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
April 1, 2026 • 16 mins
Anesthesia Deconstructed is sunsetting, but the conversation is just getting started. Joe and Mike announce Joe’s new podcast, “About the Rest!” Get ready for the next chapter of critical career-driven discussions exploring the leadership, performance, and business of a career in anesthesia. Simply stay subscribed to this feed to automatically follow as Season One begins May 2026 (don’t worry, old eps of Anesthesia Deconstructed ar...
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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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August 11, 2025 • 38 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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August 4, 2025 • 47 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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July 17, 2025 • 53 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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July 8, 2025 • 62 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 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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March 12, 2025 • 51 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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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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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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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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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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July 23, 2024 • 72 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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