Share
))
HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons hosts the most downloaded sports podcast of all time, with a rotating crew of celebrities, athletes, and media staples, as well as mainstays like Cousin Sal, Joe House, and a slew of other friends and family members who always happen to be suspiciously available.
…
continue reading
Manage episode 519453008 series 3677893
Content provided by Brandi Marzolino. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Brandi Marzolino or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.
In this episode of The Real Talk of Dental, I sit down with Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas—public health dentist, advocate, and unapologetic joy-bringer—to talk about what it really looks like to build a fulfilling dental career rooted in service, authenticity, and humor.
A 2018 graduate who now serves a Native American community in El Paso, Dr. Maestas has carved out a career in public health that defies the traditional “private practice or bust” path. She’s passionate about access to care, mentorship, organized dentistry, and reminding new grads that dentistry can still be fun.
We talk about overcoming imposter syndrome, finding your footing as a young dentist, using social media as a vehicle for connection and laughter, and why being involved in policy and organized dentistry isn’t just for “the old guard.”
If you’ve ever questioned your place in the profession, felt the burnout creeping in, or needed a reminder that purpose still exists in patient care—this one’s for you.
You’ll Learn:
- How Dr. Maestas found her calling in public health dentistry
- What working in underserved communities has taught her about empathy and leadership
- How to find joy and humor in the daily chaos of practice
- Why organized dentistry and policy work matter (and how to get involved)
- How to navigate imposter syndrome and build confidence early in your career
- Why mentorship and community are the real antidotes to burnout
- The ongoing gender biases in dentistry—and how women are changing that narrative
🔗 Join the community and submit your anonymous questions:
https://www.therealtalkofdental.com
🔗 Learn more about The Empowered LeadHERship Program for Women in Dental:
https://leadhershipexperience.com
We Talk About:
00:00 Intro
01:00 Meet Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas – public health dentist & joy ambassador
03:00 Why she chose public health over private practice
06:00 Lessons from serving underserved communities
09:00 The joy and challenge of new grad life in dentistry
12:00 Using humor and Instagram to connect with peers
14:00 Overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt
17:00 Finding healthy outlets outside of dentistry
19:00 Peloton talk + self-care for dentists
22:00 Why organized dentistry matters (and what needs to change)
26:00 Advocacy, representation, and the power of service
28:00 Mentorship and women’s empowerment in dentistry
31:00 Facing gender bias and building resilience
35:00 Final reflections on joy, purpose, and giving back
Connect with Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas
Instagram: @drtanyasuedds
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tanyasuemaestas
Connect with Brandi
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino
Instagram: instagram.com/brandi.marzolino
Website: https://courageandjoyatwork.com
https://leadhershipexperience.com
Phone: 616-682-6222
20 episodes
