The Freedom Founders Podcast - Investing and Financial Freedom for Dentists

You’ll hear why profits follow ownership, not employment, how to balance competence with confidence, and why common sense—not the status quo—should drive your business decisions. Whether you’re fresh out of school or approaching the finish line, this episode is your blueprint for building a practice and life that serves you, not the other way around.

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Whether you're a fresh dental grad wondering if ownership is worth it, or a seasoned doc questioning your next move, Steve's insights will help you reframe your mindset around profitability, leadership, and long-term sustainability. This isn’t about “grinding harder”—it’s about building smarter, staying profitable, and maintaining clarity on what success truly means. Private practice isn't just surviving—it’s adapting. And it may be stronger than ever.

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

If you’ve ever avoided conflict or struggled to express yourself in high-stakes conversations, this episode is your wake-up call. Greg Stephens, executive coach, author, and founder of Alignment Resources, joins David to discuss why so many leaders unknowingly limit their influence, connection, and freedom—because they’ve never been taught how to have the right conversations. Greg believes that conflict isn’t a threat—it’s the doorway to transformation.

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Many dentists are great producers—but still struggle to understand why their bank accounts don’t reflect that success. This week, David welcomes back Barb Stackhouse, a former dental hygienist turned Profit First coach, who helps practice owners finally bridge the gap between production and real profit. In this episode, Barb reveals how one report, 10 minutes a week, and a mindset shift can give dentists total financial control—without needing to become accountants.

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Joining us today is bestselling author, Mike Michalowicz, to tell us about his upcoming, and most personal book yet, The Money Habit. Mike shares how past failures led him to rethink profitability,  and expounds on the “four-week vacation test” from Clockwork, and how most entrepreneurs mistakenly equate growth with success, and how to break through the marketing noise by doing the opposite of what everyone else is doing!

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

What does it truly mean to lead in an era of rapid change and uncertainty? Today we're joined by Tony Rubleski, leadership strategist and author of Trailblazers, to explore real leadership and inspiring others to take action, especially when the world is filled with confusion and distractions. Tony shares that successful leaders must be willing to be misunderstood, even by those closest to them, and talks about what it means to be a true entrepreneurial trailblazer.

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Does your dental practice or business bring you joy? Dr. Robert "Cree" Hamilton is an orthodontist whose journey spans a small-town upbringing, a career in the Air Force, and a dental practice in Las Vegas. His story embodies the principles of intentional design and purpose-driven leadership. Cree shares his insights on bringing an associate into the dental practice, and the need for transparency and alignment of vision— including two powerful daily questions to clear the air and avoid hidden resentment. Give it a listen!

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjo...

After 30 years running a solo dental practice with no breaks, no vacations, and no exit in sight, Dr. John and Joy Russo decided to do things differently. In this episode, they share how they transitioned from burnout and uncertainty to true time and financial freedom—without giving up clinical autonomy. Discover what they did differently that opened the door to passive income, alternative investing, and a lifestyle they once thought was out of reach. Their only regret? Not starting sooner.

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Joining us today is Dr. Chris Phelps, dentist, entrepreneur, and CEO of the Cialdini Institute. We explore the evolution from clinical practice to scalable, self-managing businesses. Chris shares how his first entrepreneurial breakthrough came from simplifying dense dental school material into condensed study guides—eventually monetizing his problem-solving ability. Listen in to gain powerful takeaways on using behavioral psychology to drive team performance and patient commitment, the transformative power of Kolbe assessments for building high-functioning teams, and how marketing strategy must begin with clarity around the ideal avatar.

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we...

What happens when a successful endodontist redefines success—not by the size of his practice or his net worth, but by the depth of his relationships and the culture he creates? Today, Dr. Jerry (Gerald) Gray joins Dr. David Phelps to share his journey from burnout to transformation, and how coaching, family wake-up calls, and a renewed vision for leadership helped Jerry pivot from a transactional, high-performance mindset to a transformational purpose-driven life—one centered on values, trust, and impact.

