Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs
A podcast for CRNA and APRN professionals, exploring important issues both inside and beyond the operating room. Hosted by Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA and Jeremy Stanley, EA, CFP, AIF, the show covers innovations and opportunities for CRNAs. Featured topics include CRNA history, personal finance and retirement, political conversations, career issues, and a leadership series called Courage To Lead. New episodes are released weekly with distinguished guests from the CRNA community. Listeners can also earn CE credit by tuning in.
Episodes
Inside the World of Hyperbaric Medicine & the Intersection with Anesthesia
Recorded live from the IFNA World Congress in Australia, Sharon and special co-host Kevin Chem sat down with Associate Professor Susannah Sherlock to offer a rare look inside hospital-based hyperbaric medicine and its connection to anesthesia, critical care, surgery, wound healing, and long-term cancer recovery.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🫁 Oxygen Under Pressure: Hyperbaric t
Grade 1 View – S2, E17 – Lessons From a Lifetime in Nurse Anesthesia with Sharon Pearce
Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN has spent decades practicing, advocating, leading, mentoring, and telling the stories of nurse anesthesia. But behind the titles is a career shaped by formative mentors, difficult clinical days, unexpected opportunities, and a strong sense of responsibility to the profession.
Nicolas and Kelsey have a great conversation with Sharon, not just a former AANA pres
From CRNA to Shark Tank Entrepreneur
Mike O’Dell, CRNA never planned on becoming a quilting entrepreneur, but a love of art, a willingness to experiment, and a push from the right mentor changed everything. What started as a handmade quilt pattern eventually became Legit Kits, a growing business that brought him all the way to Shark Tank.
In this episode, Mike shares the twists, risks, failures, and lessons behind that journey while
Airway Exchange – Ep. 24 – Training Future CRNA Educators
Many nurse anesthesia students enter their programs with an interest in teaching, but that interest can fade without formal guidance or hands-on opportunities. The Minneapolis School of Anesthesia is addressing that gap through a student faculty mentorship track designed to prepare future educators before graduation.
In this episode, Nickie and Louisa are joined by faculty members Travis Laffoon,
Why Onco-Anesthesia Still Has Big Questions
Adam Flowe, MSN, CRNA returns to Beyond the Mask for a follow-up conversation on onco-anesthesia, cancer research, and the rapidly changing tools that may shape the future of care. After stepping away from a longtime leadership role at Duke and moving into a smaller practice setting, Adam reflects on career change, identity, and the importance of staying open to growth.
The conversation then turns
Grade 1 View – S2, E16 – Opportunities for Future CRNAs at AANA Annual Congress
One of the biggest events in our profession is coming up in a few weeks, and the AANA Annual Congress in Boston will provide countless opportunities for RNs and future CRNAs. With educational sessions, networking opportunities, career resources, workshops, and special events happening throughout the week, having a plan can make a major difference.
With so much going on throughout the week,
Unlocking Opportunities for CRNAs Beyond Clinical Practice with Aurnova CEO Linda Caccamo
In this episode, Sharon and Jeremy welcome President and CEO of Aurnova University Linda Caccamo, CRNA, DNP, MS, MBA, MHA, to discuss why advanced business education is becoming an increasingly valuable asset for healthcare professionals. With more than 30 years of clinical anesthesia experience, Linda understands what it takes to create academic programs that meet today’s workforce needs and we’l
Airway Exchange – Ep 23 - Incivility in Clinical Education: Creating Better Learning Environments for Future CRNAs
How much does the clinical learning environment shape the future of nurse anesthesia?
In this episode of Airway Exchange, Greg and Erin welcome Richard Wilson, DNAP, CRNA, FAANA to discuss his groundbreaking research on incivility among CRNA preceptors. Together, they examine groundbreaking research showing that more than three-quarters of nurse anesthesia residents reported experiencing some form
The Global Registry That Could Transform Anesthesia Care
Recorded live from the IFNA World Congress in Australia, Sharon and special co-host Kevin Chem welcome Richard Henker, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN, whose work with the World Health Organization and the G4 Alliance is helping reshape global anesthesia through data. We’ll explore how the Operative and Encounter Registry serves as a simple point of care tool that allows anesthesia provid
Grade 1 View – S2, E15 – Surviving Clinicals: Lessons from Future CRNAs
Every nurse anesthesia student loses sleep over clinicals, wondering whether they’re prepared enough to keep up. The truth? Everyone struggles in the beginning, even the students who seem to have it all together.
