In this season-ending episode of The Burleson Box, Dustin Burleson reconnects with longtime collaborator Jimmy Nicholas to unpack how AI is reshaping marketing, operations, and growth for dentists and orthodontists heading into 2026. They trace their shared history from the Dan Kennedy days to today’s AI-driven landscape, explore what AI already does better than most practices realize, and call out what is dangerously overhyped. The conversation covers answer engine optimization versus traditional SEO, HIPAA landmines, the myth of the “easy button,” and why disciplined implementation now will separate leaders from laggards over the next three years. It’s a forward-looking, highly practical close to the 2025 season with clear implications for how practices will compete in the next decade.

Orthodontist and serial builder Dr. Jeremiah Sturgill joins me to unpack what actually moves the needle in digital marketing. We talk about launching Go Unicorn Strategy, a concierge SEO/Google Ads firm built around tight feedback loops (down to individual call outcomes), why great marketing starts inside the practice (phones, follow-through, culture), and how to avoid the “dabble trap” with budgets that are big enough to test and measure. Jeremiah shares how he pairs elite ad management with a brand-first website, call training, and simple, trustworthy messaging—so your site sells you, not just your products.

On this episode of The Burleson Box, I’m joined by Dr. Jamie Reynolds—orthodontist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of OrthoFi and Orthodontic Partners. Jamie has built one of the most respected orthodontic practices in Michigan while also helping thousands of doctors rethink how patients access and afford treatment. We’ll talk about the origins of OrthoFi, what $5 billion worth of data reveals about patient behavior, and how flexibility, convenience, and smart systems can transform both your practice growth and your patient experience.

On this episode of The Burleson Box, I’m joined by Adam Witty—entrepreneur, publisher, and founder of Advantage Media. Adam has dedicated his career to helping business leaders build authority and credibility by becoming published authors. We’ll talk about why authority is the ultimate differentiator, how books and thought leadership can grow your practice far beyond traditional marketing, and what it takes to position yourself as the go-to expert in your community and industry.

On this episode of The Burleson Box, I’m joined by Dr. Kyle Fagala—orthodontist, speaker, and founder of Neon Canvas. Kyle has a unique perspective on what it takes to grow a modern practice, not just through smart digital marketing but through creativity, authenticity, and community. We’ll talk about what’s changing in the digital landscape, how to build a brand patients can’t ignore, and why thinking like an artist—rather than just a technician—can transform your practice.

In this episode of The Burleson Box, Scott Hansen joins Dustin to share how he went from scaling his family’s orthodontic practice to founding LeadSigma, a powerful CRM and AI-driven platform now used by hundreds of practices nationwide. Scott discusses the overlooked but essential systems behind new patient conversion, why answering the phone is still mission-critical, and how AI agents are reshaping patient engagement. If you’re tired of duct-taped follow-up systems and want to compete at a higher level, don’t miss this conversation.

In this episode of The Burleson Box, Dustin sits down with New York Times best-selling author Dan Schawbel to discuss his groundbreaking book Back to Human: How Great Leaders Create Connection in the Age of Isolation. Together, they explore how technology—while meant to connect us—often leaves us more isolated, and what leaders can do to foster meaningful, human-centered relationships in today’s workplace. Drawing from proprietary research and interviews with top leaders, Dan shares actionable strategies to build trust, inspire belonging, and lead teams that thrive in both remote and in-person environments.

On this episode, I’m joined by three outstanding leaders from Rock Dental Brands. Kristi Casey, the company’s dynamic CEO, brings nearly two decades of experience from a Fortune 15 company and now leads Rock with a focus on scalable growth and doctor support. Dr. Mark Dake, an accomplished orthodontist with over 40 years of clinical experience, is one of the original founders of Rock Dental Brands and continues to advocate for clinical excellence and doctor-led decision-making. Spencer Lunghino, Chief Development Officer, offers deep expertise in partnership strategy and private equity, helping Rock redefine what it means to truly support clinicians at every stage of their career.