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Want to know more about leadership, culture, and creating a business that thrives? Joining the show today is Dr. Matt VanderMolen. From starting his dental career in the Navy to building a top dental practice in Springfield, Illinois, Matt talks about why your team comes before the patient and the importance of defining a clear mission within your business. Dr. VanderMolen shares how his military background instilled a passion for structured advancement and people development, and how it inspired him to create a five-level system to empower his dental staff. Give it a listen!

If you like t...

What do dentists need to increase profitability in their business and create time freedom? Jake Conway, founder of Custom Practice Analytics, is back for an in-depth conversation on future-proofing businesses in an era of uncertainty. We dig into the financial stressors facing dentists and entrepreneurs today and how knee-jerk decisions often compound the problem. Jake shares his battle-tested approach to key performance metrics, and also tackles one of the most misunderstood decisions practice owners face: whether to scale or sell. 

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Joining us today is Chris Litzler, Senior Managing Director at Marcus & Millichap, for an insider look at the current state of real estate capital markets. We dive into the world of refinancing and acquisition lending. With interest rates significantly higher than just a few years ago, most refinancing today is "involuntary." Listen in to hear Chris explain what passive investors should be looking for in real estate deals, the growing role of private credit funds, and more!

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Are dentists missing a critical opportunity when it comes to investing in their own technology? Dr. Jeremy Krell, Managing Partner of Revere Partners (the first independent venture capital fund dedicated to oral health) brings his experience from years of building and exiting startups and clinical expertise, and makes a compelling case for why dentists should consider investing not only in their practices, but also in the very tools and technologies they already use!

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Mark Drager has helped over 300 companies across 29 industries sharpen their brand positioning and marketing strategies, and he joins us to unpack hard-won lessons about entrepreneurship, branding, and navigating radical business shifts. Mark shares his journey from building a multimillion-dollar agency to confronting its potential collapse, and offers a transparent look at the emotional and operational toll of scaling too quickly. Check it out!

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Is traditional retirement keeping you trapped instead of setting you free? Joining us today is Russ Morgan, co-founder of Wealth Without Wall Street. Russ shares his powerful journey from certified financial planner, turned real estate investor, and reveals why traditional financial planning often leads to frustration, and not freedom. Russ dives into understanding your unique "Investor DNA," and building passive income streams that align with your strengths and goals rather than blindly following Wall Street narratives and conventional reliance on 401(k)s and IRAs. 

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enj...

Today, I'm sharing a recent and powerful conversation I had with Jeremy Knauff, a friend and public relations and marketing expert, unpacking the dramatic shifts underway in the global economy and how everyday Americans can prepare. In this conversation, we make sense of macroeconomic chaos, including inflation, tariffs, the demise of the dollar standard, and the risks of a debt-fueled financial system, as well as how it's important as Americans to increase our financial literacy, live within our means, invest in real assets (not just paper wealth), and build resilient networks in preparation for the volatile times ahead.

David McAlvany, CEO of McAlvany Financial Companies, joins us for a deep dive into today’s volatile economic environment. He shares his insights into the growing risks tied to overleveraged hedge funds, private equity, and private credit markets, which are increasingly unstable in the face of rising interest rates. We also discuss the need for active management, increased cash allocations, the importance of liquidity, and how time, not net worth, is the true measure of wealth. 

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Dr. Bill Jordan, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, shares his unexpected and life-altering journey from a thriving practice to a sudden retirement due to a tremor in his hands that impacted his ability to perform surgery. Bill dives into the emotional toll of this unplanned exit and the urgent need to reevaluate his and his wife's financial readiness. What followed was a radical shift—from traditional wealth accumulation to intentional budgeting, financial resilience, and building passive income streams.

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Joining us today is my longtime friend, Brad Chandler, founder of LimitlessYou and a real estate guru. Though Brad has closed over 4,500 real estate transactions, the most significant turning point in his life didn't come from a deal but from a personal crisis—helping his son through anxiety. In doing so, it revealed Brad's own deeply buried limiting beliefs and a lack of self-love stemming from childhood experiences. And he shares how he broke the cycle through deep inner work and now dedicates his life to helping others rewire these false narratives!

If you like this episode, he...

