Podcast
Dental + Meaningful
Hosted by The Cusp Collective · EN
A podcast where high achieving women in dentistry get real. We go beyond the accolades and dive into the human experience. You can expect soulful conversations filled with laughter, insights, and fun!
If you've ever felt like you're just surviving instead of thriving, this podcast is your space to feel seen, inspired, and empowered. Each episode leaves you with actionable strategies to shape a career (and life) that truly fits You. Because dentistry is about more than teeth, it's about how we show up, and how we impact those around us.
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10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
12. Life in Art with Dr. Deborah Miller
Feb 1700:42:57Tap to summarizeThis Dental + Meaningful conversation feels different.I’m sitting on Deborah’s couch, we don’t just hear about her life, we see it. Creativity isn’t something she does on the side, it’s how she moves through the World. Deborah’s art spans from prints to shoemaking to sculptures, working with various mediums to capture her humour and unique take on life.We explore her time providing dental care in Aboriginal communities, the cultural experience, indigenous health gap, and what it means to show up with humility. She speaks with honesty about significant health challenges, including cancer and multiple strokes. Yet, what stands out is her humour. Her generosity. Her ability to keep her heart open.Deborah embodies lifelong learning, collecting degrees and certifications, methodically disproving a teacher who once told her she wasn’t smart enough. Dentistry gave her independence. Art gave her voice. She shares an important truth many women recognise: You must learn to stand for yourself. No one is coming to rescue you.A truly enjoyable conversation, Debbie reminds us that a life well lived is not monochromatic. It is bold. It is textured. And you’ll want to add your own colours to it. Learn more about Deborah and her art
Transcribe →11. Living in the Moment with Dr. Ellie Borgelt
Feb 1300:51:21Tap to summarizeThis episode of Dental & Meaningful is one of the most candid and important conversations to date and a great one to open 2026 with!I’m joined by Dr Ellie Borgelt for an honest discussion about the lived realities of many women in dentistry. We discuss gender bias in clinical environments, including sexual harassment in the workplace (trigger warning), and the emotional toll of building a successful career in a patriarchal system.Dr Borgelt shares her journey as an immigrant dentist to Australia, rebuilding a professional identity from the ground up. We also explore her experience as a single parent to 3 teenagers, carrying the load of her career, business, motherhood, and her own health & happiness.A powerful part of this conversation centres on menopause, self-care, and the mindset shift that comes with choosing to finally prioritise yourself after years of putting everyone else first. Ellie brings a hopeful, energising perspective to this chapter of life, one that is truly infectious.This episode is a must-listen for women in dentistry seeking validation, solidarity, and reassurance that they are not alone, it’s never too late to start choosing yourself.
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10. Wisdom and Joy in Dentistry with Dr Purnima Kumar
Nov 2800:42:30Tap to summarizeIf you need some powerfully uplifting energy and joyful grit in your life right now, this is for you. I sit down with Dr. Purnima Kumar in Vienna for this conversation. She is the head of department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan, School of Dentistry. She has built a wonderfully successful and accomplished career in research and academics, whilst also finding time for countless philanthropic pursuits and tangible initiatives to lift other women in dentistry. We cover her career experience through tertiary institutions, her passionate advocacy of the "He for She" movement, and countless insights and wisdoms hard-earned from a colourful career in dentistry.This is one not to be missed!Chapters00:03:00 Experience as Immigrant- India to USA00:09:00 Importance of Adapting to Change00:15:00 Middle East and Challenges in Academia00:21:00 Family and Support Systems00:27:00 Advocacy and Women in Leadership00:33:00 Innovations and Contributions00:39:00 Wholeheartedly Embracing the Present
Transcribe →9. Strength in Vulnerability with Dr Parul Bhatia
Nov 1801:00:48Tap to summarizeThis was a beautiful episode covering multiple facets of the lived experience of a woman in our profession. Dr Parul Bhatia's strength shines through as quiet fortitude and hope in the journey she shares with us. We open with the bittersweet experience of selling the practice she build from scratch but ultimately looks towards all the different possibilities in her next chapter with great anticipation and excitement. Parul shares her internal suffering from needing to re-sit her final year exams amidst difficult personal events, to the guilt of endometriosis pain and struggles of IVF, managing menopause, to the shame of almost failing in her business once but coming out stronger and more equipped. She had to find her own path to success and continues to do so. Through it all she remains connected to what brings her joy and inspiration- her creativity. Parul is determined to bring more empathy and ease to our fellow colleagues. Enjoy the episode!Chapters00:01:00 Applying Business Skills to Dentistry00:03:00 Selling the Practice and Finding Balance00:05:00 Mental Health and Empathy in Dentistry00:07:00 Challenges of Practice Ownership00:09:00 The Impact of Perimenopause00:11:00 Creative Outlets for Professionals00:13:00 Building a Supportive Community00:15:00 Leadership and Growth in Dentistry
Transcribe →8. Soulful Hustle: On Growth and Gratitude with Dr. Olan Hartley
Sep 2200:42:45Tap to summarizeEpisode SummaryReady to check in with yourself and come out feeling recharged?In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Olan Hartley for a soul-nourishing conversation that’s equal parts grounding and uplifting.We talk about redefining self-worth, recognising the quiet signs of burnout, setting boundaries with intention, and making gratitude more than just a passing thought.Olan’s grace, clarity, and fierce commitment to growth are magnetic. She inspires us to hold ourselves to accountability with compassion. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to re-align with your purpose, this one’s for you.Whether you're curious about mentorship, navigating burnout, or just craving space for honest self-reflection, Olan is that voice of calm you didn’t know you needed.