In this episode of Grade 1 View, Mackenzie leads the discussion with Levi and Nicolas to share honest stories from their first months in clinicals. They’ll open up about embarrassing mist
The Three Legal Battles That Shaped the CRNA Profession
In this episode of Beyond the Mask, former AANA presidents Sandy Ouellette, CRNA and Dick Ouellette, CRNA join Sharon and Jeremy explore the only three amicus briefs ever filed by the AANA (and its predecessor, NANA). From the 1934 Dagmar Nelson case to the antitrust battles of the 1980s, they explain how these legal efforts defended CRNA practice, challenged misinformation, and laid the foundatio
Airway Exchange – Ep. 22 – Improving Anesthesia Education Through Item Analysis
Item analysis can sound intimidating, especially for educators who were trained as clinicians first and teachers second. But when used well, it can become one of the most valuable tools for improving assessments, clarifying instruction, and supporting student success.
In this episode of Airway Exchange, hosts Erin and Louisa welcome in Valerie Diaz, DNP, CRNA, PMHNP-BC, APRN, CNE, CHSE, FAANA, CAP
5 Things Every CRNA Should Consider Selling Before Retirement
Retirement for CRNAs is much more than just reaching a savings goal. It's about deciding what kind of life you want to live, and that often means asking difficult questions about your home, your possessions, your finances, and even your identity. While popular retirement advice often focuses on what to sell before you retire, the better question is whether those things still support the life you'r
Grade 1 View – S2, E14 - Beyond the Salary: Finding Your First CRNA Position
Graduation is in sight, boards are on the horizon, and one of the biggest decisions of your career is quickly approaching: choosing your first CRNA job. With demand at an all-time high and opportunities across the country, it's easy to focus on salary alone, but the best career decisions involve much more than compensation.
In this episode of Grade 1 View, hosts Kelsey and Levi welcome Mackenzie M
When Systems Fail: The Fungal Meningitis Outbreak in Mexico
Recorded live from the IFNA World Congress in Australia, we sat down with physician and Dr. Jonathan Chejfec of the Mexican Federation of Colleges of Anesthesiology to examine one of the most significant patient safety events in recent anesthesia history. Together, they explore how healthcare can move from blame to learning, why human factors matter, and what organizations everywhere can do to bui
Airway Exchange – Ep. 21 - The Science Behind Fair Testing with Dr. Yasmine Campbell
In this episode of Airway Exchange, Erin and Greg sit down with Yasmine Campbell, DNP, CRNA, APRN, CNE, CHSE, FAANA, a clinical associate professor at Florida International University and member of the AANA Education Committee. The episode discusses strategies for writing better exams, the growing role of AI, and creating meaningful professional development opportunities for CRNA faculty.
Here’s
AANA Hackathon: Innovation Isn’t Just for Tech Companies
Healthcare innovation is often associated with software developers, startup founders, and technology companies. But what if some of the most important solutions to healthcare's biggest challenges are sitting inside operating rooms, classrooms, and clinical settings every day? CRNAs and nurses see problems firsthand, yet they are rarely invited into the rooms where solutions are created.
In this ep
Grade 1 View – S2, E13 – Navigating Malpractice Insurance: A Must for Future CRNAs
Today we’re tackling something that every single SRNA needs to understand before signing their very first employment contract, and that’s protecting our livelihood once we graduate.
In this episode of Grade 1 View, hosts Mackenzie and Nicolas sit down with Bryan Doyle, ME, RPLU, Acting Vice President of AANA Insurance Services and Lisa Kiska, RPLU+, Supervisor, Underwriting & Customer Service
Stories That Can Heal with Rosa Hart
Nurses are consistently ranked as the most trusted profession in America. So why aren't more nurses helping shape the conversations that influence healthcare policy, patient education, technology, and innovation?
In this episode of Beyond the Mask, Sharon and guest co-host Laura Ardizzone, MS, MBA, DNP, CRNA welcome Stroke Certified Registered Nurse, podcaster, author, and healthcare communicator
Airway Exchange – Ep. 20 – Teaching Resilience in Nurse Anesthesia
CRNA education has never been more demanding.