If you want to optimize performance, you can't neglect your health. In this episode, I interview Dr. Peter Dinh, dentist, performance coach, and co-founder of the Gut Hormone Clinic, about his journey from unexplained burnout to optimized living. Peter shares how years of trying to better his performance failed until he addressed deeper health issues and how he tackled these root causes through functional medicine to regain energy, clarity, and motivation. Give it a listen!

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Joining the podcast today is, Dr. David Moffet, creator of The Ultimate Patient Experience, and a dental practice management and profitability expert. He shares his journey from running a highly profitable dental practice to selling it in 2007, and the steps that led to his transition into the coaching world. We also discusses his philosophy of practicing for longevity versus quick fixes, providing a great experience for your patients, and the power of networking with like-minded professionals!

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Is now the time for smaller and more strategic moves when investing? This episode is both for investors and business owners. Joining me today is Marcus Crigler, Founder, CEO, and CFO of BEC (Accounting, Tax, and Finance Experts For Real Estate Investors.) We explore how market cycles affect investment strategies, the rising cost of capital, and why many real estate investors need to adjust their models to maintain profitability and more!

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Thinking about selling your dental practice? Whether you're considering a private buyer, a DSO, or planning ahead for your practice exit, this episode is for you! Brannon Moncrief, CEO of Dental Transitions Group, and a dental transition expert, joins me in discussing dental practice transitions, and the growing influence of DSOs and private equity in the market.

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Dr. Victoria Peterson, co-founder and CEO of the Productive Dentist Academy, and host of the Investment Grade Practice Podcast, joins us to discuss running a dental practice worth selling, practice management, and best practices for high-performing dental practitioners. Victoria shares her unconventional path from a high school dropout in rural Georgia to a leading dental entrepreneur. She challenges the conventional wisdom that exit planning is only for those nearing retirement and how it should be a core business strategy from day one.

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Are you constantly overwhelmed by your workload or feel like your business is controlling your life? Then this episode is for you! Trevor Mauch, Founder of Carrot, a lead generation system for Real Estate investors and agents, explores the challenges entrepreneurs, particularly dentists and business owners, face when trying to break free from the overwhelming demands of their work. Trevor walk us through a framework for understanding transformation, how success often leads to complacency or "default mode," which, if left unchecked, leads to frustration, drift, and ultimately failure.

If you like this episode, here are more episodes...

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, reinvention is essential for long-term success. Perrin DesPortes, Founder of The Next Level Executive, and co-founder of two other successful businesses, explores the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and leadership, draws from his experience as a general manager and his entrepreneurial ventures, he discusses the necessity of strong leadership, strategic decision-making, and mentorship in building sustainable, profitable businesses, and more!

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Today, I'm joined by Dr. Mauricio Dardano, co-founder and senior managing partner of MB2 Dental. Mauricio shares his journey from working as an associate dentist to helping build a thriving dental partnership organization. With MB2 Dental, he helped create a model that combines the resources, shared services, and scalability of a larger organization while preserving the autonomy of individual dentists. Tune in for the two key things associates think about before becoming a dental practice owner and why scaling more dental practices can be challenging for a solo practitioner!

If you like this episode, here are more episod...

Mathew Sorensen, CEO of Directed IRA and a leading authority on self-directed retirement accounts, shares insights on how investors can take control of their financial future. In this episode, we will dive into how the affluent prioritize control, tangible assets, and diverse income streams to build and preserve their wealth outside Wall Street. Mat explains how self-directing your retirement accounts empowers you to invest in alternative assets and provides greater flexibility and potentially higher returns. Be sure to check it out!

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

I'm joined today by Mark Lane, founder and owner of Lane Investments, LLC, a former factory worker turned real estate investor, shares his story of breaking free from a dead end, exhausting career, to build a life of financial independence and freedom. Mark talks about how as he envisioned a better future for his daughter, it became his key pivotal moment and propelled him to explore real estate as a path to better financial security. Mark's story also underscores the value of resilience, adapting to challenges like an unexpected health crisis, and maintaining focus on what truly matters. Give...

