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Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward

Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward

By: Mike MacKinnon and Joe Rodriguez
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 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.© 2026 Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward Economics Hygiene & Healthy Living Leadership Management & Leadership Physical Illness & Disease Science
Episodes
  • A New Chapter: Mike & Joe’s Big Announcement!

    A New Chapter: Mike & Joe’s Big Announcement!
    Apr 1 2026
    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 aren’t going anywhere). As we navigate the systems, incentives, and power shifts that happen around the OR we want to know what you think! Visit abouttherest.com to join the community and share what you want to hear next. Get in Touch: hello@abouttherest.com A Human Content Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    16 mins
  • I Thought We Were Winning. Then, We Got Fired: Essentials of Anesthesia Leadership

    I Thought We Were Winning. Then, We Got Fired: Essentials of Anesthesia Leadership
    Aug 22 2025

    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 carries a hard-won lesson: why leadership is never just a title, how executive presence shapes outcomes, why data transparency can backfire, and how accountability transforms teams from fragile to high-performing.

    We also dive into the frameworks that shaped his leadership journey — from Crucial Conversations to The Four Agreements and Five Dysfunctions of a Team — and how every leader can apply them to grow themselves, their organizations, and the people they serve.

    This isn’t theory. It’s frontline leadership, with all the scars, pivots, and resilience required to survive in one of healthcare’s most disrupted specialties.

    Whether you’re a CRNA, SRNA, or a healthcare leader navigating change, this conversation is a masterclass in turning setbacks into systems, failures into frameworks, and words into lasting impact.


    Keywords:

    Anesthesia, CRNA Leadership, Healthcare Business, Executive Presence, Leadership Lessons, Nurse Anesthesiology, Organizational Growth, Accountability, Professional Development, Anesthesia Contracts, No Surprises Act, Healthcare Strategy, Team Building, Crucial Conversations, Five Dysfunctions of a Team

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    55 mins
  • Anesthesia Deconstructed: What If the AANA Disappeared? Inside the CEO’s Role with Bill Bruce

    Anesthesia Deconstructed: What If the AANA Disappeared? Inside the CEO’s Role with Bill Bruce
    Aug 12 2025
    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 is equal parts strategist, mediator, and pressure point. We explore how the AANA sets priorities, allocates resources, and adapts to both internal ambitions and external threats — and why the organization’s absence would have an almost immediate impact on CRNAs across the country. Bill also shares his perspective on maintaining focus in an environment of relentless change, the leadership qualities that matter most in high-stakes healthcare advocacy, and how the AANA is positioning the profession for the future. Whether you’re a CRNA, SRNA, or simply curious about the forces shaping nurse anesthesia, this conversation offers a rare inside look at the operational, strategic, and political realities of leading at the top. Keywords: Anesthesia, CRNA Leadership, Healthcare Advocacy, Professional Associations, Strategic Planning, Workforce Advocacy, Organizational Leadership, AANA, Healthcare Policy, Nursing Leadership Send us Fan Mail Follow us at:InstagramFacebookTwitter/X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins
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