As nurse anesthesia programs have evolved into rigorous 36-month doctoral programs, educators are seeing increasing levels of stress, anxiety, burnout, and mental health challenges among students.
So how can faculty better support students while maintaining the high standards required of the profession?
In this episode of Airway Exchange, hosts Nickie
The Power of Storytelling in Healthcare with Mary Ellen Miller
Every healthcare professional carries a story.
Some are inspiring. Some are heartbreaking. Some quietly shape who we become as clinicians, educators, leaders, and people.
But what happens when those stories are never told?
In this episode of Beyond the Mask, Sharon and guest co-host Laura L. Ardizzone, MS, MBA, DNP, CRNA welcome nurse educator, author, and storyteller Mary Ellen Miller, PhD, RN, P
Grade 1 View – S2, E12 - Building Community, Belonging, and Pride in Nurse Anesthesiology
June is Pride Month, and on this episode of Grade 1 View, Levi and Kelsey sit down with John Gianitsis, MSNA, CRNA and Carlota Izaguirre, DNP, CRNA and from the Nurse Anesthesiology Pride Foundation (NAPF) to discuss representation, belonging, mental health, and community within the nurse anesthesia profession. We’ll also explore the organization's evolution from GALA to NAPF and the important rol
Life as an Anesthesia Director in Rural Alaska with Dr. April Erickson
Could you imagine working in a rural location where access is truly a lifeline for people? Today’s guest is April Erickson, DNP, CRNA, an Alaska based nurse anesthesiologist and anesthesia medical director with more than 15 years of experience in rural independent practice.
Sharon and guest host Jackie Rowles, DNP, MBA, MA, CRNA, ANP-BC, NSPM-C, FNAP, FAANA, FAAN, sit down with
Airway Exchange – Ep 19 - CRNA Admissions: A New Approach to Candidate Assessment
What if CRNA school interviews have been measuring the wrong things all along?
In this episode of Airway Exchange, Vicente Gonzalez, DNP, CRNA and Ann Miller, DNP, CRNA, faculty from Florida International University, break down their groundbreaking new admissions interview process designed to assess what traditional interviews often miss: resilience, adaptability, teamwork, critical thinking, and
Florence Boswell: The Forgotten CRNA Pioneer Who Took to the Skies
Most CRNAs have never heard the name Florence Boswell.
But maybe they should have.
In this fascinating historical episode of Beyond the Mask, former AANA president Debra Malina, CRNA, MBA, DNSc, and Sandy Ouellette, CRNA, uncover the remarkable story of Florence Boswell, a nurse anesthetist, aviation pioneer, charter member of the National Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and one of the earliest
Grade 1 View – S2, E11 – The Truth About Your First Year as a CRNA
What really happens after CRNA school ends?
In this episode of Grade 1 View, former host Kevin Chem, DNP, CRNA returns to the show nearly a year into practice to talk honestly about the transition from SRNA to CRNA, from the stress of boards and credentialing to the emotional reality of walking into the OR independently for the first time.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📚 Consiste
What We Learned at the IFNA Congress in Australia
What happens when anesthesia providers from around the world come together in one place?
In this special recap episode of Beyond the Mask, Sharon is joined by Erin Foley, DNAP, MSNA, CRNA, FAANA, and TxANA Vice President Jennifer Andersen, MSNA, CRNA to look back on their experience attending the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists (IFNA) Congress in Australia. Find out what we learned,
Airway Exchange – Ep 18 - The Next Era of CRNA Education with Dr. Hallie Evans
What does the future of CRNA education actually look like? In this episode of Airway Exchange, hosts Nickie and Greg sit down with Hallie Evans, DNP, CRNA, APRN, CNE, FAANA, to explore some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing CRNA education today, including faculty shortages, mentorship, innovative teaching methods, competency-based learning, and the growing role of AI in healthcare
Why CRNAs Are Leading OB Care (And No One’s Talking About It)
CRNAs provide the majority of obstetric care across much of the country, especially in rural and underserved areas, the data hasn’t always reflected that reality. That disconnect is exactly what sparked the creation of the Society of Obstetric Nurse Anesthesiology and Research (SONAR), a growing movement focused on advancing nurse-led research and elevating the role of CRNAs in obstetrics.