How would you describe a good leader? Confident, charismatic? Vulnerable? A risk taker, an excellent communicator, a servant? JM Ryerson, best-selling author and CEO of Let's Go Win, joins me today to discuss principles and strategies on how to lead effectively, authentically, and with greater success in business and personal relationships

JM teaches entrepreneurial wisdom to double growth and profit, but he also inspires others in a way that excites them to try new things with honesty, vulnerability and service. Give it a listen!

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think...

Resilience and adaptability are key traits for success in real estate. Today, I am joined by Mathew Owens, CPA and Owner of OCG Properties and OCG Capital. We discuss the transition from active income to passive income for long-term security.

Mathew shares his personal journey of rebounding from a 50k loss to making a 70k profit and the importance of learning from challenges such as contractor fraud and market downturns. Listen in to hear about what due diligence is necessary, the insight active real estate investing can offer, and more!

If you like this episode...

Today, we're diving into some niche real estate markets, then broadening out to the general real estate market and the overall economy. I spoke with Austin Hair, a former professional wakeboarder now a real estate operator and managing partner of Leaders Real Estate.

In this episode, we discuss how Austin uses demographic and competition analysis, particularly in the healthcare sector, to look for acquisitions and opportunities for both healthcare providers looking for new locations and investors. Listen in to learn why healthcare real estate is a resilient investment class, the benefits of long-term asset holding, wedding venues...

A New Year's Eve Special where I reflect on 2024 in podcasting, preview conversations and lessons to come, the top 3 ways to work with me in 2025 and my thoughts on success and enjoyment for this next year. In gratitude and reflection, we realize how blessed we are and what we'd like to do next. I invite you to try it out and see how it affects your next year.

What is the key to turning your business into a trusted authority and creating an effective marketing plan? Marty Fort joins us today to answer that question and more. A musician, small business owner, former professor, seminar speaker, and business coach, Marty owns and operates one of the biggest communities of music schools in South Carolina. In this episode, he shares insight from years in business and marketing, as well as how he helps small business owners realize their full potential.

Check out the show notes for more information!

If you like this episode, here...

Joining me today is Kim Kiyosaki, an accomplished investor and entrepreneur known for her expertise in education and empowerment. As a co-founder of the Rich Dad Foundation (alongside her husband Robert Kiyosaki) and author of Rich Woman, Kim uses her experience and knowledge of wealth and finance to educate and inspire women to achieve financial independence through investing in sound financial management. Listen in as she talks about important lessons she has learned throughout her life when it comes to finances, how to avoid common financial mistakes, and more.

Check out the show notes for more information!<...

Are you feeling stuck but aren’t sure why? What if the key to unlocking your potential lies in embracing uncertainty instead of staying in your comfort zone? If you’re looking for insight into how to transform your habits and pursue higher fulfillment and impact, don't miss this incredible episode with Patrick Precourt. A lifelong entrepreneur, competitive MMA athlete, real estate investor, and Peak Evidence-Based Performance Life Coach, Patrick joins me today to break down what it takes to find and pursue your purpose.

Check out the show notes for more information!

If you like...

What is real money? And how can you protect yours over the coming years? In this episode, Andrew McDannels joins us again, and this time, we’ll focus more on currency, investing, and wealth protection. We discuss how Trump has affected the stock market vs. long-term treasuries, as well as what that says about our economy. Andrew will also share his best tips on how to protect yourself from inflation. 

Check out the show notes for more information!

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Andrew McDannels is a lifestyle investor and business owner who has a very different approach to life and work. He joins the show today to share why he and his family have lived in 11 countries and traveled non-stop for the last few years. He also opens up about his lifestyle, how he doesn't pay taxes, and how to design a life and job you want to do.

Check out the show notes for more information!

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy:

Today Brannon Moncrief joins us again, this time for a highly relevant conversation about planning for your practice exit. Brannon is with McLerran & Associates and has been a banker, broker, and sale-side advisor for over 20 years. He's seen it all when it comes to practice sales, as well as DSO affiliations and private equity partnerships, so make sure to tune in to hear his powerful insights.

Check out the show notes for more information!

If you like this episode, here are more episodes we think you’ll enjoy: