Best Business Benchmark Group Podcasts (2025)

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The Dark Secret Dental Insurance Companies Don't Want You To Know 44:26

Play Pause

5d ago44:26

44:26

In this eye-opening episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, host Gary Takacs uncovers a shocking truth about dental insurance that most professionals aren't aware of — only 2.8% of patients with dental insurance use their full annual benefit. Gary explains why this matters, how insurance companies profit from unused benefits, and what steps dentists …

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Content Is King, No Matter How You Get There. 24:20

5d ago24:20

24:20

In a wild plot twist, Liz and Tony discuss the importance of engaging content. The two hosts chat about the creation of content, how it can help a brand tell stories and a change in heart by one of our hosts as they discover no matter how you slice it, content is always king. Liz Hersh and Tony Vann are strategic communicators who practice marketin…

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How AI is Transforming Dentistry with Dr. Wardah Inam, CEO of Overjet 45:48

12d ago45:48

45:48

In this episode of the Thriving Dentist Show, host Gary Takacs welcomes Dr. Wardah Inam, CEO and Co-Founder of Overjet, the global leader in AI-powered dental technology. Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming modern dentistry - from analyzing x-rays with remarkable precision to improving case acceptance, insurance verification, and c…

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Season 8, Episode 5: Employee Experience in Practise: Cracking the Code on Maximising Employee Participation with Mitre 10 31:24

12d ago31:24

31:24

Join Bhavna Sawnani as she explores a crucial aspect of employee experience surveys: driving high participation and engagement, in conversation with Chrystal Kennedy, Head of People Partnering at Mitre 10 New Zealand. Together, they unpack how Mitre 10 achieved exceptional participation rates across a highly operational and decentralised organisati…

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Architecture With Heart: Carley Chastain on Equity, Community, and Global Inspiration 46:46

18d ago46:46

46:46

“Vernacular is what you do when you can’t afford to get it wrong.” Carley Chastain Episode Summary: This episode of The Zweig Letter Podcast, hosted by Randy Wilburn and joined by marketing co-host Luke Carothers, traces Carley Chastain's unique path through the architecture profession. Carley, an emerging architectural professional at Marlon Black…

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Common Denominators of Thriving Practices 48:32

19d ago48:32

48:32

In this powerful episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs reveals the common traits shared by thriving dental practices. Drawing from over 45 years of coaching and consulting experience, Gary outlines the seven goals of a thriving practice—from achieving financial independence and reducing insurance dependence to strengthening leadership a…

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A Review of Changes in PR and Marketing 25:51

20d ago25:51

25:51

Liz and Tony take a deep dive into the evolution of the public relations and marketing industry as it relates to protocol, technology and user/client needs and wants. Liz Hersh and Tony Vann are strategic communicators who practice marketing, public relations, media relations and digital strategies. Learn more by visiting: http://www.DirtRoadPR.com…

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Season 8, Episode 4: The Shifting Dynamics of Customer Loyalty 29:20

25d ago29:20

29:20

Join Helen Bywater-Smith as she dives into the crucial aspect of customer Loyalty with Andrew Custage, Head of Research Insights at Medallia, and Jean Francois Damais, Global Chief Research Officer at Ipsos CX. Based on insight from the recent collaborative paper between Ipsos and Medallia, Beyond Transactions: The Shifting Dynamics of Customer Loy…

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How Patients Decide If You're the Right Dental Office in Seconds 44:37

26d ago44:37

44:37

In this episode of the Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah reveal how patients decide within seconds whether your dental office is the right choice for them. Discover why attention spans are shrinking, how website design and trust cues shape first impressions, and which visual elements instantly turn browsers into booked patients…

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New Metrics and New Benchmarks to Thrive in 2025 and Beyond 49:37

1M ago49:37

49:37

Running a successful dental practice in 2025 takes more than production numbers. In this episode of the Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share the five essential metrics every dentist should track to build a profitable, patient-focused, and stress-free practice. Learn how to shift from production to profitability, reduce PPO d…

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Understanding Group Dentistry with Ian McNickle 47:44

1M ago47:44

47:44

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, host Gary Takacs talks with Ian McNickle, CEO of Icon Dental Partners, about the shift from DSOs to Dental Partnership Organizations (DPOs) and how they're reshaping dentistry. Discover how true clinical autonomy, stronger ownership opportunities, and smart staffing solutions help dentists reduce insura…