In this
Inside the Heat: A Complete Anesthetic Deep Dive into HIPEC
Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) represents one of the most complex and physiologically demanding procedures encountered in modern perioperative medicine.
In this episode of Anesthesia Alchemy: Lynn & Garry Unplugged, Garry takes listeners on a deep dive into the anesthetic management of these challenging cases. Rather than a checklist approach, this
Grade 1 View – S2, E10 – Advocacy, Education & the Transition to Becoming a CRNA
What really matters when you move from being a student to stepping into your role as a CRNA? In this special crossover episode recorded at the AANA Mid-Year Assembly in Washington, D.C., Levi Davis interviews Airway Exchange hosts Nickie Damico, PhD, CRNA, CHSE, FAANA and Greg Collins, DNP, CRNA about advocacy, their role as educators, and the transition from resident to practicing CRNA.
Mid-Year
Meet the AANA Board of Directors Candidates for 2026-2027
The future of nurse anesthesiology leadership is on the ballot.
In this special election edition of Beyond the Mask, you’ll hear directly from every candidate running in the AANA Board of Directors, including candidates for Director, Treasurer, Vice President, and President-Elect.
Each candidate shares their background, leadership experience, priorities, and vision for the future of the CRNA profe
Airway Exchange – Ep 17 – Advocacy & Mentorship Insights from Future CRNAs at Mid-Year Assembly
In this episode, we sit down with mentorship program participants Jon Casto, SRNA and Abigail Poss, SRNA, to find out what surprised them, what inspired them, and what they wish every future CRNA knew before attending AANA Mid-Year Assembly
Stepping into a national conference for the first time can feel overwhelming but it can also be the moment everything clicks. You’ll hear real experiences from
The Device That Could Change Airway Management Forever
Airway management hasn’t changed much in decades but that doesn’t mean it can’t be improved. As more procedures move into outpatient settings and deep sedation becomes more common, the need for better oxygen delivery and reliable monitoring has never been more important.
That’s where the Aeris Airways device comes in. It’s a simple but powerful innovation designed to enhance standard airway tools,
Kratom in the OR – The Hidden Herbal Challenge
The perioperative environment is increasingly shaped by factors that extend beyond traditional pharmacology, requiring anesthesia providers to stay alert to emerging and often underrecognized influences on patient care. One such factor is the growing use of kratom, a plant-derived substance that patients frequently perceive as harmless due to its “natural” origins. However, as highlighted in today
Grade 1 View – S2, E9 – Why CRNA Advocacy Matters More Than You Think
Most SRNAs are focused on boards, clinicals, and landing their first job, but there’s another side of the profession that can shape your salary, autonomy, and long-term career more than you realize.
In this episode of Grade 1 View, AANA President Jeff Molter, MSN, MBA, CRNA, breaks down why advocacy is essential for everyone anesthesia professional. From student loan caps and full practice authori
Can Cosmetic Procedures Complicate Anesthesia?
Aesthetic treatments like Botox and dermal fillers are more common than ever, but they may be creating hidden risks in the operating room. While these procedures are often viewed as routine cosmetic enhancements, they can alter facial anatomy, mask muscle responses, and complicate airway management in ways many providers don’t expect.
Krystin Jones, a third-year student in Duke University’s Anes
Airway Exchange – Ep 16 – Elevating CRNA Board Prep Through AI Innovation
For CRNA students, everything can come down to one moment: the board exam. But is it fair to measure years of training, clinical experience, and growth with a single high-stakes test? In this episode, Joshua Olson DNP, CRNA, CRNA educator, and co-creator of the Ollivate app, joins Erin and Louisa to discuss board prep and the use of artificial intelligence in CRNA education.
Here’s some of what yo
Should CRNAs Follow Financial Advice from Influential People?
There’s no shortage of financial advice available today, and much of it sounds confident, compelling, and even logical. But one of the biggest mistakes CRNAs can make is assuming that widely shared advice automatically applies to your situation.
The truth is, personal finance is exactly that: personal.
