…
continue reading
1
Short Body Scan for Beginners: 5ish mins of Mindfulness for the Busy Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant
11:54
11:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:54Mindfulness 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…
…
continue reading
1
[PROCESS] Epitome of Perseverance: Military Wife Finds Career Fulfillment ft. Jen Donoso, CAA
48:49
48:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:49Jen 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 …
…
continue reading
1
4 Habits to Beat Overwhelm- 5ish mins of Mindfulness for the Busy CAA
10:10
10:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:10Our 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…
…
continue reading