Blake Morgan is an expert in customer experience. She’s a sought-after speaker, author and host of The Modern Customer Podcast. She was one of ICMI’s Top 50 Thought Leaders to Follow on Twitter in 2016 and Customer Gauge’s Top 20 Experts to follow in 2017. She’s worked with successful firms like Intel, Verizon Wireless and many more.

Dr. Erinne Kennedy is the Assistant Dean for Curriculum and Integrated Learning at Kansas City University College of Dental Medicine. Dr. Kennedy shares her journey into dentistry, influenced by her family’s dental background and a pivotal phone call that led her to pursue a specialty in dental public health at Harvard. She discusses key topics such as burnout in the dental profession, strategies for resilience, innovations in preventive dentistry, and her passion for dental education. Dr. Kennedy also highlights the importance of being open to unexpected opportunities, the evolving role of technology in healthcare, and the value of fostering emotional intelligence in dental professionals. The conversation ends with valuable book recommendations and career advice for young dentists.

Brian McCarthy is the founder of Rising Tide Consulting, where he leverages over 14 years of experience as the CEO of a multi-location orthodontic practice in Birmingham. His journey from leading an $18 million practice to establishing his own consulting firm highlights his dedication to developing innovative solutions that empower dental professionals. At Rising Tide Consulting, Brian focuses on proactive strategies to help practices overcome growth challenges, emphasizing integrity, long-term decision-making, and prioritizing the well-being of patients and employees. His approach is encapsulated in the "Rising Tide Mindset," which aims to elevate all aspects of a dental practice.

Our guest today on The Burleson Box is Ashley Goodall, a renowned leadership expert and co-author of the bestseller Nine Lies About Work. Ashley has spent over two decades leading HR organizations at global companies like Cisco and Deloitte, and his latest book, The Problem with Change, challenges the widespread belief that change is always good. He delves into the hidden costs of constant disruption and offers a fresh perspective on how leaders can create stability, allowing their teams to thrive.

Jeff Bezos created Amazon, the fastest company to reach $100 billion in sales ever, making him the richest man in the world. Business owners marvel at Amazon’s success, but don’t realize they have the answers right at their fingertips as Bezos reveals his hidden roadmap in his annual letters to shareholders. For the first time, business analyst Steve Anderson unlocks the key lessons, mindset, principles, and steps Bezos used, and continues to use, to make Amazon the massive success it is today. Steve shows business owners, leaders, and CEOs how to apply those same practices and watch their business become more efficient, productive, and successful―fast!

Francesca Sipma is an entrepreneur, speaker, coach, and the founder of hypnobreathwork. While she was formerly entrenched in the fast-paced world of New York advertising and marketing for lead- ing global brands, her insatiable lifestyle of relentless pursuit led her to a profound personal awakening. This pivotal moment propelled her on a quest for a deeper, more meaningful existence, steering her toward the realms of self-exploration and spiritual discovery. Her transformational journey took her across continents, where she delved into various modalities and retreats aimed at unlocking human potential and healing. Through these experiences, Francesca discovered her purpose and developed Hypnobreathwork® and Flow State Breathwork, innovative methods that integrate breathwork, hypnosis, and visioning to clear energetic patterns and reprogram subconscious beliefs. Born to a Vietnamese mother and a Dutch father, Francesca invites her rich cultural heritage and diverse life experiences to significantly influence her work, making her a relatable figure to a broad audience. In 2020, she took a bold step in her career by creating Mastry, through which she seeks to make breathwork accessible and expand the reach of her transformative practices. As an international speaker, Francesca continues to share her insights and methodologies with the world, empowering individuals to unblock their purpose, embrace their intuition, and achieve a flow state.

Dr. Ben Fishbein is a powerhouse and orthodontics. I'm sure you know him or have heard of him. He also is the founder of Fishbein Orthodontics and Fishbein Fundamentals. He's known not only for delivering exceptional patient care, but also for transforming the business of orthodontics. He's done that through an innovative approach to practice management and team development, and I'm so excited that he's on the show today. We'll be talking about his journey, the founding of Fishbein Fundamentals, how he's teaching others to elevate their practices and his philosophy on growth and knowing what you want before you grow. You won't want to miss this insightful conversation with one of the top names in our field. I'm so excited to welcome you to this episode of the Burleson Box.