In this episode, Jeremy and Sharon dive into some of the most popular financial advice circulati
At the Edge of Control: Death, Dying, and the Anesthesia Provider
In this episode, Lynn and Garry explore the clinical, ethical, and deeply human realities of death and dying in anesthesia. From the illusion of control to the complexities of end-of-life decision-making, they reflect on what it means to care for patients when cure is no longer possible. More importantly, they examine how these moments shape us as providers challenging our assumptions, deepening o
Grade 1 View – S2, E8 – Choosing with Purpose: DNP Projects & the Future of Sustainable Anesthesia
Choosing a DNP project can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re early in your program and still figuring out your clinical interests. Many students think they need to create something groundbreaking, but the reality is much more practical. The key isn’t reinventing the wheel, it’s finding a topic that’s meaningful, manageable, and backed by existing research.
In this episode, the team breaks
The Power of Failure and Its Impact on a Growth Mindset with Dr. Stephen Pilot
In a profession built on precision and high stakes, mistakes often come with shame, silence, and self-doubt. Failure is something every clinician experiences but almost no one talks about it. What if those moments are actually key to becoming a better provider?
In this episode, Stephen Pilot, DNP, CRNA, APN explains how embracing failure can transform both clinical performance and personal growth.
Airway Exchange – Ep 15 – Sim Wars: A New Way to Teach with Dr. Shayne Hauglum
What if learning could be both highly effective and a genuinely fun experience? In this episode, we explore an innovative approach to CRNA education that blends simulation, competition, and teamwork to create deeper engagement and better outcomes for students.
AANA Chief Science & Practice Officer Shayne Hauglum, PhD, CRNA, APRN, joins the show to share how “Sim Wars” is reshaping the way stud
How GLP-1 Medications Are Changing Anesthesia Practice
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have exploded in popularity for diabetes treatment and weight loss, but their rapid rise is creating new considerations for anesthesia providers. As more patients arrive for procedures while taking these medications, CRNAs and anesthesia teams must navigate evolving guidelines, potential aspiration risks, and uncertainty about perioperative management.
In
Strong Skills, Weak EI: A Dangerous Combination
Today we’re taking listeners beyond technical skill and into one of the most critical yet often overlooked competencies in the operating room: emotional intelligence. In a profession defined by precision, timing, and high-stakes decision-making, the ability to understand and manage emotions can be just as vital as mastering airway management or pharmacology.
Joining the conversation is Brian Barry
Grade 1 View – S2, E7 - What to Expect in CRNA Clinicals (From Students Who’ve Done It)
The transition from classroom to clinical rotations can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking as expectations, personalities, and environments vary from day to day. Knowing what to expect can help ease the anxiety and better prepare you for this critical period of training. Today, all of our hosts are back together to break down what clinicals actually look like from the student perspective.
He
What’s Really Happening in Healthcare Staffing Right Now with Scott Becker
Healthcare is evolving rapidly, and nowhere is that more evident than in the anesthesia workforce. In this episode, Sharon and Jeremy sit down with Scott Becker, founder of Becker’s Healthcare, to explore the current state of staffing, education, and economic pressures shaping the industry.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🏥 The anesthesia shortage isn’t solved
👩⚕️ CRNAs are crit
Airway Exchange – Ep 14 - How Virtual Reality Is Transforming CRNA Training
What if CRNA students could practice critical anesthesia skills over and over again without limits, without pressure, and without risking patient safety?
