Awakened Anesthetist
This podcast is for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants, AA students, and anyone hoping to become one. As a CAA, I know how difficult it can be to find guidance that truly reflects our unique perspective. I created Awakened Anesthetist to be the supportive community of CAAs I needed on my own journey. Every month, I feature CAA expanders in what I call my PROCESS interview series. I also create solo episodes that weave in themes of wellness, self-discovery, and mindful growth - offering insights and reflections that resonate with our high-pressure, high-responsibility lives. Through it all, you’ll discover the power you hold as a CAA to create a life by design, not by default. I know you’ll find yourself here at the Awakened Anesthetist podcast.
Episodes
What if the most powerful tool you carry into patient care isn’t a device or a protocol, but the way your brain has been trained to pay attention? I sit down with one of my mentors, Dr. Cassie Ferguson, pediatric emergency physician, medical educator, and architect of The Good Doctor well‑being curricula, to unpack how neuroplasticity, mindfulness, and self‑compassion can make medicine more humane and more sustainable.
CAAs, have y...
Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how much money we make, no topic is off limits. Whether you're an aspiring AA s...
A denied $10 raise shouldn’t define a career, but it can redefine one. When Rad hit a wall advocating for fair market pay, he realized the problem wasn’t personal, it was structural. So he built leverage instead of waiting for permission, and Harmony Anesthesia Staffing was born.
Connect with Rad radzamani@harmonyanesthesia.com
Great Resource HERE to understand all the terms in this episode (1099, W2, Locums, etc)
A HUGE 'Thank Y...
Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how much money we make, no topic is off limits. Whether you're an aspiring AA s...
***@ 14:42 my podcast software thinks "voo-ing is a "removable background noise" so this episode may be best experienced on YouTube
Have you ever searched for wellness resources that truly understand what it means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant? You're not alone. Wellness Wednesday are candid conversations about the unique challenges and opportunities facing CAAs in their pursuit of sustainable well...
In this episode, we trace Kate’s path from engineering to CAA, the messy middle of finding her voice, and the work of turning loss into a children's book about anesthesia. Along the way, we unpack her New Mexico CAA advocacy journey and what it means to live by design. Hear Kate's CAA story and be expanded in this Season 5 PROCESS episode.
and a HUGE Thank YOU to our Season 5 PROCESS sponsor, Harmony Anesthesia Staffing.
Have you ever searched for wellness resources that truly understand what it means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant? You're not alone. Wellness Wednesday are candid conversations about the unique challenges and opportunities facing CAAs in their pursuit of sustainable wellbeing.
In this episode, we discuss the quiet tug-of-war between boundless ambition and a life that actually feels good (especially for high-achievi...
What happens when you refuse to choose between two seemingly opposite dreams? Brooke Ferris, CAA knows firsthand. As both a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant and a six-season veteran of the Atlanta Falcons cheerleading squad, she's lived in two worlds that many insisted couldn't coexist. Hear her story and be expanded in this Season 5 PROCESS premiere.
A HUGE 'Thank You' to the Season 5 PROCESS sponsor, Harmon...
Have you ever searched for wellness resources that truly understand what it means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant? You're not alone.
Wellness Wednesday debuts with a candid conversation about the unique challenges and opportunities facing CAAs in their pursuit of sustainable wellbeing. As I share my personal journey from burnout to balance, I reveal how my frustration with the lack of CAA-specific wellness resource...
Can you believe we are starting the 5th season?! I am honored to host the first ever podcast for the CAA community, thanks for being! If you want more, listen to my 3 original PROCESS episodes to hear all the nitty gritty details of my journey.
yayayay! Season 5 of Awakened Anesthetist podcast launches September 12th with exciting new features including YouTube videos and a dedicated website. The upcoming season showcases extraordinary CAAs breaking boundaries as professional athletes, entrepreneurs, educators, and content creators, along with CAA-centered wellness episodes for a nervous system reset without all the fluff.
In the meantime check out my new website awakeneda...
During this mid summer break check-in I announce the launch of CAA Matters, the first comprehensive professional development and wellness curriculum designed specifically for the Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant profession. After years of development, I'm piloting the program with 4 NSU AA programs and expanding offerings to both AA programs and Pre-Anesthesiologist Assistant students.
In this episode:
- Discovering almost...
Nicole Moore, Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant and 2025 AAAA* President, shares her journey from discovering the CAA profession through a Google search to becoming a pivotal leader in CAA advocacy and education.
*American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants
In this LIVE Season 4 Finale recorded @ AAAA 2025 you will hear how Nicole:
- Balances full-time clinical practice with AAAA presidency through an intentionally designed s...
Are you a CAA looking for a new job? Discover how Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) can revolutionize their careers with the growing number of locums opportunities. I sit down again with Sabrina Strange from LocumTenens.com to break down the exact process to land your dream job.
In this episode we discuss:
- common fears surrounding locums work
- the paperwork involved: state CAA licenses and hospital credentialing
- the mone...
Step into the world of Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants with Yulanda Greene as she shares her remarkable PROCESS to become a prominent CAA educator and leader. As the 2025 president of the Georgia Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, Yulanda passionately advocates for the profession while offering insight into the challenges and rewards of her career path. In this PROCESS interview, Yulanda shares the little nudges and whis...
Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how much money we make, no topic is off limits. Whether you're an aspiring AA s...
Reflecting on recent experiences, I share how taking an intentional break has rejuvenated my commitment to living life by my design. From unexpected snow days to exciting new projects like CAA Matters, this episode emphasizes the importance of balance and self-care in both personal and professional realms.
In this episode I talk about:
• Personal update on podcast winter break and family time
• The impact of tak...
Get to know Chabely Rodriguez, a trailblazing Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant and social media influencer. As a first-generation Mexican-American woman, Chabely's story is one of resilience and triumph over adversity. Her story highlights not just the allure of financial stability, but also the profound impact of connecting with underrepresented groups who aspire to follow in her footsteps. From maintaining a healthy work...
Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how much money we make, no topic is off limits. Whether you're an aspiring AA s...
Originally aired December 2022.
I hope this fun 5ish episode leaves you feeling nourished, encouraged and connected to yourself and our community this holiday/4th quarter season. You (still) deserve to feel good behind the drape.
Additional Resources:
- Try out Lindywell at home Pilates for Free
- Meal subscription services I have used before include Hello Fresh, Blue Apron, Green Chef, Sunfresh, Home Chef
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