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What is ROI and how to you can best use this benchmark your progress. 25:43

1M ago25:43

25:43

This week, Liz and Tony discuss return on investment (ROI) and how business owners and marketing professionals can utilize a specific formula to calculate and leverage ROI for progress. Liz Hersh and Tony Vann are strategic communicators who practice marketing, public relations, media relations and digital strategies. Learn more by visiting: http:/…

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Benchmarking the Future: AE Firm Performance Insights with Monograph and Zweig Group 1:01:56

2M ago1:01:56

1:01:56

“Whatever is the hardest path is probably the path we should be on. The hardest path is also the least traveled.” Robert Yuen Episode Summary: In this episode of The Zweig Letter Podcast, host Randy Wilburn is joined by Robert Yuen of Monograph and Mark Zweig of Zweig Group for a candid conversation around the future of A/E firm management. Togethe…

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A Strategy to Help your Patients Accept Conservative Periodontal Therapy when Clinical Signs and Symptoms Indicate the Need. 50:26

2M ago50:26

50:26

Struggling with patients rejecting periodontal therapy? In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share proven strategies to increase patient acceptance of conservative periodontal therapy, highlight the oral-systemic health connection, and provide simple verbal skills for hygienists to boost gum disease treatment acceptance and grow hygiene…

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31.8% of US Dentists are Planning to Resign from PPO Plans in 2025 44:11

2M ago44:11

44:11

By 2025, almost one-third of US dentists are expected to resign from PPO plans. In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah reveal why rising costs, wage pressures, and shrinking reimbursements are making PPO participation unsustainable—and how many practices are unknowingly losing $500k+ each year in write-offs. You'll also learn Gary's prove…

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Did Cracker Barrel Just Serve Us New Coke? 36:11

2M ago36:11

36:11

It's been all over the news, social and in our psyche of pop culture, the recent Cracker Barrel rebrand. With a mea culpa issued only seven days after launch, many view this as one of the worst mis-steps in recent corporate branding. Today, Tony and Liz discuss similarities between the launch of New Coke in 1985 and how it followed the same fate. T…

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Profit Killers in Your Practice You're Probably Ignoring 46:54

2M ago46:54

46:54

Are hidden profit killers draining your dental practice? In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah reveal 4 overlooked areas — from mishandled new patient calls to weak treatment follow-ups — that could be costing you thousands. Learn simple, proven strategies to boost conversions, improve case acceptance, and strengthen practice profitabili…

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What the Heck is a KPI? 24:14

2M ago24:14

24:14

Ever get confused with all of the acronyms marketers used to describe campaigns, measure results and then provide data? Well, KPI is one of the greatest of those confusion creators! Liz and Tony discuss what KPIs are, how to use them effectively and what they can mean for both a marketer and business owner. Liz Hersh and Tony Vann are strategic com…

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How to Build a Marketing Funnel That Actually Brings in New Patients 58:29

2M ago58:29

58:29

In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share the 4 proven steps to building a dental marketing funnel that attracts quality new patients and gets them to book—without depending on PPO plans. Discover how to rank higher with SEO, use Google reviews and patient stories to build trust, and train your team to turn calls into appointments. Lis…

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Analytics: The Science of Understanding and Listening to Consumers 29:21

2M ago29:21

29:21

Marketers need to embrace the importance of analytics in their daily lives. Whether a simple vanity telephone number, survey or more advanced tools such as Google Looksee or Lucky Orange, the voodoo behind marketing can all be revealed through understanding the importance of listening to a consumer. Liz Hersh and Tony Vann are strategic communicato…

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Why Your New Patient Experience Could Make or Break Your Practice 57:58

3M ago57:58

57:58

Discover why the new patient experience in dentistry is the key to case acceptance and loyalty. Gary Takacs shares a 7-step process to improve patient trust, reduce PPO dependence, and transition to a fee for-service dental practice.

