Beyond Clean Podcast

Set assembly might seem routine, but it’s one of the most critical opportunities to ensure instrument accuracy and performance. So, how do you create a process that supports accuracy without slowing down your team? In this episode of our “Process Better” series, Tory Teakell, Clinical Solutions Manager at Medline, walks us through the essential role of assembly and inspection—and how purposeful audits can turn good processes into great ones. From managing productivity pressures to improving technician training, Tory shares practical ways to support consistency at the prep table and beyond. If you're looking to fine-tune your set assembly...

Hey #CleanFreaks -- What if the dirtiest surface in your SPD’s decontam isn't at your workstation, but on the floor you're standing on? This week, we welcome infection prevention expert Ericka Kalp to expose the hidden dangers lurking on the surface of your SPD’s floors—and why ignoring them could be putting your patients and your team at risk. From selecting the right disinfectants to establishing clear cleaning accountability between departments, Ericka reveals how those microscopic microbes under your shoes are leaving behind a trail of contamination with every step you take. If you've ever walked into decon...

On this episode 4 of the StreetClothes podcast, we talk to Lindsay Brown, a Minnesota clinician who has a passion project unlike any other! Not only does she know where babies come from (every child's eternal question), she also knows how clinical expertise beautifully combines with nurturing care during life's very first moments. 

Tune in to hear how Linds's work as a doula brings comfort and advocacy to the birthing experience outside of her 9-5 healthcare role...

If you like this series OR have an interesting side-hustle, passion project, or hobby you do outside of your h...

Across the great state of Texas and beyond, Sterile Processing pros are sharpening their skills, building confidence, and making a real impact where it matters most – patient safety. In this week’s episode of Everything is Cleaner in Texas, hosts Hank Balch and Dusty Glass team up with Kurt Van Sickel, Program Director and Career Coach at Good Works Collective, to spotlight the power of professional development in SPD. From the classroom to #FightingDirty in decontam, Kurt shares how upskilling, soft-skill training, and real-world mentorship are opening career doors – and powering the next generation of #CleanFreaks. Ready to invest in you...

Instrument damage is more than just a headache—it’s costly, disruptive, and far more common than most realize. So, how can we prevent it before it even happens? In Episode 2 of our “Process Better” series, Tory Teakell, Clinical Solutions Manager at Medline, joins us to explore the most common causes of instrument damage across surgical workflows— and how better care, handling, and training can reduce damage and raise the bar for quality. From transport to assembly and back again, Tory walks us through practical steps to protect your SPD’s instruments and your bottom line. If broken tags are becoming...

Three bays, two basins, or one compliance nightmare? When it comes to your decontam sinks, the wrong setup doesn't just slow you down – it can send your entire workflow underwater! On this episode of Beyond Clean's Planet Decontam, Jessie Lopez joins us to break down why the proper sink setup can make or break your entire reprocessing cycle. From missing rinses and awkward sink setups to chemical confusion and ergonomic nightmares, we're uncovering how these small missteps at the sink can compromise your workflows and create real compliance challenges for your SPD. If your decontam sinks are creating more ob...

Everything’s bigger in Texas—and that’s especially true in the Texas Medical Center, where the pace never slows and the pressure is always on! In this episode of Everything is Cleaner in Texas, hosts Hank Balch and Dusty Glass sit down with Anna Castillo-Gutierrez for a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work inside one of the most complex, high-volume medical centers in the country. From nonstop surgical schedules to navigating rapid turnarounds, Anna shares how her Sterile Processing team rises to the challenge every day—and why education, communication, and resilience are key in SPD. Tune...

What started as a podcast quickly became a global platform for Sterile Processing education—and in our Season 1 finale, we’re sitting down with the man behind the mic, the #OriginalCleanFreak himself, Hank Balch. As the Co-Founder and President of Beyond Clean, Hank takes us behind the scenes of how one idea—offering free, accessible Sterile Processing educational content—has reshaped how frontline professionals learn, connect, and lead. From launching the first CE-approved podcast to building a 350+ FREE CE library, Hank shares how disruption, innovation, and community have fueled a movement that’s still gaining speed. Buckle up, #CanadianCleanFreaks—this finale...