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Part 1 of 6 - Speaker Recap - Assertive Communication with Annelise McCarthy
Sep 2200:08:22Tap to summarizeThis is the first in a six-part bonus series where I’ll be bringing you into our Cusp Collective conference this year. These episodes are my personal reflections of each speaker's presentation, what I took from it, how I use it in my life and how it can be applied to your clinical practice. First up is Annelise McCarthy, founder of Her Speaking Coach and an expert in public speaking and powerful communication.We talk confidence, presence, and assertive language; and how these skills take you from consult rooms to tough conversations. Communication shapes how we’re seen, how we lead, and how we thrive as clinicians.I'll share the 3 most impactful insights that I have been practising all year, and how correcting a drinks order reminded me of an important life lesson.This episode is for everyone who needs a strong nudge to start using their voice, as Annelise urges us all to do.
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7. Thriving in Adversity with Dr Suelen Cella
Sep 1001:04:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Dr. Tiffany Chen and Dr. Suelen Cella explore the profound journey of resilience, the challenges and triumphs Suelen has experienced in her dental and personal journey.Suelen shares her inspiring story of moving from a rural upbringing in Brazil to becoming a successful dentist in Australia, overcoming trauma, and navigating the complexities of family planning, IVF, and career aspirations. Our conversation highlights the importance of education for women, support systems, and the pursuit of happiness in both personal and professional realms.Chapters00:00Introduction to Dr. Sue Ellen Cella02:54From Rural Brazil to Dentistry05:19Overcoming Adversity and Pursuing Education07:41Experiences of Violence and Its Impact10:06Finding Peace and Strength in Adversity12:40Transitioning to a New Life in Australia14:57The Joy of Working in a Gourmet Food Shop17:19Returning to Dentistry and Career Growth19:56Recognition and Achievements in the Dental Field22:57The Importance of Mental Health and Support25:33Innovative Marketing Strategies in Dentistry28:04Conclusion and Reflections on the Journey of Achievements36:46Finding Peace After Success39:03The Importance of Physical Health41:33Preparing for Motherhood42:05Navigating IVF Challenges45:34Balancing Work and IVF48:50The Emotional Toll of Motherhood52:03Perspective on Parenthood55:01The Power of Communication57:36Embracing Aging and Change01:00:13The Role of Information in Health01:03:16The Journey of Self-Improvement1:04:15The Importance of Community in Dentistry
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Cusp Collective 2025 Conference Wrap-Up
Sep 100:05:47Tap to summarizeAfter our annual conference, the buzzing energy stays with me as I take a break from prepping for the event and continue post-event admin. I created this platform at a time when I needed support like this but couldn't find it. It was also a time perhaps I couldn't have made it to every event.This is why the podcast exists, to bring the much needed conversations and connections to you. In support of that, this bonus episode brings the conference experience to you and kicks off a short series where I share my reflections and the key ideas I took away from each speaker's presentation. My aim with our in person event is to ensure women in dentistry feel seen and heard, that you come away feeling energised, having formed meaningful connections with fellow colleagues, and inspired to make changes that will serve you better. If even just one new idea changes the way you show up in your work and life, that’s the biggest win for me.Stay tuned for upcoming episodes and subscribe on our website to be the first to know when early bird sales are open for our 2026 conference.
Transcribe →6. Staying Grounded in Dentistry with Dr. Sara Lonergan
Aug 2500:40:27Tap to summarizeEpisode SummaryAnd we're back! It was a longer break than anticipated but it was much needed. And no better episode to return to than thissoul nourishing conversation with Dr. Sara Lonergan. We talk about the peace she finds in her menagerie ofanimals, the sanctuary she’s created outside of clinical life, and the intentional way she’s built one of the most welcoming clinics I’ve ever stepped into. From the moment I stepped into her clinic reception, I felt my muscles relax. It was truly the most welcoming clinical space I have been in. Sara’s thoughtful approach goes beyond aesthetics or state-of-the-art dental equipment into the approach she takes in patient care and the systems in place with her business and staff. It is a remarkable creation to witness. And of course, I had to ask how all the cogs turn whilst raising 5 children.Sara shares her refreshingly grounded take on success, her antidote to imposter syndrome, and some media recs for those whose minds are always on the move. This is a conversation about expectations of ourselves, cultivating ease, and choosing stillness in a world that romanticizes hustle.
Transcribe →5. Moral injury, Motherhood, and Mental Health with Dr. Annalene Weston
Jul 1601:06:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we talk about all the things we carry as women in this profession. Dr. Annalene Weston shares her insights andwisdom from decades in dentistry. We explore her experiences of moral injury as a young dentist in the NHS, how she addressed burnout and pivoted her career. We dive into her role as head of advisory at DPL and encounters withgender bias, as well as challenges of being a working mom. Annalene is a passionate advocate for open discussions and adequate support for the mental and emotional wellbeing of our fellow colleagues. Chapters:00:00 Understanding Mental Health in Dentistry01:40 Impact of Gender Bias in Healthcare07:35 Personal Journeys and Influences in Dentistry15:24 Moral Injury and Aligning Values in Dentistry20:57 Finding Fulfillment in Dental Practice32:12 Navigating Career and Motherhood38:59 The Challenges of Being a Working Mother 46:19 Overcoming Gender Bias in the Workplace51:07 Leadership and Personal Growth 56:22 Legacy and Impact in the Dental Profession 01:03:12 Reflections and Advice for the Younger Self 01:06:15 The Importance of Community in Dentistry
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