The Orthopreneurs Podcast with Dr. Glenn Krieger

• It's Supposed to Be Hard — That's What Makes It Great l 5MF

  When I tore my ACL, physical therapy taught me something unexpected—not just about rehab, but about orthodontics and practice growth. Most people at the clinic weren’t athletes. They weren’t conditioned to push through discomfort, and as soon as rehab got hard, they quit. Not because they couldn’t heal—but because they couldn’t handle the pain that came with progress.And that got me thinking about all the orthodontists who tell me, “Glenn, I want to grow, but I just can’t seem to get there.” If that’s you, here’s the truth: you don’t need more ideas—you need to embrace the effort. In this episode, I’m breaking down how pain (mental, physical, emotional) is often the real barrier to your next breakthrough. Whether you’re trying to hit $3M in production, lower your overhead, or reclaim your time, this episode is about figuring out what you want—and being honest about what you’re willing to work for.If you're ready to stop circling the runway and start scaling with purpose, let’s talk about what it really takes.QUOTES”It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great.”— Tom Hanks - A league of their Own“If you just handed your dental school keys and got into ortho without the grind—it wouldn’t mean anywhere near as much.”— Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro – Tom Hanks said it best... (00:00)How physical therapy exposed a practice growth truth (00:47)Why so many orthodontists plateau—and how to push past it (02:30)The pain/growth tradeoff and why it's worth it (03:45)You don’t need new ideas—you need to do the work (04:52)Behind the scenes of my one-on-one coaching coming in 2026 (05:48)It’s supposed to be hard. That’s what makes it great. (06:55)Additional Resources If you're serious about hitting new levels in 2026, I’m launching a one-on-one coaching program built to deliver 5–10x ROI. No fluff. No quick fixes. Just real systems, clear steps, and accountability. DM me and let’s talk.Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com 📲 And if this episode hit home, do me a favor—share it with a friend in the ortho world who needs to Hear it today.- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

  --------  

  7:45

  --------

  7:45
• The Orthodontist Who Loves Clinchecks — And Does Them For You w/ Dr. Maggie Barnard

  On this episode, I chat with Dr. Maggie Barnard, an ortho from Nova Scotia who went from managing two large practices to creating a side business that solves one of the biggest pain points in modern orthodontics: Invisalign clinchecks. After spending years doing dozens of setups every night—not just for herself, but for her associates too—Maggie realized something: she was really good at it, and even better, she actually enjoyed it.So she launched MGC Align, a boutique clincheck service where she handles each case herself—no AI, no assistants, just another orthodontist with experience, precision, and obsessive attention to detail. In this episode, we explore her startup journey, the origin of the hilariously named “MGC Align,” her post-practice career, and what it takes to stay sharp—on and off the court (yep, she's also a competitive tennis player).Whether you're burned out by clinchecks or curious how another doctor is creating value with a side hustle, this one’s a gem.QUOTES“I literally spent two hours every night doing clinchecks—for myself and all the associates. That’s when I realized… this is what I want to offer others.”— Dr. Maggie Barnard“I think orthodontists forget—we’re problem solvers at heart. Clinchecks are just puzzles. And I happen to love solving them.”— Dr. Maggie BarnardKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Maggie’s origin story: from GP to ortho practice owner (02:44)Growing two big offices through mentorship and opportunity (04:19)Selling to an OSO and transitioning out (06:30)The clincheck problem: why she launched MGC Align (07:00)What makes her service unique (17:41)How she tailors setups to each doctor’s preferences (18:49)Why she never uses AI or techs—just her own hands and brain (19:20)The training and CE behind her protocols (20:00)How to get started and turnaround time (22:32)Clincheck setups in 2–3 days—including revisions (23:13)Additional ResourcesIf clinchecks are eating up your nights—or causing friction in your practice—stop doing them yourself. Maggie’s service, mgcalign.com, lets you hand off your setups to someone who actually enjoys the work and knows what excellent outcomes look like.👉 Reach out to her directly at [email protected] or message Maggie B.A. on Facebook.Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