Point-of-use cleaning is one of the most critical—and most often missed—steps in the reprocessing cycle. So, how do we build workflows that keep this step front and center? In this premiere episode of our exclusive new podcast series “Process Better,” Tory Teakell, Clinical Solutions Manager at Medline, helps us redefine what effective point-of-use cleaning really looks like. From aligning with current guidelines to closing the communication gap between SPD and the OR, Tory breaks down the real reasons this step gets overlooked— and outlines what it takes to build a process that actually works. If your team is struggl...

Picture it: You’re standing in decontam, 10 case carts deep, trying to track down the right IFU—and the OR rushes in with a STAT turnaround tray. In this moment, memory, speed, and accuracy collide—and compliance is put to the test! On this week’s episode of Beyond Clean’s Planet Decontam, Art Babiy joins us to tackle the real-world challenges hidden inside instrument IFUs. From real-time access issues to the serious risks of non-compliance, we explore why true IFU compliance remains one of the toughest hurdles in Sterile Processing. If you’re tired of getting lost in a maze of IF...

On this episode 3 of our brand new StreetClothes human-interest podcast series, we talk to two healthcare professionals who have a passion project that's far from fowl play! Not only have they created their own backyard flock of feathered friends, they've also cracked the code for beating those sky-high egg prices!

Tune in to hear how Sean Weir & Stacey Gielen became known as the "Chicken Tenders" and how these quirky birds bring sustainable joy to their lives outside the hospital...

If you like this series OR have an interesting side-hustle, passion project, or hobby you do...

Y’all ready for this? We’re kicking off our brand-new podcast series, "Everything is Cleaner in Texas," sponsored by STERIS IMS, with a big, bold look at the future of chapter education in the Lone Star State! In this premiere episode, hosts Hank Balch and Dusty Glass team up to share the vision behind Houston’s newly relaunched chapter—and the powerful role that education, networking, and innovation will play in shaping the next generation of Sterile Processing professionals. Saddle up and see how Texas is raising the bar for chapter education!

A special thanks to our spons...

It’s 6 a.m.—the trays are sterilized, the patient is prepped, and the vendor rep is on the way! In this episode of Beyond Clean Canada, we’re joined by Adam Redmond, Vendor Rep from CONMED Corporation, to explore the critical role vendor reps play in supporting surgical teams—and the MDR professionals who make it all possible. From late-night deliveries to early-morning OR support, Adam shares how this behind-the-scenes collaboration ensures the right instruments make it to the table, right on time. He also opens up about the importance of building trust, navigating backorders, and why strong relation...

Think your endoscopes are actually dry? You might want to take a second look! On this Season 28 premiere episode of Beyond Clean's “Planet Decontam,” we're joined by Jill Berends, Clinical Trainer at Ambu, to explore why moisture remains one of the biggest threats to effective high-level disinfection. From forced air-drying requirements to the challenges of cabinet storage, discover what the latest studies reveal about this critical -- but often overlooked -- step in endoscope reprocessing. Whether you're struggling with limited space or trying to make sense of ST91’s drying recommendations, this black-and-white conversation about endoscope drying is one you do...

The best patient outcomes start with the strongest teams -- but how do we build them? In this episode of Beyond Clean Canada, we’re joined by Becky White and Pam Hunter, two powerhouse MDR leaders, to talk about what it takes to build and maintain meaningful relationships between MDR and OR teams. From their work with MDRANS and CAMDR to collaborative OR training programs and team-building strategies, Becky and Pam share how connection, communication, and collaboration are reshaping patient care. Buckle up #CanadianCleanFreaks -- this one’s packed with heart, leadership, and lessons you don’t want to miss...

Hey, #CleanFreaks -- are you ready to uncover what’s next in endoscope reprocessing? In this exciting series finale episode of "Safe & Sterile Endoscopes," Dr. Ivan Salgo, Chief Medical Officer & Vice President at ASP, joins us to pull back the curtain on the game-changing technologies reshaping our approach to endoscope sterility! From conquering biofilm challenges to elevating quality standards, this episode is packed with innovations that will transform your approach to scope reprocessing. Whether you're #FightingDirty in decontam or leading from the C-suite, you won't want to miss this glimpse into tomorrow's technology – the future of scope safety starts now...