In this episode of Airway Exchange, Louisa and Erin explore how virtual reality is transforming nurse anesthesia education. Joined by Katie Cole, DNP, CRNA, CHSE and Kelly Wiltse Nicely, PhD, CRNA from Emory University, we’ll dive into how VR sim
CRNAs at a Crossroads: Reimbursement, Workforce, and Leadership with Jeff Molter
The nurse anesthesia profession is navigating a period of rapid change. From reimbursement cuts and workforce shortages to evolving practice models and federal policy battles, the decisions being made today will shape the future of CRNAs for decades to come. In this special live taping recorded at the West Virginia Association of Nurse Anesthesiology meeting, Sharon sits down with AANA President J
Rescue, Reduce, Prevent: The New Era of PONV Management
In this episode, we explore the Fifth Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting, the latest international update designed to guide clinicians toward more effective prevention and treatment strategies. These updated recommendations reflect a growing body of research and introduce several important shifts in how anesthesia providers approach PONV. From expanded use
Grade 1 View – S2, E6 - An International Nurse’s Path to CRNA School with Tarcisio Gois dos Santos, BSN, RN, SRNA
In this episode, Nicolas and Kelsey sit down with Tarcisio Gois dos Santos, BSN, RN, SRNA an internationally educated nurse from Brazil who is now an SRNA at the Mayo Clinic. As workforce shortages persist, the profession is evolving and hospitals are hiring more nurses educated outside of the United States. We’ll explore the realities of applying to CRNA school as an international nurse and discu
Empowering First Responders Through a Naloxone Training Initiative in North Carolina
The opioid crisis continues to impact communities across the country, and in many overdose situations, police officers are the first people to arrive on the scene. That reality inspired a powerful community initiative led by CRNA student Krystin Jones. Her DNP project focuses on training law enforcement officers to recognize opioid overdoses and confidently administer naloxone, a medication that c
Airway Exchange – Ep. 13 – Preparing CRNA Educators for the AI Era
In this episode of Airway Exchange, Jiale (Gary) Hu, PhD, RN, FAAN joins the conversation to explore how AI is reshaping the way we teach, learn, and prepare future CRNAs. He’s currently the Director of Research and Global Outreach in the Department of Nurse Anesthesia, and his scholarship focuses on enhancing knowledge translation in healthcare environments, with a lot o
Surviving Dirty John: Lessons from a CRNA Survivor
Today’s episode is one of courage, survival, and reclaiming your voice. Tonia Bales, CRNA and author of When You See It: How I Outsmarted and Outlasted Dirty John, shares her deeply personal story of manipulation, coercive control, and psychological abuse. While the world knows the headline-grabbing “Dirty John” narrative, this conversation takes us behind the scenes to explore how even strong, ca
Grade 1 View – S2, E5 – Impactful Leadership From Women in Nurse Anesthesia
In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, this episode of Grade 1 View highlights the power, resilience, and impact of women shaping the future of nurse anesthesia.
Dr. Bimpe ‘Bebe’ Adenusi shares her remarkable journey from clinical chemist to CRNA, educator, program director, national leader, and founder of the Nigerian American Nurse Anesthetist Association. With authenticity and humili
Mentorship Matters: The Impact of Effective Preceptorship
Becoming a CRNA isn’t just about mastering pharmacology, physiology, and airway skills. It’s about mentorship.
In this episode of Beyond the Mask, Kelly Elmore, DNP, APRN-CRNA joins the show to discuss one of the most critical and often overlooked elements of nurse anesthesia education: preceptorship training. From bridging classroom theory to real-time clinical decision-making, preceptors are the
Airway Exchange – Ep. 12 – Scholarly Writing & Peer Review as a CRNA Educator with Dr. Edwin Aroke
Writing for a grade is one thing. Writing to contribute to a scientific conversation is something entirely different.
In this episode of Airway Exchange, Dr. Edwin Aroke, an internationally recognized CRNA pain scientist and Editor-in-Chief of the AANA Journal, joins hosts Erin and Nickie to talk with us about scholarly writing and peer review. His scholarship has resulted in over 60 peer-r
The Anesthesia Crisis We Need to Address with Dr. Randy Moore
CRNAs are in demand. Salaries are strong. Jobs are plentiful. So why is Dr. Randy Moore sounding the alarm?
In this episode, Randy joins Sharon and guest host Kevin Chem, DNP, CRNA to unpack his viral Substack article, “No One Is Coming to Save Us.” The core message is uncomfortable but clear: while anesthesia organizations remain divided over turf and titles, payers are quietly reshaping reimburs
Optimization ≠ Clearance: Setting the Record Straight in Anesthesia
This week, Lynn and Garry sit down with guest Dru Riddle to tackle one of the most misunderstood and increasingly problematic concepts in perioperative care: the idea that patients can be “cleared” for anesthesia by non-anesthesia providers. While well-intentioned, this language blurs professional boundaries and creates real risks for patients and anesthesia teams alike.
The goals for this show ar
Grade 1 View – S2, E4 – Advocacy in Action: Why SRNAs Must Show Up
Advocacy can feel intimidating, especially as a student. But what if your future scope of practice, reimbursement, autonomy, and even student loan access are being shaped right now?