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A Swifty Discusses the Brilliance of Taylor Swift's Albums, Songs and Branding 35:40

3M ago35:40

35:40

Well, if you didn't know it, it is the dawn of a new ERA! Specifically, the Orange and Glitter Era. Our resident Swifty, and co-host, Liz Hersh is ready to share all of the Swifty she has within her as she and Tony Vann discuss the many layers of how the Taylor Swift empire has given a masterclass as to how carve a path for marketing, branding and …

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Seven Goals of a Thriving Practice 50:06

3M ago50:06

50:06

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and co-host Naren Arulrajah reveal seven goals that can transform your dental practice into one that delivers greater profit, satisfaction, and balance. Gary explains how these goals work together to help you control overhead, achieve financial independence, build a strong team, and enjoy a …

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Battling the Temptations of Distractions and Marketers and Entrepreneurs 22:59

3M ago22:59

22:59

This week, Liz and Tony discuss the ever-growing temptations of marketing and communicating along with the importance of maintaining focus while growing a business through thoughtful and measurable implementation of critical tools. Liz Hersh and Tony Vann are strategic communicators who practice marketing, public relations, media relations and digi…

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Tips To Control Your Team Member Wages Within Budget 50:24

3M ago50:24

50:24

In this episode of the Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah address a critical financial challenge in dental practices; how to keep team member wages within a sustainable budget. With inflation and wage expectations on the rise, this episode outlines actionable strategies to maintain financial health without compromising team sati…

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How AI is changing the landscape of strategic communications 19:21

3M ago19:21

19:21

For the first-ever episode of Tales from the Dirt Road, co-hosts Liz Hersh and Tony Vann dive into one of the most prevalent and somewhat controversial topic of artificial intelligence and the tech's impact on strategic communicators. Liz Hersh and Tony Vann are strategic communicators who practice marketing, public relations, media relations and d…

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Can You Raise Fees and Retain Patients? 45:31

3M ago45:31

45:31

Can you increase your fees without losing patients? In this powerful episode, Gary Takacs and co-host Naren Arulrajah explore the truth behind dental pricing strategies and why many practices leave tens of thousands of dollars on the table. You'll discover how a data-driven, annually recalibrated fee structure can significantly boost profitability,…

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Season 8: Episode 3 – The Luxury Edit (Part Three) 51:21

3M ago51:21

51:21

We invite you to explore the world of modern luxury—a place where artistry meets experience. This three-part film series is a journey into the heart of indulgence, revealing the stories, skill, and passion behind the world’s most exclusive experiences.Join Helen Bywater-Smith, alongside Ipsos Luxury Expert Stéphane Paoli and Channel Performance lea…

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Marketing Lessons Learned from Thriving Practices 44:11

3M ago44:11

44:11

Want to attract better patients, reduce PPO dependence, and grow your practice with confidence? In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share real-world marketing lessons from thriving practices. Discover what actually works, why most dental marketing fails, and how top practices grow with long-term strategy. B…

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Season 8: Episode 2 - The Luxury Edit (Part Two) 34:11

4M ago34:11

34:11

We invite you to explore the world of modern luxury—a place where artistry meets experience. This three-part film series is a journey into the heart of indulgence, revealing the stories, skill, and passion behind the world’s most exclusive experiences.Join Helen Bywater-Smith, alongside Ipsos Luxury Expert Stéphane Paoli and Channel Performance lea…

1
First Episode Promo 1 1:25

4M ago1:25

1:25

Meet your hosts of Tales from the Dirt Road, Liz Hersh and Tony Vann! The first episode drops on July 29, 2025. Make sure you listen and subscribe so you can catch each new episode as they drop each Tuesday! Liz Hersh and Tony Vann are strategic communicators who practice marketing, public relations, media relations and digital strategies. Learn mo…

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A 21st Century Placement Agency With Trey Tepichin 38:09

4M ago38:09

38:09

Struggling to hire quality dental team members? Staffing issues shouldn't hold your practice back. In this episode of the Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs interviews Trey Tepichin, co-founder of Cloud Dentistry, about a smarter, tech-powered way to solve today's dental staffing crisis. You'll discover why traditional hiring methods like job board…

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Season 8: Episode 1 – The Luxury Edit (Part One) 32:36

4M ago32:36

32:36

We invite you to explore the world of modern luxury—a place where artistry meets experience. This three-part film series is a journey into the heart of indulgence, revealing the stories, skill, and passion behind the world’s most exclusive experiences.Join Helen Bywater-Smith, alongside Ipsos Luxury Expert Stéphane Paoli and Channel Performance lea…

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Four Specific Strategies For Building A Thriving Practice That Provides Lasting Success 44:06

4M ago44:06

44:06

What does it take to build a dental practice that's not only profitable today but still thriving decades from now? In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, dental business coach Gary Takacs and co-host Naren Arulrajah reveal four proven strategies for long-term success in dentistry. You'll learn how to build a rock-solid dental practice founda…