Dr. Rooz Khosravi is the founder of PORTH Personalized Orthodontics, a practice that has redefined patient care with its fully digital clinics in Sammamish and Bellevue. His innovative approach, offering lingual braces and comprehensive orthodontic services for all ages, sets him apart as a unique figure in orthodontics. Dr. Khosravi's journey into dentistry began in his childhood, spending countless hours in his mother's dental practice, nurturing a deep-rooted passion for patient care. After obtaining his dental degree from Azad University in Tehran, Iran, he embarked on a global educational journey, earning a Master's in Oral Health Sciences in Montreal and a PhD in Oral Biology from Boston University. His research during these years spanned critical areas such as periodontal disease biomarkers in children at risk of obesity and bone fragility under diabetic conditions. Continuing his academic pursuit, Dr. Khosravi joined the orthodontics program at the University of Washington, where he not only completed his training but also led a groundbreaking study on managing overbite with Invisalign. Now, as an Attending Orthodontist and Director of the Interdisciplinary Care Clinic at the University of Washington, Dr. Rooz is at the forefront of digital orthodontics, dental 3D printing, and clear aligner therapy. His contributions to the field are vast, from lecturing globally on clear aligner therapy to pioneering customized care solutions. Dr. Khosravi's research interests are as diverse as they are impactful, encompassing digital orthodontics, 3D printing, interdisciplinary dentistry, and pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, among others.

Dr. DeRossi, a distinguished alumnus of Penn Dental Medicine, has had an illustrious career that spans both academia and clinical practice. He has served as the Dean of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry and, most recently, the Founding Dean of the High Point University Workman School of Dental Medicine and Chief Executive Officer of HPU Oral Health Network, where he led initiatives to integrate medicine and dentistry to drive strategic growth and innovation in healthcare. With a background that includes significant roles at Penn Dental Medicine and Augusta University, Dr. DeRossi has been instrumental in fostering organizational growth through the integration of cutting-edge technology and resources. He is a passionate advocate for improving access, quality, outcomes, efficiency, and patient satisfaction in oral health care. Dr. DeRossi excels in building collaborative cultures by mobilizing cross-functional teams, and his leadership vision focuses on making oral health care more accessible and of higher quality. His efforts in fundraising have significantly increased endowment funds, emphasizing the importance of oral-systemic connections in patient-centered care. Additionally, Dr. DeRossi has been successful in forging global partnerships, leading to collaborations that benefit both organizations and stakeholders. His ability to connect people, ideas, and resources to advance health outcomes is truly his superpower.

In today’s rapidly changing orthodontic landscape, staying ahead means adapting to change with precision and insight. Traditional practice management methods are being replaced by data-driven strategies that enhance efficiency and profitability. Today on the show, I speak with Oliver Gelles, co-author of "Level the Curve: Data-Driven Practice Management Principles to Compete in Today’s Changing Orthodontic Landscape," Dr. Jamie Reynolds, a tech-savvy orthodontist, and Oliver Gelles, a digital-stats guru, offer a revolutionary guide for orthodontic practices.

Meet Mike Wysocki – Like many, Mike entered the workforce after college expecting to find that perfect career. For years it was obstacle after obstacle until he settled and chose sales. The good news is, he did learn something on the way.

As the founder and host of The Learning Leader Show, a leadership podcast with millions of listeners in more than 150 countries, Ryan Hawk inspires excellence in leaders looking to take their game to the next level. Forbes called his first book Welcome to Management – How to Grow From Top Performer to Excellent Leader, “the best leadership book of 2020.” Hawk's second book, The Pursuit of Excellence, sold through its first print run in eight hours. It explores the uncommon behaviors of the world’s most productive achievers. Forbes wrote, “The Pursuit of Excellence is the most dynamic leadership book of 2022 delivering a masterclass on how to apply the most useful habits to real life.” In this episode, Ryan Hawk and Dustin Burleson dive deep into the concept of excellence, exploring the difference between external and internal scoreboards, the role of self-awareness in achieving excellence, and practical strategies for overcoming fear and resistance.