Mackenzie and Levi recently attended Lobby Day in Florida and Nicolas went to Capitol Day in Arizona. Kelsey asks them about their experiences and advice for other SRNAs. You’ll learn more about what advocacy events ac
The Fab 4 & the Power of Relationships in the CRNA Community
In this special episode, the conversation goes beyond anesthesia, leadership, and practice models and into something just as essential: friendship, health, and wellness. In a profession that is demanding, high‑stakes, and often isolating, the relationships CRNAs build with one another can be a powerful source of strength.
Sharon is joined by longtime friends Jackie Rowles, DNP, MBA, MA, CRNA, ANP
Airway Exchange – Ep. 11 - Inside EDGE: The Conversations Shaping Nurse Anesthesia Education
Recorded live at the EDGE Conference, this special episode brings all four hosts together for an honest, reflective conversation about what makes this meeting so meaningful for CRNA educators, and why it continues to matter more than ever.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🎓 The Value of EDGE for Educators - Why this conference remains a cornerstone for faculty connection and growth
Reimagining the Oral Airway: Innovation Born in the OR
Oral airways have looked basically the same for nearly a century despite dramatic changes in patient populations, sedation practices, and monitoring standards. What if a simple design change could bring significant improvements to safety and efficacy? In this episode, CRNA John Brown and entrepreneur Jason Keen of Arete Medical Devices share the story behind a newly designed oral airway that aims
Authority Without Aggression: Leadership Skills Every CRNA Needs (Part 2)
Incivility doesn’t always announce itself loudly—it often creeps in quietly, becoming normalized in high-stress clinical environments. In this episode, Lynn and Garry are joined by leadership veteran Meri Gilman-Mays, CRNA, DNP to continue a candid conversation on addressing incivility in nurse anesthesia.
Part two of this conversation shifts from recognizing incivility to actively addressing it t
Grade 1 View – S2, E3 - Culturally Competent Care and the Importance of Representation
Representation in nurse anesthesia is about access, excellence, and belonging. It’s the responsibility of every CRNA to help shape the future of the profession in a way that affords opportunity and access to anyone who wants to pursue that goal. In this episode, hosts Nicolas and Kelsey are joined by two influential leaders in nurse anesthesia advocacy, Lena Gould, EdD, CRNA, FADLN, FAANA, FAAN an
The McMechans & the Origins of the CRNA–Physician Conflict
From the very beginning of nurse anesthesia, opposition was organized, strategic, and relentless. Two central figures who devoted their careers to making anesthesia a physician-only specialty in the United States in the early 1900s were Frank and Laurette McMechan. Today, we’ll examine their lives and professional impact in this historical episode with our show historians Nancy Bruton-Maree, CRNA
Airway Exchange – Ep. 10 – How the Best CRNA Programs Approach Accreditation with Dr. Angie Mund
Accreditation can feel overwhelming, but when done well, it’s not a once-every-ten-years scramble. Dr. Angie Mund joins us this week to help reframe accreditation as an ongoing leadership practice that shapes program culture, faculty development, and student outcomes.
Drawing on decades of experience as a program director, department chair, and national leader, Dr. Mund explains what’s usually tru
Embracing AI: The Future of Anesthesia Care
Artificial Intelligence has become much more than a buzzword. It’s transforming industries as it rapidly evolves, and the big question for CRNAs is what does this mean for anesthesia providers? Sharon and guest co-host Larry Sears, CRNA sit down with CRNA educator and technology thought leader Richard Wilson, DNPA, CRNA, FAANA to explore how AI is quietly reshaping perioperative care, education, a
Culture Matters: How Everyday Behaviors Shape CRNA Well-Being (Part 1)
Workplace culture in anesthesia doesn’t just live in policies or mission statements, it shows up in hallways, handoffs, and yes, even the lounge. In Part I of this conversation, Lynn and Garry welcome guest Meri Gilman-Mays, CRNA, DNP, for an honest, thoughtful conversation about incivility in the perioperative environment and how it quietly shapes the daily experiences of nurse anesthetists.
