Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward

Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward

Anesthesia Deconstructed: Unraveling the Complexities of Modern Anesthesia Practice Founded in 2018 by Mike MacKinnon, DNP, FNP, CRNA, FAAN, and later joined by co-host Joe Rodriguez, DNAP, CRNA, Anesthesia Deconstructed is an award-winning podcast that consistently ranks as the nation's top-downloaded anesthesia podcast, with two of the most well-known CRNAs in the country as hosts. We feature industry experts from across the spectrum, exploring scientific issues, policy matters, and the day-to-day realities of anesthesia practice. Our mission is to deconstruct complex topics, recognizing that the truth often lies in the nuanced middle ground rather than at extremes. We bring unique value to our listeners by examining the nexus of clinical practice, education, and policy, offering insights that go beyond any single perspective. Join us for thought-provoking discussions that bridge the gap between theory and practice in the world of anesthesia.

Episodes

I Thought We Were Winning. Then, We Got Fired: Essentials of Anesthesia Leadership

August 21, 2025 • 53 mins
In this powerful and unfiltered episode, Dr. Joseph Rodriguez — CRNA, former state and national leader, faculty member, and host of Anesthesia Deconstructed — takes us inside the real lessons of anesthesia leadership. From COVID-era disruption to contract losses, difficult boardroom conversations, and the relentless financial pressures of today’s anesthesia market, Joe shares stories that few leaders are willing to tell. Each story...
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What If the AANA Disappeared? Inside the CEO’s Role with Bill Bruce

August 11, 2025 • 37 mins
In this candid and wide-ranging episode, we sit down with Bill Bruce — CEO of the AANA, representing over 65,000 CRNAs and SRNAs nationwide — to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to lead the profession’s largest and most influential organization. From balancing the competing demands of members, boards, and limited resources, to navigating constant political, clinical, and industry noise, Bill explains how the CEO’s role...
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Inside Anesthesia: What (Really) Broke the Anesthesia Market

August 4, 2025 • 46 mins
In this bold and revealing episode, we sit down with Randy Moore — former military CRNA, past CEO of the AANA, and now a top executive at one of the country’s largest anesthesia organizations — to explore how the anesthesia market unraveled, and why no one stopped it. From workforce blind spots to failed strategic planning, Randy walks us through the early warning signs that went unheeded, the flawed assumptions that fueled collaps...
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One Anesthesiologist, 108K Followers, and Zero Filters

July 17, 2025 • 52 mins
In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, we sit down with Dr. Brian Schmutzler — anesthesiologist, social media educator, and Executive Vice President of Medical Affairs at CCI Anesthesia — to unpack what it really means to lead in modern anesthesia. From the realities of staffing rural hospitals without anesthesiologists to fighting burnout, navigating private equity, and fiercely defending provider scope and safety, Brian sh...
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I Got Sued for Malpractice. Here’s What Really Happens.

July 8, 2025 • 61 mins
What REALLY happens when you’re named in a malpractice lawsuit? In this eye-opening episode, Joe Rodriguez sits down with Paul Lefebvre, lead claims professional and risk advisor, and Andrew Clark, head of business development at Physicians Preferred Medical — an anesthesia-specific malpractice carrier — to pull back the curtain on malpractice litigation. From the first call after an adverse event to depositions, defense strategies...
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Anesthesia Leadership Is Changing - and Not Everyone Will Make the Cut

June 6, 2025 • 60 mins
Anesthesia is evolving — and so are its leaders. In this special episode of Anesthesia Deconstructed, we dive into the dynamic shifts happening across the anesthesia landscape, where Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and anesthesiologists are stepping into new leadership roles across clinical, operational, and educational domains. Our expert panel — including leaders from Norstar Anesthesia, Rutgers University, Sound ...
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From ICU to CRNA: How Social Media is Transforming Nursing Education

March 12, 2025 • 50 mins
Keywords CRNA, nursing education, TikTok, Confident Care Academy, mentorship, cardiac anesthesia, online learning, healthcare, nursing community, media impact Summary  In this engaging conversation, Joseph Rodriguez speaks with Chrissy Massaro, a prominent CRNA and founder of Confident Care Academy. They discuss the evolution of nursing education in the age of social media, the challenges faced by new nurses transitioning to CRNAs,...
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Navigating the Future: Do Those Prep Courses Work? Will Locums Stick Around? And More for 2025

January 10, 2025 • 70 mins
In this conversation, Joseph Rodriguez and Mike MacKinnon discuss the evolution of CRNA programs, the impact of prep courses, and the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people for career success. They critique the economics of anesthesia services, explore fair market value in compensation, and address regulatory challenges faced by CRNAs, particularly in California. The dialogue emphasizes the need for critical thinki...
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Lifelong Learning: ACCRAC Founder Jed Wolpaw, MD, on Education, Growth, and Anesthesia Excellence

November 26, 2024 • 47 mins
Description: In this episode of Anesthesia Deconstructed, Joe Rodriguez dives deep with Dr. Jed Wolpaw, creator of the ACCRAC podcast and a leader in anesthesia education. Together, they discuss Jed’s unique path from history teacher to anesthesiologist, the critical importance of civil discourse, and universal learning principles that transcend medicine. With insights on podcasting, education, and the future of anesthesia, this ep...
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Pre-Dawn Priorities: Essential Job Criteria for New CRNAs