On this episode 2 of the StreetClothes podcast, we talk to a well-known voice in the medical device space about bending strings and making his guitar "talk." If you're like many Americans, you've probably got a guitar in a closet somewhere. Some of you may even use your guitar as a much-needed tool to unwind your mind after a crazy day at the hospital. Whether you're a "picker" or a "grinner", if you appreciate the power of music to deeply impact people, you'll find a lot of value in this episode.    Tune in to hear how and why Kevin Brown jams ou...

On this episode 1 of our brand new, human-interest "StreetClothes" podcast series, we talk to a clinician who moonlights as a personal chef in between his travel assignments. Don't listen to this interview on an empty stomach as the smell, taste, and passion for food is strong from beginning to end. But like any good recipe, even this story has a little twist — this personal chef isn't whipping up meals for the rich and famous.   Tune in to hear this wonderful story about what Vinny Stancarone does outside of scrubs.   If you like this series OR have an interesting side-hustle, passion proj...

Sterile Processing professionals around the world show up every day with passion, resilience, and commitment to #FightingDirty! But what happens when they don’t have access to the tools and education they need? In this episode of Beyond Clean Canada, we’re joined by Christina Fast—global safe surgery advocate and founder of the Sterile Processing Education Charitable Trust (SPECT)—to explore what sustainable education looks like in low-resource settings. Christina shares how a life-changing visit to a hospital in Sierra Leone sparked her global mission to equip, train, and empower local Sterile Processing teams with systems that last long aft...

As industry standards and guidelines evolve, are your department’s workflows keeping up? In this week’s new episode from our “Safe and Sterile Endoscopes” series, Stacy Johnson and Melanie Marshall, Clinical Education Consultants at ASP, join us to break down the latest regulatory requirements, including AAMI ST91, and their impact on endoscope reprocessing workflows. From FDA recommendations to evidence-based standards, these education experts outline what these changes mean for your department. Whether you’re preparing for your next audit or updating outdated processes, this episode provides the clarity and tools you need to stay ahead. Tune in now to take th...

Sterile wrap is designed for one-time use—but what happens after it leaves the OR? In this episode of Beyond Clean Canada, we’re joined by Andy Straisfeld, sustainability advocate and President and CEO of MEA Health, to talk about the future of recycling in healthcare. From turning MDR and OR waste into park benches, plastic lumber, and even tiny homes, Andy shares how a single idea turned into a coast-to-coast initiative changing how we think about hospital waste. He also breaks down how MEA is protecting healthcare workers, building partnerships across Canada, and pushing for greener, smarter alternatives to l...

What does it take to build a winning endoscope reprocessing program? Teamwork! In Episode 4 of our “Safe & Sterile Endoscopes” series, Julie Gorog, Clinical Education Consultant at ASP, reveals why bridging departmental gaps is essential for advancing patient safety. From crafting effective competency programs to enhancing quality assurance practices, Julie shares strategies for uniting SPD, OR, and IP teams around shared safety and reprocessing goals. Whether you’re looking to streamline communication or refine training techniques, this episode delivers the tools you need to foster collaboration, best practices, and long-term success. Tune in now and discover how working together makes all th...

Sterility assurance isn’t just another checkbox in our workflows—it’s a commitment to excellence! In this episode of Beyond Clean Canada, we’re breaking down the critical steps of equipment, exposure, pack, and load monitoring—where errors can happen and how to prevent them. With high turnover rates in MDR departments, Leeanne Ismail, Clinical Specialist at Solventum, stresses the need for ongoing education, industry collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions to maintain the highest patient safety standards. She also shares how advancements in sterilization technology are shaping the future of reprocessing and quality assurance. So, turn up the volume and join t...

What are the biggest roadblocks for safe and effective endoscope reprocessing? From biofilm buildup to the challenges of cleaning hard-to-reach channels, we’re pulling back the curtain on the hidden obstacles that make endoscopes some of the most complex devices to reprocess! In this week’s new episode from our “Safe & Sterile Endoscopes” series, Benedicta Ampadu, Global Product Manager at ASP, dives into the risks, realities, and strategies that frontline teams need to overcome their toughest reprocessing challenges. Get ready to streamline your reprocessing workflows with Benedicta's frontline insights and expert strategies for patient safety success! So, turn up the volu...