  --------  

  28:08

  --------

  28:08
• Timeout!: is this a me problem? Or a you problem? l 5MF

  In this episode of Your 5-Minute Friday, I break down a powerful mental framework that’s changed how I lead, parent, and run my practice. It’s simple, but transformative: the moment a problem comes your way, throw up the timeout sign and ask, Is this really my problem? That single pause can save your sanity, protect your leadership energy, and empower your team.Too often, we take on the emotional weight of problems that don’t belong to us. And while I’ll always be here for support, guidance, and solutions, I’ve learned that being a sounding board is not the same as being a sponge. I share real stories from my office, personal insights from therapy, and tips on how I’ve trained my team (and even my kids!) to take radical responsibility without burning out.Quotes“There are only two kinds of problems in the world: mine, and not mine.”— Dr. Glenn Krieger“When someone brings you a problem, throw up the timeout sign and ask—do I really need to carry this, or can I coach them through it?”— Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro & challenge (00:00)Why identifying “my problem vs. not my problem” changes everything (00:48)The therapist analogy and emotional burnout (01:30)How I support without absorbing others’ stress (02:40)Training your team to own their problems (and when to escalate) (04:00)The parenting lesson: how I want my kids to handle challenges (06:40)The final exercise: timeout, assess, empower (07:50)Additional ResourcesHere’s your challenge: The next time a problem gets thrown at you, pause and ask, “Is this mine?”And if it’s not, train, support, and empower the person who owns it. You’ll see your leadership, your team, and your peace of mind all level up. Ready to implement this in your practice or family life? I’m here to help. Reach out to me anytime—we’ll figure it out, together.Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

  --------  

  9:26

  --------

  9:26
• The Romanian Orthodontist AND BeeKeeper w/ Dr. Elena Black

  In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Elena Black, a Romanian-born orthodontist practicing in Virginia, who shares one of the most unexpectedly moving conversations we’ve had on the podcast. From her journey through dental school in Romania, to training under the legendary Dr. Gianelly at Boston University, to becoming a small-town practice owner and passionate beekeeper—Elena’s story is equal parts inspiring, honest, and deeply human.We talk about the challenges of starting over in a new country, the cultural dynamics of being a female orthodontist in a Southern town, and what it's like to manage 11 bee colonies just for the love of it. You'll hear about her humble beginnings, her reverence for education, and how watching bees helped her reconnect with mental peace after the stress of COVID. If you're looking for a reminder that you are more than your practice, this episode is it.Quotes“Dr. Gianelly was the kind of teacher who’d say: ‘You’ll find your answer on page 3, upper left corner of that AJODO issue.’ He wanted us to think, not just follow.”— Dr. Elena Black“Beekeeping is my way to serve the world without needing anything back. I just go out at night and say hello to my bees.”— Dr. Elena BlackKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Training under Dr. Gianelly & what made him special (02:16)From Romania to Boston: the winding road through Japan (07:33)Practicing in the South as a female orthodontist with an accent (11:12)Building a practice from scratch—literally waiting on her husband’s location (06:23)Introducing digital scanners and aligners in her market (12:37)Why dental school in Romania starts at age 18—and how it compares to the U.S. (14:57)Beekeeping 101: 11 hives, 11 queens, zero stress (20:45)What bees can teach us about leadership, resilience, and peace (22:51)How she makes honey, keeps it separate, and shares it with friends (25:32)Why beekeeping saved her sanity after COVID (30:12)Additional ResourcesIf you’ve ever felt like your identity is just your practice, Elena’s story is your wake-up call. Whether it's beekeeping, jiu-jitsu, or just watching cows graze—you need something that's just for you.Want to get in contact with Dr. Elena Black? Visit Lynchburg Orthodontics:https://lynchburgorthodontics.com Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

  --------  

  32:47

  --------

  32:47
• +1 Daily Habit That Can Transform Your Life l 5MF

  What if I told you that transforming your entire life doesn’t require a massive overhaul—but just a simple +1 each day?In this powerfully personal episode, Dr. Glenn Krieger draws from his life, his global speaking experiences, and decades of wisdom to teach a practical, honest, and transformational framework for building a meaningful life—one tiny improvement at a time. Whether you're running a thriving ortho practice or juggling family, fitness, and focus, this is a grounded guide to recalibrating your mental, emotional, and professional state.Through stories, mindset frameworks, and practical tools, Dr. Krieger outlines how self-awareness, intentional imbalance (at the right times), and consistent micro-improvements can lead to exponential personal and professional growth.QUOTES“Life doesn't change in ginormous leaps. It's little steps. A plus one. That's it.”— Dr. Glenn Krieger“If you're struggling, if you need help, just reach out to me. Helping orthodontists achieve their best lives—that's my A+.”— Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntroWhy life balance matters—but isn’t always possibleHow to assess your life using 6–10 categoriesThe +1 Mindset: one tiny shift dailyWhy your “10” will change as you growMental health, therapy, and proactive well-beingWhy this matters for your dream practice and life Additional ResourcesIf you're feeling stuck, scattered, or simply want to start living more intentionally—this episode is your playbook. Try the “+1” method for one week and watch the compound impact unfold.🔹 Interested in Dr. Krieger’s upcoming coaching program designed to create life-changing results in both your practice and personal life? DM him directly to get on the early interest list.Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

  --------  

  11:15

  --------

  11:15

More Business podcasts

Trending Business podcasts

About The Orthopreneurs Podcast with Dr. Glenn Krieger