October 28, 2024 • 55 mins
Originally featured on Core Anesthesia and back by popular demand after multiple conference presentations, this essential episode drops at 3:30 AM - straight from host Joe Rodriguez's pre-shift thoughts as he prepares for his first day at Banner University's OR. A fan favorite that's shaped countless CRNA career decisions, this discussion breaks down the critical factors new CRNAs should consider when evaluating job opportunities. ...
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FTC Loses, and Non-Competes Remain - Understanding Different Types of Restrictive Covenants and What It Means for You

September 30, 2024 • 31 mins
SEASON 7 BEGINS! Keywords for this Episodeanesthesia, non-compete agreements, legal challenges, FTC, healthcare law, CRNA, anesthesia practice, employment contracts, state laws, anesthesia updates Summary In this episode of Anesthesia Deconstructed, host Joe Rodriguez first discusses the latest updates in the field of anesthesia, including legal challenges faced by CRNAs and anesthesiologists, the AANA's bold lawsuit against the fe...
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Point B: Joe Rodriguez Shares His Positions and Rationale on Proposed Changes to AANA Board Selection

July 23, 2024 • 6 mins
Key Points: Importance of the AANA to CRNA economy  Proposed bylaw changes and resolutions Support for Board Term Extension (Bylaw 2) (with caveats) and Virtual Business Meetings Opposition to Board Expansion (Bylaw 3) and Automatic Leadership Succession (Bylaw 4) Rationale behind each position Summary: Joe shares his views on proposed AANA changes, advocating for longer board terms and virtual meetings while opposing board e...
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Point A: CRNAs Propose Significant Change to AANA Board Selection

July 23, 2024 • 71 mins
Summary The conversation discusses three main changes proposed by the Leadership Identification Committee (LIC) for the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology: increasing the number of directors from seven to nine, increasing the term for directors from two years to three years, and changing the progression of the president to a three-year term. The rationale behind these changes is to decrease turnover, increase the number o...
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Did CMS Actually Miss an Opportunity To Reduce the Anesthesia Shortage?

July 19, 2024 • 29 mins
Summary The conversation discusses the topic of rural pass-through and its impact on the anesthesiologist shortage. It explores the idea of including physician anesthesiologists in rural pass-through and whether it would be an effective solution. The conversation also delves into the concept of shortage and how it can be addressed by utilizing anesthesia providers to their maximum potential. The importance of deregulation and allow...
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Should C-Sections Be Performed on an Outpatient Basis? Florida is going to find out.

July 16, 2024 • 16 mins
Summary The conversation discusses the topic of out-of-hospital cesarean sections and the potential risks and implications. Dr. Matt Mazurek, a physician anesthesiologist and assistant professor of anesthesiology at Yale School of Medicine, provides insights and raises concerns about the definition of low-risk cesarean deliveries, the dangers of complications during and after the procedure, and the lack of resources and training in...
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RAISING ARIZONA Pt. 1: Arizona's Zero to Hero Story with Ali J. Baghai, CRNA, AZANA Past President and Guide Anesthesia | AzAS Managing Partner

July 9, 2024 • 38 mins
Episode Summary: In this episode, Joe Rodriguez talks with Ali Baghai about his journey and impact as a CRNA in Arizona. Ali shares his experiences in CRNA advocacy, the evolution of anesthesia practice in Arizona, and his role in significant legislative changes. They also discuss the nuances of owning an anesthesia business and life in Arizona. Highlights: Introduction Joe Rodriguez introduces the episode and welcomes Ali Baghai....
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CRNAs: An American Innovation - Reflecting on Independence Day

July 4, 2024 • 6 mins
In this special July 4th episode, we explore the significance of American independence and its impact on the CRNA profession. We discuss the foundations of American governance and how these ideals have shaped our national identity. The episode presents two key messages: addressing current societal tensions and highlighting CRNAs as a unique American innovation in healthcare.The podcast emphasizes the exceptional position of CRNAs i...
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FTC Update With Simon Willman, JD and What It Means for Anesthesia Providers

June 25, 2024 • 31 mins
Episode Summary: In this episode, Joe Rodriguez welcomes back Simon Willman, Esq., former in-house counsel for one of the largest orthopedic groups in the country. They discuss the Federal Trade Commission's recent vote to ban non-compete agreements and its implications for healthcare professionals and practice owners. Key Topics Covered:Pre-Session: State-Level Updates from Louisiana, Maryland, and Pennsylvania  Introduction: Wel...
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We Became The Top Anesthesia Podcast in the United States AND Episode Previews

June 14, 2024 • 13 mins
Summary The podcast, Anesthesia Deconstructed, has become the number one anesthesia podcast in the United States (Apple Podcasts - subsection: Medicine) due to its focus on deconstructing issues and having thoughtful and respectful conversations. The host, Joe Rodriguez, discusses his involvement in the The Nurse Anesthesiologist Facebook Group (TNAG)  and the importance of creating a space for sharing ideas and discussing issues. ...
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Mike MacKinnon is Back! Massachusetts Opt Out and What it Means vs

June 7, 2024 • 20 mins
SummaryIn this conversation, Joe Rodriguez interviews Michael McKinnon,  podcast founder, CRNA, and assistant program director at National University. They discuss two topics: the supervision clarification advisory opinion from the Arizona Board of Nursing and the opt-out of Medicare Part A physician supervision requirements in Massachusetts. McKinnon shares his perspective on these issues and emphasizes the importance of removing ...
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