Sterile Processing isn’t just about cleaning instruments—it’s about making the right decisions at every step. In this episode of Beyond Clean Canada, we sit down with Brandon Rawn from Stryker Canada to discuss his passion for reducing errors in medical device reprocessing. Drawing from his background in public healthcare, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and medical device reprocessing, Brandon highlights the key moments where mistakes happen—and what we can do to prevent them. From environmental factors to department culture, he explains how every team member plays a role in keeping patients safe. So, sit back, relax, and press play as...

From the drawing board to the operating room, every detail in endoscope design matters! In Episode 2 of our new podcast series “Safe & Sterile Endoscopes,” ASP’s Khoi Pham and Tamara Beehler join us for an insider’s look at the science behind endoscope design, functionality, and innovation. From cutting-edge materials to automated systems, they reveal how modern endoscope designs are solving complex challenges while prioritizing patient care and safety. With firsthand insights and a glimpse into the prototypes shaping the future, this episode will change how you view these critical devices. Step into the next era of endoscope design – tune in no...

On this week's edition of the Beyond Clean Expert Series On-The-Go, tune in for the conversation entitled, "Make it Stick," with our Healthcare Storage Expert™, Dustin Patterson.

To hear more from this expert, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the Beyond Clean mailing list by visiting: http://www.beyondcleanmedia.com

Do you know a #SterileProcessing expert who you'd love to hear from on our series? Or do you have a question for one of our current experts? Contact us at any time via email at: info@beyondclean.net

Until next tim...

What does it take to create the gold standard in medical device reprocessing? Kicking off the first-ever episode of Beyond Clean Canada, we’re joined by Colleen Landers —a trailblazer in medical device reprocessing, an award-winning CSA leader, and an advocate for patient safety. With decades of experience shaping national and international standards, Colleen shares the behind-the-scenes process of how a standard is created, why the shift from "should" to "shall" matters, and what it takes to ensure compliance in hospitals nationwide. Get ready, #CanadianCleanFreaks—it's time to discover “How a Standard is Created!”

A special shout-out to Solvent...

Buckle up, #EndoscopeEnthusiasts! We're kicking off our exclusive new podcast series, "Safe & Sterile Endoscopes," sponsored by ASP, with an exciting look at the history and innovation of modern endoscopes. This week, Dr. Klaus Mergener, a GI physician and internationally recognized expert in gastroenterology and endoscopy, takes us back to where it all began – exploring the evolution from rigid steel tubes and simple designs to today’s high-tech medical devices that play a critical role in patient care. Tune in to discover how early innovators transformed challenges into breakthroughs – and why understanding the past is key to advancing the future of end...

On this week's edition of the Beyond Clean Expert Series On-The-Go, tune in for the conversation entitled, "Environmental Impact of Healthcare Disinfection," with our UV Disinfection Expert™, Daan Hoek.

To hear more from this expert, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the Beyond Clean mailing list by visiting: http://www.beyondcleanmedia.com

Do you know a #SterileProcessing expert who you'd love to hear from on our series? Or do you have a question for one of our current experts? Contact us at any time via email at: info@beyondclean.net

Unt...

When a critical device fails mid-surgery, there's only one team to call… Biomed! This week, we’re joined by the Bearded Biomed himself, Chace Torres, as he reveals why keeping ORs running smoothly takes more than just maintaining equipment - it requires quick thinking, technical expertise, and partnerships that span all surgical teams. From preventive maintenance to emergency repairs, discover how biomed professionals are driving patient safety and surgical success by ensuring every device is ready when it’s needed most. Ready to see surgery through the eyes of healthcare's tech experts? It all comes together in this can’t-miss S...

On this week's edition of the Beyond Clean Expert Series On-The-Go, tune in for the conversation entitled, "Who is Responsible for Water Quality in Your Facility?" with our Water Quality Expert™, Jeffrey Paquet.