Part
Grade 1 View – S2, E2 – Applying to CRNA School - Rejection, Reapplying, and Resilience
Applying to CRNA school can feel overwhelming—stats, GPAs, ICU experience, GRE scores, interviews, and endless comparisons to peers and strangers alike. It’s easy to talk yourself out of applying (or reapplying) so today we’re going to back the curtain on the application process and share our real, unfiltered journeys to CRNA school.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📄 What the CRNA
CRNAs in Business: The Journey From Clinic to Entrepreneurship
More CRNAs are stepping beyond the operating room and building something entirely new, and this episode dives into what that transition truly looks like. Today, we’re sitting down with Joshua Olson DNP, CRNA, CRNA educator, and co-creator of the Ollivate app, a gamified learning platform designed to help CRNAs earn CEs and residents prepare for boards in a calmer, more effective way. Want to know
Airway Exchange – Ep. 9 – Lessons Learned from the Accreditation Process
As we kick off the new year, all four hosts are back for a discussion that every nurse anesthesia program will face at some point. We’re sitting down together for a candid, experience-driven conversation about what accreditation really looks like from the inside, whether you’re a program director, faculty member, or educator preparing for your first review.
Drawing from multiple accreditation cycl
Celebrating the Exceptional Life & Legacy of Betty Horton
Today we’re honoring the life, leadership, and lasting influence of Betty Horton, PhD, CRNA, FAAN, a woman whose impact on nurse anesthesia education spans generations. With her passing on December 27, 2025, we wanted to revisit the conversation we had with her five years prior about the evolution of education and accreditation in nurse anesthesia, something that she cared about tremendously. This
Not All Hypotension Is Thirsty: Rethinking Fluids in the OR
In this episode of Anesthesia Alchemy: Lynn & Garry Unplugged, Garry dives deep into the science and strategy behind Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy (GDFT), moving beyond dogma to deliberate, physiology-driven decision-making.
Our guest, Richard Wilson, traces the evolution of perioperative fluid management from liberal “fill-the-tank” approaches to modern, data-informed strategies that respect th
Grade 1 View – S2, E1 – Passing the Mic: Meet the New Voices for Season 2
Season two of Grade 1 View begins with a transition featuring new voices, new perspectives, and the same commitment to honesty, community, and growth. As we hand off the torch to a new group of future CRNAs, founding host Olivia Conn, RN, DNP introduces the new host team: Nicolas Alexander, BSN, SCRN, CCRN; Levi Davis, BSN, RN, CCRN; Mackenzie Lane, BSN, RN, CCRN; and Kelsey Muir, BSN, RN, CCCRN.
New Year, New Energy: Making Sense of the Evolving Anesthesia Ecosystem
We’re back once again for our annual conversation with NorthStar Anesthesia CEO Adam Spiegel and Chief Anesthetist Officer/Executive Vice President of Clinical Strategy Randy Moore, DNP, MBA, CRNA to provide us with a state of the profession as we begin 2026. They’re here to help us make sense of the ever-evolving anesthesia ecosystem by explaining what’s going on in our space right now and tellin
Airway Exchange – Ep. 8 – New Year, Honest Conversations: Addressing SUD in Anesthesia
As we finish up wellness month, today’s conversation is about substance use disorder, recovery, and how people think about intentional living around this time of the year. Hosts Nickie Damico and Louisa Martin are joined by Bridget Petrillo, MS, CRNA and Rodrigo Garcia, CEO of Parkdale Center of Professionals, for an honest, deeply personal conversation about SUD, recovery, stigma, and hope within
12 Financial Gifts That Should Be On Every CRNA’s Christmas List
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 of Beyond the Mask, Jeremy and Sharon walk through
Grade 1 View – Ep. 28 – Year One is a Wrap!
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.
Today’s show is honest, personal, and often humoro
The Anesthetic Implications of Vaping with Beth Wilkes
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 CRNAs must understand about vaping: how these device
Recommended
Classical Christian Education
Veritas Vox - The Voice of Classical Christian Education
Enjoy Teaching Again | Elementary, Teacher Burnout, Student Behavior, SEL, Classroom Management
Entrepreneur Kids Legacy Show - Family Motivation, Business Boss Babies, Inspirational Speakers and Healthy fun food
McKinsey on Consumer and Retail
megahired.com
Telli Talks with Telli Swift
Harmonize Your Life: Conversation on Self-Care for Women of Color
Lighting the Legal Career Path
High Performance Mindset | Learn from World-Class Leaders, Consultants, Athletes & Coaches about Mindset
Pintastic® Pinterest Podcast
Learn 50 English Phrases While You Sleep | Everyday English Phrases & Vocabulary