To hear more from this expert, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the Beyond Clean mailing list by visiting: http://www.beyondcleanmedia.com

Do you know a #SterileProcessing expert who you'd love to hear from on our series? Or do you have a question for one of our current experts? Contact us at any time via email at: info@bey...

Struggling to keep pace with your facility's growing ultrasound probe demands? On this week's Beyond Clean Vendor Spotlight™, we speak with Marci Tucker and Eric Einwalter from CIVCO Medical Solutions about their cutting-edge solutions in ultrasound probe high-level disinfection. Learn how CIVCO's ASTRA automated reprocessing system helps departments streamline their workflows through dual probe reprocessing, all while maintaining the highest standards of compliance and patient safety. Tune in today to discover how their integrated solutions and educational resources are helping Sterile Processing departments boost efficiency and achieve confident compliance in ultrasound probe management!

Learn more about CIVCO's cu...

There's a reason they call it the practice of medicine—and every instrument tells part of the story! In this week's episode of Beyond Clean Season 27, pediatric surgeon Dr. Erik Pearson joins us to share why surgical success depends on more than just a surgeon’s skill—it requires a strong partnership with SPD. From training with specific tools to adapting when plans change, we’re exploring how Sterile Processing professionals ensure surgeons have the tools they need to operate with confidence, every procedure, every time. Tune in today to discover how #CleanFreaks like you play a critical role in prepa...

On this week's edition of the Beyond Clean Expert Series On-The-Go, tune in for the conversation entitled, "Let's Get To It!" with our Healthcare Storage Expert™, Dustin Patterson.

To hear more from this expert, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the Beyond Clean mailing list by visiting: http://www.beyondcleanmedia.com

Do you know a #SterileProcessing expert who you'd love to hear from on our series? Or do you have a question for one of our current experts? Contact us at any time via email at: info@beyondclean.net

Until nex...

When advocating for SPD becomes more important than selling products, you know there's a bigger story to tell! Join Territory Manager Jeremy Adler on this week's episode of Beyond Clean’s Planet Surgery as he reveals why building strong partnerships between vendors and Sterile Processing is the key to making every surgery possible. From successful product trials and in-services to building lasting partnerships, discover what happens when vendors become Sterile Processing’s biggest champions. With insights from both the OR and SPD, this is one vendor’s perspective you don't want to miss – tune in today!

Season 27 of Beyon...

On this week's edition of the Beyond Clean Expert Series On-The-Go, tune in for the conversation entitled, "Unlocking the Power of UV-C Light," with our UV Disinfection Expert™, Daan Hoek.

To hear more from this expert, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the Beyond Clean mailing list by visiting: http://www.beyondcleanmedia.com

Do you know a #SterileProcessing expert who you'd love to hear from on our series? Or do you have a question for one of our current experts? Contact us at any time via email at: info@beyondclean.net

...

Grab your count sheets and fire up those instrument tracking systems - we're diving into the general service line on this week's episode of Beyond Clean Season 27! Join data gurus Kyle Louie and Craig Stevens as they uncover why optimization starts with understanding how your trays are really being used. From critical access hospitals to major medical centers, discover how tribal knowledge, automated solutions, and proper data collection can transform your SPD’s general service line. Whether you're managing complex preference cards or searching for that one crucial instrument across sixteen trays, this is one episode you don't want to...

On this week's edition of the Beyond Clean Expert Series On-The-Go, tune in for the conversation entitled, "Good Water Saves Time," with our Water Quality Expert™, Jeffrey Paquet.

To hear more from this expert, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the Beyond Clean mailing list by visiting: http://www.beyondcleanmedia.com

Do you know a #SterileProcessing expert who you'd love to hear from on our series? Or do you have a question for one of our current experts? Contact us at any time via email at: info@beyondclean.net

Until nex...

Counting backward from ten might be the last thing you remember, but for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) like OJ Skiles, it's where the real work begins. Step into the OR where emergency airway equipment reliability matters most, instrument delays impact patient safety, and every minute under anesthesia counts. From critical airway tools to complex surgical equipment, join OJ as he reveals how every member of the surgical team plays a vital role in getting patients safely through their most challenging moments. Whether you're reprocessing instruments or monitoring vital signs, tune in to this eye-opening episode of Beyond Clean...